Running in the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Poinciana rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Poinciana, FL
Rustling in the attic or droppings on the lanai? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes across Poinciana, from the original villages built in the 1970s and 80s to the new construction still going up on the Osceola County side today. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Poinciana.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Poinciana
Why Poinciana Has Rats in Every Village
Poinciana is an unincorporated community that straddles Osceola and Polk counties, southwest of Kissimmee. Planning started in the 1960s under the Gulf American Corporation, and the first homes went up in 1973 around the Poinciana Golf and Racquet Club. Since then the community has grown to roughly 47,000 acres split into 10 named villages, so a house built in the 1970s and a house built last year can sit a few streets apart, and they have very different rat problems.
In the older sections of the original villages, homes were built with the crawl spaces, soffit gaps and single-pane vents typical of 1970s and 80s Florida construction, and rats use those openings along with mature trees to get into the attic. In the newer block-and-stucco construction still being built on the Osceola County side, roof rats come in through tile roof edges, gaps around AC lines, and screened lanai and pool cage frames, which are everywhere in Poinciana’s newer villages.
Norway rats stay lower, near retention ponds, drainage canals and the lakes that give many Poinciana villages their names, including Cypress Woods, Brighton Lakes and Lake Marion Golf Resort near Lake Marion. We also get calls from Solivita, the 55 and older gated community on the Polk County side that split off from the main village association in 2011. Every part of Poinciana has rodents, just for different reasons depending on when and how that section was built.
Services available in Poinciana
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Poinciana
Most Poinciana jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic, lanai and crawl space rat removal for Poinciana homes, from 1970s village houses to new construction near Solivita.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along Cypress Parkway and around Poinciana Lakes Plaza.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and garages, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps, lanai frames and garage corners with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, tile roof edge sealing and lanai frame sealing for Poinciana homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Poinciana Home
Rodents move at night, so most Poinciana homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in the garage or lanai
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice. Screened lanais and pool cages are a common spot to find them.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Torn lanai or pool cage screens
Rats will chew or push through weak spots in screen enclosures to reach the roof or garage, especially where the frame meets the house.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Poinciana Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and lanai calls in Poinciana, Norway rats show up near retention ponds, canals and the community lakes, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, palm trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds, and along ponds and canals
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Poinciana starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Lanai and pool cage screen frames where they meet the house
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation and slab edges
- Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Poinciana Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on the village and when the home was built, since a 1970s house and a home built by Taylor Morrison in the last few years have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older weathered wood in the original villages
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet lanai frames
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Screen enclosure and lanai frame attachment points
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Retention ponds, canals and lakefront yards
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rats Out of Poinciana Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water around retention ponds after heavy rain can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria.
Rat-bite fever
Spread by bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Always use gloves or tools, never bare hands.
Fleas and mites
Rodents carry fleas and mites that can move to pets and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Poinciana Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: New construction homes do not get rats
- Fact: Newer block homes near Solivita and in the newest villages still have gaps at tile roof edges, AC lines and lanai frames that rats use just like older homes.
- Myth: A screened lanai keeps rats out
- Fact: Screening keeps out bugs, not rats. They chew or push through weak spots, especially where the frame meets the house.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or under a lanai are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from the same soffit gap or lanai frame within weeks.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats getting in through a lanai frame | Hard to seal without the right materials | Frame sealing with metal and hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Poinciana
Rodent Control for Poinciana Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Poinciana
Poinciana is a mostly residential community spread across 10 villages plus Solivita, and each has its own weak spots depending on when it was built. We look at the roofline, attic, lanai, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- 1970s and 80s village homes
- New block construction
- Lakefront and pond-adjacent homes
- Solivita 55+ community homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Poinciana
Poinciana’s commercial activity is concentrated along Cypress Parkway, including the shops and restaurants at Poinciana Lakes Plaza. These sites deal with daily deliveries and shared dumpsters. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Retail centers
- Restaurants
- Offices
- HOA and community buildings
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at loading areas and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
Poinciana’s villages
Where Rats Get In, by Age of Poinciana Home
Poinciana grew in stages since 1973, from Gulf American’s original plan to AV Homes in the 1980s to Taylor Morrison building today. The decade a home was built tells us where to look first.
Original villages: 1970s to 1990s homes
- Homes built after the first Poinciana Golf and Racquet Club section from 1973 often have older soffit vents with no screens
- Weathered fascia boards and gaps that widened over time
- Crawl space and slab-edge gaps in some sections
- Mature trees that have grown to touch the roofline
- Older garage door seals
Newer construction and Solivita
- Block-and-stucco homes still being built by Taylor Morrison on the Osceola County side
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Screened lanai and pool cage frames used as a ladder to the roof
- Solivita’s 55+ gated homes, many backing up to ponds and golf course water features
Village by village
Rodent Problems Across Poinciana’s Villages
Poinciana is not one neighborhood, it is 10 villages plus Solivita, each run by its own sub-association under the Association of Poinciana Villages. Here is what we usually check first in a few of them.
Cypress Woods
An established village with mature trees close to the roofline. We check soffits and attic vents first.
Solivita
A 55 and older gated community on the Polk County side that separated from the main village association in 2011. Homes here often back up to ponds and golf course water, which draws Norway rats.
Brighton Lakes
Named for its lakes and ponds, this village sees Norway rat activity near the water and roof rats in the trees and lanais.
Lake Marion Golf Resort
Homes along the golf course near Lake Marion. Ground-level burrows and irrigation gaps are common in the yard.
Floral Estates
A mix of home ages. We check whichever entry points match how the house was built and when.
Cypress Parkway commercial corridor
Home to Poinciana Lakes Plaza and the shops and restaurants along the road. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Poinciana through the year
How Central Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Poinciana has hot, humid summers with daily rain and mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. The weather still changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels in retention ponds and canals, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and lanais.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain and wind during Florida’s hurricane season can open new gaps in soffits and screen enclosures. Any home with recent storm repairs is worth having its roofline checked.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the lanai frame and roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and lanais. This is when many Poinciana homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and lanai frames in the fall, before cooler weather.
Year-round breeding
Florida’s mild climate lets rats breed most of the year, so a small problem in one village home can grow fast if it is not sealed early.
Tip: Book an inspection at the first sign of activity rather than waiting.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Poinciana
Poinciana is not one kind of house. What we do at a 1970s home in an original village is different from what we do at new construction near Solivita.
Aging Soffits and Attic Vents
Homes from Poinciana’s early development years often have soffit and vent screens that have worn out over time, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, seal worn vents and soffit gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Lanai and Tile Roof Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through tile roof edges, AC line openings and the frames of screened lanais and pool cages.
Our approach: We check the lanai frame and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Water
Villages built around lakes and retention ponds, like Brighton Lakes and Lake Marion Golf Resort, see Norway rats burrowing near the water and moving into garages during heavy rain.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline or pond bank, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Poinciana response zone
Poinciana service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Poinciana spans 2 ZIP codes across Osceola and Polk counties. We cover all 10 villages and Solivita. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
3475834759
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Cypress Woods · Solivita · Floral Estates · Brighton Lakes · Lake Marion Golf Resort · Poinciana Village · Cypress Parkway corridor
Reviews from Poinciana customers
Customer Reviews from Poinciana
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found how rats were getting into our lanai and sealed it up. Haven’t heard a thing since.”
RC
Rick C.Poinciana, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and thorough. They explained exactly where the rats were coming in and what they were doing about it.”
MG
Maria G.Poinciana, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They knew exactly what to check on an older village home. Sealed the soffits and the noise in the attic stopped.”
DP
Dan P.Poinciana, FL
Verified Poinciana rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Poinciana Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Yes. Poinciana sits in both Osceola and Polk counties, and we serve all 10 villages plus Solivita on either side, ZIP codes 34758 and 34759.
Yes. Screen keeps out insects, not rats. They chew or push through weak spots, especially where the frame attaches to the house. We check and seal these points as part of every inspection.
Yes. Gates keep out people, not rodents. Many Solivita homes back up to ponds or golf course water, which draws Norway rats, and we serve the community regularly.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve Kissimmee, Haines City, St. Cloud and Buenaventura Lakes. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Poinciana
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Poinciana
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Poinciana dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Poinciana Home or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Poinciana service
Give us a call. We’ll handle the next step.
Call us, tell us what you are seeing and where you are located, and our team will confirm the right appointment type and timing.
Serving PoincianaPoinciana, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
