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 Riverview rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Riverview, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Riverview homes and businesses, from the established streets of Boyette Springs and Summerfield to the newer subdivisions of South Fork and Panther Trace. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Riverview.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Riverview
Why Riverview Has a Growing Rat and Mouse Problem
Riverview was founded in 1885 on the north shore of the Alafia River, and the population has more than doubled since 2000, reaching 107,396 in the 2020 census. That kind of growth means new subdivisions built right up against wooded lots, canals and the Bell Creek Nature Preserve, which gives rodents plenty of cover close to homes.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Riverview. They travel through the oak canopy in older, established streets like Boyette Springs and Summerfield, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, tile roof edges and vents. In these established communities, mature landscaping and decades-old soffits give rats easy access to the attic.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the Alafia River in waterfront communities like Still Waters Landing, near canals and retention ponds, and in garages in newer block-and-stucco subdivisions such as South Fork and Panther Trace. Riverview is not one kind of neighborhood, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Riverview
Rodent Control Services Available in Riverview
Riverview’s rapid growth means both established neighborhoods and brand new subdivisions need rodent control. Our services cover every part of the city, 24/7.
Residential Rodent ControlInspections and rodent removal for homes across Riverview, from Boyette Springs to South Fork.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service for retail and restaurants along US 301 and Big Bend Road.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalSafe trapping and removal for attics, garages and crawl spaces.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalLocating and removing dead rodents from walls, attics and crawl spaces.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupCleaning and sanitizing droppings and nesting material after removal.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorFull extermination service for active infestations in homes and businesses.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionSealing entry points with metal and hardware cloth so rodents cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalSafe removal and sanitizing of droppings that carry disease risk.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingLong-term prevention measures tailored to Riverview’s mix of older and newer homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Riverview Home
Rodents move at night, so most Riverview 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 attic
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Grease smudge trails
Dark, greasy rub marks along baseboards or beams where rats travel the same path night after night.
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 Riverview Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in the established, tree-lined parts of Riverview, Norway rats show up along the Alafia River, canals and garages, 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, oak 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 the river 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 Riverview starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Attics, crawl spaces, garages and any basements or storage rooms
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Kitchens, pantries and utility areas for mice
- Entry points around pipes, AC lines and HVAC chases
- Foundation, slab edges and gaps under doors
- Trees, vines or fences touching the roof
- Conducive conditions such as clutter, overgrown vegetation and stored fruit
- 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 go on the paths rats use and are 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 Riverview Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since an established Boyette Springs home and a new South Fork build have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including aging seals on established homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and shrubs touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Riverbank and canal-side burrows near the Alafia River
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- 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 Riverview 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 after heavy rain near the Alafia River 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 Riverview Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- 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: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: Brand new homes in South Fork and Panther Trace get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just age of construction.
- 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: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: Living near the Bell Creek Nature Preserve means nothing can be done
- Fact: Homes near the preserve get more wildlife pressure, but sealing entry points still works. It just means we check the perimeter more closely.
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 the house 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 nearby trees, the preserve or the riverbank.
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 |
| Rodents near the river or preserve | Openings reopen quickly | Perimeter sealing built for the location |
Who we serve in Riverview
Rodent Control for Riverview Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Riverview
From established homes in Boyette Springs and Summerfield to new construction in South Fork and Panther Trace, each Riverview home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, 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.
- Established communities
- Waterfront and canal homes
- New construction subdivisions
- Rentals and townhomes
Commercial Rodent Control in Riverview
Retail plazas and restaurants along US 301 and Big Bend Road deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- 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 docks 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.
How Riverview homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Riverview Home
Riverview has grown fast, from 1990s subdivisions to homes built in the last few years. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Established homes: Boyette Springs and Summerfield
- Homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s with mature oak trees overhanging the roof
- Aging soffit screens and attic vents that have never been replaced
- Gaps that develop over time around fascia boards and roof edges
- Landscaping thick enough to give rats cover right up to the house
Newer construction: South Fork and Panther Trace
- Block-and-stucco homes built from 2015 onward, many still under builder warranty
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Retention ponds and undeveloped lots nearby that hold rodent populations
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Riverview, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Riverview covers a large area of Hillsborough County. Here is what we usually check first in each part of it.
Boyette Springs and Boyette Road
Established homes from the early 2000s with mature landscaping, plus the antenna farm off Boyette Road. Roof rats travel the tree canopy and use aging soffits to get into the attic.
Summerfield
A community dating to the 1990s. We watch for wear on original soffit vents and gaps that develop as fascia boards age.
South Fork and Panther Trace
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions built from 2015 on. Roof edges, AC line gaps and screen enclosures are the usual entry points.
Still Waters Landing and waterfront homes
Homes along the Alafia River with private docks. Norway rats burrow near the water and move up from the riverbank into garages and sheds.
Homes near Bell Creek Nature Preserve
Properties backing up to the preserve get more wildlife pressure. We focus on perimeter sealing since the tree line sits right at the property line.
US 301 and Big Bend Road corridor
Retail plazas and restaurants with shared dumpsters and loading docks. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Riverview through the year
How Riverview Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Riverview has a humid subtropical climate with daily summer thunderstorms and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels along the Alafia River, pushing Norway rats toward higher ground, garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Milton in October 2024 caused the Alafia River to flood and prompted water rescues in parts of Hillsborough County near the river. Flooding pushes rats out of riverbank burrows and into nearby homes, and storm winds can open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Riverview homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruit and growing season
Backyard citrus in established neighborhoods is an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house year-round.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Riverview Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus and fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep docks and riverbank areas free of clutter
- Store boat and yard gear off the floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Riverview
Riverview is not one kind of house. What we do at an established home in Boyette Springs is different from what we do at a new build in South Fork.
Aging Soffits Under Mature Trees
Homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s now have decades-old soffit screens and roof vents, and the oak trees that have grown up around them give roof rats an easy path onto the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic, seal soffit and vent gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Even homes built in the last few years get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges, especially next to retention ponds and undeveloped lots.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near the Riverbank
Norway rats burrow along the Alafia River and move from the riverbank into garages, sheds and dock storage on waterfront properties.
Our approach: We inspect the riverbank and dock area, 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 Riverview response zone
Riverview service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Riverview spans several ZIP codes across Hillsborough County. Call if you do not see yours.
33568335693357833579
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Boyette Springs · Summerfield · South Fork · Panther Trace · Still Waters Landing · Riverview Estates · Camden Woods · The Estuary
Reviews from Riverview customers
Customer Reviews from Riverview
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic in South Fork and sealed it up. No more noise at night.”
JD
J.D.Riverview, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We back up to Bell Creek Preserve and always had issues. They explained exactly why and sealed the whole perimeter.”
SM
S.M.Riverview, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and thorough. They checked the whole house, not just where we thought the problem was.”
TL
T.L.Riverview, FL
Verified Riverview rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Riverview 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.
Homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s now have mature oak trees overhanging the roof and soffit screens that have aged. Rats use the tree canopy to reach the roof, then find their way in through worn vents and gaps. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Yes. New construction still has gaps around AC lines, garage doors and tile roof edges, and these subdivisions often sit next to retention ponds or undeveloped land where rodents already live.
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.
In many riverside areas, yes. The Alafia River flooded after Hurricane Milton in October 2024, and rising water pushes rats out of riverbank burrows and toward nearby homes. If you are near the river and had storm damage, it is worth having the roofline and foundation checked.
Properties backing up to the preserve tend to see more wildlife activity in general, including rodents moving in from the tree line. Sealing the perimeter and roofline still works, we just pay closer attention to the side of the house that faces the preserve.
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 Brandon, Bloomingdale, Palm River-Clair Mel, Apollo Beach and Tampa. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Riverview?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Riverview
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Riverview
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Riverview dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Riverview 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 Riverview 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 RiverviewRiverview, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
