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 Sarasota rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Sarasota, FL
Scratching in the ceiling at night or droppings in a kitchen drawer? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Sarasota homes, condos and businesses, from the historic bungalows of Gillespie Park and Laurel Park to the waterfront condos on Siesta Key and Lido Key and the newer subdivisions of Palmer Ranch. We find how they get in, seal it, remove the rodents already inside and clean up after them.
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 Sarasota.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Sarasota
Why Sarasota Has Rats Nearly Every Month of the Year
Sarasota sits on Sarasota Bay along the Gulf Coast, with the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and barrier islands like Siesta Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key and Bird Key just offshore. A humid subtropical climate, mature oak canopies downtown and a coastline that never really cools off mean rats and mice stay active here in every season.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Sarasota. They travel through oak canopies and palms in older neighborhoods like Gillespie Park, Laurel Park and the Rosemary District, then drop onto roofs and get in through soffit gaps and vents on the century-old bungalows that line those streets.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along seawalls and docks on Siesta Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key, around restaurant dumpsters downtown and on Main Street, and in garages of the newer block homes in Palmer Ranch and The Landings. Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key in October 2024, and the storm surge and roof damage that followed pushed rodents out of burrows and into homes across the barrier islands and mainland alike. Every part of Sarasota has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Sarasota
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Sarasota
Most Sarasota 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, crawl space and condo rodent removal for Sarasota homes, from Gillespie Park bungalows to Siesta Key condos.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops downtown and around St. Armands Circle.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 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 tree trimming advice for Sarasota homes and condos.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Sarasota Home
Rodents move at night, so most Sarasota residents 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, often near a screened pool cage.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Half-eaten fruit or bird seed
Hollowed citrus still on the tree, or scattered bird seed under a feeder, is a classic roof rat sign in Sarasota yards.
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 Sarasota Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and canopy calls in Sarasota, Norway rats show up near the bay, the keys and downtown dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and condo 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, docks, seawalls and rubbish
- 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 Sarasota 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
- Garage door seals, exterior doors and screened lanais
- Foundation, crawl spaces and pier footings under older bungalows
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks on waterfront lots
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen citrus
- 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 Sarasota Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a Gillespie Park bungalow and a Siesta Key condo have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older 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 canopy and palm branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under raised bungalows, and burrows along seawalls and docks
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus 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 Sarasota 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 property 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 or a seawall backup 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 Sarasota Residents
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 condo ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: New construction in Palmer Ranch and The Landings gets rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and citrus, not just age of the home.
- 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, wall voids or condo utility chases 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: A seasonal or vacation home is safe when it’s empty
- Fact: Homes left closed up for months on Siesta Key or Lido Key during the off-season are some of the easiest places for rats to nest undisturbed.
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 a condo utility chase 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 oaks, seawalls and canopy.
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 near a condo seawall or shared wall | HOA rules and shared access make DIY hard | Coordinate with property management, seal and trap |
Who we serve in Sarasota
Rodent Control for Sarasota Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Sarasota
From raised bungalows in Gillespie Park and Laurel Park to condos on Siesta Key and Lido Key and block homes in Palmer Ranch, each Sarasota property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, seawall 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.
- Historic bungalows
- Waterfront condos
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and seasonal homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Sarasota
Restaurants and shops downtown and around St. Armands Circle 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
- Hotels and condos
- 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 Sarasota properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Sarasota Property
Sarasota has homes from 1920s bungalows to brand-new gated subdivisions and high-rise condos. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Gillespie Park, Laurel Park and Pinecraft bungalows
- Historic bungalows near downtown Main Street sit low with crawl spaces that give rats room to nest
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Big oaks that touch the roof throughout Rosemary District and Laurel Park
- Pinecraft cottages and bungalows near the Amish-Mennonite community, many with older rooflines
Waterfront condos and newer subdivisions
- Condo buildings on Siesta Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key with shared utility chases and seawalls
- Block-and-stucco homes in Palmer Ranch and The Landings
- 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
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Sarasota, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Sarasota is a small city with very different pockets. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Gillespie Park and Laurel Park
Historic bungalows a short walk from Main Street, shaded by old-growth trees. Rats nest in the crawl space and use the canopy to reach the attic.
Rosemary District
Historic core with new restaurants alongside older buildings. Roof rats in the attics, Norway rats around the dumpsters.
Pinecraft
Sarasota’s Amish-Mennonite neighborhood, with older cottages and bungalows. We check rooflines and porches on these smaller, closely spaced homes.
Siesta Key and Lido Key
Beachfront condos and homes with seawalls and docks. Norway rats burrow near the water, and Hurricane Milton’s October 2024 landfall here pushed many rats toward buildings.
St. Armands Key and Bird Key
Upscale waterfront homes near St. Armands Circle. Seawalls, docks and mature landscaping give rats plenty of cover close to the house.
Palmer Ranch and The Landings
Newer gated subdivisions with block-and-stucco homes, tile roofs and screened lanais. Roof edges and AC line gaps are the usual entry points.
Sarasota through the year
How Sarasota’s Seasons Change Rodent Activity
Sarasota has a humid subtropical climate with a rainy season that runs roughly March through November and a short, mild dry season from December through February. Rodents stay active all year, but the season changes where they go.
Long rainy season
Frequent rain from spring through fall floods burrows near the bay, canals and low yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key in October 2024. Storm surge pushed rats out of burrows and into homes, and wind-damaged soffits and screens gave them new ways in across the barrier islands and mainland.
Tip: After any storm, walk around the property and check the roofline and screens.
Mild winter and snowbird season
Cooler nights from December through February send rats looking for warm, dry attics. This is also when Sarasota’s seasonal population grows the most, which means more homes standing empty and more calls once part-time residents return.
Tip: Have a seasonal home checked before you arrive for the winter.
Empty summer homes
Many condos and homes on Siesta Key and Lido Key sit closed up through the hot months while owners are away. An undisturbed, air-conditioned unit is an easy place for a rat or mouse to nest for weeks before anyone notices.
Tip: Ask a neighbor or property manager to check the unit periodically, or schedule an inspection before you leave.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Sarasota Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and the space under a raised home free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home or condo
- 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 or utility chase every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign, especially before leaving for the season
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Sarasota
Sarasota is not one kind of property. What we do at a bungalow in Gillespie Park is different from what we do at a condo on Siesta Key.
Nesting Under the Floor
These older wood-frame homes sit low to the ground, which gives rats room to nest underneath the floor and get in through foundation vents.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and foundation vents, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath the house until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Shared Walls
Norway rats gather along seawalls and docks, and condo buildings have shared utility chases that let rodents move between units.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall or dock area and shared chases, seal ground-level entry points, and coordinate with property management or the HOA.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
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, condos or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Sarasota response zone
Sarasota service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Sarasota has more than a dozen ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Sarasota County. Call if you do not see yours.
342313423234233342343423534236342373423834239342403424234243
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Gillespie Park · Laurel Park · Rosemary District · Pinecraft · Newtown · Southside Village · Siesta Key · Lido Key · St. Armands Key · Bird Key · Palmer Ranch · The Landings
Reviews from Sarasota customers
Customer Reviews from Sarasota
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did a thorough job at my home near Siesta Key. They found where the rats were getting in and sealed it up properly.”
KP
Karen P.Sarasota, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and easy to schedule. They explained what was happening in our attic and followed up until it was resolved.”
RM
Robert M.Sarasota, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Knew exactly what to look for on our older bungalow near downtown. Would recommend to anyone in Sarasota.”
DT
Diane T.Sarasota, FL
Verified Sarasota rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Sarasota 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Homes in Gillespie Park, Laurel Park and Pinecraft often sit low with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and rotted sill boards give rats a dry, hidden place to nest. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
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.
Yes, in many areas. Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key in October 2024. Storm surge flooded burrows near the water and wind damage opened new gaps in roofs and screens, pushing rats toward buildings on the keys and the mainland.
Condo buildings have shared utility chases and seawalls that let rodents move between units. We inspect the shared areas as well as your unit and work with your property manager or HOA when needed.
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 Sarasota Springs, Bradenton, Venice and North Port. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Sarasota
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Sarasota
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Sarasota dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 SarasotaSarasota, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
