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 Sebastian rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Sebastian, FL
Hearing scratching in the attic or finding droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Sebastian homes and businesses, from the canal-front lots of Sebastian Highlands to the older streets near Indian River Drive. We find how they got 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 Sebastian.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Sebastian
Why Sebastian Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Sebastian sits where the St. Sebastian River meets the Indian River Lagoon, on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Warm weather most of the year, water on two sides of town, and a mix of older canal-front homes and newer construction mean rodents never really take a season off here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Sebastian. They travel through oaks, palms and power lines in older streets near Sebastian Highlands and Barber Street, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and gable ends. Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along seawalls and canal banks in Sebastian Highlands, near Indian River Drive downtown, and in garages and sheds on properties close to the St. Sebastian River.
Sebastian is also the most populous city in Indian River County, and more than a third of its residents are 65 or older. A lot of homes here sit empty for weeks or months at a time while owners travel or spend part of the year elsewhere, and an empty house with no one checking the attic is exactly where a rat problem gets out of hand before anyone notices.
Services available in Sebastian
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Sebastian
Most Sebastian 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 and crawl space rat removal for Sebastian homes, from canal-front lots in Sebastian Highlands to newer streets near Fellsmere Road.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along US Highway 1 and Indian River Drive.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, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Sebastian homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Sebastian Home
Rodents move at night, so most Sebastian 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.
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 Sebastian 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 Sebastian Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Sebastian, Norway rats show up near the river, the lagoon and canal banks, 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, seawalls and canal banks
- 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 Sebastian 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 and exterior doors
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock areas near the water
- Oak and palm branches touching the roof
- 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 Sebastian Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on how the home is built, since an older canal-front home and a newer block home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older wood trim near Sebastian Highlands
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where roof lines meet walls and additions
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak and palm branches touching the roof
Ground level and water’s edge
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks on waterfront lots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool cages 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 Sebastian 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 near the lagoon 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 Sebastian 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 and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only homes near the water get rats
- Fact: Homes across Sebastian get rats, not just canal-front lots. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees anywhere in town.
- 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: If the house is empty, there is nothing to attract rats
- Fact: A vacant home with no food is still a dry, quiet place to nest. Rats get in through the roofline whether anyone is living there or not.
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 canal-front deck 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, seawalls and canal banks.
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 |
| Seasonal or vacation home checked infrequently | Easy to miss weeks of activity | Scheduled checks while you are away |
Who we serve in Sebastian
Rodent Control for Sebastian Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Sebastian
From canal-front lots in Sebastian Highlands to newer homes near Fellsmere Road, each Sebastian property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, yard and water’s edge, 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.
- Canal-front homes
- Older Sebastian Highlands streets
- Block and tile homes
- Seasonal and vacation homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Sebastian
Restaurants and shops along US Highway 1 and Indian River Drive deal with daily deliveries, 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
- Marinas and boat storage
- 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 back doors 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 Sebastian homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Sebastian Home
Sebastian has homes from the 1960s through today. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near Sebastian Highlands and Barber Street
- Older wood soffits and attic vents with worn or missing screens
- Canal-front lots with seawalls and docks where Norway rats burrow
- Sheds and boat storage close to the water
- Mature oaks and citrus trees touching the roofline
- Additions and carports with gaps where they meet the original roof
Newer homes near Fellsmere Road and US-1
- Block-and-stucco construction with tile or shingle roofs
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- New landscaping and palms used as a ladder to the roof
- Homes backing up to preserve land or drainage canals
A Sebastian-specific risk
Seasonal and Vacant Homes: A Real Rodent Risk in Sebastian
Sebastian’s median resident age is 57, and more than a third of the population is 65 or older. Many owners here split their time between Sebastian and another home up north, and rentals and second homes can sit unchecked for weeks. That is exactly the kind of property where a rat problem grows unseen.
Why empty homes are at risk
- No one is around to notice droppings, chewed wires or a new gap in the soffit
- AC units cycle less often in an empty house, so attics stay warmer and drier, which rats prefer
- Yards and citrus trees keep dropping fruit and seed even when the owner is away
- A single unsealed vent can let rats move in over a slow season and build a nest before anyone returns
What we do for owners and property managers
- Pre-season inspection and sealing before you leave for the summer or head north
- A written report you can keep on file or share with a property manager
- Scheduled check visits while the home is unoccupied
- A full inspection and cleanup lined up for the day you or your tenant return
Ask about a seasonal check-in plan when you call.
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Sebastian, Area by Area
Sebastian is a small city, but the areas near the water, downtown and the newer subdivisions each have different weak spots. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Sebastian Highlands
The city’s largest and oldest platted neighborhood, with many canal-front lots. Norway rats burrow along seawalls, and roof rats use oaks and older roof vents to get into attics.
Downtown and Indian River Drive
Riverfront restaurants, shops and Riverside Park sit along the Indian River Lagoon. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs for businesses here.
Near the St. Sebastian River and Pelican Island
Homes closest to the river and the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge back up to natural habitat, so rodents move in from the woods and marsh edges.
US-1 and Fellsmere Road corridor
Newer block homes, shopping plazas and warehouses. Roof edges, AC line gaps and loading dock doors are the usual entry points.
Sebastian through the year
How Sebastian Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Sebastian has a humid subtropical climate with a wet season from June through September and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Wet summer months
September is Sebastian’s wettest month, averaging over 9 inches of rain. Heavy rain floods burrows near the lagoon and canals, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Sebastian sits on Florida’s Treasure Coast, an area that has taken direct hits before, including the 2004 hurricanes Frances and Jeanne within weeks of each other. Storm surge and heavy wind can push rats out of burrows and open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter and snowbird season
Cooler nights from December through February send rats looking for warm, dry attics. This is also when part-time residents return, and when a season’s worth of activity in an empty house often gets discovered.
Tip: Have the attic and roofline checked as soon as you arrive for the season.
Citrus and bird seed season
Backyard citrus and bird feeders are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house year-round.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clean up spilled seed under feeders.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Sebastian 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 daily during the season
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and canal banks free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the ground
- 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
- If the home will sit empty, have the roofline checked before you leave
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Sebastian
Sebastian is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal-front home in Sebastian Highlands is different from what we do at a newer block home near US-1.
Norway Rats Along the Water
Older homes on canal lots have seawalls, docks and mature landscaping that give Norway rats a place to burrow close to the house.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall and dock area, then bait and seal the ground-level gaps we find at the foundation and shed.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Weeks of Activity in an Empty House
With no one checking the attic for weeks or months, a small opening can turn into a full nest before the owner returns.
Our approach: We offer a pre-season inspection and scheduled check visits, so problems are caught early instead of discovered on arrival.
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 Sebastian response zone
Sebastian service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Sebastian has 2 ZIP codes. We cover the whole city and nearby Indian River County. Call if you do not see yours.
3295832978
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Sebastian Highlands · Barber Street · Downtown and Indian River Drive · Fellsmere Road corridor · US Highway 1 · Areas near the St. Sebastian River
Reviews from Sebastian customers
Customer Reviews from Sebastian
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our canal-front home in Sebastian Highlands. Quick, professional and no more noise in the attic.”
RH
Rick H.Sebastian, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We spend winters in Sebastian and came back to droppings in the garage. They inspected, sealed everything up and set a check-in plan for next season.”
PM
Patricia M.Sebastian, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Prompt, explained everything about the inspection, and followed up until the activity stopped. Would recommend to anyone in Sebastian.”
DW
Dan W.Sebastian, FL
Verified Sebastian rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Sebastian 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.
Norway rats burrow along seawalls, docks and canal banks where they have easy access to water and cover from landscaping. We inspect the shoreline and seal ground-level gaps at the foundation, shed and dock area.
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. We offer a pre-season inspection before you leave and scheduled check visits while the home is unoccupied, with a written report so you know what was found. Call to set up a plan before your next trip.
Rats are usually active at night, while squirrels are active in the daytime. Rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
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 Vero Beach, Vero Beach South, Palm Bay and Melbourne. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Sebastian
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Sebastian
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Sebastian dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Sebastian 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 Sebastian 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 SebastianSebastian, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
