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 Sebring rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Sebring, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Sebring homes and businesses, from the historic buildings around Circle Park downtown to homes near Lake Jackson and out at Sun ‘n Lake. 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 Sebring.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Sebring
Why Sebring Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Sebring is built around Lake Jackson, a 9,212 acre lake that makes water almost 38 percent of the city. Dinner Lake and Little Lake Jackson sit nearby too. Warm weather most of the year, citrus groves on the edge of town, and a mix of 1920s buildings downtown and newer homes near Sun ‘n Lake give rats plenty of places to hide.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Sebring. They travel through oak trees and citrus groves at the edge of the city, then drop onto roofs and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. Around the Downtown Historic District and Circle Park, the older Mediterranean Revival buildings and nearby homes often have original vents and rooflines that were never sealed.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and water. We find them along the shoreline of Lake Jackson and Dinner Lake, in low drainage areas, and around dumpsters at businesses on US 27, the highway that runs through the middle of Sebring. Out at Sun ‘n Lake, a golf community off US 27 with its own lakes and a nature preserve, rats and mice move from the preserve edges and golf course into garages and screened lanais.
Services available in Sebring
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Sebring
Most Sebring 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 garage rat removal for Sebring homes, from the Downtown Historic District to Sun ‘n Lake.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along US 27 and near Circle Park.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 Sebring homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Sebring Home
Rodents move at night, so most Sebring 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 citrus
Hollowed oranges or grapefruit near a grove edge or backyard tree is a classic roof rat sign around Sebring.
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 Sebring Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Sebring, Norway rats show up near Lake Jackson, drainage canals and dumpsters, 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 citrus canopy
- 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 lake shorelines
- 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 Sebring 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
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Trees, vines and 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 Sebring 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 a 1920s downtown building and a newer Sun ‘n Lake home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older downtown buildings
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak and citrus branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Foundation vents and any crawl space on older homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps near lake and golf course edges
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 Sebring 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 Lake Jackson 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 Sebring 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 dirty homes get rats
- Fact: Clean homes near Sun ‘n Lake and around Lake Jackson get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and citrus, not just trash.
- 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: 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 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 citrus groves, oaks and the lake.
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 golf course pond or lake | Burrows are hard to find and close | Shoreline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Sebring
Rodent Control for Sebring Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Sebring
From the historic buildings around Circle Park to homes on Lake Jackson and golf course homes at Sun ‘n Lake, each Sebring property 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.
- Historic downtown homes
- Lakefront homes
- Sun ‘n Lake golf homes
- Rentals and seasonal homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Sebring
Restaurants and shops around Circle Park and along US 27 deal with daily deliveries and doors that open all day. During race weeks at Sebring International Raceway, hotels and restaurants see a surge of visitors and cannot afford a rodent problem. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Hotels and short-term rentals
- Offices
- 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 Sebring homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Sebring Home
Sebring has homes from the 1920s downtown to newer construction at Sun ‘n Lake. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near downtown
- 1920s Mediterranean Revival buildings around Circle Park with original vents and rooflines
- Older wood-frame homes near the Downtown Historic District with gaps in soffits and sill boards
- Big oaks and mature landscaping that touch the roof
- Older attic vents with no screens
- Homes close to businesses with dumpsters and shared alleys
Newer homes at Sun ‘n Lake and outlying areas
- Block-and-stucco homes bordering the golf courses and nature preserve at Sun ‘n Lake
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screened pool enclosure frames
- Ponds and preserve edges that give rodents cover close to the house
- Many of these homes are seasonal, which means rodents can move in undisturbed while the owner is away
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Sebring, Area by Area
Sebring is a small city with a few very different areas. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown Historic District and Circle Park
Mediterranean Revival buildings from the 1920s with original rooflines. Rats nest in old vents and attic spaces above shops and offices.
Lake Jackson waterfront
Homes and docks along the shoreline. Norway rats burrow near the water and move into garages and sheds close to the lake.
Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring
A golf community off US 27 with its own lakes and a nature preserve. Rodents move from the preserve and golf course edges into garages and lanais, especially at seasonal homes.
US 27 commercial corridor
Shops, restaurants and hotels along the highway that runs through the middle of Sebring. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Near Sebring International Raceway
Hotels and restaurants near the track see a surge of visitors during the 12 Hours of Sebring each spring. We schedule extra checks before race week.
Near Highlands Hammock State Park
Homes bordering Florida’s first state park, about 4 miles west of downtown. Native scrub habitat means rodents are always close by.
Sebring through the year
How Sebring Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Sebring has a humid subtropical climate, and about 57 percent of the year’s rain falls between June and September. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather and the seasonal population change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise the water level in Lake Jackson and Dinner Lake, 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)
Hurricane Ian caused agriculture damage and flooding across Highlands County in 2022, and repairs on roads and roofs followed for months. Storm damage to soffits and rooflines gives rats a new way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Seasonal resident months
From late fall through spring, part-time residents return to homes at Sun ‘n Lake and around the city. A home that sat empty for months can have rodents already nesting inside by the time the owners arrive.
Tip: Have a seasonal home checked before you move back in for the season.
Citrus season
Highlands County is citrus country, and backyard and grove-edge citrus trees are an easy meal for roof rats, which is a reason they stay close to homes near groves.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Sebring Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus and other fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the lake shoreline or dock area free of clutter
- Store fishing and golf 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
- Have a seasonal home checked before returning for the season
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Sebring
Sebring is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic building near Circle Park is different from what we do at a golf course home at Sun ‘n Lake.
Old Vents and Roof Gaps
These 1920s Mediterranean Revival buildings have original vents and roof lines that were never built to be rodent-proof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic space, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap until activity stops.
Preserve and Shoreline Access
Homes bordering the golf courses, preserve and lake shoreline give rodents natural cover right up to the garage and lanai.
Our approach: We check the garage, lanai screen and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Rodents Move In While You Are Away
A home that sits empty for months during the off season can have rats nesting inside long before the owner returns.
Our approach: We inspect the whole property, clear out any nests we find, and seal entry points so it stays that way until you are back.
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 Sebring response zone
Sebring service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are the ZIP codes we serve most in and around Sebring. Call if you do not see yours.
3387033871338723387533876
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Sebring · Circle Park · Lake Jackson · Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring · US 27 corridor · Sebring International Raceway area · Highlands Hammock area
Reviews from Sebring customers
Customer Reviews from Sebring
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did a thorough job at our home near Lake Jackson. They found where the rats were getting in and sealed it up.”
JM
Jessica M.Sebring, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Called them for our restaurant near Circle Park. They set up scheduled visits and kept a log for our inspections.”
TR
Tom R.Sebring, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We only use our place at Sun ‘n Lake part of the year. They checked it before we moved back in and explained what to watch for.”
LS
Linda S.Sebring, FL
Verified Sebring rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Sebring 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.
Many buildings around Circle Park and the Downtown Historic District date to the 1920s. Original vents, older rooflines and gaps in soffits give rats an easy way into the attic. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Yes. A closed-up home near the golf course or preserve can get rats or mice nesting inside without anyone noticing for months. We recommend an inspection before you return for the season.
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.
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.
Highlands County saw flooding and agricultural damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, and homes with storm damage to the roofline are more likely to have new entry points for rodents. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
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.
Yes. We also serve Lake Wales and Bartow. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Sebring?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Sebring
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Sebring
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Sebring dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Sebring 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 Sebring 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 SebringSebring, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
