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 Seminole rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Seminole, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Seminole homes and businesses, from the older ranch houses in Bardmoor to the canal and waterfront properties near Boca Ciega Bay. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Seminole.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Seminole
Why Seminole Homes Get Rats and Mice Year Round
Seminole is a Pinellas County city of about 19,364 people built around Lake Seminole, with canals and seawalls running toward Boca Ciega Bay. Warm weather all year and a mix of 1970s ranch homes and newer construction give rodents plenty of places to nest close to people.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Seminole. They travel along oaks, palms and power lines, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and gaps where the roofline meets the wall. In older neighborhoods like Bardmoor, where many homes were built between 1971 and 2001, aging soffits and attic vents are common entry points.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along seawalls and canal banks near Boca Ciega Bay, in yards near Lake Seminole, and in garages across the newer construction around the city. Every part of Seminole has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Seminole
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Seminole
Most Seminole 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, garage and crawl space rat removal for Seminole homes, from 1970s ranch houses in Bardmoor to newer construction near Ridgewood.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants, shops and offices around Seminole City Center and along Park Boulevard.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, seawall 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 Seminole homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Seminole Home
Rodents move at night, so most Seminole 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.
Gnawed fruit or bird feeders
Hollowed fruit still on a backyard tree or scattered bird seed is a classic roof rat sign in Seminole 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 Seminole Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Seminole, Norway rats show up near canals, seawalls 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, 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 along seawalls, canal banks, sheds 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 Seminole 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 on waterfront lots
- Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen 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 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 Seminole Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how the home is built and whether it backs up to water.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including aging trim on 1970s and 1980s homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where the roofline meets the wall
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and palms touching the roof
Ground level, canal and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock or boat storage areas
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food left outside
- 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 Seminole 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 canals 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 Seminole 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 older homes get rats
- Fact: Newer homes in Seminole get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just an older roofline.
- 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: My canal is too small for rats to swim across
- Fact: Norway rats are strong swimmers. A narrow canal or drainage ditch does not keep them off your property.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or along a seawall 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, canals or neighboring yards.
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 along a seawall or canal | Burrows are hard to find and treat | Bank inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Seminole
Rodent Control for Seminole Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Seminole
From 1970s and 1980s ranch homes in Bardmoor to canal-front properties near Boca Ciega Bay, each Seminole home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, 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.
- Ranch homes
- Canal and waterfront homes
- Condos and townhomes
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Seminole
Retail shops and restaurants around Seminole City Center and along Park Boulevard and Seminole Boulevard 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
- Property managers
- HOAs
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 Seminole homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Seminole Home
Seminole has homes built from the 1950s through today. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Bardmoor and mid-century ranch
- Homes in Bardmoor built between 1971 and 2001 often have aging soffits and attic vents
- Original roof vents and gable vents with no screens
- Older garage door seals and weather stripping
- Mature oaks and shrubs close to the roofline
Waterfront and newer construction
- Canal-front and waterfront lots near Boca Ciega Bay with seawalls rats use as travel paths
- Newer block-and-stucco homes with tile roof edges and ridge caps
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
Area by area
Landmarks and Neighborhoods in Seminole
Seminole has a mix of established neighborhoods, waterfront lots and public parks. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Bardmoor
Homes built between 1971 and 2001, with a mix of single-family houses and attached condos and townhomes. Aging soffits and vents are common entry points here.
Seminole City Center
The city’s main retail and dining hub. We run scheduled commercial service for the restaurants and shops here.
Lake Seminole and Lake Seminole Park
Homes and green space around the lake bring wildlife activity close to yards, especially near the county park and its trails.
Grove Terrace
This neighborhood saw significant flooding during the 2024 hurricanes. Storm-damaged soffits and vents here are worth a follow-up check.
Waterfront Park and Boca Ciega Bay canals
Waterfront Park, which opened in 2021 with a boardwalk and kayak launch, sits along the same canal system that brings Norway rats close to nearby homes.
Seminole City Park and the Pinellas Trail
This city park sits along the Pinellas Trail corridor, with mature trees and green space that draw rodent activity in the surrounding blocks.
Seminole through the year
How Seasons Affect Rodent Control in Seminole
Seminole has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. The weather changes where they go and how urgent the problem gets.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood low yards, ditches and canal banks, 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)
Hurricanes Helene and Milton in fall 2024 caused what the city manager called the worst storm damage in Seminole’s history, with hundreds of single-family homes damaged and flooding in neighborhoods like Grove Terrace. Storm surge pushes rats out of burrows and damaged soffits give them a way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and soffits.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Seminole homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruit and bird feeder season
Backyard fruit trees and bird feeders near Bardmoor and Lake Seminole are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and store bird seed in a sealed bin.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Seminole Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen fruit daily
- 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
- 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 Seminole
Seminole is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1970s home in Bardmoor is different from what we do at a canal-front lot near Boca Ciega Bay.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Homes built between 1971 and 2001 often have original soffits and attic vents that have shrunk, cracked or lost their screens over the decades, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap what is already inside.
Norway Rats Along Seawalls
Properties backing onto canals near Boca Ciega Bay give Norway rats a burrow site along the seawall, close to garages and ground-floor entry points.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall and canal bank, then bait and seal the ground-level openings we find.
Storm Damage That Opened New Gaps
Flooding and wind damage from the 2024 hurricanes left some Grove Terrace area homes with gaps in soffits, vents and repaired rooflines that rats can use.
Our approach: We check storm-repaired areas first, since new construction and patch repairs are common places rats find an opening.
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 Seminole response zone
Seminole service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Seminole’s own ZIP codes are 33772, 33776 and 33777. We also cover the nearby 33773, 33774 and 33778 ZIP codes that share Seminole’s neighborhoods under a Largo mailing address. Call if you do not see yours.
337723377333774337763377733778
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Bardmoor · Seminole City Center · Lake Seminole · Grove Terrace · Ridgewood · areas near Boca Ciega Bay
Reviews from Seminole customers
Customer Reviews from Seminole
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gap in our soffit right away and sealed it the same visit. No more noise in the attic.”
RK
Rob K.Seminole, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We live on a canal and had rats getting in near the seawall. They inspected the whole yard and explained exactly what they found.”
DM
Dana M.Seminole, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and on time. They checked back after the first visit to make sure the traps were clear.”
TP
Tina P.Seminole, FL
Verified Seminole rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Seminole 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 Bardmoor homes were built between 1971 and 2001. Original soffits, roof vents and attic screens have had decades to shrink, crack or come loose, which gives roof rats an opening. We seal those gaps 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. Norway rats are strong swimmers and burrow along seawalls and canal banks near Boca Ciega Bay. If your property backs onto water, we check the seawall and ground-level openings as part of the inspection.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused what the city manager described as the worst storm damage in Seminole’s history, with hundreds of single-family homes damaged and flooding in the Grove Terrace neighborhood. Storm damage to soffits, vents and rooflines can open new entry points for rodents, so it is worth having storm-repaired areas 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.
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 Largo, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Seminole
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Seminole
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Seminole dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Seminole 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 Seminole 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 SeminoleSeminole, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
