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 South Daytona rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in South Daytona, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from South Daytona homes and businesses, from the older streets near Ridgewood Avenue to the flood-prone blocks around Reed Canal and Big Tree Village. 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 South Daytona.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why South Daytona
Why South Daytona Homes Attract Rats and Mice
South Daytona is a small city on the Halifax River, wedged between Daytona Beach and Port Orange, with Reed Canal cutting through the middle of town. That mix of a tidal river, a drainage canal and a low, 10-foot elevation means water and rodents both find their way toward the same low-lying yards after a heavy rain.
Roof rats are common in the older homes along Ridgewood Avenue and US 1, where mature oaks reach over the roofline and give them a path from the tree canopy straight onto older shingle roofs and into soffit gaps. Norway rats stay closer to the ground, burrowing along the banks of Reed Canal and in the drainage ditches near Big Tree Village.
South Daytona has flooded twice in recent years, first from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and again from Hurricane Milton in 2024, when storm surge and heavy rain pushed water into homes near Big Tree Road and forced water rescues in the neighborhood. Flooding like that also pushes rats and mice out of canal burrows and low ground, straight toward the nearest dry garage or attic. We inspect each home based on how close it sits to the canal, the river or low ground that has flooded before.
Services available in South Daytona
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in South Daytona
Most South Daytona 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 South Daytona homes, from older houses near Ridgewood Avenue to newer construction near Big Tree Village.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along the Ridgewood Avenue and US 1 corridor.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 South Daytona homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a South Daytona Home
Rodents move at night, so most South Daytona 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
Hollowed oranges or grapefruit still on a backyard tree are a common roof rat sign in South Daytona 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 South Daytona Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in South Daytona, Norway rats show up along Reed Canal, drainage ditches 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 canal banks, sheds, rubbish and low ground
- 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 South Daytona 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
- Oak and palm 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 South Daytona Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how close the home sits to Reed Canal, the Halifax River or ground that has flooded before.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- 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 branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under older homes, and burrows along Reed Canal banks
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Ground that has flooded during past storms
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 South Daytona 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 floodwater near Reed Canal 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 South Daytona 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 near Big Tree Village get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fallen fruit, not just an old roofline.
- Myth: A flood only brings a few stray rats
- Fact: When Reed Canal floods, whole burrow colonies get pushed out at once, so a flooded home can pick up several rats in a short time, not just one.
- 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: 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 after a flood or 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 Reed Canal, the yard or a neighbor’s roofline.
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 |
| Home recently flooded | Hard to check for rodents while cleaning up storm damage | Inspect for rodents while repairs are underway |
| Rats along a canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and reach | Locate burrows and seal ground-level entry points |
Who we serve in South Daytona
Rodent Control for South Daytona Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in South Daytona
From older homes near Ridgewood Avenue and downtown to newer construction near Big Tree Village and Reed Canal Park, each South Daytona home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Older homes near Ridgewood Ave
- Waterfront homes on the Halifax River
- Homes near Reed Canal
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in South Daytona
Shops and offices along the Ridgewood Avenue and US 1 corridor deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How South Daytona homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of South Daytona Home
South Daytona has homes built from the 1930s through today. The way a house is built, and how close it sits to water, tells us where to look first.
Older homes near downtown and Ridgewood Avenue
- Homes built before 1970 with older soffits, vents and roof edges with no screens
- Gaps in skirting, crawl space vents and rotted sill boards on raised homes
- Mature oaks that reach over the roofline
- Older garage door seals and worn weatherstripping
Newer homes near Big Tree Village and Reed Canal
- Block-and-stucco homes close to Reed Canal and low ground that has flooded before
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage doors and lanai screen frames near canal banks
- Storm-damaged soffits or vents from Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Milton that were never fully resealed
Around town
Landmarks in South Daytona
South Daytona is a compact city, so most of our jobs are within a few minutes of these local landmarks.
Blaine O’Neal Park (Big Tree Park)
An 11-acre park at 980 Big Tree Road with a 3-acre fishing lake, a walking trail and a ball field. Homes around the park backed up onto flooded streets during Hurricane Milton in 2024.
Reed Canal and Reed Canal Road
The canal that runs through the middle of the city and drains into the Halifax River. The city has been widening and deepening the pond along this canal to cut down on flooding.
Ridgewood Avenue and US 1
The main corridor through South Daytona, lined with older homes and small businesses, and the route we use most for commercial stops.
South Daytona through the year
How Storms and Seasons Affect Rodent Activity in South Daytona
South Daytona has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, so rodents stay active year-round. Hurricane season, from June 1 to November 30, is when we see the biggest jump in calls.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024 both flooded homes near Big Tree Road and Reed Canal, in one case with 15.6 inches of rain and storm surge in a single event. Flooding like that pushes rats out of canal burrows and low ground and into the nearest dry garage or attic.
Tip: After any storm with flooding, have the roofline and garage checked for new gaps.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels in Reed Canal and low yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages and sheds even without a named storm.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many South Daytona homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Backyard oranges and grapefruit are an easy meal for roof rats in the spring, and a reason they stay close to older homes with fruit trees.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your South Daytona Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in, especially after a storm.
Yard and garage
- Trim oak branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen oranges and grapefruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep canal banks and yard clutter clear near Reed Canal
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Check the roofline after any storm with flooding
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, especially after a flood
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in South Daytona
South Daytona is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near Ridgewood Avenue is different from what we do at a flood-prone home near Reed Canal.
Roofline Gaps Under Oak Canopy
Homes built before 1970 often have older soffits and roof vents with no screens, and mature oaks give roof rats an easy path onto the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic first, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats After Storm Flooding
When Reed Canal rises during heavy rain or a hurricane, burrowing Norway rats get pushed out of the canal banks and into nearby garages and yards.
Our approach: We check the canal-facing side of the property and garage first, then seal ground-level openings and set traps where activity is highest.
Rats Along Seawalls and Docks
Norway rats gather along seawalls and under docks on the Halifax River, especially where boat storage and yard clutter give them cover.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics, flooded areas or large amounts, call us instead
Primary South Daytona response zone
South Daytona service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
South Daytona sits within 2 ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and surrounding Volusia County. Call if you do not see yours.
3211932121
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Big Tree Village · Reed Canal Park · Ridgewood Avenue corridor · Halifax River waterfront · Downtown South Daytona
Reviews from South Daytona customers
Customer Reviews from South Daytona
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my South Daytona home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.South Daytona, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly after our garage flooded. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up visit.”
SM
Sarah M.South Daytona, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the area near Reed Canal and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.South Daytona, FL
Verified South Daytona rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From South Daytona 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.
Reed Canal runs through the middle of South Daytona and drains into the Halifax River. Norway rats burrow along the canal banks, and when heavy rain or a hurricane raises the water level, those burrows flood and the rats move into the nearest dry garage or yard.
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.
Yes, in the neighborhoods hit hardest. Hurricane Milton brought storm surge and about 15.6 inches of rain to Volusia County in 2024, flooding homes near Big Tree Road for the second time in 2 years after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Flooding like that pushes rats out of canal burrows and toward homes. If your home flooded, it is worth having the roofline and garage 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 Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Holly Hill and Ormond Beach. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in South Daytona
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in South Daytona
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
South Daytona dispatch is ready
Rats in Your South Daytona 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 South Daytona 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 South DaytonaSouth Daytona, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
