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 St. Cloud rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in St. Cloud, FL
Scratching in the attic above Downtown St. Cloud or droppings in a Harmony garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from St. Cloud homes and businesses, from the century-old Spanish Revival buildings near 10th Street to the new construction going up in Harmony and Hanover Lakes. 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 St. Cloud.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why St. Cloud
Why St. Cloud Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
St. Cloud sits on the southern shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga, an exceptionally clear 12,000-acre lake, about 26 miles southeast of Orlando in Osceola County. The city was founded in 1909 as a retirement community for Union Army veterans, and its downtown still has Spanish Revival buildings from that era standing next to fast-growing new subdivisions like Harmony and Hanover Lakes.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in the older parts of St. Cloud. Downtown and in neighborhoods close to 10th and 13th Streets, mature oaks and older rooflines give them an easy route into attics and soffits. In these homes, age is the biggest factor: original vents, wood trim and older roof edges rarely keep a determined rat out.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the shoreline of East Lake Tohopekaliga near Lakefront Park, around drainage ditches and retention ponds, and in garages in newer block-and-stucco construction in Harmony and Hanover Lakes. House mice show up everywhere, but especially in kitchens and pantries of homes near the growing US-192 and Narcoossee Road corridors. Every part of St. Cloud has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each home as its own job.
Services available in St. Cloud
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in St. Cloud
Most St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud homes, from downtown houses near 10th Street to new builds in Harmony.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops around Downtown St. Cloud and along US-192.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 rodents 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 St. Cloud homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a St. Cloud Home
Rodents move at night, so most St. Cloud 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.
Grease marks along the fence line
Dark, greasy smudges where rats travel the same path along fences and shrubs near a lake or pond.
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 St. Cloud Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in the older parts of St. Cloud, Norway rats show up near East Lake Tohopekaliga, drainage ditches and garages, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries anywhere in the city. 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, rubbish and along lakeshores
- 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 St. Cloud 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 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 St. Cloud 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 1910s house near downtown and a 2020s home in Harmony have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree 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 the lakeshore and drainage ditches
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rodents Out of St. Cloud Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rodents 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 rodents 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 rodents 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, a real concern this close to East Lake Tohopekaliga after heavy rain.
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 St. Cloud 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 or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older or messy homes get rats
- Fact: New homes in Harmony and Hanover Lakes get rats too. Rodents come for shelter and water near the lake, 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 Rodent Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or under the house are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch a rodent or two but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from the lakeshore, nearby trees or a neighbor’s yard.
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 the lakeshore or in a rental | Access and landlord coordination is hard alone | We coordinate with owners and tenants directly |
Who we serve in St. Cloud
Rodent Control for St. Cloud Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in St. Cloud
From century-old homes near Downtown St. Cloud to new construction in Harmony and Hanover Lakes, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, garage and yard, then seal the openings rodents are using. We also work directly with landlords and property managers on rental homes near Lakefront Park and along Narcoossee Road, scheduling around tenants and sending a written report either side can keep on file.
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.
- Downtown homes
- Lakefront properties
- New construction
- Rentals and landlords
Commercial Rodent Control in St. Cloud
Restaurants and shops around Downtown St. Cloud and along US-192 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 rodents.
How St. Cloud homes are built
Where Rodents Get In, by Type of St. Cloud Home
St. Cloud has homes from every decade since 1909. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near Downtown St. Cloud
- Homes from the early 1900s to mid-century with original wood soffits and vents
- Spanish Revival style buildings downtown with gaps at roof edges and shared walls
- Older attic vents with no screens
- Mature oaks that touch the roof
- Crawl spaces and pier-and-beam foundations on some of the oldest homes
Newer homes: Harmony and Hanover Lakes
- Block-and-stucco homes built close to conservation land and retention ponds
- Open roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Young trees and lanai frames used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across St. Cloud, Area by Area
St. Cloud has very different pockets of housing packed into a fairly small city. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown St. Cloud
Early 1900s Spanish Revival buildings and homes near 10th and New York Avenue. Roof rats nest in old attic spaces and soffit gaps that have never been re-screened.
Lakefront Park and the East Lake Tohopekaliga shoreline
Homes and the park itself sit right on a 12,000-acre lake. Norway rats burrow along the shoreline and move into nearby garages and sheds.
Harmony
A newer planned community bordered by conservation land east of the city. Rodents move in from the surrounding woods and preserve, so sealing new construction early matters.
Hanover Lakes
Newer block homes built around a series of retention ponds. Norway rats use the pond banks, and garage and AC line gaps are the usual way in.
Chisholm Park and nearby neighborhoods
A popular lakeside park surrounded by established homes. Higher foot traffic and picnic areas mean more food sources nearby, which keeps rodent pressure steady.
US-192 and Narcoossee Road corridor
A busy stretch of retail, restaurants and newer subdivisions growing out from the city center. Shared dumpsters and construction nearby bring rodents close to both homes and businesses.
St. Cloud through the year
How Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in St. Cloud
St. Cloud has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels on East Lake Tohopekaliga and flood low-lying burrows, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain and wind can raise lake levels and damage roofs and soffits across St. Cloud. Storm damage gives rodents a new way in, so it is worth checking the roofline after any major storm.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Cooler months (November to February)
On cooler nights, rodents look for warm, dry attics and wall voids instead of staying outdoors. This is when many St. Cloud homeowners first hear scratching overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Year-round breeding
Because St. Cloud rarely sees a hard freeze, rats and mice keep breeding through the winter instead of dying back, so a small problem in the fall can grow fast by spring.
Tip: Do not wait out a minor issue. Call as soon as you notice a sign.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rodents Away From Your St. Cloud 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 fruit daily if you have fruit trees
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the lakeshore, dock and yard clutter-free
- Store lawn and boat 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
- 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 St. Cloud
St. Cloud is not one kind of house. What we do at a downtown home from the 1920s is different from what we do at a new build in Harmony or a lakefront property near Chisholm Park.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Homes built in the early to mid 1900s often still have original wood soffits and unscreened attic vents, which give roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic first, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Along the Shoreline
Properties near Lakefront Park and Chisholm Park sit close to a 12,000-acre lake, where Norway rats burrow along the bank and move into nearby garages and sheds.
Our approach: We check the shoreline, garage and shed first, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Rodents Moving in From Nearby Land
New block-and-stucco homes built next to conservation land or retention ponds 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.
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 St. Cloud response zone
St. Cloud service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are our most frequently served ZIP codes in St. Cloud. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
34769347713477234773
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown St. Cloud · Harmony · Hanover Lakes · Chisholm Park · Cypress Glen · Lakefront Park
Reviews from St. Cloud customers
Customer Reviews from St. Cloud
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros took care of a rat problem in our attic near downtown. They were prompt and thorough, and explained exactly what they found.”
JD
John D.St. Cloud, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rodents getting into the garage in our Harmony house. The technician sealed the openings and checked back until it was clear.”
SL
Sara L.St. Cloud, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and knowledgeable about the area. They knew right away where to check because we are close to the lake.”
MT
Mike T.St. Cloud, FL
Verified St. Cloud rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From St. Cloud 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 rodents are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many homes built in the early to mid 1900s still have original wood soffits and vents with no screens. Rats use these openings and mature oak branches to get onto the roof and into the attic. We seal these openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Yes. Newer construction next to conservation land and retention ponds still has gaps at the garage, roof edge and AC lines that rodents use. Being new does not mean being sealed.
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.
It can. Norway rats burrow along lakeshores and drainage areas, and heavy summer rain can push them toward garages and homes near the water. Properties near Lakefront Park and Chisholm Park often need a shoreline and garage check as part of the inspection.
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 schedule around tenants, inspect the property, and can send a written report to the owner or property manager so the record is on file for both sides.
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.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in St. Cloud
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in St. Cloud
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
St. Cloud dispatch is ready
Rodents in Your St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud 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 St. CloudSt. Cloud, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
