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 Tamiami rodent control team
Rodent Control in Tamiami
Rats and mice along the Tamiami Canal and the Tamiami Trail corridor find their way into homes and businesses across this Miami-Dade community. Our inspections, sealing and trapping stop the problem and keep it from coming back.
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 Tamiami.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Tamiami
Why Tamiami Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Tamiami is an unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County, about 14 miles west of downtown Miami, built along US Route 41, the Tamiami Trail. The Tamiami Canal runs alongside the Trail through the middle of the community on its way into the Everglades. Warm weather all year and water close to almost every property mean rodents are active in every season here, not just one.
Norway rats stay low and near water. We find them along the banks of the Tamiami Canal, in drainage areas, and burrowing near foundations, sheds and dumpsters behind the retail strips that line the Trail. Roof rats climb instead. In the residential streets between the Trail and the borders with Westchester and Kendale Lakes, they travel utility lines and tree cover, then drop onto rooflines and get in through soffit gaps and vents.
Tamiami is one of the most densely populated communities in Miami-Dade County, with roughly 7,700 people per square mile packed into 7.05 square miles of land. That density means homes, apartments, canals and commercial buildings sit close together, so a rodent problem at one address can spread to the next block quickly.
Services available in Tamiami
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Tamiami
Most Tamiami 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 foundation rat removal for homes on both sides of the Tamiami Trail, from streets near the canal to blocks bordering Kendale Lakes.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for the restaurants, shops and offices along the Tamiami Trail retail strip.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use along fence lines, canal banks and attics, then checked on return visits.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, canal-side foundation sealing and tree trimming advice for Tamiami properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Tamiami Home
Rodents move at night, so most homeowners in Tamiami 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.
Burrow holes near the canal or fence line
Small, fresh holes along the Tamiami Canal bank, a fence line or under a shed usually mean Norway rats.
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 Tamiami Home?
Norway rats cause most of the canal-side and ground-level calls we get in Tamiami. Roof rats show up more in the residential streets away from the water, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries anywhere. 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 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 and along canal banks
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Tamiami 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 canal-side fence lines
- Trees and shrubs 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 Tamiami Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on how close the home sits to water and how the property is laid out.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees and utility lines touching the roof
Ground level, canal and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Fence lines and burrows near the Tamiami Canal or drainage ditches
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food left outside
- Dumpster and loading areas behind Trail-front businesses
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 Tamiami 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water near the 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 Tamiami 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, well-kept homes near the canal get rats too. Rats come for water, shelter and food, 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 near a canal bank or in the attic are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch a rat or two but leave the openings and burrows in place, so new rats move in from the canal or nearby 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 |
| Burrows along the canal or fence | Burrows are often deeper than they look | Bait stations and exclusion at the source |
| 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 |
Who we serve in Tamiami
Rodent Control for Tamiami Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Tamiami
Homes closer to the Tamiami Canal deal with ground-level burrows, while houses further into the neighborhood, toward Westchester and Kendale Lakes, see more roofline activity. 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.
- Single-family homes
- Canal-side properties
- Apartments and condos
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Tamiami
Retail plazas, restaurants and offices along the Tamiami Trail deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that stay open during business hours. 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.
Location matters
Where Rats Get In, by Location in Tamiami
Tamiami stretches from the Tamiami Canal to the borders of Westchester and Kendale Lakes. Where a property sits changes what we check first.
Near the Tamiami Canal and Trail
- Norway rat burrows along canal banks, fence lines and drainage ditches
- Loading docks and dumpster corrals behind Trail businesses
- Gaps under fences and slabs close to water
- Standing water after heavy rain that raises Leptospirosis risk
- Older commercial buildings with rooflines that meet block walls
Residential streets toward Westchester and Kendale Lakes
- Roofline and soffit gaps on single-family homes
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through walls
- Apartment and condo buildings with shared roofs and attics
- Trees and utility lines that give roof rats a path to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Tamiami, Area by Area
Tamiami is not one kind of property. Here is what we usually check first in different parts of the community.
Along the Tamiami Canal
The canal runs the length of the community next to the Trail. Norway rats burrow into the banks and move into nearby yards and outbuildings, especially after rain.
Tamiami Trail business strip
Restaurants, plazas and offices along US-41 share walls and dumpsters. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Around Tamiami Park
Tamiami Park, home to the Miami-Dade County Fair grounds, sits in the community and draws large crowds during fair season. Nearby homes and businesses see more activity when food waste builds up.
Bordering Sweetwater and Westwood Lakes
Older single-family blocks near these neighbor communities often have mature trees over the roofline, a common roof rat entry path.
Toward Westchester and Kendale Lakes
Denser residential streets and multi-family buildings on the east and south sides of Tamiami, where shared roofs and attics let a rodent problem spread between units.
Tamiami through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Tamiami
Tamiami sits at just 7 feet of elevation with a humid subtropical climate 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 along the Tamiami Canal and flood low yards, pushing Norway rats out of their burrows and toward garages, sheds and homes.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain and wind can push canal water higher and damage roofs and soffits across Miami-Dade. Storm damage gives rodents a new way into homes that were previously sealed.
Tip: After any storm, walk around the property and check the roofline and fence lines.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and garages. This is when many Tamiami homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fair season at Tamiami Park
When the Miami-Dade County Fair runs at Tamiami Park, food vendors and crowds nearby can draw more rodent activity to surrounding blocks for a few weeks each year.
Tip: Businesses near the park should schedule an extra inspection before and after fair season.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Tamiami Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal side 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 fence lines and canal-side yards free of clutter and woodpiles
- Store items off the ground in sheds and garages
- 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 Tamiami
Tamiami is not one kind of property. What we do at a home near the canal is different from what we do at a business on the Trail.
Norway Rat Burrows Near Water
Properties close to the canal or drainage ditches often have Norway rat burrows along the bank that lead into yards and under sheds.
Our approach: We inspect the bank and fence line, place bait stations at the burrows, and seal ground-level gaps into the home.
Roofline and Attic Access
Homes further from the canal, toward Westchester and Kendale Lakes, tend to see roof rats using trees and utility lines to reach the roof.
Our approach: We check soffits, vents and roof edges first, then seal what we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Dumpsters and Shared Walls
Restaurants and shops along US-41 share dumpsters, loading docks and sometimes walls with the business next door.
Our approach: We set a scheduled visit plan, seal door and dock gaps, and give written logs for health inspections.
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, canal-side burrows or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Tamiami response zone
Tamiami service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are our most frequently served ZIP codes. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
33175331823318433265
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Along the Tamiami Trail · Tamiami Canal corridor · Near Tamiami Park · Bordering Sweetwater, Westchester, Westwood Lakes and Kendale Lakes
Reviews from Tamiami customers
Customer Reviews from Tamiami
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“They found where the rats were getting in near our fence by the canal and sealed it up. Have not heard anything since.”
MR
Maria R.Tamiami, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Fast response and explained exactly what they were doing in the attic. Appreciated the follow-up visit to check the traps.”
CP
Carlos P.Tamiami, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We run a small shop on the Trail and needed someone reliable for scheduled visits. They keep good records for our inspections.”
AL
Ana L.Tamiami, FL
Verified Tamiami rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Tamiami Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
The canal gives Norway rats water, cover and a steady food source along the bank. Burrows there can extend into nearby yards and under sheds, so we check the bank and fence line as part of any inspection close to the water.
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, for properties near the canal or in low spots. Heavy rain from June through September can flood burrows and push Norway rats toward higher ground, including garages and sheds. If your yard tends to hold water, it is worth having the perimeter checked before the rainy season.
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 work with restaurants, retail stores and offices along US-41, with scheduled visits and written logs you can show a manager or a health inspector.
Yes. We also serve Sweetwater, Westchester, Kendale Lakes and Fountainebleau. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Tamiami?
Nearby Cities Served from Tamiami
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Tamiami
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Tamiami
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Tamiami dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Tamiami 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 Tamiami 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 TamiamiTamiami, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
