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 Tavares rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Tavares, FL
Scratching over Wooton Park or droppings in a garage on Deer Island? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Tavares homes and businesses, from the historic bungalows near Downtown Tavares to the waterfront homes on Lake Dora and the manufactured home communities off US-441. 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 Tavares.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Tavares
Why Tavares Has Rats and Mice Near the Water Year-Round
Tavares sits on a narrow isthmus between 3 lakes in the Harris Chain, Lake Eustis, Lake Dora and Lake Harris, which is how the city earned its nickname, America’s Seaplane City. Warm weather, water on almost every side and a mix of century-old bungalows and newer homes give rodents a place to live no matter the season.
Roof rats, sometimes called palm rats in Florida, are the rodent we remove most often here. They travel along oaks and cabbage palms near Wooton Park and the historic downtown, then drop onto a roofline and get in through soffit gaps, vents and tile edges. Older wood-frame homes near downtown Tavares sit closer to the ground and have more of these gaps than newer construction.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along seawalls and boat docks on Deer Island, around the marina near the Tavares Seaplane Base, and burrowing near canals and drainage ditches that connect to Lake Eustis and Lake Dora. In the city’s manufactured home communities, like Lake Frances Estates and Imperial Terrace, both species get in through gaps under skirting. Every part of Tavares has its own weak points, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Tavares
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Tavares
Most Tavares 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, crawl space and mobile home skirting rat removal, from downtown Tavares bungalows to homes on Deer Island.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops around downtown Tavares and the marina.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, ceiling or under a mobile home? 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 crawl spaces, 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 mobile home skirting with metal and hardware cloth 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, skirting repair and dock or seawall advice for Tavares properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Tavares Home
Rodents move at night, so most Tavares homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in a shed or under the home
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice. On mobile homes, check the skirting access panel.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Activity near a dock or seawall
Burrows or gnawed storage boxes near a boat dock or seawall on Deer Island or along Lake Dora often 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 skirting often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Tavares Home?
Roof rats, often called palm rats locally, cause most attic calls in Tavares. Norway rats show up near the lakes, docks and drainage ditches, 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 (Palm Rat)
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, 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 near seawalls, docks, sheds and mobile home skirting
- 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 Tavares 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
- Mobile home skirting, tie-downs and access panels
- Docks, seawalls and boathouses on waterfront lots
- 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 Tavares Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the skirting. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a historic downtown bungalow and a manufactured home in Lake Frances Estates 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
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oaks, palms and branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Mobile home skirting seams and access panels
- Docks, seawalls and boathouses on waterfront lots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
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 Tavares 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 or skirting 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, and leptospirosis is worth extra attention in a lake town like Tavares.
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. With Lake Eustis, Lake Dora and Lake Harris around the city, standing water after heavy rain is worth a second look.
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 or under a mobile home.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Tavares 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: Waterfront homes on Deer Island get rats too. Rats come for shelter and water, not just an old 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, including under mobile home skirting.
- 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 or crawl space. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic, under a mobile home or near 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 oaks, palms and the lake.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings under a mobile home | Skirting is hard to seal correctly | Skirting and tie-down sealing with hardware cloth |
| Activity near a dock or seawall | Burrows are hard to find and close | Waterline inspection and sealing |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls or under a home | Locate, remove and deodorize |
Who we serve in Tavares
Rodent Control for Tavares Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Tavares
From historic bungalows near Downtown Tavares to lakefront homes on Deer Island and manufactured homes in Lake Frances Estates and Imperial Terrace, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, skirting, dock and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Historic bungalows
- Lakefront homes
- Manufactured homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Tavares
Restaurants, breweries and shops around Downtown Tavares and the Tavares Seaplane Base marina deal with foot traffic near the water, 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
- Marina businesses
- Offices
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and dock area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at loading areas and dock buildings 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 Tavares homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Tavares Home
Tavares has homes from the 1880s to today, plus several manufactured home communities. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Historic homes near Downtown Tavares
- Older bungalows and mid-century homes around the historic core near Wooton Park
- Gaps in old soffits, fascia and attic vents with no screens
- Big oaks and cabbage palms close to the roofline
- Crawl spaces or low pier foundations on some older lots
Lakefront homes and Deer Island
- Homes along Lake Dora, Lake Eustis and Lake Harris with docks and seawalls
- Deer Island’s gated golf community, reached only by a single causeway road
- Norway rats burrowing near seawalls, boathouses and lakeside storage
- Screen enclosures and lanai frames used as a path to the roof
Manufactured home communities
- 55 and older communities like Lake Frances Estates and Imperial Terrace
- Gaps and tears in skirting panels along the base of the home
- Access panels and tie-down points left unsealed
- Storage sheds and carports next to the home
Rodents that get under skirting can chew wiring and plumbing lines running beneath a manufactured home.
Newer subdivisions off US-441 and SR 19
- Block-and-stucco homes with garages and screened lanais
- Garage door corners and tile roof edges
- Retention ponds and landscaping that attract rodents to the yard
- AC line and irrigation gaps at the foundation
Area by area
Rodent Problems Around Tavares, Area by Area
Tavares is a small city with very different pockets. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown Tavares and Wooton Park
Historic bungalows and mixed-use buildings around Wooton Park and the Tavares Seaplane Base. Roof rats travel the oaks along the waterfront and drop onto older rooflines.
Deer Island
A gated golf community on a 400-acre island surrounded by Lake Dora and Lake Beauclaire, reached by a single causeway. We check docks, seawalls and screen enclosures first.
Lake Frances Estates and Imperial Terrace
55 and older manufactured home communities where skirting gaps and access panels are the usual way rodents get underneath the home.
US-441 and SR 19 corridor
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions with garages and screened lanais between Tavares and neighboring Eustis and Mount Dora.
Tavares through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Tavares
Tavares has a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year here, but the season changes where they show up.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June through September raise water levels on Lake Eustis, Lake Dora and Lake Harris, pushing Norway rats away from shorelines and toward sheds, docks and skirting.
Tip: Keep dock boxes and lakeside storage off the ground.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Milton crossed Central Florida in October 2024 with a wind field that reached well inland, and heavy rain across the region raised lake levels here in Lake County. High wind can open new gaps in soffits and roofs, and rising water can push rodents toward higher, drier structures.
Tip: After a storm, check the roofline and any skirting for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and crawl spaces. This is when many Tavares homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and skirting in the fall, before cooler weather.
An older, lower-turnover housing stock
Census data puts the median age in Tavares at about 51.5, and many homes here are owned long term. Roof and skirting gaps can go unnoticed for years if nobody gets up on a ladder to check.
Tip: A yearly roofline and skirting check catches small gaps before they become an entry point.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Tavares Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and skirting
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep docks, seawalls and storage under a raised home free of clutter
- Check mobile home skirting for gaps twice a year
- 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 under raised homes, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic or under skirting every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Tavares
Tavares is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic home near downtown is different from what we do on Deer Island or in a 55 and older community.
Roofline Gaps on Historic Homes
Homes built decades ago near Wooton Park often have old soffits, worn attic vents and oaks close enough to the roof for a roof rat to jump.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Docks and Seawalls
Waterfront lots and the Deer Island community give Norway rats places to burrow near docks, boathouses and seawalls.
Our approach: We check the shoreline, dock area and screen enclosures, then trap and seal the ground-level entry points we find.
Skirting Gaps on Manufactured Homes
Skirting panels loosen over time, giving rats and mice a hidden space under the home near wiring and plumbing lines.
Our approach: We inspect the full skirting perimeter and access panels, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath until the activity clears.
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, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Tavares response zone
Tavares service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Tavares is covered by ZIP code 32778. We also serve the rest of Lake County. Call if you are just outside the city and want to check your address.
32778
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Tavares · Wooton Park · Deer Island · Lake Frances Estates · Imperial Terrace · the US-441 and SR 19 corridor
Reviews from Tavares customers
Customer Reviews from Tavares
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“They found where rats were getting under our mobile home and sealed the skirting properly. No more noises at night.”
RH
Ray H.Tavares, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Prompt and professional. They checked our dock and seawall on Deer Island, not just the house.”
CM
Carol M.Tavares, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Explained everything clearly and came back to confirm the rats were gone before closing out the job.”
DP
Dan P.Tavares, FL
Verified Tavares rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Tavares 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Communities like Lake Frances Estates and Imperial Terrace have skirting panels around the base of the home. Gaps, tears or loose access panels give rodents a dry, hidden space to nest, often near wiring and plumbing. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls, ceilings or under a home where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping 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.
Leptospirosis spreads through water or soil with rodent urine in it, so standing water near the shoreline after heavy rain is worth avoiding. Beyond that, the same CDC precautions apply as anywhere else: do not sweep droppings, and wear gloves during cleanup.
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, crawl spaces 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. Deer Island is a gated community reached by a single causeway road, and we coordinate access with homeowners or the gate ahead of the appointment.
Yes. We also serve Eustis, Mount Dora and Leesburg. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Tavares?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Tavares
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Tavares
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Tavares dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Tavares 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 Tavares 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 TavaresTavares, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
