Running in the ceiling or barn loft
Quick footsteps or scratching after dark, in the attic or above a barn or shed. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local The Acreage rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in The Acreage, FL
Scratching in the attic or rats getting into the feed room? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes, barns and outbuildings across The Acreage, from equestrian properties along Persimmon Boulevard to newer homes near Westlake. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in The Acreage.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why The Acreage
Why The Acreage Has a Different Rodent Problem Than Most Cities
The Acreage is an unincorporated community of about 41,654 people in Palm Beach County, governed by the Indian Trail Improvement District (ITID). Almost every home sits on a well and a septic system instead of city water and sewer, lots run 1.25 acres or larger, and many roads are still unpaved. That combination gives rats and mice far more places to live than a typical subdivision.
Roof rats travel along power lines, oak limbs and fence lines from the wooded and agricultural land that borders many properties, then drop into barns, sheds and attics. Hay, livestock feed and chicken coops, common on Acreage lots, are one of the biggest draws we see and something most city pest companies rarely deal with.
Norway rats stick closer to the ground. On Acreage properties that means the canals and drainage swales that run through nearly every neighborhood, along with well housings, septic covers and stacked firewood or feed bags. Flat, low-lying land means water sits after heavy rain, which pushes ground-level rodents toward garages and homes.
Services available in The Acreage
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in The Acreage
Most jobs in The Acreage 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, barn and outbuilding rat removal for Acreage homes on well and septic, from equestrian lots to newer homes near Westlake.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlRodent control for equestrian facilities, farms, home-based businesses and the retail strips along Persimmon Boulevard.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use between hay storage, barns and the house, checked on return visits until activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, attic or barn loft? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics, garages and feed rooms, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids, pets and livestock.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, well housing gaps and barn siding with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings from feed rooms and attics with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, feed bin recommendations and tree trimming advice for The Acreage.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice on an Acreage Property
Rodents move at night, so most Acreage homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings near feed or in the garage
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice. Feed rooms and grain bins are common spots.
Chewed wires or well pump lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, irrigation lines and pump housings. This can lead to shorts, well pump failure and costly repairs.
Gnawed feed bags or hay bales
Torn feed bags, chewed hay strings and hollowed fruit on backyard trees are a classic sign on Acreage lots.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, feed rooms and the attic hatch.
Pets or horses acting strange
Dogs staring at a wall, or horses spooking near a feed room, often mean rodents are moving nearby.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is on Your Acreage Property?
Roof rats cause most attic and barn calls in The Acreage, Norway rats show up along canals and drainage swales, and house mice get into kitchens, garages and feed rooms. 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, barn lofts, palm trees and dense 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 canals, under sheds and in stacked feed or firewood
- 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, garages and feed rooms
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in The Acreage starts with a full inspection of the house and any outbuildings. 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
- Barns, sheds, tack rooms and feed storage
- Well housing, septic covers and irrigation lines
- Foundation, slab edges and skirting on manufactured homes
- Trees, fence lines and power lines touching the roof
- Food sources: feed bags, hay, chicken coops, garbage and pet food
- 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, including barn and shed siding.
- 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 an Acreage Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, not just the house. A barn, a well house and a feed room each have their own weak spots.
House, attic and upper areas
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including on manufactured and modular homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees, fence lines and power lines touching the roof
- Skirting on manufactured homes for gaps at ground level
Yard, barns and outbuildings
- Well housing, septic covers and irrigation valve boxes
- Barns, run-in sheds, tack rooms and feed storage
- Chicken coops and other livestock housing
- Canals, drainage swales and culverts along the property line
- Stacked hay, feed bags and firewood
- Unpaved driveway culverts and gate areas
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 Acreage Properties
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, barn and outbuildings, 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 between feed storage, outbuildings and the house. We check them on return visits.
- 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 buildings and openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents on Your Property 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, including in barns and feed rooms. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Canals, drainage swales and standing water after heavy rain are a concern here.
Salmonellosis
Food, feed 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, horses and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and well pump damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed wiring at the well pump can cause a costly loss of water pressure.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Acreage Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer, especially on larger rural properties. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Living on well and septic keeps rodents away
- Fact: Well housings, septic covers and irrigation boxes are actually common rodent shelter. Water and sewer type has nothing to do with it.
- Myth: Only properties with animals get rats
- Fact: Homes with no livestock get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and any stored food, not just feed.
- Myth: Poison in the barn is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls, lofts or feed rooms, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap instead.
- Myth: A barn cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats help, but they do not reach attics, wall voids or every corner of a large lot, and they do not close entry points.
- Myth: Unpaved roads and open land mean rats stay outside
- Fact: Open land actually gives rats more cover to travel from the fence line to the house than a paved subdivision would.
- Myth: One rat in the feed room is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats near feed storage can turn into a much bigger problem fast.
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 a barn, attic or well house 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 the canal bank or the next fence line over.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic or barn loft | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline and loft sealing with trapping |
| Rats in the feed room | Feed keeps attracting new rats | Feed storage advice plus sealing and trapping |
| Chewed wires or well pump lines | Risk of fire or lost water pressure | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls or lofts | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats along a canal bank | Burrows are hard to treat safely | Ground-level baiting and exclusion at the home |
Who we serve in The Acreage
Rodent Control for Acreage Homes, Farms and Small Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in The Acreage
From equestrian properties with barns and paddocks to newer block homes near Westlake, each Acreage property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, well house, outbuildings and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
House and outbuilding inspection
We check soffits, vents, barns and sheds, 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 and outside
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls, and outdoor placement keeps bait away from pets and livestock.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Equestrian properties
- Manufactured homes
- Block and stucco homes
- Homes with barns or coops
Commercial Rodent Control in The Acreage
The Acreage has fewer restaurants and offices than a typical city, but it has boarding stables, small farms, home-based businesses and the retail strips along Persimmon Boulevard and Orange Boulevard. Feed storage and outbuildings need the same attention as a commercial kitchen would in a city.
- Boarding stables
- Small farms
- Home-based businesses
- Retail strips
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around feeding and business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager, owner or inspector.
Feed and storage advice
Simple changes to feed bins and storage areas that make a property less attractive to rats.
Barn and outbuilding sealing
Siding gaps and vents closed with rodent-proof materials.
How Acreage properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Acreage Property
The Acreage has fewer housing styles than a city, but the properties are bigger and often include outbuildings. The way a property is set up tells us where to look first.
Equestrian and rural lots with outbuildings
- Barns, run-in sheds and tack rooms with feed and hay storage
- Chicken coops and other livestock housing
- Well housings and septic covers that give ground cover
- Canals and drainage swales along the property line
- Older wood-frame homes with gaps at the roofline
Manufactured homes and newer block homes
- Skirting gaps on manufactured and modular homes
- Block-and-stucco homes near Westlake and along Seminole Pratt Whitney Road
- Garage door corners and AC line penetrations
- Fence lines and tree cover used as a path to the roof
- Screen enclosures and pool equipment areas
Local reference points
Landmarks in The Acreage
These are real, well-known spots in and around The Acreage. We mention them so you know we actually work this area, not because rodent activity is worse at any of them specifically.
Acreage Community Park
An Indian Trail Improvement District park with sports fields, used by families across the community. One of 9 ITID parks in the area.
Acreage Branch Library
A Palm Beach County library branch that opened in 2012, with hitching posts out front for the community’s horses and riders.
Seminole Ridge Community High School
The public high school serving The Acreage, part of the School District of Palm Beach County.
The Acreage through the year
How Seasons Change Rodent Activity in The Acreage
Florida’s wet and dry seasons, plus hurricane season, change where rodents go on a property with canals, wells and open land.
Rainy season (June to September)
Heavy afternoon storms fill the canals and drainage swales that run through most of The Acreage. Rising water pushes Norway rats out of ground burrows and into garages, barns and homes.
Tip: Keep barn and garage doors closed after heavy rain.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
An EF3 tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton caused significant damage in The Acreage in October 2024. Storm damage to roofs, soffits and barn siding gives rodents new ways in, so it is worth checking these areas after any major storm.
Tip: After a storm, walk the property and check the roofline and outbuildings.
Dry season (December to April)
As canals and standing water drop, rodents move toward the water and food that homes, barns and feed rooms provide. This is when many Acreage residents first notice activity indoors.
Tip: Store feed and hay in sealed containers, not open bags.
Foaling and breeding season
Extra hay and feed on hand for horses during breeding and foaling season is an easy meal for rats, and a reason they stay close to barns.
Tip: Elevate feed and hay off the ground on pallets.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in The Acreage
The Acreage is not one kind of property. What we do at a boarding stable is different from what we do at a block home near Westlake.
Rats Nesting in Feed Storage
Barns, tack rooms and feed bins give roof rats and Norway rats shelter and an easy food source year round.
Our approach: We inspect barns and feed storage, seal siding and roofline gaps, then trap around feed areas until activity stops.
Norway Rats Along Canal Banks
Canals and drainage swales that border most lots give Norway rats a place to burrow close to the house, well housing and septic covers.
Our approach: We check ground level around the canal bank, well and septic area, then bait and seal the entry points we find at the home.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes near Westlake 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 and animals safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows or barn doors 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, barns or large amounts, call us instead
Primary The Acreage response zone
The Acreage service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
The Acreage spans 3 main ZIP codes. Call if you do not see yours, since we also cover surrounding western Palm Beach County.
334113341233470
Areas we serve
Check my address →
The Acreage · Loxahatchee Groves · Royal Palm Beach · Wellington · Westlake · Western communities of Palm Beach County
Reviews from The Acreage customers
Customer Reviews from The Acreage
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“They found where rats were getting into our barn and sealed it up right. Our feed room has been clean since the visit.”
RK
Rachel K.The Acreage, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Living on well and septic out here, I figured pest control would be a hassle. They knew exactly what to check and were thorough.”
DM
Dan M.The Acreage, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and quick to respond. They understood our property has a lot more ground to cover than a regular subdivision home.”
TP
Theresa P.The Acreage, FL
Verified The Acreage rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Acreage Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Yes. Most Acreage jobs include the house plus any barns, sheds, coops or feed rooms on the property, since rodents often move between them.
Well housings, septic covers and irrigation valve boxes give rodents cover and a water source, so yes, they are a factor we always check on Acreage properties. It has nothing to do with water quality, just shelter.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die in walls, lofts or feed storage where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping and sealing works better, and it is safer around livestock.
In areas with roof and structure damage, yes. Damaged soffits, roofing and barn siding open new gaps for rodents. If your property had storm repairs, it is worth having those areas checked.
The canals and drainage swales that run through most of The Acreage give Norway rats a place to burrow close to homes. After heavy rain, rising water can push them toward garages and houses.
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, barns 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 Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and West Palm Beach. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside The Acreage?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in The Acreage
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in The Acreage
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
The Acreage dispatch is ready
Rats on Your Acreage Property?
Call now. We will inspect the house and any outbuildings, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request The Acreage 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 The AcreageThe Acreage, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
