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 The Hammocks rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in The Hammocks, FL
Hearing movement above the ceiling or finding droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses throughout The Hammocks, from lakefront houses in Banyan Tree and Forest Lakes to the townhomes and condos of Mahogany Key. We find how they got 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 Hammocks.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why The Hammocks
Why The Hammocks Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
The Hammocks is an unincorporated community in southwest Miami-Dade County built around a network of interconnected lakes, canals and green space, with looping roads and sidewalks that follow the water. That much water, combined with Mediterranean-style tile roofs, mature landscaping and warm weather all year, gives rats plenty of ways in and very little reason to slow down.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in The Hammocks. They travel through tree canopy and power lines, drop onto tile roofs, and get in through gaps at the roofline, soffits and roof vents. In the townhome and condo communities like Mahogany Key, shared walls and attic spaces let a rat problem in one unit spread to the next before anyone notices.
Norway rats stay lower to the ground and close to water. We find them along the lake banks and canal edges that run through Banyan Tree and Forest Lakes, in storm drains, and around dumpsters near Hammocks Town Center and Forest Lakes Plaza. Every property here is different, so we inspect each one on its own rather than assuming what worked next door will work for you.
Services available in The Hammocks
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in The Hammocks
Most jobs in The Hammocks 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 roofline rat removal for single-family homes, townhomes and condos across Banyan Tree, Forest Lakes and Mahogany Key.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants around Hammocks Town Center and Forest Lakes Plaza.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use along lake banks, canal edges and attic runs, checked on return visits.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, attic or shared 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, tile roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Hammocks homes and units.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Hammocks Home
Rodents move at night, so most Hammocks residents 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 near lake-fed sprinkler systems. This can lead to shorts and leaks.
Rustling in the lanai or screen enclosure
Rats travel along lake-front lanai screens and pool cages. Torn screening near the roofline is a common sign.
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 shared closet wall often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Hammocks Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in The Hammocks, Norway rats show up near the lakes, canals and storm drains, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in townhomes and condos. 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, tile roof spaces, tree canopy and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows along lake banks, canal edges, storm drains and dumpsters
- 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 The Hammocks starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Tile roof edges, 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, lanai screens and pool enclosure frames
- Shared walls and attic spaces in townhomes and condos
- Lake banks, canal edges and landscaping touching the roofline
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and bird feeders
- 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, and the lake and canal network that runs through The Hammocks gives Norway rats standing water to nest near, which raises the chance of contact with contaminated water.
- 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 for your HOA file
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Hammocks Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the lake bank. What we check depends on whether it is a single-family home or a shared-wall townhome or condo.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree canopy and power lines touching the roof
- Shared attic space between attached townhome units
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Lanai screens and pool enclosure frames
- Lake bank and canal edge landscaping near the home
- Sheds, storage areas and HOA common-area irrigation boxes
- Dumpster and loading areas for townhome and condo buildings
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 Hammocks 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 for lake-front and canal-side properties in The Hammocks.
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. The lakes, canals and retention ponds throughout The Hammocks give Norway rats plenty of water to contaminate.
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 AC or irrigation lines can cause leaks inside walls and shared attics.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Hammocks Residents
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 shared attic space, which causes a strong smell for weeks and can affect a neighboring unit. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: HOA landscaping crews handle rodent control
- Fact: Landscaping keeps the common areas and lake banks tidy, but it does not seal the openings rats use to get into your home or unit.
- 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 or the neighboring unit. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: Living away from the lake means no rat risk
- Fact: Roof rats travel through tree canopy and power lines well away from the water, so homes throughout The Hammocks, not just lake-front ones, get calls.
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 shared attic or wall 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 lakes, canals and tree canopy.
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 |
| Sounds in a shared townhome wall | Risk of missing the neighboring unit | Full inspection of the shared structure |
| 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 The Hammocks
Rodent Control for Hammocks Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in The Hammocks
From lake-front single-family homes in Banyan Tree and Forest Lakes to attached townhomes and low-rise condos in Mahogany Key, each property has its own weak spots. We check the roofline, attic, shared walls where they exist, and the yard or lanai, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, tile roof edges and vents, 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.
- Lake-front homes
- Townhomes
- Condos
- HOA-governed communities
Commercial Rodent Control in The Hammocks
Shops and restaurants around Hammocks Town Center and Forest Lakes Plaza 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.
- Retail centers
- Restaurants
- Offices
- Property managers
- HOA boards
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, inspector or HOA board.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Hammocks properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Hammocks Property
The Hammocks has a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and condos, most inside HOA communities such as Banyan Tree, Forest Lakes and Mahogany Key. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Single-family lake-front homes
- Mediterranean-style tile roofs in Banyan Tree and Forest Lakes with open ridge caps and roof edges
- Lanai screens and pool cages that back up to a lake or canal
- Tree canopy overhanging the roof, used as a bridge by roof rats
- AC line and irrigation gaps at the rear of the home near the water
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
Townhomes and condos (Mahogany Key and similar)
- Shared attic space and party walls that let activity move between units
- Roof access points shared by an entire building or row
- Utility chases and plumbing stacks that run between floors and units
- Dumpster corrals and shared storage areas
- HOA-maintained common areas that need coordination before sealing work starts
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across The Hammocks, Area by Area
The Hammocks covers about 8 square miles of southwest Miami-Dade County. Here is what we usually check first in each part of it.
Banyan Tree and Forest Lakes
Lake-front single-family homes built around the community’s interconnected lake system. Norway rats burrow along the banks, and roof rats use overhanging tree canopy to reach the tile roof.
Mahogany Key and nearby townhome communities
Attached townhomes and condos with shared walls and attic space. A rat problem in one unit can spread to the next one before it is noticed.
Hammocks Town Center and Forest Lakes Plaza
Retail corridor anchored by Publix, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Aldi. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs for shops and restaurants here.
Bordering The Crossings
The Hammocks shares its eastern edge with The Crossings. Homes near this border see the same canal-side rat pressure on both sides of the line.
Bordering Kendall West and Kendale Lakes
Along the northern edge near Kendall West and Kendale Lakes, similar lake-community construction means the same entry points to check.
Near Hammocks Middle and Felix Varela High
Family neighborhoods around the schools mix single-family homes with smaller HOA pocket communities, most built with the same tile roofs and lanai construction.
The Hammocks through the year
How the Weather Changes Rodent Activity in The Hammocks
The Hammocks has a humid subtropical climate with a wet season and a mild winter that never really slows rodents down. The lake and canal network changes where they go as the water level rises and falls.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms raise lake and canal levels from roughly June to September, flooding burrows along the water’s edge and pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and ground-floor units.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Southwest Miami-Dade County, including the area now known as The Hammocks, sits in a part of the county that has taken direct hits from major hurricanes, Andrew in 1992 among them. Storm winds tear at tile roof edges and screen enclosures, and heavy rain pushes rats out of lake-bank burrows and into homes.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check lanai screens for damage.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and shared roof spaces. This is when many Hammocks residents first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and lanai screens in the fall, before cooler weather.
Year-round lake and canal pressure
Unlike inland neighborhoods, The Hammocks has water within a short walk of almost every property. That means Norway rat pressure near the water stays fairly steady all year, not just after storms.
Tip: Keep pet food and bird seed off the ground near the lake.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in The Hammocks
The Hammocks is not one kind of property. What we do at a lake-front home in Forest Lakes is different from what we do at a townhome in Mahogany Key or a shop near Hammocks Town Center.
Norway Rats Along the Water
Homes backing onto a lake or canal give Norway rats a place to burrow close to the house, and lanai screens give roof rats a way onto the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the lake bank and lanai frame, seal roofline gaps with hardware cloth, then trap near the water until activity stops.
Shared Walls and Attic Space
Attached units share a wall, a roofline or an attic, so a rat problem often starts in one unit and moves before anyone notices.
Our approach: We inspect the shared attic and roof access points, coordinate sealing work with the HOA where needed, and trap on both sides of the shared space.
Dumpster and Loading Area Pressure
Shared dumpsters and loading doors near the retail corridor draw rats looking for an easy food source.
Our approach: We check dumpster corrals and door seals, set a scheduled service plan, and provide written visit logs for the property manager.
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, shared walls or large amounts, call us instead
Primary The Hammocks response zone
The Hammocks service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
The Hammocks sits within ZIP codes 33186 and 33196. We cover the whole community and the surrounding southwest Miami-Dade area. Call if you are not sure whether you are inside The Hammocks.
3318633196
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Banyan Tree · Forest Lakes · Mahogany Key · Hammocks Town Center · The Crossings · Kendall West · Kendale Lakes · Kendall
Reviews from The Hammocks customers
Customer Reviews from The Hammocks
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting onto our roof from the trees by the lake. Sealed it up and we have not heard anything since.”
MR
Maria R.The Hammocks, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We have a townhome in Mahogany Key and heard scratching in the shared attic. They explained what was happening and took care of it.”
CP
Carlos P.The Hammocks, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and on time. They checked our lanai screen and the roofline and gave us a clear plan before starting any work.”
AT
Ana T.The Hammocks, FL
Verified The Hammocks rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Hammocks 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.
Norway rats burrow along lake banks and canal edges, and roof rats use overhanging tree canopy near the water to reach the roof. A lake-front lot simply gives rats more cover and more ways onto the property than a lot further from the water.
Yes. Attached townhomes and condos in communities like Mahogany Key often share attic space or a roofline, so a rat problem in one unit can spread to the one next to it. We inspect the shared structure, not just your side of the wall.
It depends on your community’s rules and whether the work touches shared or common-area structures. We give you a written scope of work you can share with your HOA board or property manager if approval is needed.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls, ceilings or shared attic space where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell that can affect a neighboring unit. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
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, shared walls 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 The Crossings, Kendall West, Kendale Lakes and Kendall. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in The Hammocks
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in The Hammocks
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
The Hammocks dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Hammocks 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 The Hammocks 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 HammocksThe Hammocks, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
