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 Three Lakes rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Three Lakes, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage in the Three Lakes area near Kendall and Zoo Miami? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Three Lakes homes and businesses, from the single-family blocks off SW 152nd Street to the townhouses and condos closer to the canals. 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 Three Lakes.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Three Lakes
Why Three Lakes Sees Rats and Mice Year-Round
Three Lakes is an unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County, about 16 miles southwest of downtown Miami, wedged between The Crossings, Kendall, Richmond Heights, Country Walk and Zoo Miami. The community takes its name from the lakes and canals that make up roughly 0.67 of its 3.90 square miles, and that water is exactly what draws rats and mice in.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often here. They travel along fence lines, ficus hedges and power lines that connect the dense rows of single-family homes and townhouses, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof tile edges and gaps around AC lines. With more than 5,100 people per square mile, Three Lakes is one of the more densely built communities in this part of the county, so once rats get a foothold on one block, they move quickly to the next.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them around the canal banks and retention lakes that run through the neighborhoods of Deerwood and Bonita Lakes, along fences bordering Zoo Miami to the south, and in garages and sheds near Country Walk to the west. Every block here has its own mix of older and newer construction, so we inspect each property on its own rather than working off a template.
Explore Three Lakes services →
Services available in Three Lakes
Rodent Control Services Available in Three Lakes
Most Three Lakes 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 fence-line rat removal for Three Lakes homes, from single-family blocks to townhouses and condos.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service for the shopping plazas and offices along Kendall Drive and SW 152nd Street.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use along fence lines and canal banks, checked on return visits until activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and garages, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps and fence-line gaps 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 hedge and tree trimming advice for Three Lakes homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Three Lakes Home
Rodents move at night, so most Three Lakes homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in the garage or attic
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Half-eaten fruit in the yard
Hollowed mangoes, avocados or citrus still on the tree or on the ground are a common roof rat sign in Three Lakes yards.
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 Three Lakes Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and fence-line calls in Three Lakes, Norway rats show up near the canals, retention lakes and garages, 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
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, hedges and fence lines
- 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 Three Lakes 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
- Fence lines, hedges and any canal or lake bank on the property
- 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. Miami-Dade County has an added local concern: university researchers have confirmed the rat lungworm parasite, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, in wild rats and giant African land snails sampled in the county, a parasite that can spread to pets and people that come into contact with infected snails or unwashed produce.
- 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, and University of Florida IFAS reporting on rat lungworm in Miami-Dade County.
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 Three Lakes Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the fence line. What we check depends on how close the home sits to a canal, lake or Zoo Miami’s perimeter.
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
- Hedges, ficus trees and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Canal banks, lake edges and drainage grates on the property line
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Fence lines shared with neighboring yards or Zoo Miami’s perimeter fencing
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 Three Lakes 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 home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Three Lakes Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only homes near the canal get rats
- Fact: Roof rats travel fence lines and hedges throughout Three Lakes, not just near the water. Every block here can have activity.
- 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, especially in a dense community like Three Lakes.
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 or along a canal bank 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 next yard, fence line or canal bank.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Activity along a canal or lake bank | Burrows are hard to find and close safely | Bank inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Three Lakes
Rodent Control for Three Lakes Homes, Rentals and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Three Lakes
Three Lakes has about 5,735 housing units with a 4.5 percent vacancy rate, a mix of owner-occupied single-family homes, townhouses and rental units. We check the roofline, attic, fence line, garage and any canal or lake bank on the lot, then seal the openings rats are using. For landlords and property managers, we can provide a written inspection report for tenants or for a lease turnover.
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.
Landlord and tenant reports
Written findings you can share between a landlord, property manager and tenant.
- Single-family homes
- Townhouses
- Condos
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Three Lakes
Shopping plazas and offices along Kendall Drive and SW 152nd Street 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 plazas
- Restaurants
- 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 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 Three Lakes homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Three Lakes Home
Three Lakes has a dense mix of single-family homes, townhouses and condos across neighborhoods like Deerwood and Bonita Lakes. The way a property is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Single-family homes on interior lots
- Concrete block homes with tile or shingle roofs typical of Miami-Dade suburbs
- Ficus and hibiscus hedges along the property line used as a path to the roof
- Open tile roof edges and gaps where AC lines pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screened patio frames
- Fence lines shared with neighboring yards
Townhouses, condos and canal-front lots
- Shared walls and rooflines in townhouse rows near Deerwood and Bonita Lakes
- Canal banks and retention lake edges that give Norway rats a place to burrow
- Shared dumpster and mailbox areas in condo communities
- Drainage grates and utility boxes at ground level
- Common-area landscaping that touches building walls
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Three Lakes, Area by Area
Three Lakes borders several other Miami-Dade communities. Here is what we usually check first depending on where a property sits.
Deerwood and Bonita Lakes
The two named neighborhoods inside Three Lakes, built around the community’s canals and retention lakes. Norway rats burrow along the water’s edge here.
Near the Zoo Miami perimeter
Homes along the southern edge of Three Lakes back up to Zoo Miami. Fence lines and hedges here get extra attention during an inspection.
Along the border with The Crossings and Kendall
Dense rows of single-family homes to the north and northeast. Roof rats move quickly block to block through connected hedges and power lines here.
Near Country Walk to the west
Newer construction with attached garages and pool screen enclosures. AC line gaps and garage corners are the usual entry points.
Three Lakes through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Three Lakes
Three Lakes has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. The weather still changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms raise water levels in the canals and lakes that give Three Lakes its name, pushing Norway rats up onto banks, into garages and toward higher ground.
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 and lake levels up and open new gaps in soffits and fences. Rats displaced from banks and burrows look for a dry attic or garage nearby.
Tip: After a storm, walk the fence line and roofline and check for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and garages. This is when many Three Lakes homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and fence gaps in the fall, before cooler weather.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard mangoes and avocados are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to Three Lakes homes through the spring and summer.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Three Lakes Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal bank and garage
- Trim hedges and branches away from the roof and fence line
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep canal banks, lake edges and storage areas free of clutter
- Store bikes and yard equipment off the ground
- 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 Three Lakes
Three Lakes is not one kind of property. What we do at a single-family home on an interior block is different from what we do at a townhouse near the canal.
Roof Rats Using Hedges and Fence Lines
Dense rows of block homes with connected hedges and fence lines let roof rats move quickly from yard to yard and onto the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline, fence line and hedges first, then seal soffit and AC line gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Along the Canal Bank
Properties near the community’s canals and retention lakes get Norway rat burrows along the bank and near shared dumpster areas.
Our approach: We inspect the bank and common areas, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Perimeter Fence Line Activity
Homes along the southern and western edge of Three Lakes have longer fence lines and more landscaping cover for rodents to travel through.
Our approach: We walk the full perimeter fence, seal gaps at the base and corners, and set traps along the paths we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Three Lakes response zone
Three Lakes 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.
33186
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Three Lakes · Deerwood · Bonita Lakes · The Crossings · Kendall · Country Walk
Reviews from Three Lakes customers
Customer Reviews from Three Lakes
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gap in our soffit fast and sealed it the same visit. No more noise in the attic.”
MR
Maria R.Three Lakes, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We live near the canal and kept seeing rats along the bank. They inspected the whole yard and explained exactly what they were doing.”
DP
David P.Three Lakes, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and on time. They came back to check the traps like they said they would.”
CG
Carla G.Three Lakes, FL
Verified Three Lakes rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Three Lakes 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.
Water draws rodents in for drinking and cover. Norway rats especially burrow into canal banks and retention lake edges around Deerwood and Bonita Lakes, then move into nearby garages and sheds. We inspect the bank as part of any job near 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.
University of Florida researchers have confirmed the rat lungworm parasite in wild rats and giant African land snails sampled in Miami-Dade County. The risk to people is low if you avoid handling snails or slugs with bare hands and wash produce well, but it is one more reason to keep rodent activity away from the home.
Yes. With about a third of homes in the area being rentals, we regularly provide written inspection findings that a landlord or property manager can share with a tenant, or use at lease turnover.
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 also serve The Crossings, Kendall, Country Walk and Palmetto Estates. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Three Lakes
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Three Lakes
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Three Lakes dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Three Lakes 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 Three Lakes 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 Three LakesThree Lakes, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
