Scratching in the ceiling or walls
Quick footsteps or scratching above a ceiling or inside a shared wall after dark, common in two and three story apartment buildings.
Your local University rodent control team
Rodent Control in University, FL
Rats and mice near UCF move fast between apartments, offices and older homes. Our rat and mouse removal in University finds where they are getting in, seals it, and clears out what is 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 University.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why University
Why University Gets So Many Rodent Calls
University is the Orange County community built around the University of Central Florida, about 15 miles northeast of downtown Orlando. It became its own census-designated place in 2010 and grew fast, from 31,084 residents in 2010 to 45,284 in 2020, a 45.7 percent jump in one decade.
Most of that growth is apartments. Thousands of students live in off-campus complexes packed close together along Gemini Boulevard, Centaurus Boulevard and University Boulevard. Shared walls, dumpster corrals and constant move-in and move-out turnover make it easy for roof rats and house mice to spread from one unit to the next without anyone noticing right away.
South of the main campus, the Central Florida Research Park covers over 1,000 acres of office and lab buildings for companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris. Older single-family homes and townhomes sit further out toward Alafaya and Goldenrod. We treat all three differently because the entry points and the risks are not the same.
Services available in University
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in University
Most University 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 and unit-level rat and mouse removal for University homes, townhomes and off-campus apartments near UCF.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for offices and labs in Central Florida Research Park and shops along Alafaya Trail.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rodents use between units and buildings, checked on return visits.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, ceiling or drop ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics, closets and storage areas, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps and follow product labels around students, kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps and dumpster-corral gaps so rodents 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 and landscaping advice for homes, apartment buildings and Research Park offices.Learn More →
Warning signs
Is It Rats or Mice? Signs University Residents Notice First
Most people find the signs long before they see a rodent. If you notice 2 or more of these, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings near the dumpster corral or pantry
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice, often first spotted in a kitchen cabinet.
Chewed wires, screens or food packaging
Rodents gnaw on wiring, window screens and cardboard food boxes. In older homes this can lead to shorts or leaks.
A neighbor with the same problem
In dense apartment buildings near UCF, rodents move between units. If one apartment reports a problem, the ones next to it often have it too.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, storage rooms and attic hatches.
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 University Home or Apartment?
Roof rats cause most attic and rooftop calls near UCF, house mice are the most common problem inside apartments and townhomes, and Norway rats turn up around dumpster corrals, landscaping beds and older ground-level buildings. 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 lines, trees near buildings
- 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 dumpsters, mulch beds and slab edges
- 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 closets
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in University starts with a full inspection. In apartments we check the unit and, with permission, the shared attic or roof space above it. In homes and offices we check the whole property.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic space or drop ceiling for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Door sweeps, window screens and unit entry points
- Dumpster corrals, mulch beds and landscaping near buildings
- Trees and branches touching rooflines
- Food sources: garbage areas, pantries 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, which matters even more in an apartment building where a neighbor’s unit can reintroduce rodents.
- 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 University Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, whether that is a single apartment, a house or an office building. You get a clear list of what we found before any work starts.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches touching the roof or building
Ground level and shared spaces
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Door sweeps and window screen gaps
- Dumpster corrals and recycling areas
- Landscaping beds and mulch against foundations
- Storage closets, breezeways and stairwells
- Loading docks and utility rooms in office 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 Rodents Out of University Properties
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so rodents do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic or roof space 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 rodents 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 rodents 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 University Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water after heavy rain can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria, a real concern in shared apartment kitchens.
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 water lines can cause leaks inside walls and ceilings.
Myths vs facts
Rodent Myths We Hear From University Residents
A lot of common advice makes a rodent problem last longer, especially in a shared building. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: My leasing office already treats the whole building
- Fact: Many complexes only treat common areas or respond unit by unit after a complaint. If you see signs in your apartment, report it in writing and call us too.
- 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, worse in a shared building. We trap indoors instead.
- Myth: Only messy units get rodents
- Fact: Clean apartments get rodents too, especially next to a unit with an active infestation or an unsecured dumpster corral.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rodents can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rodents often move to a different part of the building. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One mouse is no big deal
- Fact: Mice breed quickly, so a few can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time, especially in a warm Florida climate.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rodent Control First?
A single mouse in a kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in an attic, roofline or shared wall are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rodents but leave the openings in place, so new ones move in from a neighboring unit or building.
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 ceiling | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Neighboring unit also has signs | Individual traps will not stop it | Building-wide exclusion coordination |
| Chewed wires or screens | Risk of fire or re-entry | Find the source and seal it |
| Rental or lease property | May not meet lease reporting rules | Written report for you or your landlord |
Who we serve in University
Two very different jobs. One local crew.
Residential Rodent Control in University
From single-family homes to off-campus apartments near UCF, we adjust our approach to the building type. Apartment work is coordinated with property management when access to shared spaces is needed.
Unit and building inspections
We check both the apartment itself and, with permission, the shared roofline or attic above it.
Safe rodent removal
Traps and sealing methods that are safe around students, families and pets.
Rodent-proofing techniques
Sealing entry points to secure the unit or home against future infestations.
Written service reports
A copy for your records or to give to your landlord or leasing office.
- Protects your health from rodent-borne diseases.
- Prevents property damage from chewing and nesting.
- Documentation you can share with a landlord.
Commercial Rodent Control in University
Central Florida Research Park is home to more than 100 offices and labs near UCF, and Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard carry a steady mix of restaurants and retail. Our commercial service is built around inspection schedules and discreet, documented treatment.
- Research Park offices and labs
- Restaurants and retail
- Apartment complexes
- Warehouses and storage
- Property management companies
Customizable service plans
Scheduled visits built around your business hours and access needs.
Emergency response available
Our emergency response team is ready to address urgent rodent issues promptly.
Health compliance assurance
Written logs help you meet health and safety standards during inspections.
Property manager coordination
We work directly with on-site management teams for apartment complexes and offices.
Student housing and rentals
Rodent Control for University Apartments and Student Rentals
Most housing in University turns over every 12 months as leases end and new students move in. That turnover, plus buildings packed close together along Gemini Boulevard, Centaurus Boulevard and University Boulevard, makes this one of the more rodent-prone rental markets we serve in Florida.
Property managers and leasing offices
- Unit turns between leases, timed around move-out dates
- Dumpster corral and mulch bed exclusion work
- Building-wide roofline and soffit inspections
- Written reports for maintenance files and vendor logs
- Coordinated access scheduling for multiple units
Students and tenants
- We can work directly with you or coordinate through your leasing office
- Fast scheduling around class and exam schedules
- Advice on what to report to your landlord in writing
- Service reports you can keep for your own records
- Discreet visits that respect roommates’ schedules
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across University, Area by Area
University is smaller than most Florida cities we serve, but it splits into a few very different areas. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
UCF main campus and Research Parkway
Dense student housing and academic buildings sit close together here. We check rooflines, drop ceilings and shared walls first.
Central Florida Research Park
Over 1,000 acres of office and lab buildings, including defense contractors, south of the main campus. Loading docks and landscaped grounds draw rodents to building perimeters.
Off-campus apartment corridor
Gemini Boulevard, Centaurus Boulevard and University Boulevard carry the highest concentration of off-campus apartment complexes, where turnover and shared walls spread problems fast.
Alafaya Trail (State Road 434) corridor
A busy retail and restaurant strip on the eastern edge, toward Alafaya. We set up scheduled service with written logs for businesses here.
Colonial Drive (State Road 50) frontage
Colonial Drive forms the southern boundary and mixes older shopping centers with newer development. We watch for rooftop AC gaps here.
Single-family streets toward Goldenrod
Older single-family homes on the western edge toward Goldenrod have the roofline and soffit issues typical of established Central Florida neighborhoods.
University through the year
How Orlando Weather Changes Rodent Activity in University
University sits in Orlando’s humid subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather and the academic calendar both change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Central Florida’s wettest months are June through September. Heavy afternoon storms can flood low mulch beds and push ground-level rodents toward drier buildings.
Tip: Keep dumpster corral gates closed and clear standing water near foundations.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Storms break branches, loosen soffits and leave debris piles around apartment buildings and offices. Each one can open a new way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk the building perimeter and check the roofline.
Fall move-out and move-in
Empty units between leases and piles of move-out debris near dumpsters give rodents an easy place to settle before new tenants arrive.
Tip: Ask for a unit inspection as part of the turnover before a new lease starts.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rodents look for warm, dry places to nest. Many residents first hear them in an attic or ceiling void at this time.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rodents Away From Your University Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in, whether you own a home or rent an apartment.
Outside the building
- Keep dumpster corral gates and lids closed
- Trim shrubs and branches away from rooflines
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins on patios and balconies
- Store bikes and storage bins off the ground when possible
- Report gaps around utility lines to management right away
- Fix worn door sweeps and screen tears
Inside the home or unit
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins for storage, not cardboard boxes
- Take trash to the dumpster the same day, not left in hallways
- Check under the sink and behind appliances every few months
- Call or report to your leasing office as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in University
University properties are not all built the same, and neither is the rodent problem. Here is how the approach changes depending on where a property sits.
Shared Walls and Dumpster Corrals
Apartment buildings along Gemini Boulevard, Centaurus Boulevard and University Boulevard sit close together with shared walls and busy dumpster corrals, so one unit’s problem can spread to its neighbors.
Our approach: We inspect the affected unit and the building exterior together, seal roofline and ground-level gaps, and coordinate with property management on corral and landscaping fixes.
Aging Roofline Entry Points
Older homes toward Goldenrod and Union Park often have worn soffits and roof vents that roof rats use to reach the attic, similar to other established Central Florida neighborhoods.
Our approach: We start with a roofline inspection, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Perimeter and Loading Dock Access
Office and lab buildings across the 1,000-plus acre Research Park have loading docks, utility rooms and landscaped grounds that give rodents easy cover near building perimeters.
Our approach: We inspect docks, utility penetrations and landscaping edges, then set a discreet bait station and trapping program with written visit logs for your facility records.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep you and your roommates or 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, ceilings or large amounts, call us instead
Primary University response zone
University service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
University addresses use ZIP codes 32816 and 32817. Call if you are not sure which one covers your building.
3281632817
Areas we serve
Check my address →
UCF main campus area · Central Florida Research Park · Off-campus apartment corridor · Alafaya Trail · Colonial Drive frontage · Toward Goldenrod
Reviews from University customers
Customer Reviews from University
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“They sealed up the roofline on my apartment building near campus and the scratching in the ceiling stopped within a week. Property management said it was the best visit they have had.”
DK
Daniel K.University, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We manage an office in the Research Park and needed a discreet, documented program. They set it up fast and send a report after every visit.”
PL
Priya L.University, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Found mouse droppings in my kitchen cabinet and they came out quickly, sealed the gap under the sink, and gave me a report to send my leasing office.”
MT
Marcus T.University, FL
Verified University rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From University Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Yes. We can inspect and treat a single apartment. If the entry points are in a shared wall or roofline, we will also explain what needs to happen at the building level and can work with your leasing office on that part.
That depends on your lease. Many leases make the landlord responsible for pest issues that are not caused by the tenant. We give you a written report you can send to your leasing office either way.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rodents often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell, and this is worse in a shared building. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
Yes. We work with offices and labs across the Research Park on scheduled inspection and exclusion programs, with written visit logs for your facility records.
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 rodents are inside and how many openings the property has.
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 Alafaya, Goldenrod, Orlando and Winter Park. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in University
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in University
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
University dispatch is ready
Rats or Mice in Your University Home, Apartment or Office?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request University 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 UniversityUniversity, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
