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 Valrico rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Valrico, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Valrico homes and businesses, from older ranch homes along the State Road 60 corridor to the newer subdivisions built during the area’s growth boom near Bloomingdale and FishHawk. 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 Valrico.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Valrico
Why Valrico’s Growth Boom Means Year-Round Rodent Calls
Valrico is an unincorporated community in east-central Hillsborough County, about 14 miles east of Tampa along State Road 60. The name means “rich valley” in Spanish, chosen in the 1880s when the area shifted from cotton plantation land to a farming town. The population grew from 6,582 in 2000 to 37,895 in the 2020 census, and that growth shows up in the rodent calls we get.
Older ranch and block homes built before the boom, many along the SR 60 corridor, have had decades for soffits, roof vents and foundation gaps to loosen up. Roof rats use the mature oaks and landscaping around these homes to reach the roofline and drop into the attic.
Newer subdivisions built during the 2000 to 2020 growth surge, especially toward the Bloomingdale and FishHawk borders, are not immune either. Fresh construction still leaves gaps at AC line penetrations, garage door corners and tile roof edges, and Norway rats and house mice move in from the agricultural land and preserves that still ring the area. We inspect each home based on how and when it was built.
Services available in Valrico
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Valrico
Most Valrico 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 crawl space rat removal for Valrico homes, from older ranch homes near SR 60 to new construction near FishHawk.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along the SR 60 commercial corridor.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall 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 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, roof edge sealing and landscaping advice for Valrico homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Valrico Home
Rodents move at night, so most Valrico 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.
Chewed fruit or bird feeders
Hollowed citrus in a backyard tree, or seed hulls scattered under a feeder, are a classic roof rat sign in Valrico 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 Valrico Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Valrico, Norway rats show up in garages, sheds and around the agricultural edges still found near the FishHawk and Bloomingdale borders, 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, trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds and woodpiles
- 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 Valrico 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
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fruit trees
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Valrico Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since an older ranch home near SR 60 and a 2015 subdivision home have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including worn wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
- Fence lines and vegetation next to the house
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 Valrico 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.
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.
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.
Rat-bite fever
Spread by bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Always use gloves or tools, never bare hands.
Fleas and mites
Rodents carry fleas and mites that can move to pets and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Valrico Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: New construction near Bloomingdale and FishHawk gets rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just an older house.
- 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.
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 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 trees, fields and neighboring yards.
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 |
| Rats around an older crawl space or shed | Hard to reach and seal | Sealing with hardware cloth and metal |
Who we serve in Valrico
Rodent Control for Valrico Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Valrico
From older ranch homes near the SR 60 corridor to newer subdivisions toward Bloomingdale and FishHawk, each Valrico home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Older ranch homes
- New construction
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Valrico
Shops, offices and restaurants along the State Road 60 corridor deal with daily deliveries and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- 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 Valrico homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Valrico Home
Valrico’s population nearly tripled between 2000 and 2020, so the area mixes decades-old homes with brand new construction. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older ranch homes near SR 60
- Decades-old soffits and attic vents with worn or missing screens
- Gaps around older AC lines, plumbing stacks and dryer vents
- Sheds and detached garages with worn door seals
- Mature trees close enough to the house to reach the roof
- Older fencing and landscaping that gives cover close to the foundation
Newer subdivisions near Bloomingdale and FishHawk
- Block-and-stucco homes built during the 2000 to 2020 growth surge
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Fields and preserved land at the edge of newer subdivisions
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Valrico, Area by Area
Valrico stretches from the SR 60 commercial corridor to newer subdivisions near its neighbors. Here is what we usually check first in each part of the area.
The State Road 60 corridor
Older homes and businesses along the SR 60 corridor that connects Valrico to Tampa. Decades-old soffits and roof vents are the usual entry points.
Areas bordering Brandon
Valrico’s western edge blends into Brandon, with a mix of established homes and busy retail. We check garages and roof edges here first.
Areas bordering Bloomingdale
The southwest edge of Valrico runs into Bloomingdale, a mix of established subdivisions where fence lines and mature landscaping give rats cover.
Areas bordering FishHawk
Valrico’s southern edge borders the FishHawk area, where newer construction sits closer to open land and preserves. Sealing new homes early matters here.
Newer subdivisions
Built during the growth boom that tripled Valrico’s population between 2000 and 2020. Even new construction has gaps at AC lines and roof edges.
ZIP codes 33594 to 33596
Valrico’s 3 ZIP codes cover a wide mix of older and newer development. We serve every part of it.
Valrico through the year
How Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Valrico
Hillsborough County has a humid subtropical climate with daily summer thunderstorms and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September flood low yards and ditches, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy wind and rain during storm season can loosen soffits and roof vents on older Valrico homes, giving rats a new way in. Damaged screens on newer homes are worth checking too.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Valrico homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruit and seed season
Backyard citrus and bird feeders are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house year-round.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and keep feeders away from the roofline.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Valrico Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds and woodpiles off the ground and away from the house
- Store items off the garage floor
- 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 Valrico
Valrico is not one kind of property. What we do at an older ranch home near SR 60 is different from what we do at a new subdivision home near Bloomingdale or FishHawk.
Worn Soffits and Roof Vents
Homes built before Valrico’s growth boom have had decades for soffits, vent screens and fascia boards to loosen or rot, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, seal worn openings with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Garage and Roofline Gaps on New Construction
Even block-and-stucco homes built in the last 20 years get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Rodents Moving in From the Edge
Parts of Valrico still sit near open fields and preserved land, and rodents move from that habitat toward sheds, garages and homes when the weather turns.
Our approach: We inspect the yard perimeter, sheds and foundation, then bait and seal the ground-level entry points 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 Valrico response zone
Valrico service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Valrico uses ZIP codes 33594 to 33596. We cover the whole area plus neighboring Brandon, Bloomingdale and FishHawk. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
335943359533596
Areas we serve
Check my address →
The SR 60 corridor · Areas bordering Brandon · Areas bordering Bloomingdale · Areas bordering FishHawk · Newer subdivisions throughout Valrico
Reviews from Valrico customers
Customer Reviews from Valrico
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Valrico home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Valrico, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Valrico, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Valrico, FL
Verified Valrico rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Valrico 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 home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Yes. Newer subdivisions built during Valrico’s growth surge still have gaps at AC line penetrations, garage doors and tile roof edges. Rodents also move in from nearby fields and preserved land. We inspect new homes the same way we inspect older ones.
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.
Rats are usually active at night, while squirrels are active in the daytime. Rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
Many homes along the State Road 60 corridor were built decades ago, before Valrico’s population boom. Soffits, roof vents and fascia boards on these homes have had years to loosen or rot, and mature trees close to the house give roof rats a way to the roofline. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
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 Brandon and Bloomingdale. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Valrico?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Valrico
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Valrico
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Valrico dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Valrico 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 Valrico 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 ValricoValrico, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
