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 West Melbourne rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in West Melbourne, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses along New Haven Avenue, in Sawgrass Lakes and in every subdivision in between. 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 West Melbourne.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why West Melbourne
Why West Melbourne Homes Get Rats Year-Round
West Melbourne was incorporated in 1959 and has grown into one of the fastest-growing cities in Brevard County by percentage since 2000. That growth means a mix of established homes from the 1960s through the 1980s sitting next to newer subdivisions built in the 1990s and 2000s, and rats treat both kinds of construction as an opportunity.
The city sits just west of Melbourne and north of Palm Bay, with US Highway 192 (New Haven Avenue) running through the middle as the main commercial corridor and Interstate 95 Exit 180 on the east side. Roof rats travel oak branches and power lines along the residential streets off New Haven Avenue, then drop onto roofs and get into attics through soffit gaps and roof vents.
Norway rats stay lower, near ground cover, retention ponds and drainage swales that collect West Melbourne’s roughly 52 inches of rain a year. In neighborhoods like Sawgrass Lakes on the west side, close to the Sawgrass Lake and St. Johns River basin, block homes back up to undeveloped land and canals that give rats and mice a steady route inside. Every property is different, so we inspect each one on its own.
Services available in West Melbourne
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in West Melbourne
Most West Melbourne 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 garage rat removal for West Melbourne homes, from older houses near the historic core to newer builds in Sawgrass Lakes.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for the restaurants, shops and offices along the New Haven Avenue (US 192) 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 tree trimming advice for West Melbourne homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a West Melbourne Home
Rodents move at night, so most West Melbourne 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 citrus or fallen fruit near the fence line is a classic roof rat sign in West Melbourne yards with mature trees.
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 West Melbourne Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in West Melbourne, Norway rats show up near retention ponds, drainage swales and canals on the west side of the city, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in every neighborhood. 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 and trees touching the roofline
- 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 retention ponds, canals and under sheds
- 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 West Melbourne 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 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.
- 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 West Melbourne Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how old the home is and how close it sits to open land or water.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older homes with worn trim
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- 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
- Retention pond banks, drainage swales and canal-adjacent fence lines
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
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 West Melbourne 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. Retention ponds and 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 West Melbourne 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 older or dirty homes get rats
- Fact: Newer subdivisions built since 2000 get rats too, since West Melbourne has grown quickly and rats follow food, water and shelter, not the age of a 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 or along a retention pond 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 yards and drainage areas.
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 near a retention pond or canal | Burrows are hard to find and treat | Ground-level baiting and fence line sealing |
Who we serve in West Melbourne
Rodent Control for West Melbourne Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in West Melbourne
From homes built in the 1960s and 1970s near the older parts of the city to newer construction in Sawgrass Lakes and other subdivisions built during the city’s fast growth since 2000, each West Melbourne 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.
- Established homes
- Newer subdivisions
- Homes near ponds or canals
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in West Melbourne
Restaurants, retail centers and offices along the New Haven Avenue (US 192) corridor 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.
- 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 West Melbourne homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of West Melbourne Home
West Melbourne has grown steadily since it was incorporated in 1959, so the housing stock ranges from older homes near the historic core to subdivisions built during the growth years after 2000. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near the historic core
- Homes built in the 1960s through 1980s near the original city center, closer to New Haven Avenue
- Aging soffits, worn roof trim and attic vents with no screens
- Gaps at pipe and AC line penetrations from past repairs
- Mature trees that give rats a path to the roof
Newer subdivisions like Sawgrass Lakes
- Block-and-stucco homes built during the city’s rapid growth since 2000
- Homes backing up to retention ponds, drainage swales or open land near the St. Johns River basin
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
Around the city
Landmarks and Areas We Know in West Melbourne
West Melbourne is a compact city at about 10.86 square miles. Here is what we usually check first around a few well-known spots.
West Melbourne Community Park (Max K. Rodes Park)
Home to the Space Coast Field of Dreams, an all-access sports complex that opened in January 2016. Homes and businesses near any large park with mature landscaping are worth an extra look at the tree line.
New Haven Avenue (US 192) corridor
The city’s main commercial strip, lined with restaurants, retail and offices that need scheduled rodent service, not just a one-time visit.
Sawgrass Lakes and the west side
Homes here sit closest to the Sawgrass Lake and St. Johns River basin to the west, where undeveloped land and canals give rodents an easy route toward backyards.
I-95 Exit 180 area
The interstate interchange at US 192 brings a mix of hotels, gas stations and distribution buildings, all of which deal with regular deliveries and dumpster activity.
West Melbourne through the year
How Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in West Melbourne
West Melbourne has a humid subtropical climate with about 52 inches of rain a year and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon thunderstorms from June through September fill retention ponds and drainage swales, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground near homes.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian caused flooding and washouts across Brevard County in September 2022. Heavy rain events like that push burrowing rats out of low ground, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After any major 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 West Melbourne homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruit and yard season
Backyard citrus and fallen fruit are an easy meal for roof rats in established neighborhoods with mature trees, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick up fallen fruit and secure compost bins.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Out of Your West Melbourne Home
These steps will not fix an active infestation, but they help keep new rodents from moving in once we have sealed your home.
Outside the home
- Trim tree branches at least 4 feet away from the roofline
- Store garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
- Pick up fallen fruit and secure compost
- Keep firewood and storage bins off the ground and away from the house
- Fix drainage so water does not pool against the foundation
- Screen vents and openings around the crawl space or slab
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 West Melbourne
West Melbourne is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near the historic core is different from what we do at a newer home backing up to a retention pond.
Worn Rooflines and Aging Vents
Homes built in the 1960s through 1980s often have decades-old soffits, vent screens and roof trim that have loosened or rotted over time, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Retention Ponds and Open Land Nearby
Block homes built during the city’s growth since 2000 often back up to retention ponds, drainage swales or undeveloped land near the St. Johns River basin, which draws Norway rats toward yards and garages.
Our approach: We check the fence line and ground-level entry points first, then seal garage corners and AC line gaps with rodent-proof materials.
Deliveries and Shared Dumpsters
Restaurants and shops along the US 192 corridor deal with daily deliveries and dumpsters that attract Norway rats at ground level.
Our approach: We set up scheduled service with written visit logs and seal dock and door gaps that rodents are using.
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 West Melbourne response zone
West Melbourne service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
West Melbourne is a compact city with 2 ZIP codes. We cover the whole city and the surrounding parts of Brevard County. Call if you do not see yours.
3290432912
Areas we serve
Check my address →
New Haven Avenue corridor · Sawgrass Lakes · the historic core near the original city center · the I-95 Exit 180 interchange area
Reviews from West Melbourne customers
Customer Reviews from West Melbourne
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my West Melbourne home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
Jason D.West Melbourne, 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
Stacy M.West Melbourne, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew the area well and offered a real solution for the rats getting into my garage.”
TL
Tim L.West Melbourne, FL
Verified West Melbourne rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From West Melbourne 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.
Homes on the west side of West Melbourne sit closer to the Sawgrass Lake and St. Johns River basin, where undeveloped land, retention ponds and canals give Norway rats a natural place to burrow before they move toward yards and garages. We seal fence lines and ground-level entry points in these areas.
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.
Hurricane Ian caused flooding and washouts across Brevard County in September 2022. Heavy flooding events like that push rats out of low-lying burrows and toward higher, drier ground, including homes. If your home took on water or wind damage, it is worth having the roofline and foundation checked.
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.
Outside West Melbourne?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in West Melbourne
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in West Melbourne
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
West Melbourne dispatch is ready
Rats in Your West Melbourne 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 West Melbourne 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 West MelbourneWest Melbourne, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
