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 Palm Beach rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in West Palm Beach, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from West Palm Beach homes and businesses, from the historic bungalows of El Cid and Flamingo Park to the canal-front lots near the C-51 Canal and the newer homes west toward Royal Palm Beach. 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 Palm Beach.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why West Palm Beach
Why West Palm Beach Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
West Palm Beach sits on the mainland side of the Lake Worth Lagoon, directly across the water from the town of Palm Beach, with the C-51 Canal and the Intracoastal Waterway running through and along the city. Warm weather year-round, mature ficus and oak canopy in the older neighborhoods, and a mix of 1920s bungalows and newer construction mean rats never get a slow season here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in West Palm Beach. They travel along tree limbs, power lines and fences, then drop onto the roof and enter through soffit gaps, roof tile edges and attic vents. In the historic districts closer to downtown, including El Cid, Flamingo Park, Old Northwood and Northwood Hills, the older frame and masonry homes have soffit and eave gaps that roof rats use to get into the attic.
Norway rats stay near the ground and water. We find them along seawalls and canal banks near the Lake Worth Lagoon and the C-51 Canal, around dumpsters behind restaurants downtown near Clematis Street and CityPlace, and in garages in the newer block-and-stucco homes further west toward Royal Palm Beach. Every part of the city has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in West Palm Beach
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in West Palm Beach
Most West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach homes, from 1920s bungalows in El Cid to new homes near Royal Palm Beach.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops on Clematis Street, CityPlace and along Okeechobee Boulevard.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 Palm Beach homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a West Palm Beach Home
Rodents move at night, so most West Palm Beach 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.
Gnawed fruit and palm seed pods
Hollowed mangoes, avocados or chewed palm seed pods still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in West Palm Beach, Norway rats show up along the Lake Worth Lagoon, the C-51 Canal and behind downtown restaurants, 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, palm 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, rubbish and along seawalls and 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 West Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how the home is built and how close it sits to the water.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes near downtown
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Barrel tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Ficus, oak and palm branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks near the Lake Worth Lagoon and C-51 Canal
- 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 Palm Beach 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 near canals 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 Palm Beach 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 downtown get rats
- Fact: Newer homes near Royal Palm Beach get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just an old roofline.
- 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: A home that is empty part of the year will not get rats
- Fact: A quiet, closed-up seasonal home is an easy place for rats to nest undisturbed. We check these homes as carefully as any other.
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 seawall 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, canals and the lagoon.
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 along a seawall or canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and close safely | Bait, trap and seal ground-level entry points |
Who we serve in West Palm Beach
Rodent Control for West Palm Beach Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in West Palm Beach
From historic frame and masonry homes in El Cid, Flamingo Park, Old Northwood and Northwood Hills to block-and-stucco homes further west toward Royal Palm Beach, each West Palm Beach 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.
- Historic bungalows
- Waterfront and canal homes
- Block and tile homes
- Seasonal and rental homes
Commercial Rodent Control in West Palm Beach
Restaurants and shops on Clematis Street and around CityPlace, and offices along Okeechobee Boulevard and downtown, 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 Palm Beach homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of West Palm Beach Home
West Palm Beach has homes from every decade since the 1900s. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: El Cid, Flamingo Park, Old Northwood
- Frame vernacular and Mediterranean Revival homes from the 1920s with old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Rotted eave and fascia boards that open a gap at the roofline
- Mature ficus and oak canopy that touches the roof
- Detached garages and storage sheds with gaps at the base
- Older single-pane windows and door frames with wide gaps
Newer homes: block, stucco and tile
- Block-and-stucco homes further west toward Royal Palm Beach and Greenacres
- Open barrel 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
- Queen palms and lanai frames used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across West Palm Beach, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
West Palm Beach has very different neighborhoods, from historic districts to canal-front streets to newer subdivisions. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
El Cid and Flamingo Park
1920s Mediterranean Revival and frame vernacular homes under mature trees. Rats use branches to reach the roof and old soffits to get into the attic.
Old Northwood and Northwood Hills
One of the city’s oldest historic districts, with detached garages and older rooflines that need close attention at the eaves and vents.
Waterfront homes along the Lake Worth Lagoon and C-51 Canal
Norway rats burrow near seawalls and canal banks. We check dock boxes, seawall caps and low ground-level gaps.
Downtown, Clematis Street and CityPlace
Restaurants, bars and shops with shared walls and dumpsters. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Bel Air, Central Park and Grandview Heights
Mixed-age homes close to downtown. We see both attic activity in older roofs and ground-level activity near yards and fences.
Western West Palm Beach, toward Royal Palm Beach
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions next to canals and undeveloped land. Rodents move in from the surrounding land, so sealing early matters.
West Palm Beach through the year
How the Year in West Palm Beach Changes Rodent Activity
West Palm Beach has a tropical climate with heavy summer rainfall and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the season changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood burrows near the lagoon, canals and low yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
West Palm Beach has taken hits from hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma in the past. Storm winds can open soffit and roof gaps, and rats look for a dry attic soon after.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Winter season, when seasonal homes fill and empty
West Palm Beach sees a large seasonal population from fall through spring. A home that sits closed up part of the year gives rats a quiet place to nest undisturbed.
Tip: Have a seasonal home inspected before you close it up and again before you return.
Fruit and seed season
Backyard mangoes, avocados and palm seed pods are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your West Palm Beach Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and seed pods daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and canal banks free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the 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
- Have the home checked before closing it up for the season
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic home in El Cid is different from what we do at a canal-front lot or a newer home further west.
Attic and Soffit Gaps in Historic Homes
These 1920s frame and masonry homes often have old soffits, rotted eave boards and attic vents with no screens, which give roof rats an easy way in.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic closely, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Docks
Norway rats burrow along seawalls, dock boxes and canal banks, then move into garages and ground-floor storage.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall and yard, bait ground-level burrows, and seal the low openings we find at the garage and foundation.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage door corners, AC line openings and open tile roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
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 Palm Beach response zone
West Palm Beach service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
West Palm Beach has more than a dozen ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Palm Beach County. Call if you do not see yours.
33401334033340433405334063340733408334093341033411334123341333414334153341733418
Areas we serve
Check my address →
El Cid · Flamingo Park · Old Northwood · Northwood Hills · Grandview Heights · Bel Air · Central Park · Prospect Park · Mango Promenade · West Northwood · Downtown · CityPlace
Reviews from West Palm Beach customers
Customer Reviews from West Palm Beach
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my home near Old Northwood. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.West Palm Beach, 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.West Palm Beach, 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.West Palm Beach, FL
Verified West Palm Beach rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From West Palm Beach 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.
These 1920s homes often have old soffits, rotted eave boards and attic vents with no screens. Mature trees touching the roof give roof rats an easy path up. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal flashing.
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.
It can. West Palm Beach has a large seasonal population, and a home that sits closed up for months gives rats a quiet place to nest undisturbed. We recommend an inspection before closing up a home for the season and again before you return.
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 Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres and North Palm Beach. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in West Palm Beach
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in West Palm Beach
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
West Palm Beach dispatch is ready
Rats in Your West Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach 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 Palm BeachWest Palm Beach, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
