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 Westchester rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Westchester, FL
Scratching in the ceiling at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses across Westchester, from the 1950s and 1960s block homes in Miracle Manor and Westchester Park to the apartments and retail plazas near Florida International University and West Flagler Street. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents 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 Westchester.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Westchester
Why Westchester Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Westchester sits about 10 miles west of Downtown Miami in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, on land that stayed too wet to build on until a canal drainage project in the 1920s opened it up. A 1955 subdivision called Westchester kicked off the neighborhood’s postwar boom, and subdivisions like Miracle Manor, Mirador, Westchester Park and Town Park filled in through the 1950s and 1960s. Most homes here are still that era’s one-story concrete block construction, which gives rats and mice a very consistent set of ways in.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Westchester. They travel along mature trees, fences and power lines, then drop onto a tile or flat roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and openings where AC lines pass through the block wall. Norway rats stay closer to the ground, turning up around dumpsters and loading areas along West Flagler Street and SW 8th Street, and in yards and garages throughout the older subdivisions.
Florida International University opened in 1972 on the old Tamiami Airport site just south of Westchester, and University Park was absorbed into Westchester’s boundaries in 2020, doubling the neighborhood’s population on paper. Older block homes and newer apartment buildings sit close together here, so every job starts with an inspection instead of a one-size plan.
Explore Westchester services →
Services available in Westchester
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Westchester
Most Westchester jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing entry points, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlBlock-home rat and mouse removal for Westchester, from 1950s subdivisions like Miracle Manor to newer construction near FIU.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along West Flagler Street and SW 8th Street.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 soffit gaps, roof vents, AC line penetrations 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 Westchester homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Westchester Home
Rodents move at night, so most Westchester 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
Hollowed mangoes, avocados or citrus still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in Westchester 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 Westchester Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Westchester, Norway rats show up around dumpsters and loading docks along West Flagler Street and SW 8th Street, 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, dumpsters and along fence lines
- 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 Westchester 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 and cables passing through block walls
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation and slab edges
- Trees, hedges and fences touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and fallen mangoes or avocados
- 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 mortar. 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 Westchester 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 a 1950s block home in Miracle Manor and a newer apartment near FIU have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile or flat roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees, hedges and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings through the block wall
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Foundation and slab edges
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Mango, avocado and citrus 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 Westchester 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 Westchester 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 old block homes get rats
- Fact: Newer apartments and condos near FIU get them too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just old construction.
- 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 walls 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, fences and neighboring properties.
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 a shared dumpster | Hard to control access on shared property | Bait and seal ground-level entry points |
Who we serve in Westchester
Rodent Control for Westchester Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Westchester
From 1950s block homes in Miracle Manor and Westchester Park to newer apartments and condos near FIU, each Westchester property 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.
- Mid-century block homes
- Apartments and condos
- Homes near FIU
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Westchester
Retail plazas and restaurants along West Flagler Street and SW 8th Street, including long-running centers like the Westchester Shopping Center built in 1959, deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day.
- 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 Westchester properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Westchester Property
Most of Westchester was built out in the 1950s and 1960s, with newer construction added near FIU after the university opened in 1972. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Mid-century block homes
- One-story concrete block homes built in the 1950s and 1960s in Miracle Manor, Mirador, Westchester Park and Town Park
- Gaps at roof tile edges and ridge caps
- Soffit vents with missing or torn screens
- AC line and pipe penetrations through the block wall
- Garage door corners and older weatherstripping
- Mature trees and fences that touch the roofline
Apartments and condos near FIU
- Multifamily buildings built after FIU opened in 1972 on the old Tamiami Airport site
- Shared walls and roof lines between units
- Dumpster corrals and loading areas
- Parking garage and utility room vents
- Landscaping pressed against exterior walls
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Westchester, Area by Area
Westchester grew in stages, from 1950s subdivisions to newer construction near FIU. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Miracle Manor and Mirador
Some of Westchester’s earliest 1950s subdivisions. One-story block homes are common here, and roofline and soffit sealing is usually the first fix.
Westchester Park and Town Park
Established subdivisions from the 1950s and 1960s boom. We check soffits, AC line gaps and garage seals on these block homes.
Near Florida International University
FIU opened here in 1972 on the old Tamiami Airport site, and University Park merged into Westchester in 2020. Apartments and student housing near campus need dumpster and shared-wall checks as much as roofline sealing.
West Flagler Street and SW 8th Street corridor
Retail plazas and restaurants, including long-running centers like the Westchester Shopping Center built in 1959, get Norway rats around dumpsters and loading docks.
Near Tropical Park and Tamiami Park
Mature trees and open green space along these parks give roof rats a path onto nearby rooflines and yards.
Westchester through the year
How Miami’s Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Westchester
Westchester 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 through September saturate yards and swales across Westchester, pushing Norway rats out of low ground and into garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Irma in September 2017 brought major flooding and widespread power outages across Miami-Dade County. Storms like it push rodents out of yards and drainage areas and toward dry shelter in homes, and wind damage to roof tiles and soffits opens new gaps.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check for missing or lifted tile.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and wall voids. This is when many Westchester homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard mangoes, avocados and citrus common in Westchester yards 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 Westchester Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches and hedges away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds and storage areas free of clutter
- Store items off the floor in the garage
- 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 Westchester
Westchester is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1950s block home in Miracle Manor is different from what we do at an apartment near FIU.
Roofline and Soffit Gaps
These 1950s and 1960s block homes have tile or flat roofs where roof edges, ridge caps and soffit vents open up over time, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and soffits first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Shared Walls and Dumpster Activity
Multifamily buildings built after FIU opened in 1972 often share roof lines and walls between units, and dumpster corrals nearby draw Norway rats at ground level.
Our approach: We check shared walls, roof penetrations and dumpster areas, then trap and seal the ground-level openings we find.
Norway Rats Near Loading Docks and Dumpsters
Retail plazas and restaurants along this corridor, including long-running centers like the Westchester Shopping Center, deal with daily deliveries and shared dumpsters that draw Norway rats.
Our approach: We inspect the loading and dumpster areas, then bait and close off 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 Westchester response zone
Westchester service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Westchester spans 5 ZIP codes in Miami-Dade County. These are the ones we serve most. Call if you do not see yours.
3314433155331653317433175
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Miracle Manor · Mirador · Westchester Park · Town Park · near Florida International University · West Flagler Street · SW 8th Street
Reviews from Westchester customers
Customer Reviews from Westchester
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros took care of a rat problem in my Westchester home quickly and cleaned up everything afterward.”
MG
M. GarciaWestchester, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They found where the rats were getting in through the roof and sealed it. No more noise in the attic.”
RP
R. PerezWestchester, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional team, showed up on time and explained everything before they started work.”
AL
A. LopezWestchester, FL
Verified Westchester rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Westchester Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Homes in Miracle Manor, Mirador, Westchester Park and Town Park were built in the 1950s and 1960s using one-story concrete block construction. Over time, soffit vents, roof edges and AC line openings develop gaps that give rats a way in. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
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. Rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure what is up there, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
Hurricane Irma in September 2017 brought major flooding and widespread power outages across Miami-Dade County. Storms like it can push rodents out of yards and drainage areas toward dry shelter in homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline 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.
Yes. We also serve Sweetwater, Fontainebleau, Coral Terrace and Tamiami. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Westchester
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Westchester
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Westchester dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Westchester 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 Westchester 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 WestchesterWestchester, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
