Scratching in the attic or under the home
Quick footsteps or scratching after dark, in the attic or under a raised mobile home. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Wimauma rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Wimauma, FL
Scratching under the mobile home skirting or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Wimauma homes and farms, from the new communities of Southshore Bay and Ayersworth Glen to older farmhouses and mobile homes along State Road 674. 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 Wimauma.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Wimauma
Why Wimauma’s Farms and New Communities Both Attract Rodents
Wimauma sits in southern Hillsborough County between U.S. Route 301 and Florida State Road 674. It was founded in 1902 and named for the daughters of Captain C.H. Davis, Will, Maude and Mary. For most of the last century the local economy ran on citrus groves and vegetable fields, and a lot of that farmland is still here today.
In the last decade, master-planned communities including Southshore Bay, Ayersworth Glen, Vista Palms, Sunshine Village and Berry Bay have brought thousands of new homes to the same 25 square miles, so we handle two very different kinds of rodent calls in the same ZIP code. Roof rats and cotton rats move in from the tomato and vegetable fields that still border much of the city, especially into older farmhouses, mobile homes and properties along SR 674 and US 301.
In the newer subdivisions, rats and mice get in through the gaps builders leave around irrigation lines, garage doors and AC penetrations, the same way they would in any new Florida neighborhood. Norway rats turn up near Lake Wimauma and along the canals and retention ponds around Southshore Bay, and closer to the Little Manatee River, which runs along the southern part of the city toward Little Manatee River State Park.
Services available in Wimauma
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Wimauma
Most Wimauma 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 ControlRat and mouse removal for Wimauma homes, from new construction in Southshore Bay to older farmhouses and mobile homes along SR 674.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for packing houses, farm stands and businesses along US 301 and SR 674.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use around the home or field edge and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, ceiling or under a mobile home? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics, garages and crawl spaces, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids, pets and farm animals.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps, mobile home skirting 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, mobile home skirting repair and gap sealing for Wimauma homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Wimauma Home
Rodents move at night, so most Wimauma 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 shed
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or irrigation lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and drip irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Half-eaten produce
Gnawed tomatoes, squash or melons near a garden bed or field edge are a common sign in Wimauma’s farm-adjacent yards.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and under mobile home skirting.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under a home or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Wimauma Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and rooflines calls in Wimauma, cotton rats and Norway rats move in from the surrounding fields, canals and Lake Wimauma, 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 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, field edges 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 Wimauma 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
- Mobile home skirting and under-home crawl spaces
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, irrigation valves and dryer vents
- Garage door seals, exterior doors and sheds
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Field edges, canals and ponds close to the property
- 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, including skirting seams.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam, vinyl skirting 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 Wimauma Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the field edge. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a mobile home and a new block home in Southshore Bay have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older farmhouses
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges on newer homes in Southshore Bay and Vista Palms
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees and structures touching the roofline
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line, irrigation valve and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Mobile home skirting seams and under-home crawl spaces
- Sheds, barns, woodpiles and storage areas
- Field edges, canals, retention ponds and Lake Wimauma access
- 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 Wimauma 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, skirting and crawl space, and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths 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 in ditches and canals after heavy rain can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food, counters and stored produce 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, farm animals and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed AC or irrigation lines can cause leaks inside walls or under the home.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Wimauma Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: New homes in Southshore Bay or Ayersworth Glen do not get rats
- Fact: Builders leave gaps around irrigation lines, garage doors and AC units on every new home, and rats find them just as fast as they would in an older house.
- Myth: Poison near the field or yard is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or under a home, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap indoors and around the structure instead.
- Myth: Only farmhouses and older homes get rats
- Fact: We get calls from Southshore Bay and Vista Palms just as often as from older homes near the fields.
- Myth: Skirting on a mobile home is enough to keep rats out
- Fact: Rats chew through vinyl and thin metal skirting, especially at the corners. Skirting needs to be reinforced with hardware cloth.
- Myth: A barn cat will handle a rat problem near the fields
- Fact: Cats catch some rats but do not stop them from moving into a home’s attic, walls or crawl space.
- Myth: One rat near the field is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, and field populations move toward homes once crops are harvested and food gets scarce.
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 coming in from the fields or under a mobile home 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 fields, canals and ponds.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic or under a mobile home | Hard to reach and seal safely | Attic sealing and under-home trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or irrigation lines | Risk of fire or costly repairs | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls or under a home | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats coming in from nearby fields | Hard to stop without sealing the home | Exclusion work sealing every gap |
Who we serve in Wimauma
Rodent Control for Wimauma Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Wimauma
From new construction in Southshore Bay, Ayersworth Glen and Vista Palms to older farmhouses and mobile homes along SR 674, each Wimauma home has its own weak spots. We check the roofline, attic, skirting, 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.
- New construction
- Mobile homes
- Farmhouses
- Rentals and rural properties
Commercial Rodent Control in Wimauma
Wimauma’s economy still runs on packing houses, farm stands and agricultural operations along US 301 and SR 674, alongside new retail and amenity centers built around Southshore Bay and the surrounding communities. Rodents follow stored produce and feed, so ag buildings need the same sealing and trapping approach as any commercial kitchen.
- Packing houses
- Farm stands
- Retail and amenity centers
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your operating 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 loading docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Storage advice
Simple changes to feed, produce and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Wimauma homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Wimauma Home
Wimauma has homes from a working farming community next to some of the newest subdivisions in Hillsborough County. The way a property is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Older farmhouses and mobile homes
- Mobile and manufactured homes along SR 674 and US 301 with gaps in skirting and around utility hookups
- Older farmhouses with crawl spaces and wood siding near the fields
- Sheds, barns and packing structures that store feed and produce
- Screened porches and carports used as a way onto the roof
- Field edges and ditches close to the property line
New construction in Southshore Bay, Ayersworth Glen and Vista Palms
- Block and stucco homes with gaps around AC lines, irrigation valves and garage doors
- Tile roof edges and ridge caps common in new subdivisions
- Retention ponds and canals near the Southshore Bay lagoon that draw Norway rats
- Landscaping still establishing, which gives rats less natural cover but easy access through construction gaps
- Shared amenity buildings and clubhouses with kitchens and storage rooms
Area by area
Landmarks and Points of Interest in Wimauma
Wimauma is a small city with a big footprint of farmland and new development. Here is what we usually check first around each landmark.
Southshore Bay Lagoon
Hillsborough County’s first man-made lagoon, built inside the Southshore Bay community. The canals and retention ponds around it are common spots for Norway rats, and the surrounding new homes still have builder gaps to check.
Little Manatee River State Park
Located on Lightfoot Road in southern Wimauma, along the river that runs toward the Manatee County line. Homes and farms near the park border wooded, low-lying land that Norway rats and cotton rats use as cover.
First Baptist Church of Wimauma
One of the town’s older congregations, part of the historic camp meeting heritage that dates back to the early 1900s. Homes in this older part of Wimauma tend to be smaller, wood-frame properties with more roofline gaps.
Lake Wimauma
A small natural lake near the center of town, historically known as Lake Tiger. Waterfront and near-lake properties see more Norway rat activity than homes further from the water.
Wimauma through the year
How Wimauma’s Farm Calendar and Weather Change Rodent Activity
Wimauma has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. Between the growing season and Florida’s storm season, the pressure just shifts from the fields to the home at different times.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood ditches, canals and low-lying fields, pushing Norway rats and cotton rats out of their burrows and toward garages, sheds and mobile home skirting.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and check skirting seams after heavy rain.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain during storms can flood ditches and low ground near the Little Manatee River, and wind damage can open new gaps in roofs and skirting. Rats and mice move toward whatever stays dry, including homes.
Tip: After a storm, walk the property and check the roofline and skirting.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for a warm, dry attic or crawl space. This is often when Wimauma homeowners first hear scratching.
Tip: Check vents, skirting and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fall-to-spring growing season
Vegetable fields around Wimauma are worked hardest from fall through spring. Rodents follow the fields while crops are in, then move toward homes and outbuildings once a field is harvested and cleared.
Tip: If a nearby field was just harvested, check your property soon after.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Wimauma Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, field and garage
- Pick up dropped or overripe produce from gardens and field edges
- Keep bird seed, pet food and animal feed in sealed bins
- Keep sheds, barns and the space under a mobile home free of clutter
- Store tools and farm equipment off the ground
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Clear brush and debris along canal banks and ditches
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
- Check attics and under-home crawl spaces every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Wimauma
Wimauma is not one kind of property. What we do at a mobile home near the fields is different from what we do at a new build in Southshore Bay.
Rodents Moving in From the Fields
Roof rats and cotton rats move in from the vegetable fields that still border much of Wimauma, especially into older farmhouses and mobile homes with gaps in the skirting.
Our approach: We inspect skirting seams and crawl spaces, seal them with hardware cloth and metal, then trap around the structure until activity stops.
Builder Gaps in New Subdivisions
Even brand-new block and stucco homes get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges left open during construction.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Water
Norway rats burrow along canal banks near Southshore Bay and around Lake Wimauma, then move toward garages and outbuildings.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline or canal bank, 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, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Wimauma response zone
Wimauma service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Wimauma sits mostly in a single ZIP code, and we also cover neighboring Sun City Center. Call if you are not sure your address is on the route.
3359833573
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Southshore Bay · Ayersworth Glen · Vista Palms · Sunshine Village · Berry Bay · Historic Wimauma · Sun City Center border
Reviews from Wimauma customers
Customer Reviews from Wimauma
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where the rats were getting in under our mobile home and sealed it up. Haven’t heard a thing since.”
JD
John D.Wimauma, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up visit.”
SM
Sarah M.Wimauma, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew right away it was field rats and sealed our new place in Southshore Bay.”
TL
Tom L.Wimauma, FL
Verified Wimauma rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Wimauma 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.
Vinyl and metal skirting on mobile homes, plus crawl spaces and wood siding on older farmhouses, give rats an easy, hidden way in, especially near vegetable fields. We reinforce skirting and seal crawl space vents with hardware cloth and metal.
Yes. Builders leave small gaps around AC lines, irrigation valves and garage doors on every new home, and canals and retention ponds near the Southshore Bay lagoon give rodents a place to live close by. New construction is not immune.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or under a home where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping and sealing the openings works better and is safer around kids, pets and farm animals.
Rats are usually active at night and leave droppings about 1/2 inch long, while opossums and other wildlife leave different signs and larger tracks. If you are not sure, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
It can. Hillsborough County’s hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Heavy rain can flood ditches and low fields near the Little Manatee River, and wind can open new gaps in roofs and skirting, both of which push rodents toward homes.
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, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us.
Yes. We also serve Sun City Center, Ruskin and Riverview. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Wimauma?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Wimauma
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Wimauma
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Wimauma dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Wimauma 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 Wimauma 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 WimaumaWimauma, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
