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 Winter Garden rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Winter Garden, FL
Scratching in the attic above your historic downtown bungalow, or droppings in the garage of a new Horizon West block home? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Winter Garden homes and businesses, from Tildenville and the Plant Street historic district to Stoneybrook West and Summerlake. 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 Winter Garden.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Winter Garden
Why Winter Garden Homes Keep Getting Rats
Winter Garden sits about 14 miles west of downtown Orlando in Orange County, with Lake Apopka forming its northern border. The city was incorporated in 1908 and grew up around the citrus industry, still reflected in its motto, “Where Good Things Grow.” That citrus heritage means backyard orange and grapefruit trees are common all over town, and roof rats treat them as a standing food source.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Winter Garden. They travel through oak canopies and power lines in the older parts of town, then drop onto the roof and get into attics through soffit gaps and roof vents. In the historic downtown district and Tildenville, wood-frame homes built close to the ground give rats easy access to crawl spaces and foundation vents.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the canals and ponds in Stoneybrook West’s golf course community, around the lakefront lots of Summerlake in Horizon West, and near Lake Apopka in Tildenville. Newer block-and-stucco construction in Horizon West and Summerlake still gets rats through garage doors and AC line gaps, just for different reasons than the older homes near downtown.
Services available in Winter Garden
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Winter Garden
Most Winter Garden 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 Winter Garden homes, from historic Tildenville bungalows to new construction in Summerlake.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along Plant Street and the downtown historic district.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, soffit sealing and tree trimming advice for Winter Garden homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Winter Garden Home
Rodents move at night, so most Winter Garden 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 citrus in the yard
Hollowed oranges or grapefruit still on a backyard tree, or on the ground under it, are a classic roof rat sign in a city built on citrus groves.
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 Winter Garden Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and citrus-tree calls in Winter Garden, Norway rats show up near Lake Apopka, canals and ponds, 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, citrus trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds and along lakes and canals
- 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 Winter Garden 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, crawl spaces and pier-and-beam skirting on older homes
- Citrus and fruit 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 Winter Garden 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 downtown bungalow and a new Horizon West block home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older Tildenville and downtown homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak canopy, citrus trees and power lines touching the roof
- Tile roof edges on newer Horizon West and Summerlake homes
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under older pier-and-beam homes near downtown and Tildenville
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Canal banks and pond edges in Stoneybrook West and Summerlake
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 Winter Garden 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 Lake Apopka 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 Winter Garden 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 dirty homes get rats
- Fact: Clean homes in Stoneybrook West and Summerlake get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just trash.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from nearby trees, canals and yards.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats under a raised older home | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and pier sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Winter Garden
Rodent Control for Winter Garden Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Winter Garden
From historic bungalows in Tildenville and downtown to new block homes in Stoneybrook West and Summerlake, each Winter Garden home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, 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
- Lakefront and canal homes
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and townhomes
Commercial Rodent Control in Winter Garden
Restaurants and shops along Plant Street and the downtown historic district deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters, and doors that open all day for visitors to the farmers market. 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 Winter Garden homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Winter Garden Home
Winter Garden has homes from the early 1900s downtown next to master-planned communities built in the last 10 years. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: downtown and Tildenville
- Wood-frame homes in the historic downtown district and Tildenville often sit on piers, so rats nest under the floor
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Mature oaks that touch the roof
- Backyard citrus trees left over from the city’s grove era
Newer homes: Stoneybrook West and Summerlake
- Block-and-stucco homes in Stoneybrook West, Summerlake and other Horizon West communities
- Garage door corners and AC line gaps through the block
- Golf course canal banks and lakefront lot edges rats use as travel routes
- Screen enclosure frames and lanai gaps
- Landscaping and irrigation boxes against the foundation
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Winter Garden, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Winter Garden runs from a 19th-century downtown to brand-new subdivisions. Here is what we usually check first in each part of town.
Downtown Historic District
Brick streets along Plant Street, the Garden Theatre, two museums and a weekend farmers market. Older buildings and homes with roof and soffit gaps for roof rats.
Tildenville
A historic neighborhood near Lake Apopka with a mix of older and newer homes around the Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex. Crawl spaces and lakeside yards need regular checks.
Stoneybrook West
A gated golf course community with canals and ponds running through it. Norway rats travel the water edges and get into garages near the clubhouse and course.
Summerlake and Horizon West
Newer lakefront homes and townhomes south of the city. Roof edges, garage doors and pond banks are the usual entry points in this fast-growing area.
Oakland Park
A large family neighborhood south of downtown with parks and trail access. Yards backing up to green space and retention ponds see more rodent traffic.
West Orange Trail corridor
The recreational trail runs through downtown and past homes with mature tree cover. Overhanging branches along the trail are a common rat travel route into nearby yards.
Winter Garden through the year
How Winter Garden Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Winter Garden has a humid subtropical climate with a hot, rainy season from May to October and a cooler season from November to March. Rats stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from May to October raise water levels around Lake Apopka and the canals in Stoneybrook West, 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)
Hurricane Ian in September 2022 downed trees across Winter Garden, including on West Newell Street and North Main Street, damaged the dock shelter roof at Lake Apopka, and blocked the West Orange Trail near Brayton and Lakeview roads. Storm damage to soffits and trees near the house both open a path for rats.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Winter Garden homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Winter Garden grew up around citrus groves, and backyard orange and grapefruit trees are still common. Ripening fruit from fall through winter is 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 Winter Garden Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, lake and garage
- Trim branches and citrus limbs away from the roof
- Pick up fallen oranges and grapefruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep canal banks, pond edges and the space under a raised home free of clutter
- Store lawn and golf equipment off the floor in Stoneybrook West garages
- 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 Winter Garden
Winter Garden is not one kind of house. What we do at a pier-and-beam home in Tildenville is different from what we do at a block home in Summerlake.
Nesting Under the Floor and in Citrus Trees
These wood-frame homes near Plant Street and Tildenville often sit off the ground, giving rats room to nest underneath the floor, and backyard citrus trees give roof rats an easy food source.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and foundation vents, seal gaps with hardware cloth, and check citrus trees near the roofline before trapping.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes in Summerlake and the rest of Horizon West still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Canals and the Lake
Norway rats burrow along the golf course canals in Stoneybrook West and the shoreline of Lake Apopka in Tildenville, then move into nearby garages and sheds.
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 or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Winter Garden response zone
Winter Garden service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Winter Garden has 3 ZIP codes. We serve all of them, plus the surrounding parts of West Orange County. Call if you do not see yours.
347773477834787
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Historic District · Tildenville · Stoneybrook West · Summerlake · Oakland Park · Horizon West
Reviews from Winter Garden customers
Customer Reviews from Winter Garden
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found a gap under our floor near Tildenville and sealed it up. Haven’t heard a thing in the attic since.”
JD
John D.Winter Garden, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats coming in from the canal behind our house in Stoneybrook West. They found the entry points and took care of it fast.”
SM
Sarah M.Winter Garden, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional team, showed up on time and explained everything about our old downtown home before starting work.”
TL
Tom L.Winter Garden, FL
Verified Winter Garden rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Winter Garden 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.
Many homes in the historic downtown district and Tildenville were built off the ground with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and rotted sill boards give rats a dry, hidden place to nest. 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, 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.
In many neighborhoods, yes. Hurricane Ian in September 2022 downed trees across the city, including on West Newell Street and North Main Street, and damaged the dock shelter roof at Lake Apopka. Storm damage to soffits and roofs opens new gaps for rats. 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 Ocoee, Horizon West, Apopka and Clermont. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Winter Garden
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Winter Garden
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Winter Garden dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Winter Garden 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 Winter Garden 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 Winter GardenWinter Garden, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
