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 Haven rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Winter Haven, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings along the garage wall? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Winter Haven homes and businesses, from the 1920s colonial revival houses of Interlaken and Pope Avenue to the lakefront properties around Lake Howard, Lake Eloise and the Chain of Lakes. 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 Haven.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Winter Haven
Why Winter Haven Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Winter Haven sits in Polk County between Tampa and Orlando, built around 50 lakes organized into two connected chains, joined by a canal lock system that opened in 2011. Warm weather all year, mature oak canopies over the historic districts, and water on almost every side mean rats and mice never get a real slow season here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Winter Haven. They travel along oak limbs and power lines in the older neighborhoods, then drop onto the roof and enter through soffit gaps and attic vents. In the historic districts of Interlaken, Pope Avenue and Winter Haven Heights, where more than 50 colonial revival homes from the 1920s still stand, mature trees and older rooflines give rats plenty of ways in.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the canals that link the Chain of Lakes, around the shorelines of Lake Howard, Lake Eloise and Lake Lulu, and near dumpsters and loading docks along the US 17-92 corridor by Legoland Florida. Downtown Winter Haven’s shops and restaurants deal with a different mix of ground-level activity than a lakefront home a mile away, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Winter Haven
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Winter Haven
Most Winter Haven 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 Haven homes, from 1920s colonial revival houses in Interlaken to newer homes near Cypress Gardens Boulevard.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for hotels, restaurants and shops along the Legoland and US 17-92 corridor and in downtown Winter Haven.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, roofline sealing and tree trimming advice for Winter Haven homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Winter Haven Home
Rodents move at night, so most Winter Haven 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 irrigation lines
Rats gnaw on wiring and irrigation or pool equipment lines. This can lead to shorts and costly repairs.
Half-eaten citrus or fruit
Hollowed oranges or grapefruit near the yard or a nearby grove is a classic roof rat sign in this part of Polk County.
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 Haven Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Winter Haven, Norway rats show up near canals, lake shorelines and dumpsters, 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 tree canopy
- 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, canal banks and rubbish
- 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 Haven 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
- Oak canopy, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen citrus
- 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 Haven Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the water’s edge. What we check depends on how close the home sits to a lake or canal, since a lakefront property and a home a few blocks inland have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and vines touching the roof
Ground level and waterfront
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Burrows along canal banks and lake shorelines
- Sheds, docks, boathouses and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Screen enclosure and lanai frame 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 Winter Haven 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. This is worth knowing in a lake and canal town like Winter Haven, especially after heavy rain.
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 irrigation or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Winter Haven Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Only lakefront homes get rats
- Fact: Homes in the historic districts and near downtown get rats too. Water is one draw, but shelter and fruit trees bring them in from any direction.
- 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: 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 rats near a canal bank, 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 the oak canopy or the nearest canal bank.
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 irrigation lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Burrows along a canal bank | Hard to reach and treat safely | Shoreline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Winter Haven
Rodent Control for Winter Haven Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Winter Haven
From colonial revival homes in Interlaken and Pope Avenue to lakefront properties on Lake Howard and Lake Eloise, each Winter Haven 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 homes
- Lakefront properties
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Winter Haven
Hotels and restaurants along the Legoland and US 17-92 corridor, and shops and restaurants in downtown Winter Haven, 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.
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- 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 Haven homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Winter Haven Home
Winter Haven has homes from the 1920s through today. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: historic districts
- Colonial revival homes from the 1920s in Interlaken, Pope Avenue and Winter Haven Heights, several on the National Register of Historic Places
- Gaps in old soffits, attic vents with no screens and rotted trim
- Original crawl spaces and foundation vents on raised sections
- Big oak trees that touch the roof
- Older garage and shed doors with worn seals
Newer homes: block, stucco and lakefront
- Block-and-stucco homes near Cypress Gardens Boulevard and the eastern edge of the city
- Open 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
- Docks, boathouses and seawalls used as a path to the house on lakefront lots
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Winter Haven, Area by Area
Winter Haven is spread across lakes, historic streets and a busy tourist corridor. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Interlaken, Pope Avenue and Winter Haven Heights
Historic districts with colonial revival homes from the 1920s under mature oak canopy. Rats use the trees to reach older rooflines, so we check soffits and attic vents first.
Downtown Winter Haven
Shops and restaurants close together with shared alleys and dumpsters. Ground-level Norway rat activity is more common here than attic calls.
Lake Howard, Lake Eloise and Lake Lulu
Waterfront homes with docks and seawalls on the Chain of Lakes. Norway rats burrow along the banks and use docks as a bridge to the house.
Legoland and the US 17-92 corridor
Hotels and restaurants near Legoland Florida, built on the former Cypress Gardens site, see steady deliveries and dumpster traffic. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Pughsville and the southern lakes
One of the city’s oldest residential areas, established after the Civil War. Mature trees and older homes mean the same attic and soffit checks as the historic districts to the north.
Eastern Winter Haven near Cypress Gardens Boulevard
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions. Roof edges, AC line gaps and screen enclosures are the usual entry points here.
Winter Haven through the year
How Winter Haven Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Winter Haven has a humid subtropical climate, with June through September bringing more than half of the city’s annual rainfall. Rats and mice stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise lake and canal levels, flooding burrows along the shoreline and pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor near the water.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Wind and heavy rain can open new gaps in soffits and roofs, and high water along the Chain of Lakes pushes rats out of burrows and toward homes.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, with average temperatures near 75 degrees year round, rats still look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Winter Haven homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Polk County is citrus country, and backyard oranges and grapefruit 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 Winter Haven Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches touching the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus and other fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep docks, boathouses and seawalls 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
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Winter Haven
Winter Haven is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1920s home in Interlaken is different from what we do at a lakefront home on the Chain of Lakes.
Old Rooflines Under Oak Canopy
These colonial revival homes from the 1920s sit under mature oak trees, which give roof rats a bridge straight onto older soffits and attic vents.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic first, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats Along the Shoreline
Homes on the Chain of Lakes deal with Norway rats burrowing along seawalls, docks and canal banks, especially after heavy summer rain raises the water level.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Deliveries and Dumpster Traffic
Hotels and restaurants near Legoland Florida deal with daily deliveries and shared dumpsters that draw rodents close to the building.
Our approach: We set up scheduled service with written visit logs, seal loading area gaps, and give staff simple storage changes that help.
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 Haven response zone
Winter Haven service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Winter Haven has 5 ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Polk County. Call if you do not see yours.
3388033881338823388433885
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Interlaken · Pope Avenue · Winter Haven Heights · Downtown Winter Haven · Pughsville · Lake Howard · Lake Eloise · Lake Lulu · Cypress Gardens Boulevard corridor
Reviews from Winter Haven customers
Customer Reviews from Winter Haven
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my home near Lake Howard. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t heard anything in the attic since their visit.”
JD
John D.Winter Haven, 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.Winter Haven, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew the area well and offered a real solution instead of just setting a few traps.”
TL
Tom L.Winter Haven, FL
Verified Winter Haven rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Winter Haven Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Homes in Interlaken, Pope Avenue and Winter Haven Heights date to the 1920s and often sit under mature oak trees. Old soffits, unscreened vents and rotted trim give rats an easy way into the attic. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Norway rats often burrow along seawalls, docks and canal banks, so lakefront homes see more ground-level activity. Roof rats are just as likely on any home with mature trees near the roof, lakefront or not.
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.
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 Bartow, Lakeland and Haines City. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Winter Haven?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Winter Haven
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Winter Haven
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Winter Haven dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Winter Haven 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 Haven 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 HavenWinter Haven, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
