Rat Control in Coral Gables

Coral Gables is the city George Merrick planned in the 1920s, and a lot of what makes it pretty also makes it easy for roof rats. Mediterranean Revival houses with barrel tile roofs, deep eaves and stucco chimneys. Streets lined with banyans, oaks and royal palms. Back yards with mango and avocado trees that drop fruit all summer.

The calls we get from the Gables are mostly about attics. Rats come in from the trees, walk the roof and slip under the tile at the eaves or through an old vent. The older homes around the Biltmore and City Hall have had decades of roof jobs, and each one can leave a gap.

Barrel Tile and Roof Rats

Barrel tile is laid in rows, and at the eave the first tile leaves a curved opening unless it's closed with bird stop or a mortar fill. Over the years those closures crack or fall out, and a roof rat fits right through. Once it's under the tile, it finds the next gap into the attic. Ask the provider to look at every eave and the ridge, not only the vents.

Some homes here are designated historic, and changes to the outside can need city review. Before anyone alters how the roof looks, check with the city's historic preservation office.

Trees, Fruit and Big Lots

The Gables is known for its tree canopy. That's great for shade and great for rats, because branches over the roof work as a bridge. Keep limbs trimmed back from the roofline and pick up fallen fruit. If you have a palm wearing a skirt of dead fronds, have it cleaned out. Roof rat control explains why those matter.

Coconut Grove has the same kind of old trees and older houses. For what goes on inside the attic, start with rats in the attic.

Around Coral Gables: Biltmore Hotel · Venetian Pool · Coral Gables City Hall · Merrick House · Douglas Entrance · Coral Gables Congregational Church

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