How To Remove Nuisance Wildlife From Your Property
March 30th, 2020
What Is Nuisance Wildlife?
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, nuisance wildlife refers to an animal or animals exhibiting behavior that causes (or is about to cause) property damage, presents a threat to public safety, or causes an annoyance within, under, or upon a building.
With many animals adapting to survive in urban and suburban areas, they can often coexist with humans without creating conflict. I’m sure most of us have seen a squirrel on our lawns or birds in a tree outside and been fine with their presence, knowing that each species of Florida’s native wildlife serves important ecological roles.
However, when wildlife gets into parts of your home it shouldn’t be, like in your attic, or getting stuck under your home, or is causing property damage or a threat to your safety, that’s when proactive measures should be taken to remove them from your property.
What Are Common Types of Nuisance Wildlife in Florida?
There are a few different animals that are commonly found as nuisance wildlife in Florida. Depending on where the animal is, you might just hear a noise and not actually see it. Here is a list of the most common nuisance wildlife animals that need removal in Southwest Florida.
- Rats are probably the most common nuisance wildlife animal in Florida. Palm rats, also known as roof rats or citrus rats, will invade any home with a small opening leading inside. They often take up residence in attics where they can cause property damage as well as spread diseases throughout the home.
- Raccoons are another common nuisance wildlife animal that can be found in Florida. They can be found in attics, but also break into garages, porches, and lanais.
- Opossums are scavenger animals that frequently get into pet food supplies and garbage. They can often be found in attics, walls and under homes.
- Armadillos are burrowing animals that often choose to burrow next to or under a home. They can also be found in other covered areas like AC units, decks, or sheds. They dig and can often damage landscaping.
- Moles are nuisance wildlife often found in Florida yards. They dig through soil and create tunnels as they search for worms and underground insects, causing damage to Florida lawns.
- Squirrels are an animal commonly found in Florida, and often chew on wood and wires which can cause damage when they get into your home.
What to Do If You Find Nuisance Wildlife
There are a number of regulations around removing nuisance wildlife from your property by the FWC.
There are certain guidelines on what animals can be relocated and what traps you are able to use. There are a few DIY methods for capturing wildlife at home, but we do not recommend using those, especially when you are dealing with animals that can possibly be dangerous.
If you have nuisance wildlife on your property, you should reach out to a professional wildlife removal company that is licensed in wildlife removal and trapping. Not only are they trained to handle animals that could be potentially dangerous, but they are familiar with the rules and regulations that need to be followed.
When you encounter nuisance wildlife on your property, you should act immediately to remove any immediate threat of danger. That might mean keeping a certain area of your home blocked off or removing your children or pets from the home or area that the animal is in.
Try to take note of any of the information about the animal you have like what it looks like, what sounds it’s making, or what damage you see – that way you can share it with the professionals. Then, call a professional wildlife trapper to safely remove the animal from your property.
Work with A Professional Wildlife Removal Company in SWFL
If you find nuisance wildlife on your property in Southwest Florida, Alford Wildlife is a professional wildlife removal company that can help. We are licensed and trained to provide professional, safe and reliable wildlife removal of animals like rats, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, moles and other animals from your home or business property.
Based in Fort Myers, we provide service from Collier County to Hillsborough County, throughout Southwest Florida. Call us today for service!
