FAQ
Common questions about wildlife removal in Florida, answered without the upsell.
Bat Removal
Why can't bats be excluded year-round in Florida?
Florida law (FWC) prohibits bat exclusion during maternity season, April 16 through August 14. During this window, flightless pups would be trapped inside and die. We schedule exclusions to start no earlier than August 15 and finish before April 16.
Why is bat guano dangerous?
Bat guano grows Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease. Guano also corrodes wood and stains drywall. We use industry-grade PPE and HEPA vacuums for cleanup.
How do you remove bats?
We never trap bats. We install one-way exclusion devices at every entry point. Bats fly out at dusk to feed and cannot get back in. Once the colony has cleared, we seal the openings and decontaminate the roost.
What does the bat-free warranty cover?
Every exclusion is covered by a written bat-free warranty. If bats return through any point we sealed, we come back at no charge.
Are bats in Florida a rabies risk?
Bats are a regional rabies vector in Florida. Never handle a bat with bare hands. If you find one inside, contain the room and call us at (407) 917-6672.
Bird Removal
What kinds of birds do you handle?
Common Florida cases include pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and grackles. We do not handle protected native species without proper permits, which most cases don't require.
Why are bird droppings a health concern?
Bird guano can carry over 60 transmissible diseases, most notably histoplasmosis (a respiratory disease from a fungus that grows in droppings) and salmonellosis. We treat every cleanup as a contamination job.
What's the difference between bird removal and pigeon control?
Bird removal is the broader service, covering most non-protected species in Florida. Pigeon control is a specialized version for the specific damage and droppings patterns pigeons create. Both include cleanup and exclusion.
Will the birds come back?
Once exclusion hardware is properly installed, the same opening is no longer accessible. Every install carries a written warranty. If birds return through any point we sealed, we come back at no charge.
Do you handle dryer vent fires from bird nests?
We handle the prevention side: removing the nest, cleaning the vent, and installing a vent cap with a lifetime warranty. If you have an active fire risk, call your fire department first.
Iguana Control
Are iguanas protected in Florida?
No. Green iguanas are an invasive species and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages humane removal. They are not protected and our trapping is fully legal.
Why are iguanas a property problem?
Iguanas burrow into seawalls and pool decks, which can lead to expensive structural failure. They defoliate ornamentals and citrus, leave droppings that can carry Salmonella, and their populations grow fast in Florida's climate.
Where in Florida do you handle iguanas?
We service iguana issues statewide, with the highest case volume across South Florida and waterfront communities. Call (407) 917-6672 to schedule an inspection.
Will the iguanas come back?
Live trapping alone is not enough. We pair removal with habitat modification and exclusion barriers so the property becomes unattractive to iguanas long-term. Without those steps, new iguanas tend to recolonize within weeks.
Are your methods humane?
Yes. We use humane live trapping and follow FWC guidance for handling invasive species. We do not use poisons.
Squirrel Removal
Why are squirrels in my Florida attic a problem?
Squirrels chew on electrical wires (a fire hazard) and AC line sets, damage fascia and wooden trim, and leave droppings and urine that contaminate insulation. They produce two litters per year in Florida, so populations grow fast if left alone.
How do you remove squirrels humanely?
We use professional live trapping and, when young are present, one-way exclusion doors so adults can leave but cannot return. No poisons, no lethal methods.
Do you clean up the mess?
Yes. Droppings and urine are removed, contaminated insulation is decontaminated or replaced, and we sanitize the affected attic or soffit space.
What's the difference between grey squirrels and flying squirrels?
Grey squirrels are active during the day and enter through obvious openings. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, slip through tiny gaps, and tend to come in colonies. Our inspection identifies which species is involved and adjusts the removal approach accordingly.
What does the warranty cover?
Every exclusion job is backed by a written warranty. If squirrels return through any point we sealed, we come back at no charge.
Raccoon Removal
How much does raccoon removal cost?
We provide a free estimate. Pricing depends on entry point complexity and whether attic remediation is required. Call (407) 917-6672 to schedule an inspection.
How are raccoons getting into my Florida home?
Common entry points include soffit gaps, loose roof tiles (especially barrel tile), attic vents, fascia joints, and chimneys. Our inspection identifies every weak point on the structure.
Are your methods humane?
Yes. We live-trap raccoons and relocate them in compliance with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No poisons, no harm.
What health risks do raccoons pose?
Raccoons can carry rabies and their droppings can contain roundworm eggs that remain infectious for years. We decontaminate all soiled areas as part of every job.
What does the warranty cover?
Every exclusion job is backed by a written warranty. If raccoons return through any point we sealed, we come back at no charge.
Snake Removal
Which venomous snakes live in Florida?
Florida has six venomous species: the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, eastern coral snake, cottonmouth (water moccasin), and copperhead. The first five occur statewide; copperheads are limited to the western Panhandle.
What should I do if I find a snake on my property?
Keep family and pets back, maintain a safe distance, and keep the snake in view from at least 10 feet. Do not attempt to handle, kill, or trap it yourself. Call (407) 917-6672 for emergency snake removal.
Are Florida snakes protected?
Yes. Most native Florida snake species are protected under FWC regulations. It is generally illegal to harm or kill them without specific authorization. We follow all CPW-equivalent guidelines for humane capture and relocation.
Can you keep snakes off my property long-term?
We pair removal with inspection, exclusion, and habitat modification. Sealing foundation gaps, reducing rodent populations (the primary snake food source), and removing brush and debris dramatically reduce future encounters.
Do you handle snake emergencies?
Yes. We respond to emergency snake removal calls across Florida. If you have a venomous snake inside a home or near children/pets, call (407) 917-6672 immediately.
Alligator Removal
Can I remove a nuisance alligator myself?
No. In Florida, alligators are managed by the FWC under the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. Only authorized trappers can legally take or relocate one. Call (407) 917-6672 or report the alligator to FWC at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
When does an alligator qualify as a nuisance alligator?
Generally, alligators four feet or longer that are believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property qualify under SNAP. Smaller alligators are usually left in place unless they are showing unusual behavior or are stuck somewhere unsafe, like a swimming pool or garage.
Are alligators always killed when removed?
SNAP guidance often results in lethal removal of larger alligators because relocated alligators frequently return long distances to their original territory and the program is built around public safety. Some smaller animals can be relocated. The outcome follows FWC rules, not the homeowner's preference.
What should I do if I find an alligator on my property?
Keep people and pets back at least 30 feet. Do not feed it. Feeding alligators is a crime in Florida. Do not try to handle or move it. Call (407) 917-6672 or 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) and let a professional handle it.
Where do you respond for alligator calls?
We respond to nuisance alligator calls within a 200 mile radius of Orlando, which covers most of the Florida peninsula. Call (407) 917-6672 to confirm coverage for your address.
Armadillo Removal
Why are armadillos suddenly a Florida problem?
Armadillo populations have expanded dramatically across Florida in the last 20+ years. Mild winters, abundant grubs, and few natural predators mean once they find a yard with food, more keep coming.
How much damage can one armadillo do?
A single armadillo can dig burrows 7 to 15 feet deep that compromise foundations and concrete. Their nightly grub-hunting also tears up landscape beds and lawn. The damage compounds quickly if they're left alone.
Are armadillos dangerous?
Direct danger to people is low, though armadillos are one of the few wild animals that can carry leprosy bacteria. The bigger concern is the structural damage they cause to buildings, decks, and pools.
Do you handle the burrows after removal?
Yes. We fix the burrow damage, reinforce vulnerable structural areas, and install exclusion barriers so new armadillos cannot move into the abandoned burrow.
How long does it take?
Most armadillo removals are completed within a few visits. The trapping window depends on the animal's travel pattern, which we identify during the initial inspection.
Skunk Removal
Are skunks in Florida a rabies risk?
Yes. Skunks are a regional rabies vector in Florida. Never approach a skunk in your yard. Keep pets and children indoors and call a professional.
How do you trap skunks without getting sprayed?
We use spray-proof live trapping techniques developed specifically for skunks. The skunk is removed humanely without releasing musk on your property.
Why are skunks under my deck or porch?
Skunks burrow under decks, porches, sheds, and slab edges to den and bear young. Once they choose a spot, they often return year after year unless the entry is sealed properly after removal.
Can you actually get rid of the skunk smell?
Yes. Skunk musk is oil-based, which is why soap and water don't work. We use enzymatic treatments that break down the compounds, and we treat porous surfaces (decking, equipment, fabric) where the smell tends to linger.
Are you licensed?
Yes. Florida Wildlife Specialists is FWC-compliant and our technicians are background-checked and fully insured.
Gopher Removal
How do I know if I have gophers?
Gophers leave fan-shaped mounds of fresh soil with a plug in the center, usually offset from where they're actually working. Sudden patches of dead grass, broken irrigation, and soft ground that gives underfoot are also signs of active tunnels.
Are your methods safe for pets and kids?
Yes. We use professional trapping techniques and do not deploy bait or poison. Every technician is background-checked and fully insured.
How quickly can you respond?
We dispatch across Florida as quickly as we can. Call (407) 917-6672 for a free estimate.
Will the gophers come back?
Removal alone gets the current population out. New gophers can reach the same yard if the conditions that drew them in remain. We recommend prevention strategies after the inspection so the work holds long-term.
Pigeon Control
How much does pigeon control cost?
We provide a free estimate. Pricing depends on the size of the area and the type of exclusion needed. Solar panel jobs are quoted by panel count.
Why are pigeon droppings a problem?
Pigeon droppings are acidic and corrode metal, paint, and roofing material. Nests under solar panels can cause electrical issues and are a fire risk. The droppings can also carry diseases.
Will the pigeons come back?
Once exclusion hardware is properly installed, pigeons cannot return through the same openings. Every job is backed by a written warranty, and our solar panel critter guards carry a lifetime warranty.
Do you handle solar panel pigeon issues?
Yes. Pigeons nesting under solar panels are one of our most common jobs across Florida. We provide a lifetime warranty on critter guards for the lifespan of your solar panels.