Top Wildlife Removal in St Petersburg, Florida Ranked

Living in St. Petersburg means sharing our beautiful, subtropical environment with a diverse array of native animals. While this is part of the city's charm, it can become a problem when wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, or bats decide your attic, walls, or yard is their new home. Professional wildlife removal and animal control services are essential for safely and legally resolving these conflicts, protecting both your property and the animals involved. This guide explains the common nuisance species in St. Pete, what you can do yourself, when to call for help, and how to navigate Florida's specific regulations to find a qualified local expert.

Phoenix Pest Management and Wildlife Control

705 Live Oak St Ste G, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Phoenix Pest Management and Wildlife Control provides pest and wildlife removal services in Tampa, FL. They handle a variety of pests including cockroaches, ants, rodents, bees, and wasps, as well as wildlife such as rats, squirrels, and raccoons. The company also offers restoration services to repair damage caused by animals and protect properties from future invasions. Owner Steve Barker has about 20 years of experience and started the business in 2012, serving the Greater Tampa Bay area with eco-friendly pest control products and permanent exclusion materials.

5.0

465 Reviews

The Rodent Pros

1810 W Kennedy Blvd suite 314, Tampa, FL 33606

The Rodent Pros is a pest control company based in Tampa, FL, specializing in rodent control, wildlife removal, and pest extermination. They offer a comprehensive approach that includes identifying rodent species, sealing entry points, trapping, repairing damage, and sanitizing affected areas. With over 20 years of experience, The Rodent Pros focus on rodent remediation and trapping without using poisons, emphasizing safer and more humane methods. They provide 24-hour service to address urgent rodent and wildlife issues promptly in the Tampa area.

5.0

267 Reviews

McCall Pest & Wildlife - Tampa

2610 Tampa E Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619

McCall Pest & Wildlife - Tampa provides comprehensive pest and wildlife control services in Tampa, FL. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they address issues with rodents, termites, mosquitoes, birds, and other wildlife. Their expertise includes termite inspections and monthly mosquito treatments designed to reduce outdoor pests. With nearly a century of experience across Florida, McCall Pest & Wildlife focuses on eco-friendly products to protect both customers and the environment. They offer customized commercial pest control solutions for various businesses, including schools and healthcare facilities.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

PURCOR Pest Solutions

4630 Woodland Corporate Blvd ste 201, Tampa, FL 33614

PURCOR Pest Solutions provides pest and termite control services in Tampa, FL. They manage a variety of pests including ants, mice, spiders, roaches, rodents, and seasonal invaders for both residential and commercial properties. Their licensed professionals also offer wildlife removal and cleanup services for affected areas such as basements and crawlspaces. PURCOR emphasizes environmentally conscious pest management and offers resources to address termite concerns. The company is locally managed and focused on serving the Tampa community with expert pest control solutions.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

Friendly Pest Solutions, LLC

213 Brentshire Dr, Brandon, FL 33511

Friendly Pest Solutions, LLC is a pest control company serving Tampa, FL, with over 30 years of experience. They offer a wide range of services including insect control, rodent control, termite inspections, wildlife removal, and commercial pest management. Their capabilities include providing required wood-destroying organism (WDO) paperwork for mortgage approvals and fumigation services with warranties. The company also offers emergency pest control services to address urgent needs.

4.9

835 Reviews

See more providers in St Petersburg, FL

Common Nuisance Wildlife in St. Petersburg

The warm climate and urban landscape of St. Petersburg attract a variety of animals that can become pests. Knowing what you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective solution.

Mammals: This is the most frequent category for complaints. Raccoons are notorious for tipping over trash cans and seeking shelter in attics or under decks. Squirrels and rodents like rats and mice can chew through wiring and insulation, creating fire hazards and costly damage. Other common mammalian visitors include opossums, bats, armadillos, and even feral hogs on the outskirts of the city ^{1 2}.

Birds: Non-native or unprotected birds such as pigeons, starlings, and crows often nest in building eaves, vents, and attics, leading to noise, droppings, and potential health concerns. It's crucial to remember that all native bird species are protected by federal law, and their removal requires special permits ^{1 3}.

Reptiles: Snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, can find their way into garages, pools, and landscaped areas. While most snakes are beneficial and non-venomous, correctly identifying the species is important for safety ^{2 3}.

What You Can Do: DIY Prevention and Removal

For minor issues, there are several effective steps St. Petersburg residents can take before calling a professional. The cornerstone of any wildlife management plan is exclusion and prevention.

• Secure Food Sources: Use wildlife-resistant trash cans with locking lids. Never leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight, and clean barbecue grills after use ^{1 4}.
• Eliminate Shelter: Trim tree branches back at least 6-10 feet from your roofline to prevent access. Seal potential entry points like gaps in soffits, loose roof vents, and cracks in foundations with sturdy materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or foam sealant ^{5 6}.
• Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle and discourage animals from frequenting your yard. For some animals, natural repellents like cayenne pepper or vinegar sprays around garden borders may offer temporary relief ¹.
• DIY Trapping for Rodents: Homeowners are legally allowed to trap and remove rats and mice on their own property without a state permit ^{7 8}. Always use appropriate, humane traps.
• Special Case: Bats: If bats are roosting in your home, exclusion using one-way doors is the only legal and effective removal method. Critically, this work is only permitted from August through winter. It is illegal to exclude bats from April through August, which is the maternity season when flightless young are present ^{5 9}.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While DIY methods work for prevention and minor rodent problems, certain situations absolutely require the expertise of a licensed wildlife control operator.

• Presence of Young Animals: If you suspect babies (e.g., chirping bats, crying raccoons) are present, do not attempt removal. Professionals have the knowledge to perform humane evictions or reunite families to avoid orphaning young or trapping them inside walls to die ^{1 5 9}.
• Protected or Dangerous Species: This includes all native birds, bears, deer, and venomous snakes. Handling these animals requires specific federal or state permits that professionals hold ^{2 3 10}. If you have a conflict with a bear, immediate professional guidance is needed ^{4 11}.
• Significant Structural Damage or Infestation: When you hear persistent noises in walls or ceilings, find extensive droppings, or see chewed electrical wiring, the problem is likely beyond simple DIY trapping ^{11 6}.
• Uncertainty About Laws: Florida's wildlife regulations are specific. If you are unsure about the legal methods for trapping, relocating, or handling a particular animal, contacting a pro ensures you remain in compliance ^{8 12}.

Understanding Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) Regulations

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets the rules for all nuisance wildlife control. Working with a professional ensures these complex regulations are followed.

• Trapping Laws: For animals other than rats and mice, you generally need written permission from the FWC or must hire a licensed trapper. All live traps must be checked at least every 24 hours. The use of poisons ("economic poisons") for wildlife is prohibited, and there are restrictions on using firearms or lights at night ^{7 8 10}.
• Relocation and Euthanasia: It is a common misconception that animals can simply be relocated. FWC rules state that captured native wildlife must be released on the property where it was caught or euthanized humanely within 24 hours. Some species, like bobcats, must be released. Relocation is often illegal and can spread disease or doom the animal to starvation in an unfamiliar territory ^{8 12}.
• Permits: The FWC does not issue general "nuisance wildlife permits" to the public. Licensed wildlife removal professionals operate under specific permits that allow them to legally handle and transport protected species ^{7 9}.

What to Expect: Services and Associated Costs

When you contact a professional wildlife removal company in St. Petersburg, their process is thorough and methodical.

1. Inspection and Assessment: A technician will perform a detailed inspection to identify the animal species, locate entry points, and assess damage. This service typically costs between $100 and $250, which is often credited toward the total service cost if you proceed ^{1 13}.
2. Humane Removal and Trapping: Using legally approved methods, the professional will remove the animals. This may involve live trapping, exclusion devices, or hands-on removal. Costs are often per animal or per trap set, ranging from $200 to $400+ for squirrels or raccoons ^{2 11}.
3. Exclusion and Repair: After removal, the critical step is to seal all entry points to prevent re-infestation. This is included in services like bat exclusion, which is a complex process costing between $500 and $1,500+, depending on the structure ^{5 13}.
4. Clean-up and Sanitation: Professionals will often remove contaminated insulation and droppings and apply enzymatic cleaners to eliminate odors and biohazards, which is a vital step for health and safety.
5. Ongoing Prevention: A reputable service will provide recommendations for long-term prevention.

Other common costs include snake removal ($100 to $300+, depending on venom and accessibility) and comprehensive rodent control setups ($150 to $400+ for initial trapping and sealing) ^{2 13}. Prices vary widely based on the severity of the infestation, the species involved, and the complexity of the work.

The key takeaway for St. Petersburg homeowners is to prioritize prevention, understand the basic FWC rules, and do not hesitate to call a licensed professional for complex issues, protected species, or whenever young animals are involved ^{5 9}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources