Top Wildlife Removal in Tampa, Florida Ranked

When raccoons rummage through your trash cans or squirrels take up residence in your attic, you're dealing with nuisance wildlife. In Tampa's unique ecosystem, where urban development meets natural habitats, these encounters are common. Professional wildlife removal and animal control services are essential for safely and legally resolving conflicts with local fauna, protecting your property, and ensuring public safety. This guide will help you understand the common wildlife issues in Tampa, when to handle a situation yourself, and how to find qualified local experts for humane removal and exclusion.

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

All In One Wildlife Removal LLC

tampa

All In One Wildlife Removal LLC provides rodent and wildlife control services in Tampa, FL, and surrounding counties including Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough. They handle the removal and exclusion of various nuisance wildlife such as rats, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, bats, and mice from attics, yards, crawlspaces, and mobile homes. Their approach includes locating entry points, sealing them to prevent re-entry, and humane trapping and relocation when necessary. The company is certified in rodent and wildlife removal in Hernando County and offers a one-year guarantee on their work.

5.0

165 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

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Tampa

Tampa's warm climate and mix of wetlands, woods, and suburbs create an ideal environment for a variety of animals that can become pests. Knowing which species you're dealing with is the first step toward effective control.

Mammals: Raccoons are perhaps the most notorious, known for their dexterity and intelligence in accessing food sources and attics ¹. Squirrels, particularly gray squirrels, frequently chew entry points into roofs and eaves, causing damage and noise ². Opossums, while generally less destructive, may seek shelter under decks or in crawl spaces. Armadillos are a Florida specialty, digging extensive burrows and uprooting lawns and gardens in search of insects ³. Rodents like roof rats and house mice are also common invaders seeking food and shelter ⁴.

Birds: While many birds are protected, non-native species like pigeons or certain types of starlings can create nuisances through nesting in vents or gutters, leading to clogged drains and potential health hazards from droppings ⁵.

Reptiles: Several species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, may find their way into yards or garages, especially when seeking prey like rodents. Proper identification is crucial for safety ¹.

Florida's Wildlife Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets the rules for dealing with native wildlife. Understanding these regulations is critical before taking any action.

The FWC defines a nuisance animal as one that causes property damage or poses a threat to public safety or health ⁶. For many common nuisance species, homeowners are allowed to trap animals on their own property. However, there are strict guidelines: trapping should generally occur during daylight hours, and any captured animal must be released on-site or humanely euthanized within 24 hours ^{7 8}.

Relocation of native wildlife is heavily restricted. It is only permitted within the same county, on a property of 40 acres or more, and only with the written permission of the landowner ⁹. Relocating animals without permission is illegal and often inhumane, as relocated animals struggle to find food and territory. It is prohibited to relocate state-threatened or endangered species, and special permits from the FWC are required in many other situations ^{5 9}.

For issues involving bears, the rules are even more specific. Feeding bears is illegal, and communities may have additional ordinances to secure trash and other attractants ¹⁰. When in doubt, contacting the FWC or a licensed wildlife control operator is the best course to ensure you are complying with the law.

Prevention and DIY Wildlife Control Strategies

The most effective and long-term solution to wildlife conflicts is to make your property less attractive and accessible. Here are key strategies for wildlife prevention:

• Remove Attractants: Securely store trash in containers with locking lids. Do not leave pet food outdoors overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and clear away brush piles or woodpiles that can provide shelter for rodents and snakes ^{3 11}.
• Exclusion (Sealing Entry Points): This is the cornerstone of long-term control. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Seal any holes or gaps in the foundation, roof soffits, and fascia boards. Install chimney caps and secure vent openings with heavy-duty, wildlife-proof screening ^{7 11}.
• Habitat Modification: Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline to prevent squirrels and raccoons from accessing your roof. Keep grass trimmed and reduce dense ground cover near the home's foundation.
• Live Trapping: For some animals like armadillos or squirrels, live trapping can be a DIY option. Always check local and FWC regulations first. Place traps along travel paths near the damage site and bait them appropriately. Remember, you are responsible for the humane dispatch or legal release of any captured animal ¹⁰.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While some minor issues can be handled independently, several scenarios warrant an immediate call to a licensed professional:

1. Safety Concerns: If an animal is acting aggressively, appears sick (potential rabies risk), or is a venomous snake, do not approach it. Professionals have the training and equipment to handle dangerous situations safely ².
2. Animals Trapped Indoors: A bird in the fireplace or a raccoon in the living room requires careful, stress-free removal to avoid injury to both the animal and the residents.
3. Infestations in Structural Spaces: Removing a family of raccoons or squirrels from an attic or wall void is complex. Professionals can locate all entry points, safely remove young, and implement complete exclusion ^{1 2}.
4. Legal and Regulatory Complexity: If the species is protected, requires a special permit, or you are unsure of the legal methods for disposal, a licensed wildlife control operator will navigate these regulations for you ⁵.
5. Persistent Problems: If DIY methods have failed and the animal returns, a professional can diagnose why and implement a permanent solution.

What to Expect from Professional Wildlife Control

A reputable wildlife control service in Tampa will follow an integrated process focused on humane removal and permanent exclusion.

1. Inspection: The technician will perform a detailed inspection of your property to identify the pest species, locate all active entry points, and assess the extent of the damage or infestation ¹.
2. Humane Removal: Using methods appropriate to the species and situation-such as one-way exclusion doors, live traps, or hands-on removal-the animals will be evicted. Ethical companies follow FWC guidelines for euthanasia or legal release ^{12 13}.
3. Exclusion & Repair: This is the most critical step. All identified entry points will be sealed with durable, animal-proof materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or specialized flashing to prevent re-entry. This service often constitutes a significant portion of the project cost ^{11 13}.
4. Cleanup & Sanitation: Wildlife leaves behind droppings, urine, nesting materials, and food debris that can pose health risks and attract insects. Many companies offer cleanup, disinfection, and deodorization services for attics and crawl spaces ¹.
5. Monitoring & Prevention Advice: A good service will offer follow-up monitoring and provide specific recommendations for keeping your property wildlife-free in the future.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Tampa

The cost for professional wildlife control in Tampa varies based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the services required. Here is a general breakdown:

• Inspection and Basic Removal: For the removal of common animals like squirrels, opossums, or a single raccoon, homeowners can expect costs ranging from $200 to $600 or more. This often includes the initial assessment and the installation of one-way exclusion devices ^{13 14}.
• Exclusion and Sealing Work: The permanent sealing of entry points is a separate and vital cost. Depending on the size of your home and the number of vulnerabilities, exclusion work can add $200 to $800 or more to the total project ^{1 14}.
• Cleanup and Restoration: Removing contaminated insulation, sanitizing areas, and repairing damage like chewed wires or ductwork will incur additional costs. Attic restoration projects can run into the thousands, depending on the square footage affected ¹⁴.

Always request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down inspection, removal, exclusion, and any additional services. Investing in comprehensive exclusion is key to avoiding recurring problems and costs.

Finding Qualified Help in Tampa

For guidance and to find licensed professionals, residents can contact the University of Florida IFAS Extension, which provides science-based information on nuisance wildlife ³. You can also search for established local companies. When evaluating a wildlife control service, ensure they are fully licensed and insured, provide clear explanations of their methods and guarantees, and emphasize humane, permanent exclusion over simple trapping.

Frequently asked questions

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