Introduction

South Florida’s warm climate is not just attractive to people—it’s also a haven for wildlife looking for food and shelter. As temperatures drop slightly in winter, animals like roof rats, raccoons, squirrels, and opossums seek out safe places to nest, and unfortunately, your home is the perfect spot.

Wildlife infestations can cause serious damage, from chewed electrical wiring to contaminated insulation. That’s why wildlife exclusion—blocking animals from entering your home—is the best long-term solution. In this blog, we’ll cover the dangers of wildlife infestations, common entry points, and the most effective exclusion techniques to keep your home secure.

The Most Common Wildlife Pests in South Florida

South Florida is home to many types of nuisance wildlife. Here are the top invaders that homeowners deal with:

Roof Rats

• Enter through small openings in the roof, soffits, or attic vents.
• Chew on electrical wires, leading to fire hazards.
• Contaminate food and spread diseases like leptospirosis.

Squirrels

• Nest in attics, chimneys, and walls, causing structural damage.
• Gnaw on insulation and wooden beams.
• Extremely active in winter when looking for nesting sites.

Raccoons

• Strong enough to tear through shingles, soffits, and vents.
• Often found rummaging through garbage bins.
• Can carry rabies and other harmful diseases.

Opossums

• Known for sneaking into crawl spaces and garages.
• May attack pets or spread parasites like fleas and ticks.

Without proper exclusion, these animals can become long-term residents in your home.

Why Wildlife Infestations Are a Serious Problem

Many homeowners underestimate the damage that wildlife can cause. Here’s why it’s important to act fast:

✔ Structural Damage – Animals like raccoons and squirrels can tear through roofing materials and chew on support beams.

✔ Fire Hazards – Rats and squirrels love chewing on electrical wires, which can lead to house fires.

✔ Health Risks – Wildlife droppings and urine can spread dangerous diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella.

✔ Odor & Contamination – If an animal dies inside your walls or attic, it creates a strong smell and attracts other pests.

✔ Expensive Repairs – The longer wildlife stays in your home, the more damage they cause. Exclusion is far cheaper than major repairs.

Common Entry Points for Wildlife

Wildlife can squeeze into your home through surprisingly small openings. Here are the most common entry points:

• Roof Vents & Soffits – Gaps or weak spots in the roof allow easy access for rodents and squirrels.
• Chimneys – Raccoons and birds can enter if the chimney isn’t capped.
• Gaps in Siding – Loose or damaged siding is an open invitation for wildlife.
• Crawl Spaces & Foundations – Small cracks in your foundation can let animals inside.
• Attic Openings – Poorly sealed attic vents are prime entry points for roof rats.

Wildlife exclusion focuses on sealing these areas to prevent future invasions.

The Wildlife Exclusion Process: Step by Step

Wildlife exclusion is a long-term solution that prevents animals from ever entering your home again. Here’s how professionals do it:

Step 1: Inspection & Identification

• A thorough inspection is done to find entry points, nesting sites, and signs of activity.
• Droppings, chew marks, and footprints help identify which animals are present.

Step 2: Sealing Entry Points

• Steel mesh and hardware cloth are used to seal vents, chimneys, and small openings.
• Weatherproof sealants are applied to cracks and gaps in the foundation.
• Chimney caps and vent covers are installed to block access.

Step 3: Trapping & Safe Removal

• Humane traps are used to capture any animals still inside.
• Relocation is done in compliance with local wildlife laws.

Step 4: Damage Repair & Sanitization

• Chewed wires, insulation, and contaminated areas are repaired or replaced.
• Attics, crawl spaces, and infested areas are cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria and odors.

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring

• Motion-activated cameras and monitoring stations can be used to track wildlife activity.
• Routine inspections ensure your home remains secure.

DIY Wildlife Prevention Tips

While professional exclusion is the most effective solution, you can take these steps to reduce the risk of wildlife invasions:

✔ Seal Cracks & Gaps – Use caulk, steel wool, or weatherstripping to close off entry points.

✔ Keep Food Sources Away – Secure trash cans, avoid leaving pet food outside, and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed.

✔ Trim Tree Branches – Cut back branches that provide easy access to your roof.

✔ Store Firewood Away from Your Home – Stacks of wood attract rodents and insects.

✔ Install Motion-Sensor Lights – Bright lights can deter nocturnal animals like raccoons.

If you suspect a wildlife infestation, it’s best to contact professionals before trying to remove animals on your own.

Why DIY Trapping Can Be Dangerous

Many homeowners attempt to trap and remove wildlife themselves, but this can lead to serious problems:

🚨 Bites & Scratches: Animals can become aggressive when cornered, leading to painful injuries.

🚨 Disease Exposure: Handling animals increases the risk of exposure to rabies, fleas, and other parasites.

🚨 Legal Issues: Certain species are protected by law and must be handled by licensed professionals.

🚨 Ineffective Solutions: If entry points aren’t sealed, new animals will just move in.

Professional wildlife exclusion ensures safe, legal, and permanent solutions.

Why Choose Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control for Wildlife Exclusion?

At Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective wildlife exclusion to keep your home protected. Here’s why we’re the best choice:

✔ Certified Wildlife Experts – Our team knows how to handle Florida’s most common wildlife pests.
✔ Humane & Legal Removal – We follow Florida regulations to ensure ethical wildlife handling.
✔ Permanent Solutions – Our exclusion techniques prevent future infestations.
✔ Damage Repair Services – We don’t just remove animals; we repair the damage they cause.
✔ 24/7 Emergency Service – Wildlife problems don’t wait, and neither do we.

Take Action Now – Protect Your Home This Season!

Wildlife infestations are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious property damage, health risks, and costly repairs. With professional wildlife exclusion, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in the attic or find droppings in your garage—take action now! Contact Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control today for a FREE wildlife exclusion inspection.