Protect Your Business from Florida’s Unwanted Guests with Wildlife Removal Services

Winter in Florida might not bring snow, but it comes with its own challenges for commercial businesses. Cooler January temperatures often drive wildlife to seek warmth and shelter—and your business could be their next stop. Understanding the importance of removing and preventing wildlife intrusions is essential to protecting your property, employees, and reputation. Turner Pest Control has everything you need to know to keep unwanted guests at bay this winter. 

Common Winter Wildlife Issues in Florida Businesses 

During winter, Florida businesses often encounter a range of wildlife seeking refuge from the cooler weather. Raccoons, squirrels, bats, opossums, and various rodents are among the most common culprits. These animals can pose serious health risks, as they may carry diseases such as rabies (raccoons, bats), leptospirosis (rodents, opossums), salmonella (rodents), and histoplasmosis (bats). Additionally, their presence can lead to property damage, contamination of food or products, and potential health hazards to employees and customers. Being aware of these risks is the first step in addressing the problem. 

Raccoons: These highly intelligent creatures are drawn to businesses by food sources, such as dumpsters or poorly secured trash bins. They often seek warmth and shelter in attics, crawl spaces, and storage areas. Raccoons can carry rabies, roundworm, and leptospirosis, posing serious health risks to humans and pets. 

Squirrels: Squirrels enter buildings to escape the cold and create nests in attics or walls, where they feel secure. Their constant gnawing can damage wires, leading to fire hazards. They can also carry diseases like salmonella and tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, through parasites. 

Bats: Bats are attracted to dark, quiet spaces such as attics, eaves, or warehouses. While they play an important role in controlling insect populations, their droppings (guano) can cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. Bats can also transmit rabies through bites. 

Opossums: Opossums are opportunistic and often seek shelter in basements, crawl spaces, or near dumpsters. They are scavengers that may carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and parasites like fleas and ticks, which can spread to humans and pets. 

How Wildlife Finds Its Way Indoors 

Wildlife can be surprisingly resourceful when seeking entry into commercial buildings. Common access points include gaps in roofing, vents, attics, loading docks, or poorly sealed windows and doors. Often-overlooked areas like utility openings, damaged fascia boards, and HVAC systems also serve as convenient entryways for these persistent pests. Identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial for keeping wildlife out of your business. 

Signs of Wildlife Activity to Watch For 

Early detection of wildlife intrusions can save businesses from costly repairs and health risks. Key indicators of wildlife activity include: 

• Unusual noises such as scratching, scurrying, or squeaking 

• Droppings or urine stains in storage areas or along walls 

• Nesting materials like shredded paper, leaves, or insulation 

• Damaged insulation, chewed wires, or gnawed structural materials 

• Foul odors indicating the presence of animals or their waste 

By recognizing these signs early, you can take action before the problem escalates. 

Preventative Measures to Keep Wildlife Out 

Prevention is always better than dealing with an escalated wildlife issue. Here are several strategies your business can adopt to reduce the likelihood of intrusions: 

• Seal all potential entry points, including cracks, vents, and utility openings 

• Secure dumpsters and food storage areas to eliminate attractants 

• Trim trees and vegetation close to buildings to remove access pathways 

• Conduct regular inspections of attics, crawl spaces, and storage areas 

Maintaining a clean and secure commercial space is key to deterring wildlife from making your property their winter home. 

Why Professional Wildlife Removal is Essential 

While DIY solutions might seem tempting, they often come with risks, including injury, incomplete removal, and potential legal issues with protected species. Partnering with Turner Pest Control ensures safe, humane, and thorough wildlife control and management. Turner offers tailored solutions, ongoing monitoring, and expertise in handling Florida’s unique wildlife challenges. With our help, you can protect your business from intrusions while complying with local regulations. 

Safeguard your business from unwanted guests today by contacting our team today - 800-225-5305 - to schedule a free inspection and take the first step toward protecting your business from unwanted guests.