It’s that time of year again. As the weather warms up, wildlife in Central Florida is waking up, getting active, and—unfortunately for homeowners—looking for a place to raise their young. If there’s even the tiniest opening in your roof, soffits, or vents, squirrels, raccoons, bats, and rodents will take full advantage. Once they’re inside, getting them out is a whole different story.

That’s why sealing entry points now—before the breeding season kicks into high gear—is so important. Waiting too long can lead to expensive damage, health risks, and a whole lot of hassle.

Why Breeding Season Brings Unwanted Guests Indoors

Wildlife is a lot like us when it comes to nesting. They want a safe, warm place to raise their babies, away from predators and bad weather. The problem? Attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids make the perfect nursery.

Once an animal settles in, it won’t be in any hurry to leave—especially if it’s raising young. And that’s where things get tricky. Some species, like bats, are legally protected during maternity season, meaning removal can be delayed for months. By the time you realize there’s a problem, you could be stuck with an entire family of unwelcome guests.

Which Animals Are Invading Homes During Breeding Season?

Several species in Florida are notorious for breaking into homes when it’s time to raise their young. Squirrels are among the most common intruders, squeezing through small gaps in roofs and soffits. Once inside, they chew on wires, insulation, and even wooden beams, creating serious fire hazards and structural damage. Raccoons are another major offender. Strong and persistent, they tear open soffits, vents, and weak points in the roof to create dens. They can be aggressive when protecting their young and often leave a mess behind.

Bats frequently seek out attics, forming colonies and leaving behind guano that can spread harmful fungi. Because bats are protected during maternity season, removal is restricted for several months each year, making early prevention essential. Rodents like rats and mice take advantage of tiny gaps around pipes, vents, and foundations. These pests reproduce quickly, contaminate food, and chew through electrical wiring, creating significant safety hazards. Opossums, though less destructive than other species, often take shelter under homes and in crawl spaces, sometimes bringing fleas, ticks, and an unpleasant odor along with them.

Each of these animals brings its own risks, from property damage to health concerns. If they get inside during breeding season, removal becomes even more complicated.

What Happens If You Don’t Act Now?

A lot of homeowners put off sealing up their homes, figuring they’ll deal with wildlife if it becomes a problem. But by the time you hear rustling in your attic, it’s already too late. Here’s what you could be facing:

1. Expensive structural damage

Wildlife doesn’t just move in—they tear things up. Squirrels chew through electrical wires, increasing fire hazards. Raccoons rip apart soffits and vents, leaving your attic exposed to the elements. Rats and mice burrow through insulation, creating nests that weaken your home’s energy efficiency. Even smaller animals like bats leave behind droppings that can deteriorate surfaces. If you wait too long, the damage can cost thousands in repairs.

2. Health risks from droppings and parasites

It’s not just the animals themselves—it’s what they bring with them. Wildlife droppings and urine contain bacteria that can spread diseases like leptospirosis, histoplasmosis, and hantavirus. Bats, rats, and raccoons can also introduce fleas, mites, and ticks into your home, putting pets and family members at risk. If the infestation is left unchecked, these parasites can spread through walls, carpets, and furniture, making removal even more difficult.

3. Difficult and costly removal

Once wildlife has babies inside your home, the removal process gets a lot more complicated. Many animals, including raccoons and bats, won’t abandon their young, which means professionals often have to make multiple visits to remove both the mother and her offspring safely. This extends the timeline and increases costs. The longer an infestation is ignored, the bigger the problem becomes—leading to more damage, more cleanup, and higher expenses.

4. Legal restrictions on wildlife removal

If you don’t act fast, you might not have the option to remove certain wildlife. Florida law protects bats during maternity season (April 15th to August 15th), meaning if they settle in before exclusion is possible, you could be stuck with them for months. This means more droppings, more odor, and higher risks of contamination. Other species, like raccoons, have strict handling laws, so waiting too long could make removal much harder.

Delaying action only leads to bigger problems. The best way to avoid these risks is to make sure your home is sealed properly before wildlife has a chance to move in.

How to Seal Your Home Before It’s Too Late

Wildlife is resourceful, and even small gaps can be an open invitation. Here’s how to keep them out:

1. Inspect your roof and soffits for gaps

Even a tiny crack can be an entryway for squirrels, raccoons, and rodents. Look for gaps along rooflines, soffits, and vents—especially where different materials meet. These weak spots are the first areas wildlife will test. Patching them early with durable materials prevents animals from forcing their way inside.

2. Cover attic vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces

Wildlife loves dark, hidden spaces, and chimneys, vents, and crawl spaces provide perfect shelter. Bats, rodents, and birds frequently enter through attic vents, while raccoons may crawl inside an uncovered chimney. Installing steel mesh or hardware cloth lets air flow while keeping animals out. A chimney cap is an easy fix that prevents raccoons and birds from moving in.

3. Seal gaps around utility lines and pipes

Wildlife doesn’t just come in through obvious holes. Mice and rats can squeeze through gaps around pipes and utility lines that lead into your home. Using steel or concrete is the best way to block these entry points. Unlike foam or plastic, these materials are chew-resistant and last much longer.

4. Fix loose siding and fascia boards

If it looks like it could be pried open, an animal will pry it open. Raccoons, in particular, are known for pulling at weak spots until they find a way in. If you notice loose siding or damaged fascia boards, secure them before wildlife turns them into an entrance. Reinforcing these areas now prevents major structural damage later.

A properly sealed home keeps wildlife out. But even with the best efforts, some homeowners might miss small vulnerabilities. That’s where professional wildlife exclusion services can help.

Why Calling a Pro Is Worth It

While sealing your home on your own can help, it’s easy to overlook small vulnerabilities that wildlife can still exploit. Working with a professional ensures that no entry points are missed and that exclusion materials are installed properly. Here’s why hiring an expert is the best choice:

1. They spot what you might miss

Pros know where to look and can find vulnerabilities that homeowners often overlook. A trained eye ensures no small opening is left unchecked.

2. They use humane, long-lasting solutions

Unlike DIY fixes, professionals install high-quality, durable barriers that are designed to last. Cheap materials often break down over time, leading to future infestations.

3. They offer ongoing protection

Wildlife prevention isn’t just a one-time job. Many services offer follow-ups and maintenance to keep your home secure year after year.

4. They follow Florida’s wildlife laws

Handling protected species comes with legal restrictions. Professionals ensure everything is done legally, ethically, and safely while still protecting your home.

Calling a pro means you get peace of mind, knowing your home is protected for the long run.

Call Wildout Animal and Pest Removal Today!

If you’re serious about keeping wildlife out, Wildout Animal and Pest Removal can help. We’ll inspect your home, identify weak spots, and seal up entryways before wildlife moves in. But our services don’t stop there—we also provide comprehensive wildlife solutions, including removal, cleanup and restoration, and ongoing prevention services to keep your home protected for the long run.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today for expert wildlife exclusion and control services in Central Florida!

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

Lakeland

863-315-WILD (315-9453)

Orlando

407-465-WILD (465-9453)

Tampa

813-WILDOUT (945-3688)

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