The Dangers of DIY Wildlife Removal: Why You Should Call Professionals

When discovering unwanted wildlife in your home or property, the temptation to handle the situation yourself can be strong. Many Central Florida homeowners consider DIY wildlife removal to save money or solve the problem quickly. However, attempting to remove wildlife without professional training and equipment can lead to serious consequences for both you and the animals involved.

Health and Safety Risks

One of the most significant dangers of DIY wildlife removal is the risk to your personal health and safety.

Disease Transmission

Wild animals can carry numerous diseases transmissible to humans, including:

• Rabies: A fatal viral disease that can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals like raccoons, bats, and other mammals.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through animal urine, particularly from rats and other rodents.
• Histoplasmosis: A respiratory disease caused by fungal spores found in bat and bird droppings.
• Salmonellosis: Bacterial infection that can be contracted from handling reptiles like snakes or from areas contaminated with rodent feces.
• Roundworm: Parasitic infections from raccoon feces that can cause serious neurological damage in humans.

Without proper protective equipment and handling techniques, you risk exposure to these and other diseases. Professional wildlife removal specialists are trained in proper safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize these risks.

Physical Injury

Wild animals can become aggressive when cornered or threatened, leading to:

• Bites and scratches that may require medical attention
• Serious injuries from larger animals like raccoons or aggressive squirrels
• Potential envenomation from venomous snakes
• Falls or other accidents while attempting to access attics, roofs, or other elevated areas

Our professional wildlife removal technicians are trained to safely handle and remove animals without putting themselves or the animals at risk.

Legal Complications

Wildlife removal is regulated by state and federal laws that many homeowners aren't aware of:

• Many species are protected by state or federal regulations
• Bats are protected in Florida, with strict regulations about when and how they can be removed
• Migratory birds are federally protected, making their removal without proper permits illegal
• Improper disposal of wildlife can result in fines or other penalties
• Some wildlife control methods are prohibited by law

Professional wildlife removal companies like Creature Control maintain all necessary licenses and permits, ensuring that all removal activities comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Ineffective Removal

DIY wildlife removal often fails to address the root of the problem:

• Incomplete removal: Failing to remove all animals, including young hidden in nests
• Inadequate exclusion: Not properly sealing entry points, allowing animals to return
• Improper techniques: Using methods that don't work for the specific species
• Lack of prevention: Failing to address the conditions that attracted wildlife in the first place

These failures often result in recurring problems that ultimately cost more time and money than professional services would have. Our comprehensive wildlife removal process ensures complete resolution of your wildlife problem.

Property Damage

Attempting DIY wildlife removal can lead to additional property damage:

• Structural damage from improper access methods
• Damage caused by animals becoming more destructive when threatened
• Secondary damage if animals die in inaccessible areas
• Contamination from improper cleanup of animal waste

Professional wildlife removal services include proper cleanup and restoration of affected areas, preventing further damage to your property.

Animal Welfare Concerns

DIY wildlife removal often leads to inhumane treatment of animals:

• Orphaned young when parent animals are removed improperly
• Unnecessary suffering from improper trapping methods
• Illegal relocation that can lead to animal death
• Inappropriate euthanasia methods

Professional wildlife removal specialists use humane methods that consider the welfare of the animals while effectively resolving your wildlife problem.

Cost Considerations

While DIY wildlife removal may seem less expensive initially, it often costs more in the long run:

• Equipment costs for traps, protective gear, and exclusion materials
• Medical expenses if injuries or disease exposure occur
• Repair costs for damage caused during removal attempts
• Additional expenses when DIY methods fail and professionals are eventually needed
• Potential fines for violating wildlife regulations

Professional wildlife removal services provide value through effective, permanent solutions that prevent recurring problems and additional costs.

The Professional Advantage

When you hire Creature Control for wildlife removal in Central Florida, you benefit from:

• Expertise: Our technicians are trained to identify wildlife species and their behaviors
• Safety: We use proper protective equipment and techniques to minimize health risks
• Effectiveness: Our comprehensive approach ensures complete resolution of wildlife problems
• Compliance: All our methods comply with relevant laws and regulations
• Humane treatment: We prioritize animal welfare in all removal activities
• Prevention: We identify and address the conditions that attracted wildlife to prevent future problems

Our wildlife removal services cover all common nuisance animals in Central Florida, including raccoons, rats, bats, opossums, squirrels, snakes, armadillos, mice, and birds.

Conclusion

While DIY wildlife removal may seem appealing, the risks to your health, safety, and property—along with potential legal issues and animal welfare concerns—make professional wildlife removal services the better choice. If you're experiencing wildlife problems in your Central Florida home or business, contact Creature Control for safe, effective, and humane solutions.

For more information on wildlife issues, check out our guides on identifying wildlife in your home and wildlife-proofing your property.