Frequently Asked Questions

Creature Control serves all of Central Florida, including Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Casselberry, Maitland, Winter Park, Orlando, Apopka, Deltona, DeBary, Orange City, DeLand, Lake Helen, Geneva, Chuluota, Heathrow, and surrounding areas within a 40-mile radius of Lake Mary.

We offer same-day service for many wildlife emergencies. We understand that having wildlife in your home can be stressful and potentially dangerous, so we prioritize rapid response. For non-emergency situations, we typically schedule inspections within 24-48 hours.

Yes, we prioritize humane wildlife removal techniques. We use live trapping methods when possible and follow all state and federal regulations regarding wildlife handling. Our goal is to safely remove animals while ensuring their welfare, and we never use inhumane methods like poisons or glue traps for wildlife.

Yes, we stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Our exclusion work comes with warranties that vary based on the type of service provided. We're committed to solving your wildlife problem completely and will address any issues that may arise after our services are completed.

In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by wildlife, but typically not the removal service itself. Coverage varies by policy and situation. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to determine what's covered. We can provide detailed documentation of wildlife damage to support insurance claims.

Yes, Creature Control is fully licensed and insured for wildlife removal services. Our technicians hold all required state and local permits for wildlife handling and removal. We maintain comprehensive business liability insurance to protect our customers.

Wildlife removal costs vary depending on the animal species, extent of the infestation, accessibility of the affected areas, and the specific methods required. We provide free inspections and detailed quotes before beginning any work, so you'll know exactly what to expect. We pride ourselves on transparent, competitive pricing.

Our comprehensive wildlife removal service typically includes a thorough inspection, humane trapping and removal of animals, sealing of entry points (exclusion work), cleanup and sanitization when necessary, and preventative recommendations. We follow a proven 4-step process: inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup.

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency wildlife removal services for situations that require immediate attention. This includes dangerous wildlife in living spaces, wildlife causing active damage, or situations that pose health and safety risks. Additional fees may apply for after-hours emergency services.

Yes, we offer both one-time services and ongoing maintenance plans. Our preventative services include regular inspections, maintenance of exclusion measures, and prompt response to any new wildlife activity. These services are particularly beneficial for properties with a history of wildlife problems or those in wildlife-dense areas.

Yes, we offer wildlife damage repair services including attic restoration, insulation replacement, ductwork repair, cleaning and sanitization of contaminated areas, and more. Our technicians are skilled in both wildlife removal and the repairs necessary to restore your property after an infestation.

Yes, we provide dead animal removal services. We can locate and remove deceased animals from your property, including those in hard-to-reach areas like attics, walls, or crawl spaces. We also provide deodorization and sanitization services to address odors and health concerns associated with animal remains.

Raccoons are excellent climbers and can access your home through damaged roof vents, soffits, chimneys, or any opening larger than 4 inches. They have strong paws that can tear through weak spots in your roof or walls. They often enter attics to build nests, especially female raccoons looking for a safe place to raise their young.

In Florida, wildlife trapping regulations require proper permits and licenses. DIY trapping can also be dangerous as raccoons may carry diseases. It's best to hire a professional wildlife removal service. Improper handling or relocation can lead to legal issues and may not solve your raccoon problem effectively.

If baby raccoons are present, our technicians will safely remove the entire family together. We never separate mothers from their young and ensure humane treatment throughout the removal process. In some cases, we may use special techniques to encourage the mother to relocate her babies naturally.

We identify and seal all potential entry points with professional-grade materials. We also provide recommendations for habitat modification to make your property less attractive to raccoons, such as securing garbage cans, removing outdoor pet food, and trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof.

Yes, raccoons can carry several diseases including rabies, roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), leptospirosis, and giardia. Their feces and urine can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. This is why professional removal and proper cleanup are important for protecting your family's health.

Raccoons can cause extensive damage to homes including tearing up insulation, chewing through electrical wiring (creating fire hazards), damaging HVAC ductwork, soiling attic spaces with urine and feces, and creating entry holes in roofs, soffits, and vents. The longer they remain, the more severe and costly the damage typically becomes.

Rats are larger than mice, typically 7-10 inches long (not including tail). Rat droppings are also larger (about ¾ inch), while mouse droppings are smaller (about ¼ inch). Rats also tend to leave more visible damage due to their stronger teeth and larger size. In Florida, roof rats are the most common species in homes.

The timeline depends on the severity of the infestation, but most rat problems can be controlled within 1-3 weeks. Complete elimination and exclusion typically takes 2-4 weeks for thorough results. Extensive infestations or complex buildings may require additional time to ensure all rats are removed and entry points are sealed.

Yes, we use child and pet-friendly methods whenever possible. Our traps and bait stations are placed in secure locations inaccessible to children and pets. We'll discuss all safety measures with you before beginning treatment. We prioritize your family's safety while effectively addressing your rat problem.

After removal, we thoroughly seal all entry points, clean and sanitize affected areas if needed, and provide recommendations to prevent future infestations. We also offer follow-up inspections to ensure the problem is resolved. Our exclusion work focuses on long-term prevention, not just immediate removal.

Rats can squeeze through openings as small as ½ inch in diameter. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, vents, utility lines, under doors, through cracks in foundations, and via attached garages. Roof rats (common in Florida) are excellent climbers and can access roofs via trees, utility lines, or climbing up rough exterior walls.

Rats can spread numerous diseases including leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. They can also bring fleas, ticks, and mites into your home. Their urine, droppings, and dander can trigger allergies and asthma. Additionally, rats can contaminate food and surfaces throughout your home.

In Florida, bats are protected wildlife. It is illegal to harm or kill bats, but professional exclusion is permitted outside of bat maternity season (typically April 15 to August 15). Our methods comply with all state regulations. We use humane exclusion techniques that allow bats to exit but prevent re-entry.

We use one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit naturally but prevent them from re-entering. This humane approach ensures bats can relocate safely while keeping them out of your home. We never trap, poison, or harm bats during the removal process, in compliance with wildlife protection laws.

Bat maternity season is when female bats give birth and raise their young. In Florida, exclusion work is prohibited during this period (April 15 to August 15) to prevent separating mothers from flightless young, which would result in bat deaths. During this time, we can perform inspections and develop plans to implement once the season ends.

Yes, bat guano cleanup is recommended as it can harbor harmful fungi and create odors. We offer professional cleanup and sanitization services to safely remove guano and disinfect affected areas. This is especially important as bat guano can contain the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease.

Bats can enter through openings as small as 3/8 inch. Common entry points include gaps under eaves, damaged vents, open chimneys, loose flashing, and gaps around pipes or utility lines. Bats don't chew or claw new openings but find existing gaps. They often leave evidence like guano streaks near entry points.

While bats can carry rabies, less than 1% of wild bats are infected. However, any potential contact with a bat should be taken seriously. If you find a bat in your living space and cannot definitively rule out contact (such as finding one in a room where someone was sleeping), medical advice should be sought regarding potential rabies exposure.

Opossums are generally not aggressive, but they may hiss, growl, or show teeth when threatened. They rarely attack but can bite if cornered. They pose minimal direct threat to humans and pets but can carry parasites and diseases. Their defensive display is usually just that—a display rather than an actual threat.

Opossums rarely carry rabies due to their low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive. However, it's still best to avoid direct contact with any wild animal. Opossums can carry other diseases and parasites including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, spotted fever, tularemia, and Chagas disease. They also commonly carry fleas, ticks, and mites which can spread to pets and humans.

We use humane live traps specifically designed for opossums. Once captured, we relocate them to suitable habitat away from residential areas in accordance with local wildlife regulations. Our experienced technicians know the best trap placement and baiting techniques to ensure quick and effective capture.

We recommend securing garbage cans, removing pet food at night, sealing potential entry points to crawl spaces and under decks, and trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof or attic. Removing fallen fruit from trees and securing compost bins can also help make your property less attractive to opossums.

Female opossums carry their babies in a pouch for about 2-3 months, then the young ride on the mother's back for another 1-2 months. If we trap a female with babies in her pouch or on her back, we relocate the entire family together. We never separate mothers from dependent young during the removal process.

Yes, when threatened, opossums may "play possum" by falling onto their side, becoming stiff, closing their eyes, and even emitting a foul smell from their anal glands. This is an involuntary response triggered by extreme fear, not a conscious act. They may remain in this state for minutes to hours until they feel safe again.

Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers. They typically enter through gaps in soffits, loose roof tiles, uncapped chimneys, or by chewing through weak spots around the roofline. They can squeeze through openings as small as 1.5 inches. Squirrels often use overhanging tree branches as highways to reach your roof.

If baby squirrels are present, we take special care to keep the family together. We can either remove the entire family or use special one-way doors that allow the mother to relocate her babies naturally. We never leave dependent young behind, as this would be inhumane and the babies would not survive.

The complete process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the number of squirrels, the complexity of entry points, and whether babies are present. Exclusion work can usually be completed in 1-2 days. If one-way doors are used, we allow time for all squirrels to exit before sealing entry points permanently.

With proper exclusion work, squirrels should not be able to re-enter your home. We seal all entry points with durable materials and can install preventative measures like vent covers and chimney caps to prevent future intrusions. We also recommend trimming tree branches that provide easy access to your roof.

Squirrels can cause significant damage to homes, including chewing through electrical wiring (creating fire hazards), tearing up insulation for nesting material, damaging HVAC ducts, contaminating attic spaces with urine and droppings, and gnawing on wooden structural components. They can also create water damage by chewing holes in the roof or siding.

Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year—once in early spring (January-February) and again in late summer (August-September). During these times, female squirrels are most likely to invade attics looking for safe nesting sites. You may notice increased activity, noise, and intrusion attempts during these periods.

Florida has six venomous snake species: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin), Coral Snake, and Copperhead. Our technicians are trained to identify these species and handle them safely. We recommend caution with any snake until it's been properly identified by a professional.

Snakes are attracted to properties that offer shelter, water, and food (primarily rodents). Overgrown vegetation, woodpiles, debris, water features, and rodent infestations can all attract snakes to your property. They may also seek out cool, damp areas like crawl spaces during hot weather or areas with sun exposure during cooler weather.

We use professional snake handling tools and techniques to safely capture and remove snakes. For venomous species, we take extra precautions to ensure safety for everyone involved. We identify the snake species, capture it humanely, and relocate it to a suitable habitat away from residential areas in accordance with wildlife regulations.

We recommend keeping grass short, removing debris piles, sealing gaps in your home's foundation, installing snake-proof fencing in some cases, and controlling rodent populations. We can provide a customized prevention plan for your property. Eliminating the food source (typically rodents) is often key to preventing snake problems.

No, most snakes in Florida are non-venomous and actually beneficial as they control rodent populations. Of the 46 native snake species in Florida, only 6 are venomous. The majority of snakes encountered in residential areas are harmless species like rat snakes, garter snakes, or ring-necked snakes. However, proper identification is always important.

If you find a snake inside your home: 1) Stay calm and keep children and pets away, 2) If possible, confine the snake to one room by closing doors, 3) Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake, as this increases risk of bite, 4) Call professional snake removal services immediately, 5) If the snake is in a low-traffic area, simply monitoring it until help arrives is often the safest approach.

Armadillos dig in search of food, primarily insects, grubs, and earthworms. Yards with high grub or insect populations are particularly attractive to armadillos. They also dig burrows for shelter and to raise their young. Their foraging behavior typically creates small, cone-shaped holes throughout lawns and gardens.

Armadillos are not aggressive and typically flee when threatened. However, they can carry leprosy bacteria, though transmission to humans is extremely rare and typically requires direct contact with the animal. The primary concern with armadillos is the property damage they cause through their digging activities.

We use specialized live traps placed strategically along armadillo travel paths or near active burrows. Once captured, armadillos are relocated to suitable habitat away from residential areas in accordance with wildlife regulations. Our technicians know the best trap placement and techniques to ensure quick and effective capture.

Controlling grubs and insects in your lawn can make your property less attractive to armadillos. Installing barriers around gardens, treating your lawn for grubs, and removing brush piles can also help deter armadillos. In some cases, installing an underground fence around particularly valuable landscaping may be necessary.

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch in diameter. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, vents, utility lines, under doors, through cracks in foundations, and via attached garages. Their ability to climb, jump, and gnaw allows them to exploit even minor vulnerabilities in a home's exterior.

Most mouse infestations can be controlled within 1-2 weeks, though complete elimination may take longer depending on the severity of the infestation and the structure of your home. A comprehensive approach including trapping, exclusion, and sanitation provides the most effective and lasting results.

Yes, we prioritize child and pet safety in all our treatments. Traps and bait stations are placed in secure locations inaccessible to children and pets. We'll discuss all safety measures with you before beginning treatment. Our technicians are trained to implement effective mouse control methods while ensuring family safety.

After removal, we seal all entry points with durable materials. We also recommend keeping food in sealed containers, maintaining cleanliness, reducing clutter, and addressing moisture issues to prevent future infestations. Regular monitoring and prompt attention to any signs of mouse activity are also important for long-term prevention.

Most bird species in the United States are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. However, European starlings, house sparrows, and pigeons (rock doves) are non-native species that are not federally protected. State regulations may still apply. Our technicians are knowledgeable about bird protection laws and ensure all removal work is compliant.

We use exclusion techniques that prevent birds from accessing nesting areas. For protected species, we work within legal guidelines, often scheduling work outside of nesting seasons when nests are inactive. Our approach focuses on humane deterrents and barriers rather than direct removal of the birds themselves.

Effective bird control typically involves a combination of exclusion devices (netting, spikes, sloped surfaces), deterrents (visual and auditory), and habitat modification. We customize solutions based on the bird species and specific situation. For example, different approaches are needed for pigeons on ledges versus woodpeckers damaging siding.

Bird droppings should be cleaned professionally, especially in cases of heavy accumulation. We use appropriate personal protective equipment and specialized cleaning agents to safely remove droppings and sanitize affected areas. This is important as bird droppings can harbor pathogens like the fungus that causes histoplasmosis.