Wildlife Control In Central Florida!

Because of our warm weather and mix of neighborhoods, lakes, and wooded areas, wildlife issues can show up in almost any part of the Orlando metro—not just in rural pockets. Typical nuisance wildlife we handle includes:

• Squirrels nesting in soffits and chewing into attics
• Raccoons tearing through roof vents or fascia to reach warm attic spaces
• Opossums living under decks, sheds, and low-slung homes
• Moles tunneling through lawns and landscape beds
• Bats roosting in attic peaks, behind tile roofs, and in gable vents
• Armadillos digging burrows around foundations and uprooting turf

Each animal has its own habits, favorite hiding spots, and risks. Gato’s wildlife team is trained to read the signs, identify which species you’re dealing with, and design a plan tailored to your property and situation.

The Hidden Risks of Wildlife in Your Home
or Yard

Wildlife problems are more than just an annoyance. If left unchecked, animals can cause:

• Structural damage – torn shingles, chewed soffits, damaged vents, and weakened roof edges
• Electrical hazards – rodents and squirrels gnawing on wiring in attics and walls
• Insulation and duct damage – flattened, contaminated insulation and ripped ducts that drive up energy bills
• Landscape destruction – moles and armadillos tearing up lawns, beds, and irrigation systems
• Sanitation concerns – droppings and urine in attics, crawl spaces, and under structures
• Health risks – parasites (fleas, ticks), bacteria, and the potential for bites or scratches if animals feel trapped

The sooner the problem is identified and addressed, the simpler and more affordable it is to fix.

A Professional, Humane Approach to Wildlife Control

Wildlife control is very different from standard pest control. It requires knowledge of animal behavior, building construction, and local regulations. That’s why Gato approaches wildlife work as a specialized service, not an add-on.

Our priorities are:

1. Safety – for your family, your pets, our technicians, and the animals
2. Humane methods – species-appropriate techniques and compliance with Florida regulations
3. Long-term solutions – focusing on exclusion and repairs so problems don’t immediately come back

We don’t rely on guesswork or unsafe DIY tactics. Instead, we follow a proven process to resolve the current issue and protect your home for the future.

Exclusion vs. Trapping – Choosing the Right Solution

Many people think trapping is the only way to deal with wildlife. In reality, exclusion (keeping animals out) is just as important—and in many cases, more powerful long-term.

• Exclusion:
• Sealing and screening entry points
• Reinforcing weak areas wildlife are targeting
• Installing barriers around decks, foundations, sheds, and vents
• Trapping / one-way devices:
• Used when animals are already inside a structure or causing active damage
• Deployed in a controlled, humane way to remove the current population

At Gato, we evaluate each situation and recommend the right balance. Sometimes we can solve a problem almost entirely with exclusion. Other times, a combination of short-term trapping and long-term exclusion and repair is the best plan.

What to Expect From a Gato Wildlife Service

When you call Gato about a wildlife issue, here’s what a typical service looks like:

1. Thorough inspection
We inspect the roofline, attic, soffits, crawl spaces, decks, sheds, fences, and yard. We look for droppings, tracks, rub marks, burrows, entry holes, and damage so we can pinpoint which animal is involved and how it’s getting in.

2. Clear explanation of findings
Your technician will show you photos or walk you through the key problem areas and explain which species we believe you’re dealing with, what they’ve done so far, and the risks if it continues.

3. Custom removal and exclusion plan
We outline a step-by-step plan that may include trapping or one-way devices, temporary sealing to control active access, and permanent exclusion and repairs once the animals are removed.

4. Safe, humane removal
We install and monitor traps or one-way devices according to our plan. Throughout the process, we prioritize safety for your household and compliance with wildlife guidelines.

5. Permanent exclusion & repairs
After we confirm activity has stopped, we seal entry points and reinforce vulnerable areas with durable, wildlife-resistant materials. This is what keeps the next squirrel, raccoon, or bat from moving right back in.

6. Sanitation & restoration guidance
If wildlife has been inside your attic or crawl space for a while, we can advise on cleanup of droppings, removal of contaminated insulation, and odor control to restore a healthy space.

You’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what it will cost before work begins.

Home and Yard Tips to Reduce Wildlife Problems

While professional removal and exclusion are critical, a few simple changes can make your property much less attractive to wildlife:

• Keep trash in sealed, animal-resistant cans, and avoid overfilling
• Bring pet food and water dishes inside at night
• Pick up fallen fruit from trees and clean under bird feeders regularly
• Trim tree limbs back from the roofline to reduce easy access
• Repair loose soffits, fascia, and damaged vents promptly
• Close up gaps under decks, sheds, and steps with appropriate screening or skirting

These steps won’t replace professional wildlife work, but they can significantly reduce the chances of new animals targeting your home.

Local Wildlife Experts You Can Trust

Gato Lawn & Pest Control is based right here in Central Florida, serving Orlando and surrounding communities across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and parts of Lake and Polk counties. We understand local wildlife patterns, common construction styles, and how Florida’s storms, heat, and humidity affect both animals and buildings.

When you partner with Gato for wildlife control, you’re working with a local, licensed, insured team that treats your home as if it were our own. Whether you’re dealing with scratching in the attic, digging in the yard, or something moving under the house, we’re ready to help you get answers—and real solutions.