Table of Contents
- Why Winter Means More Wildlife Removal Calls
- Common Winter Wildlife Intruders in Tampa & Why They Come Inside
- Signs You May Have a Winter Wildlife Problem
- What to Do (And What Not to Do) When You Suspect Wildlife in Your Home
- Prevention & Long-Term Protection for Tampa Homes
- When to Call a Licensed Wildlife Removal Specialist
- Final Thoughts
Why Winter Means More Wildlife Removal Calls
In the Tampa area (and across Florida), winter may not bring freezing weather, but it still triggers den-seeking behavior in wildlife. Animals look for:
- Warmth and protection from cold fronts
- Dry shelter during winter rains
- Easy food sources around homes
Attics, garages, and crawl spaces provide exactly that, so removal companies typically see more calls in the cooler months.
Common Winter Wildlife Intruders in Tampa & Why They Come Inside
These are the species Tampa homeowners most often deal with in winter:
Rats & Mice
Roof rats and house mice commonly enter through tiny gaps around the roofline, eaves, AC lines, or garage doors. They’re looking for warm nesting spots and food and can cause damage quickly.
Squirrels (often roof/fox squirrels)
Squirrels may relocate to attics in winter to protect their young and themselves from predators. They can chew wiring, disturb insulation, and be very noisy.
Raccoons & Opossums
These larger animals look for den sites and will happily move into an open attic, soffit gap, or under a deck. Raccoons are strong and can rip open soffits or roof vents to get in.
Bats
Some Florida bats will roost in attics or structures during cooler periods. Bat work must follow Florida regulations and timing windows.
Snakes & Other Opportunistic Wildlife
Snakes sometimes follow rodent activity into garages or sheds, especially if there is clutter or stored pet food.
Signs You May Have a Winter Wildlife Problem
Call a pro if you notice:
- Scratching, thumping, or scurrying noises in the attic or walls (especially at night)
- Droppings in the attic or garage
- Foul or “animal” odors
- Damaged, pulled-back, or flattened insulation
- Chewed wires, ductwork, or AC lines
- Visible entry points along the roofline, soffits, vents, or chimney
What to Do (And What Not to Do) When You Suspect Wildlife in Your Home
Prevention & Long-Term Protection for Tampa Homes
Because Florida wildlife stays active year-round, prevention is a big deal. A good winter wildlife plan includes:
- Exclusion: sealing gaps, installing vent covers, capping chimneys.
- Trimming trees away from the roof so squirrels and rats can’t jump across.
- Protecting trash with tight lids to avoid raccoon and opossum activity.
- Fixing moisture issues that attract rodents and insects.
- Annual attic inspections before or during winter.
When to Call a Licensed Wildlife Removal Specialist
You should bring in a pro if:
- You hear recurring noises in the attic or walls
- You find droppings or nesting material
- Something has torn through the soffit or roof vent
- You’ve trapped an animal but don’t know how to relocate it legally
- You’ve had repeat wildlife problems—you likely need full exclusion
A Tampa-based wildlife company will know local species, Florida rules, and the best time of year to do exclusions (especially for bats and raccoons with young).
Final Thoughts
Even though Tampa doesn’t get harsh winters, the cooler months still push wildlife into homes, which is why there’s always a spike in winter wildlife removal across Florida. If you get ahead of it—seal entry points, trim trees, and schedule an attic check—you can avoid costly damage and surprise guests above your ceiling.
If you’re already hearing noises, go straight to an inspection—winter intruders almost never leave on their own.
