Wildlife removal in Lakeland, FL covers nuisance vertebrate species not addressed by general pest control: raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), eastern gray and fox squirrels, several bat species (Brazilian free-tailed, evening bat, big brown bat), and occasionally birds (pigeons, sparrows nesting in soffits). Most wildlife work in Polk County requires a separate Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) nuisance wildlife trapper authorization in addition to the FDACS Category 8B license. Call the number below to be connected with a licensed wildlife operator serving your Polk County address.
Common Polk County wildlife scenarios
| Species | Where they get in | Polk County notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof rat / Norway rat | Attic, ridge vents, eave gaps | Heavy in tile-roof neighborhoods; see rodent exclusion |
| Raccoon | Attic via roof junction, soffit pry-back, dormer flashing | Females with young = relocation must include kits |
| Opossum | Under deck, in crawlspace, garage | Generally docile; rabies-vector species under FL public health |
| Armadillo | Yard burrows under foundations, walkways, AC pads | Carrier of Mycobacterium leprae — do not handle bare-handed |
| Squirrel | Attic via eave or gable vent, dormer junctions | FWC maternity-season restrictions Jan–Mar and Aug–Sep |
| Bats | Eave gaps, soffit lifts, ridge vent edges, behind shutters | FWC maternity-season closure Apr 15–Aug 15 prohibits exclusion |
The standard Polk County wildlife removal sequence
- Inspection to identify species, entry points, and population size (single animal, family group, or established multi-animal nest).
- Live trapping with appropriate trap size for the species (cage trap for raccoons, opossums; one-way exclusion door for bats).
- Humane handling, transport, and release per FWC rules.
- Sanitation of the access area (raccoon and bat guano removal, attic insulation replacement where heavily soiled).
- Permanent exclusion of all entry points using hardware cloth, metal flashing, and exclusion-rated foam.
- Follow-up monitoring for 30 days to confirm no re-entry.
Bat season in Polk County
FWC prohibits the exclusion of any Florida bat species from April 15 through August 15 each year (maternity season). This is enforced and the wildlife operator will refuse to perform bat exclusion during this window. Outside maternity season, one-way exclusion devices are installed at confirmed entry points, allowing bats to exit but not re-enter; after the colony has exited, the entries are permanently sealed.
Related Lakeland Exterminators pages
- Rodent Exclusion in Lakeland — roof rat seal-out program
- Rodent Control in Lakeland — broader rodent service
- Emergency Pest Control in Lakeland — same-day response
Frequently asked questions
Can I trap a raccoon myself and relocate it?
FWC rules require licensed wildlife trappers for many situations and restrict relocation distances for most species. DIY trapping of raccoons in Polk County also exposes the homeowner to rabies and roundworm risk. A licensed operator is the safer route.
How much does attic bat exclusion cost?
$800 to $2,500 depending on colony size, building complexity, and guano remediation scope. Adding new exclusion screening at ridge and gable vents is typically included.
Will armadillos come back after removal?
Yes, if the yard conditions that attracted them remain. Long-term armadillo management requires reducing grub populations in turf (the primary armadillo food source) and minimizing accessible burrow sites.
Are armadillos really a leprosy risk?
Nine-banded armadillos in Florida have been documented as carriers of Mycobacterium leprae and a small number of human cases each year are linked to armadillo contact. Handling armadillos bare-handed is not advised.
How do I find a wildlife removal operator in Lakeland?
Call the number on this page. Calls are routed to operators holding both FDACS pest control licensing and FWC nuisance wildlife trapper authorization.
Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX — routed to FDACS-licensed pest control operators serving Polk County, FL.