Fort Myers, Florida, is a paradise for residents and tourists alike. With sunny skies, warm temperatures, and beautiful coastal landscapes, it’s easy to see why people love living here. However, this tropical climate also makes Fort Myers a hotspot for a variety of wildlife issues. From curious raccoons rummaging through trash to invasive iguanas damaging landscaping, homeowners and businesses need to be aware of the unique challenges local wildlife can bring.
Here are the most common wildlife problems in Fort Myers, why they occur, and the best solutions for keeping your property safe.
Common Wildlife Issues in Fort Myers
1. Raccoons in Attics and Trash Cans
Raccoons are highly adaptable and clever, making them one of the most common nuisance animals in Fort Myers. They often seek shelter in attics, garages, and crawl spaces, causing damage to insulation and wiring.
Why it’s a problem:
- Property damage from chewing and scratching
- Possible contamination from droppings
- Risk of spreading diseases like rabies
Best solution:
Seal entry points, secure garbage bins, and work with a licensed wildlife removal expert for safe relocation.
2. Invasive Green Iguanas
Green iguanas thrive in Florida’s warm climate and are known for digging burrows, damaging seawalls, and eating landscaping plants.
Why it’s a problem:
- Structural damage to sidewalks, patios, and foundations
- Destruction of decorative plants and gardens
- Aggressive behavior during mating season
Best solution:
Professional trapping and removal, combined with habitat modification to make your yard less appealing to iguanas.
3. Roof Rats and Rodents
Fort Myers' mild winters make it easy for rodents to breed year-round. Roof rats, in particular, are notorious for nesting in attics and chewing electrical wires.
Why it’s a problem:
- Electrical fire hazards from gnawed wiring
- Contamination of stored food and insulation
- Rapid population growth if not addressed quickly
Best solution:
Rodent-proof your home by sealing holes, trimming overhanging branches, and using exclusion methods instead of poison to avoid harming local wildlife.
4. Snakes in Yards and Garages
While many snakes in Fort Myers are non-venomous, residents occasionally encounter venomous species like the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake or the cottonmouth.
Why it’s a problem:
- Fear and potential danger to pets and children
- Risk of bites if provoked
Best solution:
Keep lawns trimmed, remove debris piles, and contact a professional for safe snake removal—never attempt to handle snakes yourself.
5. Bats in Buildings
Bats are beneficial for controlling insects, but when they roost inside homes or businesses, they can create health and sanitation issues.
Why it’s a problem:
- Accumulation of guano (droppings) can cause respiratory problems
- Strong, unpleasant odors
- Legal restrictions on bat removal during maternity season
Best solution:
Schedule humane bat exclusion with a wildlife control specialist, ensuring removal is timed according to Florida’s bat protection laws.
Why Wildlife Problems Are Common in Fort Myers
Fort Myers’ subtropical climate, abundance of waterways, and rapid residential development make it a prime location for wildlife encounters. Animals often lose their natural habitats due to construction, forcing them into urban and suburban areas in search of food and shelter.
The Best Long-Term Wildlife Solutions
- Seal and Secure Your Home – Close all gaps, cracks, and vents that wildlife could use to enter your property.
- Maintain Your Yard – Trim trees and shrubs away from your home and keep grass short.
- Control Food Sources – Secure trash bins, remove pet food from outside, and harvest fruit trees regularly.
- Work with Professionals – Wildlife removal in Fort Myers should always be done by licensed experts who understand local species and laws.
The sooner you address a wildlife issue, the easier and less costly it will be to solve. If you notice signs of animal activity—like droppings, strange noises in your attic, or damage to your home—contact a Fort Myers wildlife removal specialist immediately.