If you’re hearing scratching beneath your home, noticing strange smells, or finding droppings near foundation vents, you may have animals in your crawl space. In Florida, crawl spaces provide the perfect shelter for many wild animals — dark, quiet, and out of sight. Unfortunately, what seems like harmless nesting can quickly turn into structural damage, unpleasant odors, and health risks for your family.
This guide explains why animals move into crawl spaces, which critters Florida homeowners should watch for, and how to remove animals effectively — before they cause bigger problems.
Why Do Animals Choose a Crawl Space?
A crawl space may not look appealing to you, but to a wild animal, it’s prime real estate. Common reasons they take up residence include:
Shelter from predators and weather – Crawl spaces offer a safe, enclosed hideout.
Easy entry points – Even small gaps in siding, foundation holes, or construction gaps are enough for rodents to squeeze in. Larger animals can dig under skirting or burrow along foundations.
Warmth and insulation – HVAC and air ducts provide steady warmth that attracts rodents and other pests.
No human disturbance – Since homeowners rarely go inside, these spaces become a long-term refuge.
Left unchecked, your crawl space can go from a hiding place for one creature to a colony of unwanted pests.
Common Animals in Crawl Spaces in Florida
Florida is home to many wild animals that may try to gain access beneath your home. Each species brings its own risks:
Raccoons in Crawl Spaces
Known for tearing apart insulation and vapor barriers.
Leave behind droppings that carry diseases like roundworm.
Strong animals capable of causing further damage while nesting.
Rats and Rodents
Squeeze through gaps the size of a quarter.
Chew through wood, air ducts, and wires, creating fire hazards.
Leave behind droppings that contaminate stored items and living areas.
Snakes in Crawl Spaces
Often follow rodent populations.
Can pose a serious risk to pets or people if venomous.
Difficult to detect until there’s direct contact.
Squirrels and Other Rodents
Can dig into siding and gnaw entry points larger over time.
Known to chew insulation and wiring.
May nest in air ducts, spreading odor and damage.
Armadillos Around Foundations
Armadillos don’t usually live in crawl spaces but will dig around foundations to create burrows.
Their digging can weaken supports and create entry points for smaller animals.
Even larger animals like raccoons or armadillos can use crawl spaces as shelter, while smaller critters like rats create hidden colonies that grow quickly.
Signs of Animals in Crawl Spaces
Since you can’t see into your crawl space easily, look for these warning signs:
Persistent scratching, chewing, or movement noises beneath the house
Unpleasant odors seeping into your living space
Droppings or urine stains around foundation vents or access panels
Greasy rub marks along crawl space walls or entry points
Damaged insulation, chewed wood, or shredded vapor barriers
Holes in soil or signs of digging near your foundation
If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. A small problem today could mean costly repairs tomorrow.
The Dangers of Animals in Crawl Spaces
Having unwanted animals in your crawl space is more than an inconvenience. It can lead to:
Structural damage – Rodents chew wood, wiring, and ducts. Armadillos dig around foundations. Raccoons pull down insulation.
Health hazards – Droppings and urine carry bacteria and parasites. Dead animals in hidden areas create odor and attract other animals.
Pest chains – One infestation attracts more. Rodents bring snakes; damaged vapor barriers attract insects.
Expensive repairs – From replacing ductwork to sanitizing contaminated insulation, costs rise the longer animals are allowed to stay.
Ignoring a crawl space problem means risking your home’s safety and your family’s health.
Why DIY Wildlife Removal Is a Bad Idea
Many homeowners try to remove animals themselves, but DIY methods often cause more harm than good:
Animals may die in the crawl space, creating severe odors.
Trapped critters can panic, damaging wood or ducts further.
Rodents breed quickly, so trapping one or two doesn’t solve the problem.
Without sealing entry points, more unwanted visitors will return.
Handling wild animals exposes you to bites, scratches, and disease.
Professional wildlife removal experts know how to identify the species, trap or relocate it safely, and prevent future infestations.
Wildlife Removal: How Professionals Remove Animals from Crawl Spaces
Hiring experts is the most efficient and effective solution. Here’s how wildlife removal typically works:
Inspection – Specialists determine which species are inside, how many, and where the entry points are.
Trapping or exclusion – Rats, raccoons, squirrels, and snakes are safely removed using proven methods.
Sanitation – Droppings, urine, and nesting material are cleared to eliminate health risks and odors.
Repairs and sealing – Vulnerabilities like gaps, vents, or foundation holes are addressed to prevent animals from returning.
This process not only solves the immediate infestation but also protects your home long-term.
Prevent Animals from Entering Crawl Spaces
Once the animals are gone, prevention is key. (We’ll cover this in detail in our next article: How to Keep Animals Out of Crawl Space Areas in Florida Homes.)
For now, here are essential steps:
Seal construction gaps and cracks in foundations
Install secure vent covers and access panels
Keep landscaping trimmed to limit shelter for wild animals
Inspect vapor barriers and air ducts for damage regularly
Taking these preventive measures reduces the risk of repeat infestations and protects your home from unwanted pests.
Wildlife Works Crawl Space Services in Florida
At Wildlife Works, we specialize in the removal of animals from crawl spaces across Central Florida. Whether it’s rats, raccoons, snakes, squirrels, or armadillos digging near foundations, our team delivers effective wildlife removal that protects your home and family.
From inspection and trapping to repair and prevention, we make sure your crawl space is no longer an easy target for critters looking for shelter.
Need Help?
Call Now: 352-717-8727
Don’t wait for wildlife problems to escalate. Get expert help today.