Bats are the only mammals in the United States that can fly and they belong to their own class of mammals called Chiroptera.[1] Chiro is a Latin word for hand, while pteron means wing. In other words, Chiroptera means “hand wing.” Bats have hair on their bodies but their wings are hairless. They come in many colors, from black and…
Raccoons are mammals that are distantly related to cats and dogs. You have probably seen one rummaging through a dumpster before. These animals will snack on almost anything they can find, even trash. Raccoons have their offspring during the spring, typically in April or May. When they have their babies, they like to find a secluded, private, and safe area…
Florida is home to over 4,000 animal species, making it a diverse place for wildlife.[1] You can find terrestrial animals, freshwater fish, marine fish, and various insects in this state. While living in such a diverse ecosystem has its benefits, it also means you have a higher chance of home infestations. Some of the most common animals to infest Florida…
Bees are essential to our environment as they pollinate plants, supporting biodiversity and food production. That said, just because bees are important to our ecosystem does not mean you want them in your home. Unfortunately, some bee species might attempt to create hives inside of walls, attics, or even on the outside of your house where your children play. If…
Have you heard scurrying in your walls at night? Maybe you have noticed that the food in your pantry has small bite marks on the packaging. If so, you could have a mice problem. Once you begin thinking about mice in your home, you might start to imagine all of the ways they can cause damage. Mice can chew through…
Ducks are a type of aquatic birds that are related to geese and swans. They tend to have shorter necks than their cousins, making them easily distinguishable. You have probably fed ducks at your local pond or park with your family. While ducks can be incredibly cute, that does not mean you want them on your property. Ducks tend to…
There are many different snake species in the United States. Out of 150 snake species in North America, 90% are non-venomous. That said, the other 10% can be found in various habitats, making it important that you are aware of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes…
Raccoons are nocturnal animals immediately recognizable due to their ringed and bushy tails. They can be found throughout the United States, except for areas of the Rocky Mountains with high elevations. It is common to find raccoons in residential neighborhoods, forests, and even in large cities. Have you woken up in the morning to find the contents of your trash…
Have you gone outside to work on your garden only to notice small holes in the ground? You might have also noticed that an animal is snacking on some of your plants or fruits. If so, you could have a squirrel problem. Squirrels are attracted to gardens because they like to snack on fruits and vegetables. They tend to stock…
You are probably familiar with groundhogs because of the American tradition of “Groundhog Day,” when a groundhog coming out of their burrow is meant to signify that winter is over. Groundhogs (Marmota monax) belong to the same family as squirrels and prairie dogs. They are essentially large rodents that create burrow systems in the ground. Groundhogs are found all across…