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…
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…
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…
Skunks are mammals that are found all across the United States. You have probably heard of skunks because of their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid from their glands. Skunks use this as a technique to repel predators that are threatening them.[1] Because skunks can spray a nasty liquid that leaves a lingering scent, you probably don’t want them roaming…
Beavers are considered large semi-aquatic rodents. They have round bodies, short legs, webbed toes, and hairless tails. Beavers always have thick brown coats with waterproof undercoats. These animals use their strong teeth and tools they find in the environment to build dams. Beavers might use trees, branches, grass, rock, and mud to create a dam in the water. Once their…
In the United States, many people refer to vultures and buzzards as being the same animal. This is because early European colonists who settled in North America thought that vultures looked like the buzzards from their country. However, these birds of prey are actually two completely different animals. Vultures encompass two different groups: New World vultures (Cathartidae) and Old World…
Foxes are small to medium-sized omnivorous mammals, meaning they eat both plants and meat. They belong to the Candiae family, which means they are related to dogs and wolves.[1] You can identify a fox by looking for their bushy tails, slender and whiskered muzzles, and elongated bodies. There are several different fox species, from the fennec fox and the arctic…
Bobcats are a type of lynx, a medium-sized wild cat species. Male bobcats typically weigh between 18 to 35 pounds, while female bobcats weigh 30 pounds on average. This makes them slightly larger than an average domestic cat. Bobcats might seem cute and fluffy, but they are wild animals. If a bobcat feels threatened, they might become defensive and attack…
Skunks are mammals that can be found in almost every state of the U.S. They are widely known for their ability to spray a liquid that has a strong scent from their glands. Skunks use this technique to repel potential predators in the area. While the spray from a skunk is not dangerous to humans, it does not smell pleasant….
Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are dark-plumaged with long necks and red or warty facial skin. That being said, they have a distinctive look that makes them easy to identify. They have strong claws and they spend a lot of time perched in tall trees where they make their nests for their young. Muscovy duck populations can be found in areas…