Florida’s sunny climate and lush landscapes make it an ideal place for poolside living, but also an open invitation for wildlife. Whether it’s raccoons washing their paws, snakes seeking warmth, or alligators taking a dip, wild animals wandering into your pool area pose health risks, structural damage, and a potential danger to people and pets.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to effectively and humanely keep wild animals out of your pool area in Florida—without resorting to harmful traps or illegal practices. If you require professional animal removal, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is here to help you.
Why Wildlife is Attracted to Pools in Florida
Florida is home to more than 700 species of terrestrial animals and 200 freshwater fish species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).[1]
Many of these animals are drawn to residential pools for three main reasons:
- Water access – Especially during dry spells, animals such as deer, raccoons, foxes, and even bears may seek out swimming pools for hydration.
- Shelter and cover – Palm trees, shrubs, and screen enclosures offer a surprisingly cozy hideaway.
- Food sources – Pet food left outside, overflowing trash, and backyard gardens attract prey species, which then attract predators.
In 2023, the FWC reported over 15,000 wildlife-related nuisance calls, many involving residential yards and pools.[2]
Most Common Wildlife Visitors to Florida Pools
Homeowners across Florida report frequent encounters with the following animals:
- Raccoons – Clever and dexterous, they often come to pools looking to wash food or escape the heat.
- Snakes – Florida hosts over 50 native species, many of which are non-venomous but unwelcome in a pool. If there is one in your pool, snake removal should be completed by a professional.
- Alligators – A real concern; the FWC responds to more than 13,000 nuisance alligator complaints annually.
- Frogs and toads – Often found in pool filters, which can clog equipment.
- Opossums and armadillos – Nocturnal and curious, they’re more likely to be seen around your pool at dusk or dawn.
- Birds and bats – Especially common around still water like pools. They come looking for a drink or insects.
How to Keep Wildlife Away From Your Pool in Florida
1. Install a Pool Enclosure or Screen Room
In Florida, screen enclosures are more than a luxury—they’re essential. A fully enclosed lanai or pool cage keeps most medium to large animals out while maintaining airflow and visibility.
The best ways to keep wildlife away from your pool when you have a screen include:
- Regularly check for tears, gaps, or warped frames monthly.
- Use a tight mesh (20/20 or finer) to keep out smaller critters like frogs or snakes.
- Consider reinforced panels along the bottom 12 inches to deter digging.
Enclosures can also reduce leaves, bugs, and UV exposure, protecting both swimmers and your pool’s finish.
2. Secure Trash and Remove Food Sources
A raccoon’s nose is 50 times more sensitive than a human’s. If you’re leaving pet food out or if your garbage lids are unsecured, you’re inviting trouble.
Tips to follow:
- Always feed pets indoors.
- Store trash in wildlife-resistant bins (look for locking lids).
- Clean up fallen fruit or bird seed promptly.
- Compost in animal-proof bins only.
3. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents
Motion sensors can startle animals away from your pool area without causing harm. These tools include:
- Motion-activated sprinklers – A harmless blast of water deters raccoons, opossums, and cats.
- Ultrasonic repellents – Emit high-frequency sound unpleasant to animals but inaudible to humans.
- Lights and alarms – Best for larger animals like deer or even black bears in northern Florida.
These tools work best when rotated weekly so animals don’t become desensitized.
4. Trim Landscaping Around Your Pool
Overgrown hedges, thick bushes, and overhanging limbs are magnets for wildlife. They offer cover, nesting opportunities, and access points.
Maintenance guidelines for trimming and maintaining landscaping include:
- Keep shrubs trimmed at least 3 feet away from pool screens or fences.
- Remove brush piles or leaf litter, which attract snakes and rodents.
- Avoid using mulch in pool-adjacent beds—it’s a cozy habitat for insects and small critters.
If your landscaping includes fruit-bearing trees like mango, guava, or citrus, regularly collect fallen produce to avoid attracting mammals and insects.
5. Fence Your Yard with Wildlife in Mind
Fencing is effective, but only if properly installed and maintained. Depending on your area, you may need fencing high enough to deter deer or buried deep enough to stop digging animals like armadillos.
Recommendations for fencing your yard with wildlife in mind include:
- Use solid fencing or privacy panels where possible.
- Install a bottom skirt or “wildlife apron” to prevent digging.
- For alligator-prone zones, install fencing at least 4 feet high, per FWC recommendations.
It’s important to note that alligators are excellent climbers, which means you should avoid chain-link fencing in high-risk areas.
6. Cover the Pool When Not in Use
Invest in a heavy-duty safety cover that can bear weight and remain securely fastened. Not only does this prevent animals from falling in, but it also keeps out debris, saves water, and maintains cleanliness.
Avoid lightweight solar covers, which can trap animals and become a drowning hazard.
7. Consider Wildlife-Friendly Repellents
Certain smells and tastes are unpleasant to animals and can be used around the perimeter of your pool area. These include:
- Vinegar or citrus-based sprays
- Predator urine (available commercially, although it may attract dogs)
- Garlic or hot pepper solutions (non-toxic to animals and plants)
Always check labels to ensure they’re safe for use near pets and children.
8. Know When to Call a Professional
If you’re dealing with persistent or dangerous wildlife—like an alligator, venomous snake, or nesting mammals—do not attempt removal yourself. It is illegal in Florida to relocate or kill certain protected species without a permit.
Who to call:
- For alligators, contact the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
- For general wildlife, contact a licensed wildlife removal expert like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers
- Check for FWC-certified operators to ensure humane and legal practices.
Legal Considerations: What Florida Law Says
Florida law protects many species of wildlife. Harassing, feeding, or attempting to relocate certain animals without proper authorization is illegal and punishable by fines or jail time.
The FWC states: “It is illegal to feed wildlife such as bears, foxes, raccoons, and sandhill cranes.”[3] Feeding encourages dependency and increases the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Get Connected to Professional Wildlife Removal in Florida
Wildlife encounters around your pool are more than a minor nuisance—they can become dangerous or costly if not handled correctly. With smart landscaping, proper fencing, deterrents, and an understanding of local laws, you can maintain a peaceful pool area that respects Florida’s unique biodiversity.
Protecting your space doesn’t mean harming the animals. In Florida, coexistence starts with prevention.
If you are dealing with a wildlife infestation near your pool or in your home, it’s time to call Nuisance Wildlife Rangers. We can remove animals humanely, ensuring the wildlife is never harmed. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I do if I find a dead animal in my pool?
If you discover a dead animal in your pool, remove it using gloves or a pool skimmer and place it in a sealed plastic bag for disposal. Avoid direct contact and shock your pool with chlorine afterward to sanitize the water. If you’re unsure of the animal’s condition or it’s a protected species (like a bat), call your local wildlife authority or a licensed removal service.
2. Can wild animals damage my pool equipment?
Yes. Animals like rodents, frogs, and insects can clog filters, chew wiring, or nest in pool heaters and pump enclosures. Snakes may also enter plumbing lines in search of prey or warmth. Regular maintenance and installing mesh covers over exposed equipment openings can help prevent this.
3. Are there any pool-safe chemicals that also deter wildlife?
Standard pool chemicals like chlorine don’t deter wildlife. However, there are animal-safe repellent products (often using natural ingredients like citronella or mint) that can be applied around the pool deck. Always make sure these are labeled as safe for use near water and won’t interfere with pool chemistry.
4. What time of year is wildlife activity around pools most common?
Wildlife encounters spike in spring and early summer, when animals are breeding, nesting, or foraging for food. Dry spells in late summer can also drive animals toward artificial water sources like pools. Maintaining deterrents year-round—but especially during these seasons—is key.
5. Do pools attract insects that, in turn, attract larger animals?
Yes. Pools often become breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes, ants, and water bugs, especially if water chemistry is unbalanced or there’s standing water nearby. These insects attract frogs, birds, and even snakes. Keeping your pool water clean and minimizing surrounding moisture helps reduce this indirect attraction.
6. Can installing a backyard pond or birdbath help keep wildlife away from my pool?
In some cases, yes. Creating a designated wildlife-friendly water source away from your pool can redirect animals, especially birds, frogs, and small mammals. However, this can also attract more wildlife to your yard overall. It’s important to manage those features responsibly, ensuring they’re clean, monitored, and placed far from the pool area.
References:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Wildlife and Habitats
- WUFT News: State reports increase in calls about wildlife
- Daytona Beach News: Feeding wildlife can cause more harm than good
