The Best Wildlife Removal Services of 2022 - Picks by Bob Vila - Bob Vila
Do you have unwanted critters in and around your home? Keep the unwelcome houseguests away with the best wildlife removal services.
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Some homeowners may try to handle critter control independently, but wildlife trapping is best left to the professionals. Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and more can move in and make themselves at home in your attic, basement, or yard. This raises the concern of damage to the structure and the spread of disease. There are many reasons wildlife may want to come into our homes, including looking for warmth or food. Many of these animals have lost their natural habitats due to land development and human encroachment into areas the animals typically inhabit. This results in animals exploring more urban areas for food and a safe place to stay.
When it's time to call in a professional for wildlife control, consider several factors before hiring wildlife removal services. Some companies may specialize in prevention, and others will focus on removal and exclusion. It can be a daunting process to hire the proper animal pest control professional for the job. Here, we'll examine the details that should be considered when hiring the best wildlife removal services, and we'll cover frequently asked questions regarding wildlife pest control. Before searching online for "wildlife removal service near me," consider these recommendations for animal removal services.
- BEST OVERALL: Critter Control
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Trutech Wildlife Service
- ALSO CONSIDER: AAAC Wildlife Removal
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wildlife Removal Services
Having the correct information at your disposal can help make choosing the best wildlife removal services easier. Professional wild animal control isn't just about removing wildlife from a home, but also making sure it doesn't get back inside. Before googling "wildlife removal service near me" and hiring the first company that pops up, homeowners should know what to look for in a reputable critter removal service. These can include the type of animals the company removes, removal practices, service area, scheduling policies, inspection process, damage remediation, certification, licensing, guarantees, and customer support.
Type of Animal
Most companies are prepared to remove small mammals, rodents, birds, reptiles, and stinging and non-stinging insects. Some will remove larger mammals, but it's always important to inquire what types of pests the wildlife animal control company will remove. These companies will not remove stray dogs or cats from a property. For this, homeowners will need to contact an animal rescue group.
Humane Wildlife Removal
Homeowners should not search for a wildlife exterminator but a company that humanely removes and relocates wildlife. Humane wildlife removal is all about the safety of the animal. Live trapping and release of the wildlife is something that homeowners should insist on, and a humane wildlife removal service will oblige if the animal does not have rabies. Professionals cannot relocate and release an animal if they suspect it is infected with rabies, as those animals present a risk to the rest of the wildlife population. These animals are euthanized humanely so as to not cause suffering to the animal. A humane and ethical wildlife removal service should be licensed and have evidence of guaranteed exclusion and eviction strategies. They should also ensure that the animals are released to a new home suitable for their needs; ideally, animals will be reunited with their families.
Service Area and Scheduling
Some wildlife removal services have a service area covering dozens of states plus Washington, D.C, while others have a more limited service area. Homeowners should be sure and double-check the coverage area to ensure prompt service. Scheduling an appointment can almost always be done over the phone and sometimes via the company's website.
Inspection and Quote Process
Some wildlife removal companies offer a free estimate or supply the basic cost of their services over the phone or via their website. Others will provide an inspection to assess the problem, discuss the best plan of action, and provide a quote.
Exclusion Repairs and Damage Remediation
Wildlife can cause damage to attics, garages, foundation, chimneys, and more. Repairing that damage and addressing any pre-existing vulnerabilities, like unsealed vents or open chimneys, will prevent additional animals from getting into the home. Sealing gaps and installing one-way doors (allowing the animal to exit but not re-enter the structure) are vital to banning future animal access. Additional remediation includes insulation replacement, rodent and animal dropping removal, sanitation, disinfection, and chimney cap and screen installation. Check with a company before hiring to verify the level of damage repairs it will undertake. Some companies will be prepared to make long-lasting repairs, while others may only be able to provide temporary solutions.
Certifications and Licensing
It's important that any wildlife removal company is licensed and insured. The company needs to adhere to strict criteria for training, safety equipment, procedures, and removal knowledge to be licensed. When a company is licensed, this ensures that it complies with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Companies that hold certification from the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) have training in dealing with all types of wildlife and know how to remove and relocate unwanted critters safely.
Guarantees
Some companies take pride in providing quality work and will guarantee their services. Satisfaction guarantees can vary according to geographic location or the type of animal that needs to be removed. Some wildlife removal companies will offer a 365-day or lifetime guarantee, and others will promise to return to your home free of charge if the issue isn't remedied. If a customer isn't satisfied with the wildlife removal, some services will offer a refund or offer to fix the problem.
Customer Support
If there are questions or concerns regarding wildlife removal, it's important to contact the business quickly. Some companies offer customer support over the phone, and others assist via email or through live chat on their website.
Our Top Picks
Dealing with a wild animal on the property can be stressful for any homeowner, but choosing the right wildlife removal company doesn't have to be. Here are the top picks.
Best Overall
Why It Made the Cut: With a wide service area, specialization in humane wildlife removal, and certified wildlife specialist training, Critter Control is a standout choice for the best wildlife removal services.
With services available in 37 states and Washington, D.C., chances are when homeowners search online for "best wildlife removal services near me," Critter Control will be one of the top results. And with good reason: Critter Control has set the standard for the wildlife removal industry. Technicians are certified wildlife specialists and go through a vertebrate pest management and training course developed with Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This level of expertise means that Critter Control technicians know all the nuances of different wildlife. The wide range of animals the company can handle is a testament to this knowledge. Critter Control also offers a limited lifetime warranty on its exclusion and damage repairs, so customers can be assured that Critter Control takes pride in its work. Service hours and some guarantee terms will vary from location to location. Still, customers can take advantage of customer support by phone or live chat to clarify these points before booking a service.
Specs
- Service area: 37 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications and licensing: Certified wildlife specialists, state and locally licensed
- Guarantee: Varies by location
- Customer support: Phone, live chat
Pros
- "Certified wildlife specialist" technicians
- Relatively wide variety of wildlife removed
- Limited lifetime warranty on exclusion or damage repairs
Cons
- Service hours and guarantees may vary across locations
Runner-Up
Why It Made the Cut: Terminix is a well-known, trusted brand that offers near-nationwide wildlife control services.
Terminix is a household name in pest control with a near-nationwide service area of 47 states and Washington, D.C. Although it focuses primarily on pest, termite, and mosquito control, the company also offers wildlife control. Mice, rats, tree squirrels, bats, flying squirrels, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, opossums, starlings, pigeons, and sparrows are covered; other common types of wildlife, including snakes, gophers, and chipmunks, are not. Terminix provides a free home inspection and will customize a plan for prevention and removal. Its state and locally licensed technicians will bait and trap wildlife and secure a home's exterior to ensure the animals can't get back inside. The company also offers annual maintenance plans, a solid option for homeowners who have experienced recurring wildlife issues. Customers can conveniently schedule appointments online or on the phone.
Specs
- Service area: 47 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications and licensing: State and locally licensed
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: Phone, live chat
Pros
- Online scheduling available
- Free inspection completed before quote is provided
- Annual maintenance plans available
Cons
- Some forms of wildlife may not be covered
Best for Prevention
Why It Made the Cut: Along with wildlife removal, Trutech Wildlife Service has a comprehensive prevention plan to keep wildlife infestations from recurring.
Many wildlife removal services stop at repairs resulting from wildlife damage and removal, but Trutech focuses on preventing future infestations. Trutech uses a proprietary three-step system to remove the wildlife present, make repairs, and prevent critters from returning in the future. These prevention measures go beyond traditional damage remediation, like erecting fences to keep digging pests out. Trutech also offers recurring preventive visits to ensure a customer's property stays secure. Customers can make appointments over the phone and pay bills online. Before searching online for "wildlife removal services near me," consider contacting Trutech Wildlife Service.
Specs
- Service area: 16 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications and licensing: State and locally licensed
- Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee on all services, 1-year warranty for exclusion repairs
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Proprietary three-step plan to remove wildlife, make repairs, and prevent future infestations
- Many technicians hold bachelor's and master's degrees in relevant fields
- Convenient online bill-pay option
Cons
- Cost may be relatively high
Also Consider
Why It Made the Cut: With its easy-to-navigate website and comprehensive animal research element, AAAC Wildlife Removal is another great resource for animal removal.
With a list of specialized services that include bear control, beaver dam removal, nest removal, wildlife inspections for home buying, and more, AAAC Wildlife Removal provides wildlife control, removal, and cleaning services. Its state and locally licensed technicians will inspect the property, assess wildlife issues, and provide removal solutions. The AAAC website has an extensive animal research section that provides in-depth information about a variety of wildlife that can cause issues to commercial and residential property. This section even includes audio clips to help customers identify any unseen wildlife. While there's no information on the company's guarantee available on the website, interested customers can reach out to customer support via phone and email to discuss specifics, get quotes, and schedule an appointment.
Specs
- Service area: 22 states
- Scheduling: Phone, email
- Certifications and licensing: State and locally licensed
- Guarantee: Not specified
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Comprehensive animal research section on wildlife noises, signs, and threat levels
- Quotes available via phone or email
Cons
- No information available on guarantee
Our Verdict
Based on service area, the inclusion of many types of wildlife, warranty, and humane wildlife removal practices, Critter Control is our top pick for best wildlife removal services. With its near-nationwide service area and solid reputation, Terminix is an excellent runner-up.
How We Chose the Best Wildlife Removal Services
To determine the best wildlife removal services, we considered many factors. These included service area, scheduling options, additional services, customer support, guarantees, variety of wildlife covered in the removal service, and website ease of use. We focused on companies that specialize in humane wildlife removal, have a multi-state or national presence, and are appropriately licensed. We paid extra attention to companies with technicians who have wildlife certifications or education. Each of the recommended wildlife removal services has an excellent reputation, satisfied customers, and provides a much-needed service.
Before You Hire One of the Best Wildlife Removal Services
Hiring a wildlife removal service is a humane way to remove, discourage, and prevent wildlife from making a comfortable living space in your home. Before hiring a wildlife removal company, there are a few things to consider.
- Ask for a written estimate and inspection.
- Get specifics on how the professional will remedy the situation.
- Insist on humane removal and prevention techniques.
- Make sure the company has a guarantee regarding re-entry.
- Be on the lookout for unethical animal trapping practices and treatment.
- Confirm that the company is licensed and insured.
- Ensure the contract includes the type of animal, entry points, what to do if there are babies, removal and exclusion methods, prevention techniques, repair, and remediation.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Wildlife Removal Services
Wildlife removal services can cost $189 to $557, with many homeowners spending $367 on average. Removing squirrels and raccoons can range from $200 to $1,500, and mice and rats are typically less expensive, costing around $300. Local animal control or rescue services are usually free, and customers will want to call one of these groups to remove stray dogs or cats from a property. Dead animal removal costs run from $150 to $250 or more, including any required drywall repair. Removing an animal from an easily accessible area can be less expensive. If a home inspection isn't free, this can range in price from $75 to $300.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Wildlife Removal Services
When wildlife ends up where it doesn't belong, it's advised to call a professional for removal and prevention. Hiring a pro can protect you from serious injury when attempting to trap or capture a wild animal on your own. Here are a few more significant benefits of hiring one of the best wildlife removal services.
- A wildlife removal company has the experience and knowledge to safely and humanely trap and remove an animal. Many types of DIY traps can seriously injure or even kill wildlife.
- A professional wildlife removal service knows how to remove an animal safely. Wildlife can pose a health hazard due to the varying number of diseases they carry. An experienced technician is also trained to trap and remove an animal from an area that may present physical risks to an untrained homeowner.
- Professionals will be able to identify entry points, close them up, and enact prevention techniques to prevent wildlife from returning.
- Many wildlife removal services provide repairs to entry spaces and areas where an animal may have done some damage to indoor spaces. This is beneficial to prevent long-term problems.
- Some wildlife species can carry disease in their droppings and saliva. Professionals have the correct tools for cleaning and sanitation, so you and your family will stay safe.
FAQs
Deciding on the best wildlife removal services can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some frequently asked questions about wildlife removal to help guide your decisions.
Q. What does Critter Control do with the animals?
The answer to that depends on the state. Each state has its own laws and regulations on what should be done with trapped wildlife. Some states are OK with trapping and relocating the animal. Other states require that a trapped animal can only be released on the same property, and if the property owner disapproves, the animal will be humanely euthanized. Wildlife doesn't need to be trapped in some instances since exclusion practices like one-way doors allow the animal to leave the space but not re-enter. The animal will typically look for another space to make its home.
Q. Who do you call to remove a wild animal?
If there is a wild animal on your property or in your house, call a wildlife removal service to remove the animal.
Q. Who do you call when you have an animal in your house?
If there is an unwanted animal in your home, call a wildlife removal service for humane removal.
Q. How do I get rid of a bat colony in my house?
Due to health and safety concerns, bats should be gotten rid of as quickly as possible. Some homeowners will use a decoy bat house to attract them away, install a chimney cap to discourage them from entering, and seal off any other openings bats might use to enter the home. If they are still finding ways inside, call a wildlife removal service to get rid of the bat colony safely.
Q. What scent will keep rats away?
Scent-based rat repellents are typically peppermint scented. This is a smell that rats dislike, so they will look for another home if the area is strongly scented with peppermint.
Q. How do you get rid of outdoor mice?
Homeowners can seal and plug any holes and cracks that mice can enter. Ensuring that pet and human food is stored away, keeping the house clean, and repairing leaky faucets and water pipes can also discourage mice from entering the home. Keeping the outside of the home clutter-free removes potential hiding places, and using peppermint oil on cotton balls around the house works as a natural deterrent. Another natural deterrent would be a cat to patrol the house. Some homeowners opt for ultrasonic devices that emit sounds that may keep mice away, although these should only be used if there are no other pets in the house.
Q. How do I keep my mice in my neighbor's yard away from my home?
Some homeowners like to plant peppermint around the house's perimeter to deter any mice that might be interested in moving in. Spraying peppermint oil near any potential entry points can also discourage mice from entering your home.
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