Wildlife removal: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wildlife removal is

Wildlife removal traps or excludes animals such as squirrels, raccoons or opossums from attics and crawl spaces using humane methods, then seals the entry points and cleans up. People call when they hear animals in the attic, see chewed wiring or insulation, or find nests and droppings in a crawl space or under a deck.

Signs you need it

  • Scratching, thumping or scurrying sounds come from the attic, soffits or the wall, often at dawn or dusk
  • Chewed wires, pulled insulation or damaged vents suggest an animal is living inside the structure
  • Droppings or a strong odor appear in the attic, crawl space, garage or under the deck
  • Gnawed holes appear at the roof edge, the soffit or the chimney cap
  • Animals are nesting in the house, and the young make noise during the day

What the pro does

  • The technician identifies the animal, its entry points and whether there are young inside, since that changes the timing
  • Entry points are located from the inside and outside, and the travel routes are checked with markings or a tracking method
  • A humane trap or a one-way exclusion device is set at the entry points, following the rules for the animal and the time of year
  • Once the animal is removed or has left, the openings are sealed with metal mesh, sheet metal and sealant so it cannot return
  • The technician cleans the droppings and nesting material with protective gear and repairs any insulation or wiring damage they can reach

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Species and the number of animals, since squirrels, raccoons and opossums need different methods
  • Number and size of entry points found in the roof, soffits, vents and foundation
  • Access to attics, crawl spaces, chimneys and high roof lines
  • Whether young animals are present, which can change the timing and the method
  • Amount of insulation, wiring and structural damage that needs repair
  • Cleanup of droppings, nesting material and contaminated insulation
  • Number of visits needed to remove the animal and confirm it has not returned

What a written quote should spell out

  • The species identified and the locations of the animal activity
  • The removal method, such as humane trapping or one-way exclusion, and the timing
  • The entry points found, and the sealing materials used to close them
  • The cleanup of droppings and nesting material, and the safety method used
  • Any insulation or wiring repairs included, and any that are recommended separately
  • The follow-up check and what happens if the animal returns

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What animal is it, and how did you confirm it?
  • Are there young animals inside, and how does that change the plan?
  • How do you remove the animal, and where does it go afterward?
  • How do you find and seal the entry points so it cannot come back?
  • How do you clean the droppings and the nesting material safely?
  • Who repairs the damaged insulation, wiring or vents?
  • Are you licensed for wildlife removal where I live?

Red flags

  • They seal the openings while the animal is still inside, which can trap it and cause damage
  • They use poisons or glue traps, which cause suffering and can harm other animals
  • They remove the animal without checking for young inside the structure
  • They clean droppings by sweeping them dry, which can spread dust and disease
  • They will not say where the animal will be released or what happens to it

What you can do yourself

A homeowner should not trap or handle wildlife in the attic or walls, since animals can bite and carry disease, and some animals are protected; do not seal the openings until you are sure no animal is inside, including young. Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection when cleaning droppings, and wet them before removal. Call a licensed wildlife professional for removal, for exclusion and for any cleanup of droppings or nests in the structure.

Licenses and permits

Wildlife removal is commonly licensed or permitted in many areas, and some species and methods have their own rules. Check with your state or local licensing agency and the wildlife rules that apply to the animal before you hire or do any removal.

Wildlife removal questions

Can I trap the animal myself?

It is not recommended. Trapping can injure you and the animal, some animals are protected, and rules about trapping and relocation can apply. Call a licensed wildlife professional for removal.

How do I know when it is safe to seal the openings?

Only seal after the animal has been confirmed out and young are not inside. A professional can check and use a one-way exclusion device so the animal can leave but not come back.

What diseases can wildlife droppings carry?

Droppings from some animals can carry parasites and bacteria, so do not clean them up without protection. Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection, wet the droppings first, and bag them. Raccoon droppings in particular can hold roundworm eggs that most disinfectants do not kill, so leave raccoon waste cleanup to a professional. Ask the professional to handle the cleanup of contaminated material.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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