Top Wildlife Removal in Tucson, Arizona Ranked

Living in the Sonoran Desert means sharing your space with a vibrant array of native creatures. While this is part of Tucson's unique charm, it can become a problem when wildlife decides your attic, yard, or walls are part of its natural habitat. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely, humanely, and legally addressing conflicts with nuisance animals, from coyotes and packrats to bats and snakes. This guide will help you understand your options, from simple do-it-yourself deterrents to when it's essential to call a licensed professional, so you can protect your property and coexist peacefully with Tucson's wild neighbors.

Rattlesnake Solutions Tucson

tucson

Rattlesnake Solutions Tucson provides safe and humane snake removal and prevention services in Tucson, AZ. They specialize in snake control, fencing, and offering information to homeowners. The company is equipped to handle immediate rattlesnake removal requests and offers 24/7 availability for urgent situations.

5.0

1.5k Reviews

Mr. Pack Rat

tucson

Mr. Pack Rat is a wildlife removal company specializing in rodent control, based in Tucson, AZ. The company focuses on humane removal of pack rats without using poisons, helping to protect the environment and other wildlife. They provide thorough inspections, debris removal, and advice on preventing future infestations. Mr. Pack Rat has built a reputation over many years for clear communication and effective wildlife management.

5.0

160 Reviews

Truly Nolen Pest & Termite Control

16647 N Oracle Rd suite a, Tucson, AZ 85739

Truly Nolen Pest & Termite Control provides pest management services in Tucson, AZ, focusing on a wide range of pests including scorpions, cockroaches, spiders, ants, bed bugs, and wasps. The company also offers rodent removal and termite inspections to protect homes from damage. Their approach includes specialized treatment programs tailored to specific pest issues common in the area. Truly Nolen serves the Saddlebrooke community with pest control, removal, and extermination services designed to maintain a pest-free environment. The company emphasizes termite inspection and treatment to prevent structural damage and offers bed bug control with immediate and ongoing treatment options. Their rodent removal services prioritize sanitary and safe elimination of rats and mice. Truly Nolen is known for addressing over 100 types of pests and supports local partnerships within the community.

4.9

327 Reviews

Arizona Pest Control

1127 N Rook Ave, Tucson, AZ 85712

Arizona Pest Control is a locally owned and family-operated pest management company serving Tucson, AZ, and Southern Arizona. Established in 1947, the company specializes in termite control, general pest control, bee and wasp removal, rodent control, and wildlife removal for both residential and commercial clients. They employ state-licensed technicians who use advanced and environmentally conscious pest elimination methods. With over 75 years of experience, Arizona Pest Control offers free general pest and termite inspections and is recognized as Tucson's largest pest management provider.

4.8

2.1k Reviews

First Inspection Services Inc.

35481 AZ-77, Saddlebrooke, AZ 85739

First Inspection Services Inc. is a veteran-owned and family-run pest control company based in Tucson, AZ. They provide a wide range of pest management services including termite inspections and treatments, rodent inspections, bee and wasp removal, snake proofing, and attic remediation. Their expertise covers common pests such as scorpions, spiders, cockroaches, ants, and various types of termites. With a disciplined, military-influenced approach, they focus on thorough and effective pest elimination while offering personalized service to local residents. The company serves Tucson and nearby areas including Oro Valley, Catalina, Saddlebrooke, and Saddlebrooke Ranch.

4.9

111 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Tucson

The desert environment around Tucson supports a diverse ecosystem, which means homeowners may encounter a variety of animals seeking food, water, or shelter. Knowing which species are commonly involved in conflicts is the first step.

Mammals: Coyotes are a frequent concern, especially for pet owners in foothill communities ¹. Javelina can damage landscaping, while bobcats, raccoons, and skunks may rummage through trash. Smaller mammals like packrats (woodrats), gophers, and ground squirrels are notorious for chewing wiring, creating burrows, and nesting in engine compartments or attics ². Bats, though beneficial for insect control, can become a significant issue if they colonize an attic or wall void.

Reptiles: Several snake species call Tucson home. While most are harmless, the presence of rattlesnakes poses a clear safety risk, especially in yards with small children or pets ¹. Gopher snakes and other non-venomous species are often mistaken for threats but still require careful removal if they enter a home.

Birds: Birds like woodpeckers can damage siding and eaves, while pigeons and starlings may create messes and noise problems with their roosting sites.

DIY Wildlife Control and Prevention

For minor wildlife issues, there are several effective, non-lethal strategies you can implement yourself. The core principle of do-it-yourself animal control is making your property less attractive and accessible ³.

• Habitat Modification: This is your most powerful tool. Remove food sources like pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit from trees, and unsecured bird seed. Use trash cans with locking, wildlife-proof lids. Eliminate standing water sources that attract animals seeking a drink.
• Exclusion (Sealing Entry Points): Carefully inspect your home's exterior for gaps, holes, or loose vents. Seal potential entry points to attics, crawlspaces, and sheds with sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or flashing. Remember, a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime, and bats can enter through gaps as small as 3/8 of an inch.
• Repellents and Deterrents: Commercial repellents (granular, spray, or electronic) can have varying degrees of success for certain animals like rabbits or deer. Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can startle and deter larger mammals like coyotes or javelina from entering a yard ³.
• Secure Pet Areas: To protect small pets from predators, keep dogs and cats indoors at night, especially in areas bordering open desert. Ensure outdoor enclosures like chicken coops are fully secured.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While DIY methods work for prevention and minor issues, certain situations require the expertise of a licensed professional. Knowing who to call is crucial, as different agencies and companies handle different problems.

Contact Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) for:

• Domestic animals like stray dogs, cats, or livestock.
• Wild animals that are visibly sick, injured, or orphaned.
• An animal that is posing an immediate public safety threat (e.g., an aggressive coyote in a schoolyard). You can reach PACC at 520-724-7222 (724-PACC) ^{1 4}.

Hire a Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) for:

• Active Infestations: When wildlife is already inside your home (e.g., squirrels in the attic, bats in a wall, packrats in the garage).
• Trapping and Removal: For the safe, legal trapping and removal of animals like coyotes, skunks, opossums, or persistent ground squirrels ⁵.
• Expert Exclusion: To permanently seal a home after removing animals, ensuring they cannot re-enter. This is complex, especially for bats, which are protected and have specific exclusion timelines ^{1 6}.
• Specialized Situations: For handling snakes (particularly venomous ones), or dealing with protected species where regulations are strict.

Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) licenses all legitimate Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators. Always verify that a professional is on the AZGFD list to ensure they operate legally and humanely ⁷.

Understanding Local Regulations and Licensing

Arizona has specific laws governing wildlife interactions to ensure both human safety and animal welfare. It's important to be aware of these before taking action.

• Mandatory Licensing: Anyone who traps, removes, or excludes nuisance wildlife for compensation in Arizona must hold a valid Wildlife Service License from AZGFD. Hiring an unlicensed individual can be illegal and may not resolve your problem effectively ⁷.
• Humane Treatment Laws: Arizona state law (ARS 13-2910) prohibits cruelty to animals. Licensed operators are trained in humane methods, and regulations often dictate how and where an animal can be relocated to give it a chance at survival ⁸.
• Rules on Relocation: For many predators, especially coyotes and bobcats, relocation is generally not permitted. These animals are typically euthanized or handled by trained professionals, as relocation can spread disease or simply transfer the problem to another area ⁷.
• Protected Species: Some native species, such as the Gila Monster and Desert Tortoise, are protected by state and federal law. It is illegal to harm, harass, or possess them. If you encounter a protected species, you must contact AZGFD or a specialized NWCO for guidance ⁹.

What to Expect: Services and Cost Estimates

Professional wildlife control involves more than just trapping an animal. A comprehensive service typically includes inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup. Costs in Tucson vary significantly based on the animal species, the extent of the infestation, and the complexity of the exclusion work required ^{1 6}.

• Inspection and Assessment: Most companies charge an initial fee (typically between $100 and $250) to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess the damage. This fee is often applied toward the total cost if you proceed with service.
• Squirrel, Rat, or Packrat Removal: Removing a colony and implementing basic exclusion can range from $300 to $800 or more, depending on the number of animals and the repair work needed.
• Bat Exclusion: This is one of the more complex and costly services due to the need for one-way exits and meticulous sealing of all potential entry points after the colony has left. Prices often range from $500 to over $1,500 ^{1 6}.
• Snake Removal: The cost for removing a snake from a property usually falls between $150 and $400 per incident, with higher rates for venomous species or hard-to-access locations.
• Coyote or Skunk Trapping: Trapping and removing a larger predator like a coyote or dealing with a skunk problem can cost between $200 and $600, depending on the situation and follow-up required.

Crucial Note: These are general estimates. The most important step is to get detailed, written quotes from multiple licensed professionals. A reputable operator will clearly explain the problem, their proposed solution, and the associated costs before any work begins.

Frequently asked questions

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