Top Wildlife Removal in Arcadia, California Ranked

Finding an unexpected animal in your attic, under your deck, or rummaging through your trash can be a startling experience for any Arcadia homeowner. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally resolving conflicts with wild animals that have become a nuisance or a hazard on your property. This process is crucial not only for protecting your home from damage but also for ensuring the safety of your family and pets, and for treating the animals involved in a humane manner. The following guide will help you understand the common wildlife issues in Arcadia, the legal landscape, effective prevention strategies, and how to navigate the process of finding qualified local professionals to address your specific situation.

Orchard Inc.

los angeles

Orchard Inc. is a pest control company based in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in rodent, bird, and wildlife removal services for both residential and commercial properties. They use humane methods and combine modern techniques with proven approaches to manage infestations while respecting natural ecosystems. Orchard Inc. also offers wildlife fencing as a preventative measure to keep animals off properties. The company serves Los Angeles County and Orange County, handling a wide range of pest control needs with a focus on bird and rodent solutions.

5.0

373 Reviews

Hawkins Animal Trapping and Removal

long beach

Hawkins Animal Trapping and Removal is a family-owned business based in Long Beach, CA, serving Los Angeles and Orange County. Established in 2018 by an industry professional with over 10 years of experience, the company offers wildlife and animal removal services for both homeowners and businesses. Their services include rodent, raccoon, bird, skunk, opossum, and bat removal, as well as attic cleaning and dead animal removal. They handle dead animals found in crawlspaces, attics, lawns, roofs, and driveways, ensuring safe and effective removal.

5.0

283 Reviews

Aesthetic Wildlife Control

los angeles

Aesthetic Wildlife Control provides humane and poison-free wildlife and rodent removal services in Los Angeles, CA. Their certified team offers a wide range of pest control solutions including rat, possum, bat, raccoon, skunk, snake, and dead animal removal, along with attic decontamination and bird proofing for solar panels. They use eco-friendly, non-toxic methods and provide thorough inspections with photo and video documentation to ensure effective exclusion and sanitation. The company is licensed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and offers 24/7 emergency animal removal services across Los Angeles and Orange County.

5.0

276 Reviews

All City Animal Trapping

1321 Alameda St, Wilmington, CA 90744

All City Animal Trapping is a wildlife removal company based in Los Angeles, CA. They specialize in humane trapping and removal of nuisance animals such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds. Their services include damage repair, decontamination, and preventive measures to keep homes and businesses wildlife-free. With over 20 years of experience, the company serves residential and commercial customers throughout Los Angeles and surrounding counties. All City Animal Trapping employs licensed and insured professionals who use effective and humane methods for animal control.

4.9

716 Reviews

Orkin

4420 E Miraloma Ave Ste C, Anaheim, CA 92807

Orkin offers comprehensive pest control services in Long Beach, CA, addressing a wide range of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife. The company provides tailored seasonal pest control plans and uses advanced methods such as infrared scanners, moisture monitors, and Sentricon® bait treatments for termite detection and elimination. Orkin has a strong presence in the area and offers 24/7 availability with flexible scheduling and next-day service to meet customer needs promptly.

4.9

445 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Arcadia

Arcadia's proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains and its many green spaces make it an attractive habitat for a variety of wild animals. While observing wildlife can be enjoyable from a distance, certain species frequently become problematic when they seek food and shelter in residential areas. ^{1 2}

Mammals:

• Coyotes: Perhaps the most commonly discussed wildlife in the area, coyotes are adaptable and can be found in neighborhoods, especially at dawn and dusk. They pose a risk to small pets and can become bold if they lose their fear of humans.
• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous animals are notorious for tipping over trash cans, raiding pet food, and taking up residence in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces. They can carry diseases like rabies and canine distemper.
• Rodents: This category includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, roof rats, and house mice. ^{3 4} They are expert chewers, capable of causing significant electrical and structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood. A rat infestation in an attic is a common call for removal services. ⁵
• Opossums & Skunks: Often considered less destructive, these animals can still become nuisances by digging in lawns for grubs, denning under porches, or getting into pet food. Skunks, of course, present their own memorable defensive challenge.

Birds: Various bird species can also become pests, particularly when they nest in vents, chimneys, or eaves, leading to noise, droppings, and potential blockages. ⁶

Understanding which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective and legal solution.

Why Professional Wildlife Control is Essential

Attempting to handle a wild animal problem yourself can be ineffective, dangerous, and often illegal under California law. Professional wildlife removal operators are trained to navigate these complexities.

Health and Safety Risks: Wild animals can be unpredictable and may bite or scratch if they feel cornered. More importantly, they can transmit diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and parasites like ticks and fleas. Professionals use specialized protective gear and handling techniques to mitigate these risks. ^{7 3}

Legal Compliance: California has strict regulations governing the trapping and handling of native wildlife, enforced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). ^{8 9} For example, it is generally illegal to relocate trapped animals, as this can spread disease and disrupt ecosystems. ¹⁰ Professionals understand these laws, including specific rules such as not setting certain traps within 150 yards of a residence without written permission. ^{8 9}

Effective and Humane Solutions: DIY methods often address the symptom (the animal) but not the cause (the entry point). Professionals provide comprehensive services including humane trapping (where legally permitted), exclusion (permanently sealing entry points), and repair of damage. ^{7 3 11} This integrated approach is key to preventing a recurring problem.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

The most effective and cost-efficient form of wildlife control is to make your property less attractive to animals in the first place. By removing attractants and securing potential entry points, you can prevent most conflicts. ^{1 7}

Eliminate Food Sources:

• Secure Trash: Use wildlife-proof trash cans with locking lids. Bring bins in from the curb as soon as possible after pickup.
• Manage Pet Food: Never leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight.
• Harvest Fruit: Pick ripe fruit from trees and promptly collect fallen fruit from the ground.
• Bird Feeders: If bird feeders attract rodents or other wildlife, consider removing them or using squirrel-proof models.

Remove Shelter and Block Entry:

• Seal Your Home: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Seal any gaps, holes, or cracks in the foundation, siding, roof, and around utility lines with durable materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or caulk. Pay special attention to attic vents, chimney caps, and areas under decks. ^{3 11}
• Yard Maintenance: Keep yards tidy by clearing brush, woodpiles, and dense vegetation where animals can hide. Trim tree branches that overhang or touch your roof.

Use Deterrents:

• Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can startle and discourage animals from frequenting specific areas.
• For some situations, professionally installed one-way exclusion doors allow animals to leave a den (like an attic) but prevent them from re-entering, providing a humane eviction. ¹¹

Understanding Local Regulations and Animal Control

Knowing who to call and for what situation is critical in Arcadia.

Pasadena Humane (Animal Control): For the City of Arcadia, animal control services are provided by Pasadena Humane. ¹² They should be your first call for:

• Sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife that appears to need medical assistance. ^{2 12}
• Immediate public safety threats, such as an aggressive animal in a public space.
• Stray domestic animals and cruelty investigations.

It's important to note that for general nuisance wildlife on private property-like a raccoon in your attic or squirrels in your walls-you will typically need to contact a licensed private wildlife removal professional. ¹²

Key California Regulations:

• No Relocation: Trapped animals usually cannot be relocated and must be released on-site or humanely euthanized in accordance with the law. ^{8 10 13}
• Feeding Prohibitions: It is unlawful to feed many wild animals, including coyotes, raccoons, and rodents, as it leads to habituation and increased conflict. ^{9 4}
• Permit Requirements: The trapping of many species requires a permit from the CDFW, which licensed professionals will possess. ^{8 9}

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

When you hire a professional service, you can expect a multi-step process designed for a permanent solution.

1. Inspection: A thorough assessment of your property to identify the species involved, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of damage and contamination.
2. Humane Removal: Using methods appropriate to the species and legal guidelines, the animals are removed. This may involve live trapping, exclusion devices, or other techniques.
3. Cleanup and Sanitation: This critical step involves removing droppings, urine, and nesting materials, followed by disinfecting the area to eliminate health hazards and odors that might attract new animals.
4. Exclusion and Repair: All identified entry points are permanently sealed with durable materials. Damaged vents, screens, or soffits are repaired or replaced.
5. Restoration: Repairing any structural damage caused by the animals, such as replacing chewed wires, torn insulation, or soiled drywall.

Cost Considerations for Wildlife Removal

The cost for professional animal removal in Arcadia varies widely based on the species, the extent of the infestation, the accessibility of the den site, and the amount of repair work needed. ^{14 15} While prices can fluctuate, here are some general ranges:

• Rodent Removal (e.g., rats, squirrels): A common job involving removal and sealing entry points can range from $250 to $500 or more. ^{5 14}
• Medium Animal Removal (e.g., raccoons, opossums): For removal, exclusion, and basic cleanup, costs often fall between $400 and $800.
• Complex Infestations or Large Animals: Situations involving multiple animals, extensive damage, or difficult-to-reach areas (like coyotes denning under a foundation) can cost $1,000 or more. ¹⁵

Always request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down inspection, removal, cleanup, exclusion, and repair costs.

Frequently asked questions

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