Top Wildlife Removal in Brea, California Ranked

When squirrels nest in your attic, raccoons raid your trash cans, or rodents invade your crawlspace, it's more than a nuisance-it's a threat to your property and peace of mind. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally evicting these wild animals from homes and businesses, followed by securing the property against future entry. In Brea, navigating local regulations and handling potentially dangerous animals requires expert knowledge. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in the area, what you can legally do yourself, when to call a professional, and how to find qualified local specialists for humane and effective animal control.

Go-Pher The Kill Pest Control Riverside

9880 Indiana Ave STE 23, Riverside, CA 92503

Go-Pher The Kill Pest Control Riverside offers pest and wildlife removal services in Riverside, CA. The company specializes in gopher control but also handles ants, roaches, spiders, rodents, and other pests for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. They provide thorough pest inspections and ongoing protection to keep properties pest-free. Known for their expertise in gopher trapping and removal, Go-Pher The Kill has been serving the Riverside area for over seven years. Their licensed and insured team is committed to customer satisfaction with a guarantee to re-treat or refund if problems persist.

5.0

678 Reviews

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

Ashe Animal Control

423 W 18th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Ashe Animal Control is a family-owned business offering humane wildlife removal, rodent control, and property repair services in Los Angeles, CA, and Orange County. They specialize in safe animal trapping and removal while focusing on protecting homes with integrity and care. Their services include identifying and sealing entry points to prevent future infestations, ensuring long-term protection for residential and commercial properties. Ashe Animal Control is known for transparent pricing and personalized service, treating every home with respect and attention to detail.

5.0

158 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Brea

Brea's proximity to the Puente-Chino Hills and its mix of suburban and natural landscapes makes it a haven for various wildlife species that can become problematic when they enter human spaces. Knowing which animals are most likely to cause issues is the first step in addressing a problem.

• Tree Squirrels: These agile climbers are a leading cause of attic infestations, often entering through roof vents or gaps to nest, chew on wires, and store food ^{1 2}.
• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons can tear open roof soffits, vent covers, and even garage doors in search of shelter and food, creating significant damage and leaving behind hazardous waste ^{1 3}.
• Opossums: While generally less destructive, opossums may take up residence under decks, sheds, or in crawlspaces, and can be carriers of parasites ^{1 4}.
• Rodents: This category includes roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice. They are prolific breeders, contaminate food, gnaw on structural elements, and pose serious health risks ^{1 2}.
• Other Mammals: Residents may also encounter coyotes, skunks, and bats, each presenting unique challenges, from predation on pets to rabies vector concerns ^{3 2}.
• Birds: Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows often nest in building eaves, attics, and vents. Their droppings are corrosive and can damage property, while nests can block ventilation systems ^{3 2}. It's important to note that most bird species are protected by federal law, and their removal is heavily regulated.

Understanding California's Wildlife Control Laws

Attempting to handle a wildlife issue without understanding state and local regulations can lead to legal trouble. California has strict laws designed to protect both animals and residents.

• No Relocation: It is illegal in California to trap and relocate most wild animals to a new area ^{5 6 7}. Trapped nuisance animals must either be released on the property where they were caught or humanely euthanized by a licensed professional. This law prevents the spread of disease and avoids simply transferring a problem to another neighborhood.
• DIY Trapping Rules: Homeowners are permitted to trap certain non-game mammals (like squirrels or rodents) only if the animal is injuring property ^{5 6}. You must use traps legally approved for the species and follow all guidelines for humane treatment. Critically, traps cannot be set within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling without the written consent of the occupant ^{7 8}.
• Protected Species: All birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Removing them almost always requires a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) ^{3 8}. Bats are also protected in many circumstances.
• Sick or Injured Wildlife: If you encounter a wild animal that appears sick, injured, or orphaned, do not approach it. Contact LA County Department of Animal Care and Control (LACDAC) or the CDFW immediately for guidance ^{3 9}.

When to Handle It Yourself and When to Call a Pro

Effective DIY Prevention

The most cost-effective and long-term solution to wildlife problems is making your property less attractive to them. This animal-proofing work is something every homeowner can and should do.

• Remove Food Sources: Use locking, wildlife-resistant trash cans. Keep pet food indoors and clean up fallen fruit from trees. Ensure compost bins are securely covered ^{5 6}.
• Eliminate Water: Fix leaky faucets and downspouts. Empty standing water from bird baths or plant saucers.
• Remove Shelter: Trim tree branches back at least 6 feet from your roofline. Clear dense brush, woodpiles, and debris from against your home's foundation ^{1 5}.
• Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in siding, loose roof vents, broken soffits, and openings where utility lines enter. Seal these with appropriate, durable materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), or metal flashing.

Situations Requiring a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While prevention is key, some scenarios demand the expertise of a licensed wildlife removal specialist.

• Attic or Wall Infestations: When animals are actively living inside your home's structure, professional trapping, removal, and decontamination are essential ^{1 9}.
• Complex or Dangerous Species: Dealing with raccoons, bats, or larger animals like coyotes involves significant risk of injury or disease transmission. Professionals have the proper equipment and training ³.
• Need for Repairs and Exclusion: Simply removing the animal is only half the battle. A qualified professional will find and seal all potential entry points to prevent re-infestation and may handle damage repair ^{1 10}.
• Legal Compliance: For issues involving protected birds, bats, or when trapping in multi-unit dwellings, a licensed operator will ensure all actions are in full compliance with state and federal laws ^{3 8}.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

A reputable wildlife control service in Brea will typically follow a multi-step process to ensure a complete and lasting solution.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will perform a detailed inspection of your property, inside and out, to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the damage and contamination.
2. Humane Removal: Using species-appropriate, legal methods, the animals will be removed. This may involve one-way exclusion doors (which allow animals to leave but not return), live trapping, or other techniques ^{1 9}.
3. Clean-up and Decontamination: Wildlife waste (feces, urine) can harbor dangerous pathogens and parasites. Professionals will safely remove contaminated insulation, disinfect the area, and apply treatments to eliminate odors and health hazards.
4. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step for preventing future problems. All identified entry points will be permanently sealed with professional-grade materials. Damaged vents, soffits, or screens will be repaired or replaced ¹.
5. Follow-up and Monitoring: Many companies offer a warranty period and will schedule follow-up visits to ensure the exclusion is holding and no new activity is present.

Cost Considerations for Wildlife Control in Brea

The price for animal removal services can vary widely based on the species, the location of the infestation, the extent of damage, and the necessary repairs. Here are some general estimates for the Brea area ^{1 9 10}:

• Basic Trapping Service: For a single animal at ground level (e.g., a skunk under a deck), costs may range from $200 to $400 or more.
• Attic Infestation Removal: Comprehensive service for squirrels, raccoons, or rats in an attic-including removal, clean-up, and basic exclusion-often falls between $300 and $1,000+. Complex jobs with significant damage repair or decontamination can exceed this range.
• Rodent Control Programs: Ongoing rodent management for a standard-sized home can vary significantly based on the infestation level and the size of the structure requiring protection.

Always request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the costs for inspection, removal, clean-up, materials, and repairs before work begins.

Finding the Right Local Service Provider

Choosing a qualified professional is crucial. Look for companies that:

• Are fully licensed and insured for wildlife control in California.
• Have specific experience with the common nuisance species in Orange County and the Brea area.
• Emphasize humane methods and permanent exclusion over simple trapping.
• Provide clear, written contracts and warranties on their exclusion work.
• Can explain local regulations and their compliance process.

The goal is not just to remove an unwanted guest but to restore the safety and integrity of your home for the long term.

Frequently asked questions

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