Top Wildlife Removal in Downey, California Ranked

Living with wildlife is a reality in Downey, but when raccoons raid your attic or squirrels chew through wiring, these wild neighbors become a nuisance and a hazard. Professional wildlife control and animal removal services are essential for safely and legally resolving conflicts with local fauna. This guide will help you understand the common wildlife issues in Downey, your legal responsibilities, and how to find qualified local experts to handle everything from a single trapped skunk to a full-scale exclusion and cleanup project.

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

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

See more providers in Downey, CA

Common Wildlife Issues in Downey

Downey's proximity to natural areas and its urban landscape create a perfect environment for several species to thrive. Homeowners most frequently encounter problems with mammals seeking food, water, and shelter. The most common nuisance animals include:

• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, they are notorious for tipping over trash cans, tearing up lawns for grubs, and finding their way into attics or crawl spaces to create dens.
• Squirrels: Both tree and ground squirrels can cause significant damage. They often enter attics through small gaps, chew on wood and electrical wires (a serious fire hazard), and store food in insulation.
• Opossums: While they eat many pests like snails and slugs, they can become a nuisance by rummaging through garbage, eating pet food left outside, and taking up residence under decks or sheds.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defense mechanism, skunks dig for insects in lawns and gardens and may den under porches or foundations, leading to unpleasant odors and potential spray incidents.
• Coyotes: These adaptable predators are present throughout the region. They primarily threaten small pets and can become bolder if they lose their fear of humans, often due to accessible food sources ^{1 2}.
• Rodents: Rats and mice are perennial problems, chewing through materials, contaminating food, and spreading disease.

Bird species like pigeons, starlings, and crows can also create issues through nesting in vents or eaves, causing property damage with their droppings, and, in some cases, damaging crops ³.

Understanding California's Wildlife Laws

Before attempting any animal control yourself, it is crucial to understand the legal framework. California has strict regulations designed to protect both wildlife and people.

• Trapping Nongame Animals: Residents are generally allowed to trap certain nongame mammals-such as squirrels, coyotes, skunks, opossums, and rodents-that are damaging property ^{2 4}. However, traps cannot be set near residences without the written permission of the landowner ^{5 6}.
• The Critical Rule on Handling: What you do after trapping an animal is heavily regulated. California law requires that you either release the animal immediately on-site or humanely euthanize it if authorized. It is illegal to relocate or transport trapped wildlife to another area without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) ^{7 2 4}. This law helps prevent the spread of disease and ecological disruption.
• No Feeding Wildlife: It is illegal to feed coyotes, raccoons, opossums, foxes, and other potentially dangerous animals unless you have notified an agency for their pickup ^{1 6}. Feeding them makes them dependent, less fearful of humans, and increases conflict.
• Protected Species: Some animals, like certain birds of prey (hawks, owls) and bats, are protected by federal and state laws. It is illegal to trap, harm, or disturb them or their nests without special permits. This is a key reason to involve a professional who can identify species and apply the correct legal protocols.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Expert

While minor prevention is a DIY task, certain situations absolutely warrant calling a licensed wildlife removal specialist.

• Attic or Wall Infestations: Hearing noises in your walls or ceiling often indicates an animal has established a nest. Removal requires finding the entry point, safely extracting the animals (and potentially their young), and performing a thorough cleanup to remove hazardous waste.
• Complex or Persistent Problems: If you have a recurring issue despite your efforts, or if multiple animals are involved, a professional has the tools and strategies for a permanent solution.
• Safety and Legal Concerns: If you are unsure about the species, the laws, or are uncomfortable handling a live trap-especially with animals like raccoons or skunks-a professional ensures the job is done safely and legally.
• Exclusion and Repair Work: Simply removing the animal is often not enough. Professionals provide exclusion services, sealing all potential entry points with durable materials to prevent re-entry, and can repair damage caused by the animals.
• Injured, Sick, or Deceased Animals: For animals that appear sick, injured, or have died on your property, or if you or a pet has been bitten, you should contact LA County Animal Care & Control (SEAACA). They handle these specific cases, not routine nuisance removal ^{1 7 8}.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

A reputable animal removal service will follow a comprehensive, multi-step process to ensure the problem is resolved for good.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will perform a thorough 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 and Trapping: Using species-appropriate, humane methods, the professional will remove the animals. This may involve live trapping, one-way exclusion doors, or other techniques. They handle all animals in compliance with California state laws.
3. Cleanup and Sanitation: Animal droppings, urine, and nesting materials pose health risks. Professionals will clean, disinfect, and deodorize the affected area. In cases of severe attic contamination, they may recommend removing and replacing soiled insulation.
4. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step for long-term prevention. All identified entry points-from roof vents to gaps in siding-are sealed with professional-grade materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or chimney caps. Any structural damage caused by chewing or digging is also repaired.
5. Prevention Advice: A good technician will provide recommendations for making your property less attractive to wildlife, such as securing trash cans with locking lids, removing pet food at night, and trimming tree branches away from the roof.

What to Expect: Costs for Wildlife Control in Downey

The cost of wildlife management services in Downey varies widely based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the services required. It's always best to get a detailed, in-person estimate.

• Simple Trapping and Removal: For a single animal like a skunk or opossum in a trap, basic removal services may start in the range of $200 to $400+, though prices can be higher for multiple visits or specific animals like raccoons ^{9 10}.
• Attic Infestations and Full Solutions: Complex jobs involving the removal of animals from an attic, cleanup of contaminated insulation, and sealing of entry points represent a more significant investment. These comprehensive services typically range from $500 to over $2,000, depending on the square footage affected and the extent of repairs needed ^{8 11 9}.
• Exclusion-Only Services: If animals have been removed but you need entry points sealed to prevent future problems, exclusion work is priced separately, often based on the linear feet of repairs or the number of openings sealed ¹².

Finding the Right Service Provider in Downey

When searching for "wildlife removal in Downey," look for companies that emphasize humane methods, full exclusion, and compliance with California regulations. Verify that they are properly licensed and insured. Reading local reviews and asking for references can provide insight into their reliability and customer service. For situations involving sick or injured wildlife, remember that your direct point of contact is LA County Animal Care & Control ^{1 7}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources