Top Wildlife Removal in San Bernardino, California Ranked

Living in San Bernardino means sharing your environment with a diverse array of native wildlife. While this can be a beautiful part of life in Southern California, it can also lead to conflicts when animals like raccoons, squirrels, or rodents decide your attic, crawlspace, or yard is their new home. Wildlife removal is the process of safely and humanely addressing these conflicts, which is crucial for protecting your property and ensuring the well-being of both people and animals. This guide will help you understand your options, from simple prevention to when you need to call in a professional, so you can effectively manage any unwelcome wild guests.

Home Defenders Termite & Pest Management Inc

san bernardino

Home Defenders Termite & Pest Management Inc provides pest control services in San Bernardino, CA. They address a variety of pest issues including termite inspections, rodent and wildlife removal, mosquito control, and general pest extermination. The company emphasizes identifying the root cause of pest problems to recommend effective treatment solutions. With over 25 years of experience, Home Defenders serves the San Bernardino National Forest area and offers guaranteed work.

4.7

57 Reviews

Harris Termite & Pest Control

16389 Cedar View Ln, Fontana, CA 92336

Harris Termite & Pest Control is a pest control company based in San Bernardino, CA, serving the surrounding communities including Adelanto, Apple Valley, Fontana, Hesperia, Phelan, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, and Victorville. They offer a range of services such as termite control, rodent control, wildlife removal, and pest inspections for both residential and commercial properties. Their team includes highly trained termite inspectors and technicians who address termite damage and pest infestations to protect homes and businesses. Harris Termite & Pest Control emphasizes straightforward, professional service designed to keep pests out of homes and properties.

5.0

15 Reviews

Gopher Patrol

fontana

Gopher Patrol is a pest control company based in Fontana, CA, specializing in rodent control, wildlife removal, and pest management. They focus on addressing issues with gophers, moles, and other common pests in residential areas. The company is known for its thorough approach to pest control and has received positive feedback for effectively managing gopher and mole problems in yards.

4.8

15 Reviews

Outbackzack's Nuisance Animal Removal

248 Lagunita Ln #4, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Outbackzack's Nuisance Animal Removal is based near San Bernardino, CA, providing eco-friendly wildlife and pest control services. They handle a variety of nuisance animals including rodents and birds such as woodpeckers, swallows, pigeons, and sparrows. Their services include removal, cleaning, and disinfecting areas affected by animal activity. The company serves multiple communities around Big Bear Lake and nearby areas, focusing on humane and environmentally conscious methods.

4.7

14 Reviews

Robert May Termite & Pest Management

san bernardino

Robert May Termite & Pest Management provides pest control services in San Bernardino, CA, specializing in treatment and prevention for ants, spiders, rodents, termites, and other mountain pests. They serve various communities around Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, including Blue Jay, Rimforest, and Big Bear City. The company is known for thorough pest inspections and effective removal of both insects and wildlife, addressing issues such as mice, rats, and bats. Their team emphasizes safe treatment options for families and pets and offers scheduled quarterly services to maintain pest-free environments.

4.7

14 Reviews

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Common Wildlife Issues in San Bernardino

The unique geography of San Bernardino, nestled against the San Bernardino National Forest, brings a variety of animals into close contact with residential areas ¹. Understanding which species are most likely to cause problems is the first step in managing them.

Mammals: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash and seeking shelter in attics. Opossums and skunks may den under decks or sheds. Rodents, including roof rats, house mice, and ground squirrels, are common invaders that can chew wires and contaminate spaces. Larger predators like coyotes are present and can pose a threat to pets. In rare instances, especially near wildland interfaces, residents may encounter mountain lions or bears ^{2 3}.

Birds: Pigeons and starlings can create noise and sanitation issues with their droppings. Woodpeckers may damage siding or eaves while searching for insects or creating nesting cavities. It's important to note that most native birds are protected by federal and state laws, making their management a regulated activity ².

What You Can Do: DIY Prevention and Exclusion

For many common issues, proactive measures can prevent wildlife from becoming a problem in the first place. Effective animal control often starts with making your property less attractive to pests.

Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in the roofline, loose vents, holes in siding, or openings around utility lines. Seal these with sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), or metal flashing. Remember, a small gap is an open door for mice and rats ^{2 4}.

Remove Food and Shelter: Secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and keep compost bins covered. Trim tree branches back at least six feet from your roof to limit access for squirrels and raccoons. Clear away dense brush, wood piles, or debris where animals might hide or nest near your home ².

Use Deterrents: Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can startle and discourage animals from frequenting your yard. For burrowing animals, installing a barrier of hardware cloth partially underground around a garden or shed can be effective. Always choose humane deterrents that encourage animals to leave without causing them harm ⁴.

Understanding Trapping and Legal Regulations

If prevention fails and animals are already inside, you might consider trapping. However, in California, this is a area fraught with strict regulations that must be followed.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Rules: The CDFW regulates the take of all native wildlife. It is illegal to trap, relocate, or kill most native species without specific permits. For example, trapping and relocating a raccoon or skunk beyond a short distance is often prohibited, as it can spread disease and is considered inhumane. Protected species, including all bats, most birds, and larger predators, have additional safeguards ^{2 5 6}.

Humane Considerations: State and local laws mandate humane treatment. This includes checking traps frequently (at least once every 24 hours) and providing animals with shelter, water, and ethical handling. The use of certain trap types may be restricted. Before setting any trap, it is critical to research the specific regulations for the target species on the CDFW website ^{2 6}.

When DIY is Appropriate: For non-protected species like house mice or Norway rats, residents may use live traps or snap traps on their own property. However, you are responsible for the humane dispatch or legal release of the animal, which is heavily regulated. For anything more complex-raccoons, squirrels in the attic, bats-the legal and safety risks make professional intervention the wiser choice ⁴.

When to Call Animal Control Services

It's important to know which agency handles which type of situation. Calling the right one saves time and ensures the problem is addressed by the proper authorities.

San Bernardino City Animal Services: This agency primarily handles domestic animal issues. Contact them for stray or aggressive dogs and cats, animal bites, injured pets, or licensing questions. They generally do not respond to wildlife calls unless there is an immediate public safety threat from a dangerous wild animal ⁷.

San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control: This county-wide service has a broader scope. They enforce animal-related laws and can provide guidance or assistance for wildlife situations, particularly those involving welfare concerns or public nuisance issues within the county. They are a good first call for general advice on a wildlife problem ⁵.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): For any issue involving protected species, suspected illegal activity (like poaching), or if you are unsure about the legality of dealing with an animal yourself, contact the CDFW. They manage the state's wildlife resources and are the final authority on regulations concerning native animals ².

Hiring a Professional Wildlife Removal Company

For persistent, complex, or legally sensitive infestations, hiring a licensed professional is often necessary. These experts provide humane trapping, permanent exclusion, and cleanup services.

What Professionals Do: A reputable wildlife control operator will start with a thorough inspection to identify all entry points and the species involved. They then develop a plan that typically includes humane live-trapping (where legal), the installation of one-way exclusion doors that let animals leave but not return, and the permanent sealing of all entry points. Finally, they may offer sanitation services to clean up droppings and debris, which is important for health reasons ^{4 8}.

What to Look For: Always choose a company licensed and insured to work in California. Ask about their methods to ensure they comply with CDFW regulations and prioritize humane solutions. Request references and check online reviews. A good professional will offer a warranty on their exclusion work and provide a detailed, written estimate before starting ⁸.

Understanding Costs: The price for professional wildlife control in San Bernardino varies significantly based on the species, extent of the infestation, and the work required. A basic inspection may cost between $100 and $250. Removal of squirrels or rats might range from $200 to $500. More involved jobs, like raccoon or opossum removal, can cost $300 to $700 or more. Bat exclusion, which is specialized and often requires permits, typically starts around $500 and can exceed $1,000 ^{4 9}.

Health, Safety, and Post-Removal Care

Successfully removing animals is only part of the solution. Ensuring your home is safe and sanitary afterward is crucial.

Health Hazards: Wildlife droppings, urine, and nesting materials can harbor pathogens, parasites, and fungi. Rodent droppings can transmit hantavirus, while raccoon roundworm is a serious concern. Disturbing these materials without proper protective equipment (like N95 masks and gloves) can aerosolize harmful particles ⁴.

Sanitation and Repair: After animals are excluded, affected areas like attics or crawlspaces should be professionally cleaned and disinfected. Insulation contaminated with droppings or urine often needs to be removed and replaced. This restoration step is vital for restoring your home's air quality and preventing odors or future pest problems like insects that are attracted to nesting debris ⁸.

Ongoing Monitoring: Once your home is sealed and clean, maintain a routine of checking the exterior for new potential entry points, especially after seasonal storms or high winds. Continue practicing good sanitation outdoors to discourage wildlife from being attracted back to your property.

Frequently asked questions

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