What should I do if I find a sick or injured wild animal in my yard?

Do not attempt to touch or handle the animal. Contact Orange County Animal Care for guidance. They can advise on the next steps or dispatch an officer if necessary .

Is it legal to trap a raccoon in my attic and drive it to a park?

No. Relocating wildlife without a permit is illegal in California. Trapped animals must be released on the property where they were caught or humanely euthanized. This law helps prevent the spread of disease and avoids creating problems for others .

I hear scratching in my walls at night. What could it be?

This is a common sign of rodents (rats or mice) or possibly squirrels. These animals are nocturnal and active in walls and attics. An inspection by a professional can identify the exact species and entry points .

How can I keep coyotes away from my property?

The most effective method is to eliminate attractants. Secure trash, never leave pet food outside, pick up fallen fruit, and ensure small pets are not left outdoors unattended, especially at dawn and dusk .

Who do I call for a bird's nest in my vent?

For active nests, it's often best to wait until the young have fledged before sealing the vent. A wildlife professional can install a proper vent cover with a one-way door or exclusion device to allow birds to leave but not re-enter .

Are wildlife control services expensive?

Cost varies widely. Simple trapping may start around a few hundred dollars, while a full attic restoration can cost over a thousand. The investment often includes critical cleanup and exclusion work that DIY methods cannot provide, preventing costly future damage .

What's the difference between a pest control company and a wildlife control operator?

While there is overlap, wildlife control operators specialize in mammals and birds, often holding specific CDFW permits for trapping. General pest control companies may focus more on insects and might subcontract larger wildlife jobs. Always confirm the company is licensed and permitted for the specific animal you're dealing with .

Pest Control in San Clemente, CA,

Living in San Clemente means sharing our beautiful coastal environment with a variety of wild animals. While this is part of the area's charm, it can lead to conflicts when wildlife like raccoons, rodents, or squirrels decide to make your attic, crawlspace, or yard their home. Wildlife removal is the process of humanely and legally addressing these conflicts to protect your property and the animals. This guide provides essential information on common nuisance species, effective prevention strategies, when to call a professional, and the legal landscape in California to help you resolve wildlife issues safely and responsibly.

Best Pest & Wildlife Control California

los angeles

Best Pest & Wildlife Control California offers tailored pest and wildlife management services in Los Angeles, CA, and throughout Southern California. They specialize in environmentally responsible and humane removal techniques for a wide range of pests including rodents, insects, and nuisance wildlife. Their certified technicians use advanced, eco-friendly methods and an integrated pest management approach to address the unique challenges posed by California's diverse ecosystems. Based in Mission Viejo, the company serves many communities across the state, providing personalized assessments and ongoing service plans to prevent future infestations.

4.9

249 Reviews

Orkin

2420 Grand Ave Suite j, Vista, CA 92081

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in San Diego, CA, specializing in managing a wide range of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, birds, and wildlife. Their services include termite inspections and treatments using methods such as dry foam void filler, Sentricon® bait, and liquid barriers. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin offers science-backed pest control solutions tailored to the local climate and pest seasons. They provide next-day scheduling and 24/7 phone support to address pest control needs promptly.

4.8

2.2k Reviews

Terminix

23302 Verdugo Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Terminix provides comprehensive pest control services in Irvine, CA, addressing common local pests such as ants, spiders, termites, bed bugs, rodents, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. Their team offers customized pest management plans including interior and exterior inspections, regular treatments, and termite protection systems designed to prevent damage and infestations. Terminix combines local knowledge with nationwide expertise to deliver targeted solutions and ongoing protection for residential and commercial properties in the area.

4.8

1.1k Reviews

Orkin

15520 Rockfield Blvd Ste A-100, Irvine, CA 92618

Orkin provides residential pest control services in Irvine, California, addressing common local pests such as bed bugs, termites, ants, rodents, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and wildlife. The company uses science-backed methods including termite treatments like dry foam void filler, Sentricon® bait, and liquid barriers to manage infestations effectively. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin offers seasonal pest control tailored to Irvine's climate and pest activity throughout the year. They provide next-day service appointments and 24/7 phone support for pest control needs in the area.

4.8

444 Reviews

Shimmy Pest Control OC

23451 Caminito Lazaro #229, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Shimmy Pest Control OC is a pest control company serving Irvine, CA, and the surrounding Orange County area. They provide a range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent removal, termite inspections, and wildlife management for both residential and commercial properties. The company is knowledgeable about the local climate's impact on pest activity and offers specialized termite control, a key capability given the high termite prevalence in the region. Shimmy Pest Control OC focuses on prevention and eradication techniques to maintain pest-free environments throughout the year.

5.0

44 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in San Clemente

San Clemente's mix of coastal canyons, suburban neighborhoods, and open spaces attracts a diverse array of animals. Understanding which species you're dealing with is the first step toward a solution.

Rodents are a frequent concern for homeowners. This group includes roof rats, Norway rats, house mice, and ground squirrels. They are notorious for chewing wires, contaminating insulation, and creating fire hazards ¹ ².

Mid-Sized Mammals often cause the most noticeable problems. Raccoons are intelligent and dexterous, capable of opening trash cans and tearing into attic vents. Opossums, skunks, and squirrels (both tree and ground varieties) seek shelter in sheds, under decks, and within attic spaces ¹ ³ ⁴.

Birds such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows can create nuisances by nesting in eaves, vents, and chimneys. Their droppings are acidic and can damage property, while nests can block ventilation systems ² ⁴.

Larger Predators, including coyotes and the occasional fox, are present in the region. While they are less likely to enter homes, they pose risks to pets and can be attracted by unsecured food sources ¹ ⁴.

Effective Prevention and Exclusion Strategies

The most effective and long-term solution to wildlife conflicts is to make your property less attractive and accessible. Animal proofing focuses on denying entry and removing attractants.

Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in soffits, loose roof vents, holes in siding, and spaces around utility lines. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), and metal flashing to seal these openings ¹ ² ⁵.
Remove Food Sources: Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and keep barbecue grills clean. Compost bins should be securely covered ¹ ³.
Modify Habitat: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent access for squirrels and raccoons. Keep woodpiles and dense shrubbery away from the foundation of your home ².

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While minor issues like a single mouse might be handled DIY, many situations require the expertise of a licensed professional. Here's when you should seek help for animal control.

Attic or Wall Infestations: Hearing noises in your walls or ceiling often indicates a family of animals has taken up residence. Removal, cleanup of contaminated insulation, and repair of entry points are complex tasks best left to experts ² ⁶.
Involvement of Protected or Dangerous Species: Dealing with bats (which have protected status and can carry rabies), beehives, or aggressive animals like cornered raccoons requires specialized knowledge and equipment ² ⁴.
When Trapping is Necessary: California law strictly regulates the trapping and relocation of wildlife. A professional with the proper permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) understands the legal methods for live trapping and the requirements for humane dispatch or on-site release ¹ ³ ⁷ ⁸.
Immediate Safety Threats: If an animal is acting erratically (a potential sign of illness like rabies), is trapped inside a living space, or poses a direct threat, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Contact a professional or Orange County Animal Care for guidance ⁶ ⁹.

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Understanding California Wildlife Laws and Regulations

Navigating the legalities is a critical part of ethical wildlife management. California has strong regulations to protect native animals, even when they become a nuisance.

Trapping and Relocation: It is generally illegal to trap and relocate most wild animals without a permit from the CDFW. Relocating an animal simply moves the problem to another area and can spread disease. The legal requirement for a trapped animal is typically to release it on the property where it was caught or to humanely euthanize it ¹ ⁷ ⁵ ⁸.
Permits: Licensed Wildlife Control Operators hold permits that allow them to use specific traps and methods. Homeowners using live traps for species like rats and mice must follow label instructions and are often required to check traps at least once daily ⁵.
Prohibited Methods: The use of poisons (rodenticides) is highly discouraged for general wildlife control. Poisons can cause secondary poisoning in pets, owls, hawks, and other non-target animals. They also often lead to animals dying in inaccessible areas, creating severe odor problems ³ ⁵.
Sick or Injured Wildlife: For visibly sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, the appropriate contact is Orange County Animal Care. While their primary focus is domestic animals, they can provide advice or assistance for wildlife in distress ⁶ ⁷.

The Professional Removal Process and Associated Costs

Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely, effectively, and in compliance with state laws. A comprehensive service typically involves several steps.

Inspection: The technician will identify the species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation.
Removal: Using legal and humane methods, the animals are removed from the structure.
Cleanup and Sanitation: This crucial step involves removing contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials, followed by disinfecting the area to eliminate odors and disease pathogens.
Exclusion and Repair: All entry points are permanently sealed to prevent re-entry. This is the key to a long-term solution.
Prevention Advice: A good operator will provide recommendations to make your property less attractive to wildlife in the future.

Costs for wildlife abatement in San Clemente vary based on the species, severity, and services required ¹⁰ ¹¹.

Basic Trapping and Removal: For a single animal like a raccoon or opossum, services often start in the range of $200 to $400.
Complex Infestations: A full-service job for an attic infestation by rodents or squirrels-including removal, cleanup, decontamination, and exclusion repairs-can range from $500 to over $1,000.

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

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Living with Wildlife - https://wildlife.ca.gov/Living-with-Wildlife ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷
San Clemente Wildlife Removal, Pest Animal Control CA - http://www.wildlife-removal.com/city/CA-San-Clemente.htm ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶
San Clemente Wildlife Animal Control - Wildlife Animal Control - http://www.wildlifeanimalcontrol.com/San-Clemente.html ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
Living With Wildlife - LA County Animal Care & Control - https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/living-with-wildlife/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
Animal trapping and control - Lacounty - https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/acwm/235835_Trappingrequirementspaper.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
San Clemente Wildlife Control Company, Orange County CA - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/PROFESSIONAL-TRAPPER/city/CA-San-Clemente.htm ↩ ↩² ↩³
Wildlife Information - OC Animal Care - https://ocpetinfo.com/field-operations/wildlife-information ↩ ↩² ↩³
Wildlife Policies - California Fish and Game Commission - https://fgc.ca.gov/About/Policies/Wildlife ↩ ↩²
WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS | Code of Ordinances | San Clemente, CA - https://library.municode.com/ca/san_clemente/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6AN_CH6.32WIEXAN_ARTIWIEXNOAN_6.32.030ANLA ↩
Prices for San Clemente Wildlife Pest Control Animal Trapping - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/prices/CA-San-Clemente-prices.htm ↩
San Clemente Wildlife Removal - California Animal Pest Control - http://sanclementewildliferemoval.com/ ↩

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