Top Wildlife Removal in Tustin, California Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, under your deck, or rummaging through your trash can be a startling and stressful experience for any Tustin homeowner. Wildlife removal is the specialized service focused on humanely and legally resolving conflicts with nuisance animals, from common squirrels and raccoons to skunks and opossums. This process is critical not only for your peace of mind but also for protecting your property from damage and potential health risks. For residents of Tustin, navigating local regulations and finding the right approach is key. This guide will help you understand your options, from do-it-yourself prevention to when it's time to call a professional wildlife control operator.

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

See more providers in Tustin, CA

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Tustin

The mild climate and mix of urban and natural spaces in Tustin and Orange County attract a variety of wildlife that can become problematic when they seek food and shelter in our homes. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective solution.

• Tree Squirrels: These agile climbers are a frequent cause of attic infestations. They can squeeze through surprisingly small openings to nest in insulation, where they chew on wires and wood, creating fire hazards and structural damage ^{1 2}.
• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons are powerful enough to tear open roof vents or soffits to access attics. They are often attracted by unsecured garbage or pet food left outdoors ^{1 2}.
• Opossums: North America's only marsupial, opossums are typically less destructive but may take up residence under decks, porches, or sheds. They are often drawn to accessible pet food or fallen fruit ^{1 3}.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defense mechanism, skunks dig burrows under structures like sheds, decks, and foundations. Encounters with pets in the yard are a common concern ^{1 2}.
• Rats and Mice: While often categorized under general pest control, rodent infestations require exclusion and removal strategies similar to other wildlife, especially when they enter living spaces ².
• Birds: Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows can nest in vents, chimneys, and eaves. Their droppings are corrosive and can pose health risks, and their removal is sometimes subject to federal regulations ^{2 3}.

Understanding California Wildlife Laws and Regulations

Before taking any action, it's crucial to understand the legal framework governing animal control in California. The state has strict laws designed to protect both wildlife and property owners.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) sets the regulations for trapping and handling most native species ^{4 5}. One of the most important rules for homeowners to know is that the relocation of trapped wildlife is generally illegal ^{6 5 7}. Animals caught in live traps must be released on the property where they were captured or humanely euthanized; they cannot be transported and released elsewhere. This law helps prevent the spread of disease and avoids simply transferring a problem to another community.

Furthermore, for many species, you must be able to demonstrate that the animal is causing damage to property, landscaping, or agriculture to legally trap it ^{5 8}. This underscores the importance of focusing on long-term solutions like exclusion, rather than just removal. For immediate public safety risks or injured animals, OC Animal Care is the appropriate local agency to contact ^{4 9}.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wildlife Control and Prevention

For minor or new wildlife issues, there are several effective steps Tustin residents can take on their own. The cornerstone of DIY wildlife control is proactive prevention.

Exclusion and Habitat Modification: The most permanent solution is to make your property less attractive and accessible. This involves:

• Sealing Entry Points: Carefully inspect your home's exterior, including the roofline, vents, and foundation, for holes or cracks. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or metal flashing to seal any openings ^{1 10}.
• Removing Food Sources: Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight, and pick up fallen fruit from trees promptly ^{4 6}.
• Trimming Vegetation: Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6-8 feet from your roof to discourage squirrels and raccoons from gaining easy access.

Humane Trapping: For an animal already inside a confined space like a garage, or for certain ground-level pests, humane live trapping is an option California residents can undertake ^{6 10}. It is essential to:

• Use an appropriately sized live trap.
• Check traps frequently, at least once every 24 hours, as required by law ^{6 8}.
• Understand and follow all CDFW regulations regarding release or euthanasia. Remember, relocation off your property is not a legal option ^{5 7}.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While DIY methods work for prevention and simple cases, many situations require the expertise of a licensed wildlife removal professional. Their knowledge of animal behavior, state laws, and building construction is invaluable for a safe and lasting resolution.

You should strongly consider calling a professional for:

• Attic or Wall Infestations: Removing animals from within a structure is complex. Professionals can safely trap the animals, then perform critical exclusion work-installing one-way doors or permanently sealing entry points-to prevent re-entry ^{1 2}.
• Persistent or Complex Problems: If an animal keeps returning despite your efforts, a professional can diagnose why and implement a comprehensive solution.
• Handling Dangerous Animals: Animals that are cornered, sick, or with young can be unpredictable and aggressive. Professionals have the tools and training to manage these situations safely ^{3 10}.
• Remediation and Cleanup: After animals are removed, areas like attics often require sanitization and insulation replacement to remove hazardous droppings, urine, and parasites. This is a specialized service professionals provide ^{1 2}.
• When You're Unsure of the Laws: A licensed operator will ensure all trapping and handling is compliant with CDFW and local regulations, giving you peace of mind ^{4 7}.

What to Expect: The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

A reputable wildlife control service will follow a systematic approach to solve your problem permanently.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your property to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation or damage ^{1 2}.
2. Removal Plan: They will present a plan that includes the removal method (often humane trapping), a timeline, and a detailed quote.
3. Humane Removal and Trapping: Using techniques appropriate for the species and situation, the animals will be removed from your home or property in accordance with state law ^{4 5}.
4. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step to prevent future issues. All identified entry points will be permanently sealed with professional-grade materials ^{1 10}.
5. Cleanup and Sanitization (if needed): For areas contaminated by wildlife, they may offer deodorizing, disinfecting, and insulation removal/replacement services ^{2 3}.

Understanding Costs for Wildlife Control in Tustin

The cost of wildlife management in Tustin varies widely based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the necessary repairs. Here is a general range based on local service estimates:

• Initial Inspection/Service Call: Many companies charge a diagnostic fee, typically ranging from $100 to $200 ^{1 3}.
• Professional Trapping and Removal: The cost to trap and remove animals can range from $200 to over $500 per animal or set of traps, depending on the species and complexity ^{1 2}.
• Exclusion and Sealing Entry Points: This is where the long-term value lies. Professionally sealing your home to prevent re-entry can cost between $300 and $1,000 or more, depending on the size of your home and the number of openings ^{1 3}.
• Attic Remediation and Cleanup: If insulation and sanitization are required, this service can add $500 to $2,000+ to the total project cost, especially for severe raccoon or rodent infestations ^{2 3}.

Investing in professional exclusion is often more cost-effective than repeated removal calls for the same problem.

Frequently asked questions

Sources