Top Wildlife Removal Companies in Loveland, Colorado Ranked

Living in Loveland means enjoying the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and the natural spaces along the Big Thompson River. This proximity to nature, however, often means sharing your property with local wildlife. When raccoons raid your trash, squirrels nest in your attic, or skunks take up residence under your deck, it becomes a nuisance wildlife situation that requires safe and effective resolution. Professional wildlife control services specialize in the humane removal of these animals and the implementation of exclusion techniques to prevent their return. This guide will help you understand your options, from do-it-yourself deterrents to finding licensed animal removal experts in the Loveland area.

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Loveland

Loveland's diverse habitats support a wide range of animals that can come into conflict with homeowners. Knowing which species you're dealing with is the first step toward effective management.

• Mammals: The most frequent offenders include raccoons, skunks, squirrels (both tree and ground varieties), and bats. You may also encounter coyotes, foxes, prairie dogs, pocket gophers, muskrats, and beavers, especially near waterways ¹.
• Birds: Several bird species can become pests, causing noise, mess, or damage. Common issues involve magpies, crows, starlings, sparrows, and pigeons.

Each species presents unique challenges. For instance, bats are protected and have specific roosting behaviors, while raccoons are intelligent and dexterous, capable of opening latches and causing significant attic damage.

Your Responsibilities and Legal Framework

In Colorado, dealing with nuisance wildlife is primarily the responsibility of the property owner². The state provides a framework of laws designed to manage conflicts humanely and effectively. Key regulations every Loveland resident should know include:

• Trapping and Relocation: While you do not need a license to take certain species like coyotes or raccoons that are causing property damage, permits are generally required for trapping and relocating most other wildlife. For example, relocating tree squirrels, cottontail rabbits, or raccoons requires notifying Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), finding a suitable release site within a specific distance (2-10 miles depending on the species), and obtaining permission from the landowner where you plan to release the animal ³.
• Prohibited Actions: It is illegal to keep native wildlife as pets in Colorado⁴. The use of poisons (toxicants) for wildlife control is heavily restricted, as they can cause prolonged suffering and harm non-target animals, including pets and endangered species⁵. Always check local ordinances before attempting any control method.
• Protected Species: Some animals, like bats, have additional protections due to their ecological role. Disturbing maternity roosts can be illegal, making professional guidance essential.

Do-It-Yourself Wildlife Control Methods

For minor issues, humane and non-lethal do-it-yourself strategies can be effective. The goal is to make your property less attractive to wildlife.

• Habitat Modification: This is the most long-term solution. Remove food sources like pet food left outdoors, secure trash cans with locking lids, clean up fallen fruit from trees, and eliminate standing water.
• Exclusion: Physically block animals from entering structures. Seal potential entry points in your roof, siding, and foundation with materials like hardware cloth, metal flashing, or foam sealant. Install chimney caps and vent covers.
• Repellents and Deterrents: Commercial repellents (granular, spray, or electronic) and frightening devices (motion-activated lights or sprinklers) may offer temporary relief for some species, though their effectiveness can vary ⁶.
• Trapping (Proceed with Caution): If you choose to trap, you must use humane live traps and be prepared to follow all CPW regulations regarding permits and relocation^{7 8}. Remember, simply removing an animal without sealing entry points will only create a vacancy for another to fill.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

There are many situations where DIY methods are insufficient or unsafe. It's time to call a licensed wildlife control operator when:

• An animal is inside your living spaces, attic, or walls.
• You suspect a bat colony is roosting in your structure.
• You are dealing with potentially dangerous animals like skunks, snakes, or a mother raccoon with young.
• The problem is recurring, and you need permanent exclusion work.
• You require damage repair from wildlife activity, such as chewed wires, soiled insulation, or structural holes.

Professionals have the expertise, tools, and legal knowledge to resolve the situation safely, humanely, and in compliance with Colorado laws ⁹.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Loveland

The cost for professional animal removal services in Loveland is not a flat fee; it varies based on several factors¹⁰. The primary variables include:

• Type of Animal: Removing a single squirrel from a gutter is typically less involved than excluding an entire colony of bats from an attic.
• Extent of Infestation: The number of animals and the size of the affected area directly impact the price.
• Location and Access: Difficult-to-reach areas like high roof peaks or tight crawl spaces may increase labor costs.
• Exclusion and Repair Needs: The final bill often includes not just removal but also the cost of materials and labor to seal entry points and repair any damage caused by the wildlife.

As a general guideline, homeowners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a basic inspection and removal service (e.g., $200-$400+ for a raccoon or squirrel family). More complex jobs, such as full attic restorations or multi-species exclusions, will cost more^{11 12}. The best way to get an accurate price is to obtain a free estimate from a local service provider.

Local Resources and Who to Call

Knowing which agency to contact saves time and ensures the problem is handled correctly.

• For Professional Wildlife Removal: Contact licensed private companies like Critter Control or EnviroPest that specialize in humane wildlife control and exclusion in Northern Colorado ¹³.
• For Animal Control Services (Loveland): NOCO Humane handles animal control for the city. They should be contacted for issues like deceased animals on public roadways (970-226-3647, ext. 7) or other general animal control concerns.
• For Regulatory Advice and Permits: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is the state agency that provides guidance on nuisance wildlife laws and issues permits for trapping and relocation. You can reach the Fort Collins CPW office at 970-472-4300. It is important to note that CPW does not remove nuisance animals from private property.
• For Injured/Orphaned Wildlife (After Hours): If you find injured or orphaned wildlife outside of normal business hours, you should contact the Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4501¹⁴.

Preventing Future Wildlife Conflicts

After any wildlife issue is resolved, prevention is key. A professional exclusion service is the most reliable method. This involves a thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points, followed by sealing them with durable, animal-proof materials. Ongoing vigilance with habitat modification-keeping yards clean, trash secured, and bird feeders managed-will make your property far less inviting to curious wildlife looking for food and shelter^{15 16}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources