Top Wildlife Removal in Pueblo, Colorado Ranked

Living alongside nature is part of Colorado's charm, but when wild animals decide to move into your attic, garage, or yard, they become a nuisance and a potential hazard. Wildlife removal in Pueblo addresses the safe, humane, and legal eviction of animals that are damaging property or posing health risks. This process is crucial for protecting your home's structure and your family's well-being. The following guide will help you understand local wildlife issues, your responsibilities as a property owner, and how to connect with qualified professionals who can resolve these conflicts effectively.

Bug SMASH Pest Control

colorado springs

Bug SMASH Pest Control is a locally owned and operated pest control company based in Colorado Springs, CO. They offer services for a variety of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, stinging insects, spiders, and wildlife. With over 12 years of experience, their licensed route managers bring extensive knowledge to pest management and removal. The company provides pest control solutions tailored to both residential and commercial clients in the Colorado Springs area.

5.0

30 Reviews

K2 Kritter Solutions, Inc.

colorado springs

K2 Kritter Solutions, Inc. is a wildlife removal company based in Colorado Springs, CO. They provide humane wildlife control services for residential, commercial, and governmental clients in the Colorado Springs Metro area, including Monument, Pueblo, and Woodland Park. Their approach focuses on safe removal and prevention of wild animals to help clients manage and avoid future wildlife issues. With over a decade of experience, K2 Kritter Solutions offers a comprehensive range of critter control services.

4.6

55 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Pueblo

Pueblo's diverse landscape, from urban areas to the nearby plains and riverways, supports a wide variety of wildlife. While many species are a joy to observe at a distance, several can become problematic when they seek food and shelter in human habitats. Residents commonly encounter the following nuisance species ^{1 2}:

Mammals:

• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, known for tipping over trash cans and nesting in attics or chimneys.
• Skunks: Notorious for their defensive spray and for digging up lawns in search of grubs.
• Squirrels: Including tree, ground, rock, and Richardson's squirrels. They often chew on wiring, insulation, and siding to enter structures.
• Rodents: Rats and mice are common invaders that contaminate food and cause structural damage.
• Other Frequent Visitors: Opossums, marmots (including woodchucks), prairie dogs, coyotes, bobcats, red foxes, badgers, muskrats, and beavers. ^{3 4}

Birds:

• Species like black-billed magpies, common crows, starlings, English (house) sparrows, and common pigeons can create noise, mess, and damage with their nesting habits. ^{5 6}

Reptiles & Amphibians:

• Various snakes, including venomous types, may be found in yards or garages. Tiger salamanders can also occasionally become a concern. ⁷

Understanding which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective solution, as removal methods and regulations vary by species.

Colorado and Pueblo Wildlife Regulations

In Colorado, managing nuisance wildlife is primarily the responsibility of the landowner ^{8 9}. The state emphasizes coexistence and humane treatment, with regulations designed to protect both people and animals. It's important to know the rules before taking action.

Landowner Rights and Basic Rules: Colorado law allows landowners to take action against wildlife that is causing damage to their property without a license in many cases ¹⁰. However, the methods you can use are strictly regulated to ensure they are humane and targeted.

Permitted Control Methods:

1. Non-lethal Deterrents: This is always the first recommended step. Strategies include securing trash in wildlife-proof containers, using chimney caps and vent screens, modifying habitats by trimming tree branches away from roofs, and using deterrents like motion-activated lights, noise makers, or sprinklers for coyotes ^{8 11}.
2. Live Trapping: For most species, only live (cage or box) traps may be used. A critical rule is that traps must be visually checked at least once every 24 hours ^{12 13}.
3. Limited Relocation: Relocating an animal is often illegal and usually inhumane, as relocated animals struggle to survive. Colorado has very specific, limited allowances. For example, tree squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and raccoons may be relocated without a permit only if Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is notified in advance, the release site is appropriate habitat, you have the landowner's permission, and you stay within distance limits (10 miles for squirrels/rabbits, 2 miles for raccoons) ^{8 14}.
4. Lethal Control: This is restricted to specific species considered pests. Animals like mice, rats, prairie dogs, and gophers may be taken with over-the-counter poisons, provided all label and local instructions are followed meticulously. Species such as coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, marmots, and most non-native birds can also be taken without a license if they are causing damage ^{12 11}.

Protected Species: It is illegal to harass, trap, or kill many native species, including most bats, and all birds of prey (eagles, hawks, owls). Large carnivores like bears and mountain lions are always managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. If you encounter these animals, you must contact CPW directly ^{9 15}.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While some minor deterrents can be a DIY project, many wildlife situations require expert intervention. Hiring a licensed wildlife removal professional is highly recommended for several reasons ^{16 17 18}:

• Infestations in Structural Areas: Removing animals from deep within attics, wall voids, or crawl spaces requires specialized tools and knowledge to find all entry points and ensure all animals, including young, are removed.
• Handling Dangerous Species: The safe removal of venomous snakes or bats (which are protected and require specific handling) should always be left to professionals.
• Legal Compliance: Professional operators are certified to follow complex state and local laws regarding trapping, relocation, and euthanasia, protecting you from accidental violations.
• Humane Solutions: Experts use the most current and humane methods to resolve conflicts.
• Prevention and Repair: A complete job doesn't end with removal. Professionals will identify and seal entry points and can often perform cleanup and repair services to restore your home and prevent future invasions.

Who to Call:

• For Immediate Danger: If a wild animal (especially a bear, mountain lion, or sick animal) poses an immediate threat to human life, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Northeast Region office at 303-291-7227 ^{19 15}.
• For Domestic Animals: Pueblo Animal Services (719-544-3005) handles issues with loose dogs, animal bites, and cruelty cases, but not most wild animals ¹⁹.
• For Professional Removal: For infestations or persistent nuisance wildlife on your property, contact a licensed local wildlife control company. For example, you can contact private services like Pueblo Wildlife Removal Specialists at 719-890-6015 for a specific assessment ^{16 17}.

Understanding Wildlife Removal and Exclusion Costs

The cost of animal removal and exclusion in Pueblo varies widely. There is no flat fee because each situation is unique. Pricing depends on the type of animal, the severity and location of the infestation, and the extent of repairs needed ²⁰.

What Influences the Price:

• Type of Animal: Removing a colony of bats or a family of raccoons is typically more involved and costly than evicting a single squirrel.
• Location and Accessibility: An animal in an easy-to-reach gutter is simpler to deal with than one deep in an insulated attic or behind a finished wall.
• Extent of Infestation: The number of animals present and how long they have been there significantly impact the scope of work.
• Required Repairs and Cleanup: The final cost often includes critical prevention work. This involves sealing all potential entry points-such as roof vents, soffits, and gaps around pipes ²¹-and may include cleaning up hazardous waste (feces, urine) and replacing damaged insulation.

General Service Structure: Most professional services begin with a thorough inspection, which may have a separate fee. This inspection is crucial for developing an accurate quote. For common problems like raccoon or squirrel removal from an attic, costs encompass trapping, removal, exclusion (sealing the house shut), and often basic repairs ^{8 22}. Permanent rodent control follows a similar model. The most comprehensive-and most valuable-service includes full exclusion and repair work to ensure the problem is solved long-term.

Preventing Wildlife Conflicts

The best and most cost-effective strategy is to make your property less attractive to wildlife in the first place. Prevention focuses on eliminating food, water, and shelter sources ¹¹.

Key Prevention Steps:

• Secure Food Sources: Use locking lids on trash cans and compost bins. Keep pet food indoors and clean barbecue grills after use.
• Eliminate Shelter: Seal off potential den sites under decks, porches, and sheds with sturdy wire mesh. Keep woodpiles and brush piles away from your home's foundation.
• Fortify Your Home: Conduct seasonal inspections of your roof, siding, and foundation. Seal any cracks or holes larger than a quarter-inch. Install chimney caps and sturdy, corrosion-proof screens on all vents (attic, crawl space, dryer) ²¹.
• Manage Your Yard: Pick up fallen fruit from trees. Use fencing to protect gardens. Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline to limit access for squirrels and raccoons.

Taking these proactive measures can save you from the stress and expense of dealing with an uninvited wild guest.

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