Best Wildlife Removal in Georgia Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, under your deck, or burrowing in your yard can be unsettling and potentially damaging. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally resolving conflicts with wild animals that have entered human spaces. In Georgia, this process is governed by a complex set of state and federal regulations designed to protect native species. This guide explains what you need to know about Georgia's wildlife laws, when you can handle a problem yourself, when you need a professional, and what to expect in terms of process and cost. Use this information to find qualified local experts who can assess your situation and provide a lawful, effective solution.

Arrow Exterminators

5591 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd Bldg 1300, Ste 20, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Arrow Exterminators is a pest control company serving Atlanta, GA, specializing in the management of various pests including ants, termites, mosquitoes, rodents, and wildlife. They provide inspection and removal services for stinging insects like wasps and hornets, as well as control for fleas, ticks, and fire ants. Their expertise includes handling subterranean termite colonies and addressing rodent infestations that pose health and structural risks. The company also manages wildlife intrusions from animals such as squirrels and raccoons, which can cause damage and contamination in homes.

5.0

327 Reviews

EcoShield Pest Solutions

3916 Tradeport Blvd #1003, Atlanta, GA 30354

EcoShield Pest Solutions is a pest control company based in Atlanta, GA, offering a wide range of services including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent and wildlife exclusion, termite inspection and prevention, and mosquito control. They provide specialized services such as attic and crawl space insulation to help keep pests out while improving energy efficiency. EcoShield emphasizes environmentally conscious pest management using EPA-regulated materials applied by state-licensed technicians. The company serves both residential and commercial clients and supports community initiatives like hunger relief. Their service coverage extends beyond Atlanta to multiple states across the U.S.

4.9

3.6k Reviews

Procare Pest Services

585 Old Norcross Rd Suite J, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Procare Pest Services is a pest control company serving the Greater Atlanta area, including Atlanta, GA. Since 2014, they have provided residential and commercial pest control solutions, including termite inspections, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. Procare offers eco-friendly pest treatments and customized plans to address various pest issues. Their services focus on protecting homes and businesses with effective treatments developed to meet individual needs.

4.9

661 Reviews

Nextgen Pest Solutions

56 Perimeter Center E Suite 150, Dunwoody, GA 30346

Nextgen Pest Solutions is a veteran-led pest control and wildlife removal company serving the Atlanta, GA area. They provide comprehensive pest management services for both residential and commercial properties, including ant, bed bug, termite, mosquito, rodent, and bird control. Their approach uses eco-conscious methods tailored to local conditions, emphasizing inspection, prevention, and minimal product use. Nextgen Pest Solutions is QualityPro-accredited and offers 24-hour emergency support to address urgent pest issues. Their wildlife removal services include humane capture and relocation of animals such as raccoons, snakes, and squirrels.

4.9

558 Reviews

Bug and Beast Solutions

augusta

Bug and Beast Solutions provides pest and wildlife control services in Augusta, GA. They offer personalized chemical and non-chemical treatments for pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, and termites. The company also handles wildlife removal and property services like yard cleanup and sealing entry points to prevent infestations. They conduct official termite inspections for real estate transactions as well as peace of mind inspections for homeowners. Their expertise includes identifying and addressing multiple pest issues, even those unresolved by other companies.

5.0

103 Reviews

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Understanding Georgia's Wildlife Protection Laws

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) strictly regulates all interactions with native wildlife ¹. A foundational principle is that most native animals are protected by state law. Furthermore, all native birds-with only three specific exceptions-are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, capture, or disturb their active nests and eggs without permits ^{2 3}. This legal framework means that what might seem like a simple pest problem often requires specific knowledge and authorization to address legally.

Key protected species you cannot remove without permits include:

• All Native Birds: This includes woodpeckers, hawks, owls, songbirds, and more. Only English (house) sparrows, European starlings, and rock pigeons (common city pigeons) are not federally protected ^{2 3}.
• Bats: All bat species in Georgia are protected. Lethal removal is not authorized; the only legal method is "exclusion," which involves installing one-way doors that allow bats to leave but not re-enter, and this work typically requires a permit ^{4 5}.
• Threatened or Endangered Species: Any species listed as such cannot be touched without specific federal and state permits.
• Large Game Animals: This category includes deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and alligators. Special rules and permits apply, especially for alligators under four feet in length ⁶.

When Can You Remove Wildlife Yourself in Georgia?

Georgia law designates certain species as "nuisance" animals that can be taken (meaning captured or killed) by a property owner at any time and in any number, provided local ordinances allow it and humane methods are used ^{7 8}. This is typically allowed when the animal is causing damage to your property.

You generally do not need a state permit to remove the following species:

• Rats and mice
• Coyotes and nutria (no closed trapping season)
• Armadillos
• Groundhogs (woodchucks)
• Beaver
• Venomous snakes (use extreme caution)
• Certain frogs, crayfish, and freshwater turtles (unless they are on the protected species list) ^{7 9 8}

Critical Note on Live Possession: While you may remove these animals, a separate permit is required to legally possess them alive. This means if you live-trap an armadillo, coyote, groundhog, or beaver, you must have a permit to transport or hold it, even briefly ^{10 7}. For most homeowners, the safest and simplest course is to humanely euthanize the trapped animal on-site if local laws permit, or to hire a professional.

When Do You Need a Permit or Professional?

For any wildlife situation not covered by the "nuisance species" list above, you will need involvement from the Georgia DNR or a licensed professional. A Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit from the DNR is required to: ^{9 11}

• Remove most other native wildlife causing property damage (e.g., squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks).
• Relocate any live animal (note: relocation of carnivores like raccoons is often prohibited due to disease and ecological concerns).
• Trap wildlife outside of official hunting and trapping seasons.

These permits are issued on a case-by-case basis following an assessment. For homeowners, the most practical path is to hire a Georgia-licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). These professionals already hold the necessary state permits and insurance to handle a wide array of wildlife conflicts legally and ethically ^{4 1 12}. They understand the specific protocols for different species, such as the exclusion-only requirement for bats.

What Wildlife Removal Involves: The Professional Process

A professional wildlife control service does more than just trap an animal. A comprehensive approach ensures the problem is solved long-term. A qualified Georgia operator will typically follow these steps:

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will identify the species, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation and any damage.
2. Legal Compliance Check: They will determine the proper legal method for the species-whether direct removal is allowed or if exclusion techniques are required.
3. Removal/Exclusion: Using approved traps or exclusion devices (like one-way doors for bats or squirrels), the animals are removed from the structure.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: This is a crucial step. Droppings, urine, and nesting materials can pose health risks and attract new pests. Professionals will clean and disinfect the affected area.
5. Repair and Exclusion: All entry points are sealed with durable materials (steel mesh, hardware cloth, etc.) to prevent re-entry. This may also involve repairing structural damage caused by the animals.
6. Prevention Advice: A good operator will provide recommendations for making your property less attractive to wildlife, such as securing trash, trimming tree limbs, and managing other food sources.

Cost of Wildlife Removal in Georgia

The cost for animal removal services in Georgia varies significantly based on the species, the animal's location (attic, wall, chimney, yard), the severity of the infestation, and the extent of necessary repairs and cleanup ¹³. Homeowner's insurance rarely covers these costs, as they are typically viewed as a maintenance issue ¹³.

Here is a general overview of average cost ranges for common wildlife issues in Georgia:

Overall, a standard removal job often falls between $200 and $600. However, complex situations-such as a large family of raccoons in an attic that requires major cleanup, sanitization, and repairs-can easily range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more ¹³.

Choosing a Qualified Wildlife Removal Service in Georgia

When selecting a provider, ensure they are fully licensed and insured. Ask specific questions:

• "Are you a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator in Georgia?" Verify their license.
• "What is your process for [specific animal]?" Their answer should reflect knowledge of Georgia's laws (e.g., exclusion for bats, no relocation for raccoons).
• "Does your quote include cleanup, sanitation, and permanent exclusion repairs?" Beware of low-ball quotes that only cover trapping.
• "Can you provide references or examples of similar jobs?" A reputable company will have a track record.
• "What is your warranty or guarantee?" Many companies offer a warranty period on their exclusion work.

Taking the time to find a knowledgeable, legal, and ethical professional is the best way to resolve your wildlife conflict effectively and ensure your home is protected for the long term.

Frequently asked questions

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