Top Wildlife Removal in Atlanta, Georgia Ranked

Finding an unexpected animal in your attic, chimney, or crawl space can be unsettling. Wildlife removal in Atlanta addresses the safe and legal eviction of nuisance animals from homes and businesses, protecting both property and the animals themselves. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in the area, outlines your legal options for animal control, and helps you understand when to handle a situation yourself and when to call a professional.

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

Green Queen

2375 John Glenn Dr, Chamblee, GA 30341

Green Queen provides organic pest control services in Atlanta, GA, focusing on eco-friendly solutions for common pests such as mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, termites, rodents, and wildlife. They use natural, non-toxic products that are safe for children and pets while effectively managing pest populations. Their services also include organic turf and lawn care to promote healthy growth without harmful chemicals. Green Queen serves a wide range of neighborhoods and suburbs in the Atlanta area, offering environmentally responsible pest management options. Their termite treatments use organic products to protect homes without relying on traditional chemicals.

4.9

459 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Atlanta

The Atlanta metro area's mix of urban spaces and wooded habitats creates ideal conditions for many species to become unwelcome houseguests. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step to a solution.

Mammals: Raccoons are notorious for tearing into attic vents and soffits to create dens. Squirrels and rodents like rats and mice chew on wires and insulation, creating fire hazards and contamination ¹. Bats often colonize in quiet attic spaces, and while beneficial for insect control, their droppings pose health risks. Other frequent visitors include opossums, armadillos, and the occasional coyote on the urban fringe ^{1 2 3}.

Birds: Pigeons, starlings, and English sparrows are common nuisance birds that nest in vents, on ledges, and in eaves, leading to clogged gutters and acidic droppings that damage structures ^{1 3}. Crows can also become a problem in large numbers.

Reptiles: While most snakes are harmless, the presence of venomous species like copperheads or rattlesnakes in yards or under decks is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention ^{1 4}.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

The most effective and humane strategy for wildlife control is to make your property less attractive to animals in the first place. This involves removing the basic necessities they seek: food, water, and shelter.

• Eliminate Food Sources: Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords. Do not leave pet food outdoors overnight. Clean up fallen fruit from trees and use bird feeders that are designed to be squirrel-proof or avoid them altogether if they are attracting rodents ^{1 5 6}.
• Remove Water and Shelter: Fix leaky outdoor faucets and ensure proper drainage. Keep swimming pools covered when not in use. Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline to limit access. Clear away brush piles, leaf litter, and dense vegetation near your home's foundation ^{5 7}.
• Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in siding, loose roof shingles, broken vent covers, and openings where utility lines enter. Use high-quality materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), and metal flashing to seal any holes larger than a quarter-inch ^{1 3}. Remember, a determined raccoon can enlarge a very small opening.

Georgia's Wildlife Regulations: What You Can and Can't Do

Georgia law classifies wildlife into different categories, which dictates whether you can handle removal yourself or need a permit or professional. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid legal trouble.

Exempt Species (No Permit Required): Homeowners are legally allowed to remove certain species from their property without a state permit. This group includes coyotes, armadillos, groundhogs, beavers, nutria, and venomous snakes ^{5 2 8}. Importantly, rats and mice are also exempt, meaning you can use traps or rodenticides to control them, though you must follow all label instructions to protect non-target animals and the environment ^{2 6}.

Protected Species (Permit Required): For most other native wildlife, including squirrels, bats, raccoons, and opossums, a permit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is required for trapping and removal ^{1 5 8}. This is where most homeowners choose to hire a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO), as they already possess the necessary permits and expertise.

DIY Removal vs. Professional Wildlife Control Services

Deciding whether to tackle a wildlife problem yourself depends on the species, the severity of the infestation, and your comfort level.

When DIY May Be Appropriate:

• For exempt species like rodents, where using snap traps or live traps is straightforward.
• For implementing preventive measures like sealing entry points (after ensuring no animals are inside).
• For harassing animals like coyotes or foxes from a distance to encourage them to leave your yard ^{1 6}.

When to Call a Licensed Professional:

• For any protected species requiring a DNR permit (squirrels, raccoons, bats).
• If you suspect a mother with young is present, as improper removal can lead to orphaned animals and worse odors.
• For animals in hard-to-reach areas like inside walls or chimneys.
• When the infestation is large, such as a colony of bats or multiple raccoons.
• If you need specialized exclusion work to permanently seal the home after removal ^{1 3 9}.

What Professional Wildlife Removal Entails

A reputable wildlife control service does much more than just trap an animal. Their process is designed for a permanent solution.

1. Inspection & Assessment: A thorough examination to identify the species, entry points, and the extent of the damage or contamination.
2. Humane Removal & Trapping: Using species-appropriate, legal methods to remove the animals. Ethical operators will check traps frequently.
3. Exclusion: This is the most critical step. Professionals will seal all identified entry points with durable materials to prevent re-entry. For bats, this involves installing one-way exclusion valves that allow them to exit but not return ^{1 9}.
4. Clean-up & Decontamination: Removing hazardous droppings (guano), urine, and nesting materials. This may include disinfecting and applying enzyme treatments to eliminate odors that attract new animals.
5. Restoration & Repair: Fixing damage caused by the wildlife, such as torn insulation, chewed wires, or soiled ductwork. Some companies offer attic restoration services.
6. Rehabilitation Referrals: Ethical operators will have contacts with licensed wildlife rehabilitators for any orphaned or injured native animals that are recovered ¹.

Understanding Costs for Wildlife Control in Atlanta

The price for professional wildlife removal and exclusion varies widely based on the animal, the location of the problem, and the extent of the work required. Here are some general cost ranges based on industry standards in the Atlanta area ^{1 9 10}:

• Squirrel or Raccoon Removal: Typically ranges from $250 to $600 for trapping and removal. Permanent exclusion work and repairs are additional and can push the total cost higher.
• Bat Colony Removal: This is a more complex process. Costs often range from $500 to over $1,500, which includes installing exclusion devices and sealing all potential entry points.
• Rodent Control (Mice/Rats): Initial service for trapping and sealing entry points can range from $150 to $400, with ongoing monitoring services available.

It's always wise to get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed operators.

Who to Call: Animal Control vs. Wildlife Removal

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

• Call Local Animal Control: For issues involving domestic animals such as stray dogs and cats, or for aggressive, sick, or injured unprotected wildlife that poses an immediate public safety risk ^{11 12 13}. They are also the point of contact for potential rabies exposures from domestic animals.
• Call a Licensed Wildlife Removal Professional: For native wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, bats, etc.) inside a home, attic, or chimney. They handle the trapping, exclusion, and cleanup.
• Contact Georgia DNR: If you wish to apply for a nuisance wildlife permit yourself or need to verify a professional's license. The DNR website provides regional office contacts and lists of permitted operators ^{5 8}.

Frequently asked questions

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