When raccoons, bats, squirrels, or other critters move in, a wildlife removal company can help restore safety and peace to your home. Humane wildlife control protects your family, your property, and the animals themselves. Use Pest Crews to explore nearby wildlife removal companies, compare customer feedback, and connect with local pros for quotes.

Wildlife removal companies specialize in identifying, removing, and preventing nuisance wildlife from homes and businesses. Unlike general pest control that relies on sprays or baits for insects, wildlife control focuses on safe capture, exclusion, and long-term prevention for animals such as:

• Raccoons, squirrels, and opossums
• Bats and birds
• Skunks and groundhogs
• Snakes and lizards (region-dependent)
• Armadillos, moles, and other burrowing animals

Typical services include:

• Inspection and species identification
• Humane trapping, one-way door devices, or hand removal
• Exclusion and sealing of entry points
• Cleanup and disinfection of droppings and nesting materials
• Odor control and dead-animal removal
• Attic restoration and insulation replacement when needed
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits

Note: Pest Crews is a directory to help you find companies in your area. We don't provide service work, and providers listed here are not pre-vetted by us. Always verify licensing, insurance, and methods directly with the company you choose.

Why humane, legal wildlife removal matters

Wild animals aren't "pests" in the usual sense-they're protected by local and state regulations, and many species have special rules around trapping, relocation, or exclusion during maternity seasons. Reputable wildlife pros follow humane practices that:

• Reduce health risks such as rabies exposure, roundworm, or histoplasmosis from bat guano.
• Prevent costly property damage to wiring, insulation, ducts, soffits, and roofing.
• Avoid orphaning young by timing exclusions appropriately or reuniting families when possible.
• Comply with wildlife laws and municipal codes governing capture, transport, and euthanasia.

Ask companies to explain their approach. Humane control prioritizes exclusion and habitat modification over lethal methods and relies on proven devices like one-way doors rather than poisons.

How wildlife removal works (step-by-step)

While every job is different, most projects follow a consistent process:

1. Inspection and assessment

   • The technician checks the attic, crawlspace, roofline, vents, chimney, and exterior for entry points, tracks, damage, and droppings.
   • You'll receive a diagnosis of the species, activity level, and recommended plan.

2. Remove the animals

   • Depending on species and law, the company may use one-way exits (for squirrels, raccoons, and bats), live traps, or hand removal.
   • Ethical providers avoid harming non-target animals and work around maternity seasons.

3. Seal and exclude

   • Entry points are sealed with chew- and rust-resistant materials: galvanized steel screen, hardware cloth, metal flashing, ridge guards, chimney caps, and vent covers.
   • Foam alone is not a long-term fix; it's often used with metal backing to close gaps.

4. Clean and sanitize

   • Droppings and contaminated nesting materials are removed; surfaces are disinfected using enzyme-based cleaners.
   • Severe damage may require insulation removal and replacement.

5. Monitor and follow up

   • Technicians return to remove traps, verify the exclusion, and check for new activity.
   • Some companies offer short- or long-term guarantees on sealed entry points.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose the right wildlife removal company

You want a provider who is responsive, ethical, and experienced with your specific issue. Use this checklist while you browse companies on Pest Crews:

• Licensing and insurance
  • Ask for proof of state or local wildlife control licensing where required, plus general liability and workers' comp.
• Species expertise
  • Confirm experience with your exact problem (e.g., attic bats vs. ground-nesting skunks).
• Methods and materials
  • Prioritize humane removal and durable exclusion (metal, not just foam/caulk).
• Safety and sanitation
  • Ensure they offer cleanup, odor control, and contamination disposal per local guidelines.
• Warranties
  • Look for written guarantees on sealed entry points or workmanship, and clarify the term and conditions.
• Responsiveness
  • Emergency hours, estimated arrival window, and clear communication.
• Transparent pricing
  • Itemized proposals that spell out inspection fees, per-visit costs, and materials.

Red flags include promises of "quick spray" fixes, reluctance to discuss methods, vague pricing, or unwillingness to provide documentation.

Wildlife removal costs: typical ranges and what affects price

Pricing varies by species, severity, access, and your region. The ranges below are common ballparks to help you compare quotes. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

• Inspection and assessment: $75-$250
  • Sometimes credited toward service if you proceed.
• Trap setup and per-visit fees: $100-$250 to set up; $50-$150 per return visit
• Single-animal removal (squirrel, opossum, raccoon): $150-$600 per animal
• Bat exclusion (no poisons): $400-$1,500+ for a single structure; large colonies can be several thousand dollars including cleanup
• Bird control (small residential): $200-$1,000+; commercial netting systems can run $1,000-$5,000+
• Skunk removal and den sealing: $300-$700; odor neutralizing $50-$200
• Snake removal: $150-$500 depending on access and species
• Dead animal removal: $150-$400 for accessible areas; $400-$1,000+ within walls/under slabs
• Exclusion/sealing work:
  • Vent covers: $50-$150 each
  • Chimney cap: $150-$400
  • Ridge guard or soffit/fascia repairs: $300-$900+
  • Whole-home exclusion: $200-$2,500+ based on size and number of gaps
• Cleanup and restoration:
  • Basic droppings cleanup and disinfection: $300-$1,200
  • Insulation removal/reinstall: $1,200-$4,000+ depending on square footage and contamination

Cost drivers to discuss with each company:

• Species and colony size (one squirrel vs. a bat maternity colony)
• Where the animals are (attic/soffit vs. inside walls or under a slab)
• Height and roof complexity (two-story steep roofs cost more to access)
• Amount and durability of exclusion materials needed
• Level of contamination, odor control, and restoration scope
• Number of follow-up visits and warranty length
• Emergency or after-hours surcharges (+$75-$250 or 25-100%)

Always ask for itemized, written proposals so you can compare apples to apples.

Service timeline: what to expect

Timelines depend on species and access, but a typical residential project looks like this:

• Same- or next-day inspection: 1-2 hours
• Removal phase:
  • Trapping/one-way exits: 3-7 days with 1-3 follow-ups
  • Some issues (like a single snake) can be resolved the same day
• Exclusion and sealing: 2-8 hours for minor work; 1-2 days for full-home sealing
• Cleanup and sanitization: 2-6 hours; attic restoration may require 1-2 additional days
• Monitoring period: 2-4 weeks, with a final check if needed

Seasonal notes:

• Many states restrict bat exclusions during maternity season to prevent trapping flightless young. Ask your provider about timing that complies with your local rules.
• Severe weather can delay roof work and exterior sealing.

Key components and materials used in exclusion

Quality wildlife prevention is all about durable materials installed correctly. Common components include:

• One-way doors and bat cones/valves to let animals exit but not reenter
• Galvanized steel hardware cloth (16-23 gauge) for gaps and vents
• Ridge guards and drip-edge flashing to close roofline entry points
• Chimney caps and screened chimney dampers
• Pest-proof vent covers for dryer, attic, and soffit vents
• Heavy-duty metal flashing for gnaw-prone areas
• Concrete, rock, or trench-and-screen barriers for burrowers
• Sealants and foam as secondary backing-never the only barrier
• HEPA vacuums and enzyme-based disinfectants for safe cleanup
• Odor neutralizers to reduce pheromone trails that attract re-entry

Ask your pro to list the materials and show where they'll be installed. Photos before and after help verify the work.

Preparation tips: how to get your home ready

A little prep makes the visit smoother and may save time on the day of service.

• Clear access to the attic hatch, crawlspace, and electrical panel.
• Move cars or patio items so ladders can reach roof edges and vents.
• Keep kids and pets indoors or away from traps and work areas.
• If you've heard noises, note the time of day (dawn/dusk/night) and where you hear them-this helps identify species.
• Don't seal holes yourself before an inspection; you could trap animals inside.
• If you suspect a rabid or injured animal, do not approach-call a professional or local authorities.

Smart ways to compare quotes

Price matters, but so do methods, materials, and follow-through. To compare offers fairly:

• Request itemized line items for inspection, removal, exclusion, cleanup, and follow-ups.
• Confirm whether the inspection fee is credited if you proceed.
• Verify the exact materials and gauge for screens, caps, and flashing.
• Ask how many visits are included, and the cost of additional trips.
• Compare warranty length and what it covers (entry points vs. new damage).
• Clarify cleanup scope: droppings removal only, or full insulation replacement?
• Check availability for emergency calls and expected start date.
• Read recent customer feedback to gauge punctuality and communication.

Questions to ask before you hire

• What species do you believe is present, and why?
• Which methods will you use, and are they humane and legal in my area?
• How will you ensure young aren't trapped during removal?
• What materials will you install to prevent re-entry?
• How many follow-up visits are included?
• What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
• Do you provide photo documentation before/after?
• Are you licensed and insured? Can you share your license/insurance info?
• What's the estimated timeline from inspection to final check?
• What should I do if I hear activity again during the process?

Signs you might need wildlife removal

Contact a professional if you notice any of the following:

• Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds in the attic or walls-especially at night
• Chirping or fluttering noises near the attic or chimney at dusk
• Unusual pet behavior (staring at vents, pacing near walls)
• Visible droppings, strong musky or ammonia odors
• Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or the edges of roof openings
• Damaged soffits, torn screens, or disturbed insulation
• Staining on ceilings (urine) or sudden spikes in utility bills from damaged ducts
• Tracks, paw prints, or greasy rub marks at entry points
• Nesting materials or leaves/twigs in vents and chimneys
• Sightings of animals entering or exiting your roofline, vents, or foundation

Safety, pets, and kids: what to know

Pros use equipment and methods designed to minimize risk, but your household's safety comes first:

• Keep children and pets away from trap areas and any droppings until after cleanup.
• Don't handle wildlife or droppings; protective gear and proper disposal are essential.
• Ask your provider about odor control to discourage animals from returning.
• If anyone is scratched or bitten, seek medical attention promptly and report the incident.

Local rules, HOAs, and permits

Wildlife control is regulated. Before work begins:

• Check HOA rules for exterior changes like chimney caps or ridge guards.
• Ask providers to explain how their plan follows state and local wildlife laws.
• Confirm whether relocation is allowed for the species in question; in some areas it's restricted or prohibited.
• Ensure any ladder or roof work follows safety codes and, if required, local permitting.

How Pest Crews helps you find the right company

Pest Crews is a service directory that connects you with wildlife removal companies across the U.S. Browse profiles to see services offered, coverage areas, hours, and customer feedback. Because we don't pre-vet providers or perform any service work, you should always verify credentials, methods, and pricing directly with the company before you hire.

The bottom line

Wildlife in your home demands a humane, thorough approach-remove the animals safely, seal every entry point, and clean up properly so the problem doesn't come back. Use Pest Crews to discover nearby wildlife removal companies, compare quotes with confidence, and choose the pro that fits your needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions