Top Wildlife Removal in Des Moines, Iowa Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, chimney, or walls can be unsettling. Wildlife removal is the professional service dedicated to safely and humanely resolving conflicts with wild animals that have entered homes or businesses. In Des Moines, this is a regulated field managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), ensuring that removal practices are both effective and ethical. This guide will help you understand your options, from simple do-it-yourself deterrents to when it's essential to call a licensed professional, so you can protect your property and the well-being of Iowa's native wildlife.

Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control of The Midwest, LLC

3601 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control of The Midwest, LLC provides pest control services in Des Moines, IA, serving both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include termite inspection, bed bug treatment, mosquito control, bat removal, and general pest management. Established in 1995, Pro-Staff has over 24 years of experience in the industry. They focus on proactive pest inspection and tailored treatment plans to help protect homes and businesses from various pests.

4.9

381 Reviews

Genuine Pest Control

3905 SE Grimes Blvd suite m, Grimes, IA 50111

Genuine Pest Control is a pest control and wildlife removal company serving Des Moines, IA. Founded in 2014, they handle a variety of pests including raccoons, bats, birds, rodents, and bugs. Their services include humane trapping and removal, damage repair, and pest prevention through sealing entry points and installing pest barriers. They also provide advice on sanitation and habitat modifications to help prevent future infestations.

5.0

69 Reviews

Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions

12340 Tanglewood Dr, Urbandale, IA 50323

Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions provides pest and wildlife control services in Des Moines, IA. They handle a variety of issues including rodent control, bird and bat removal, and humane wildlife relocation for both residential and commercial properties. Their team uses modern techniques such as roof-mounted traps and motion-activated cameras to safely manage pests like raccoons, squirrels, woodchucks, and bats, focusing on humane and environmentally conscious methods. With over 25 years of experience, the family-owned company offers customized service plans and is committed to environmentally friendly practices, including the use of electric vehicles powered by solar energy.

5.0

56 Reviews

Presto-X Pest Control

1320 NE 60th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

Presto-X Pest Control offers pest control services in Des Moines, IA, specializing in the removal and management of common local pests such as cockroaches, termites, ants, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and wildlife. Their technicians provide targeted treatments based on seasonal pest activity and trends specific to the Des Moines area. The company conducts termite inspections and treatments to address hidden damage, locates and treats ant nests, and applies mosquito control measures to reduce populations around properties. They also safely remove bees and wasps, focusing on nests near outdoor structures.

4.8

128 Reviews

TRapper's Wildlife Control, LLC

3626 NW Trestle Point Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023

TRapper's Wildlife Control, LLC is a wildlife removal company based in Des Moines, IA, specializing in bird and bat control. They serve a wide area within 60 miles of Des Moines, including many surrounding cities and counties in central Iowa. Their services include humane bat removal and sealing of structures, as well as bird control for species like pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and swallows, addressing issues such as nesting and droppings. TRapper's Wildlife Control also offers bird removal from vents and provides bat removal services statewide in Iowa.

4.9

47 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Des Moines

Des Moines' blend of urban spaces, river corridors, and wooded areas creates ideal habitats for several species that sometimes become a problem for homeowners. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward a solution.

• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are common culprits for attic invasions. They can tear through roof vents and soffits to create dens, especially in spring for raising young. Their presence is often announced by loud thumping noises at night and can pose a rabies risk ^{1 2}.
• Squirrels: Both gray and fox squirrels are agile climbers that frequently enter attics through gaps near roof lines or chimneys. They are most active during the day, and you may hear scratching or scurrying sounds. Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wiring and insulation ^{1 3}.
• Bats: Small brown bats are protected in Iowa due to their ecological importance, but a colony in an attic is a serious health concern due to the potential for histoplasmosis from accumulated guano. They enter through gaps as small as 3/8 of an inch and their removal requires special exclusion techniques, often timed for specific seasons ^{2 4}.
• Rodents: This category includes house mice, rats, and voles. They are year-round pests that chew through materials, contaminate food, and can spread disease. Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching sounds inside walls ^{1 3}.
• Other Mammals: Opossums, skunks, and groundhogs (woodchucks) are also frequent visitors to Des Moines yards. While they may den under decks or sheds, they are less likely to enter living spaces than raccoons or squirrels but can still cause landscape damage and odor issues ^{1 3}.
• Birds: Birds like starlings, sparrows, and pigeons often nest in vents, chimneys, and attic eaves. Nesting materials can block vents, creating fire hazards and moisture problems, while bird droppings can damage siding and roofing materials ^{4 3}.

Understanding Iowa's Wildlife Regulations

In Iowa, wildlife is considered a public resource managed by the state. The Iowa DNR sets the rules for nuisance animal control to ensure it is done humanely and legally. Private individuals can address some issues, but there are important regulations to follow.

The key figure in professional animal removal is the licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). These professionals are trained and permitted by the DNR to handle a wide range of conflict situations ^{5 6}. The City of Des Moines Animal Care & Control primarily handles dangerous stray dogs, injured animals, and public safety threats, and typically refers true wildlife nuisance cases to private NWCOs or the DNR ⁶.

For do-it-yourself efforts, live trapping is permitted but comes with responsibilities. Any trap set must be checked at least every 24 hours, and it must be tagged with the trapper's name and address ⁷. It is illegal to relocate trapped animals more than a short distance without a permit, as this often simply moves the problem and can spread disease. If you suspect an animal is sick, injured, or could be a protected species (like certain bats), you should contact a professional or the DNR directly rather than attempting removal yourself ^{8 9}.

What You Can Do: Responsible DIY Strategies

For minor issues or as a first step, there are several effective and humane actions Des Moines residents can take.

• Encourage Self-Removal: Sometimes, the simplest solution is to give the animal an easy exit. If a raccoon or squirrel is in a garage or attic without young, you can try leaving a light on and the access door open at dusk. The animal may leave on its own and be prevented from returning if you seal the entry promptly ^{1 2}.
• Seal Entry Points (Exclusion): This is the most permanent solution for preventing wildlife intrusions. Carefully inspect your home's exterior for gaps around roof vents, chimney flashing, utility lines, and foundation cracks. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth (wire mesh), sheet metal, or concrete to seal these openings. Remember, never seal a hole if you are not certain all animals are out, especially during spring when young may be present ⁴.
• Use Deterrents: Non-lethal deterrents can make your attic or yard less appealing. Bright flashing lights, a loud radio, or strong-smelling repellents like ammonia-soaked rags (placed safely) can encourage an animal to vacate a space. These are often temporary solutions but can be useful in combination with exclusion ^{1 2}.
• Modify Your Habitat: Reduce attractions by securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, bringing pet food indoors at night, and keeping tree branches trimmed back at least six feet from your roofline. This makes your property less inviting to foraging wildlife ¹.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While DIY methods work for prevention and minor issues, certain situations require the expertise of a licensed NWCO for safe and effective animal extraction.

• Safety Concerns: If an animal is acting aggressively, appears disoriented (a potential sign of rabies), or is cornered and defensive, do not approach it. This is a job for professionals with the proper training and protective equipment ^{1 9}.
• Presence of Young (Spring/Summer): If you hear high-pitched chirping or squeaking from an attic or wall, there is likely a nest of young animals. Removing the mother without a plan for the young is inhumane and leads to other problems. Professionals can often perform a careful live exclusion that allows the mother to relocate her young ².
• Complex Infestations: A single squirrel is one thing; a colony of bats or a family of raccoons is another. Large-scale removals, especially of protected species like bats, require specific techniques and often must be done within a limited seasonal window to be legal and effective ^{10 4}.
• Inaccessible Locations: Animals that have died inside walls or chimneys, or are trapped in hard-to-reach areas, need professional extraction to avoid property damage and health hazards from odors and insects.
• Need for Exclusion and Repair: True wildlife control doesn't end with removal. A professional service will not only remove the animals but also find and seal all potential entry points and may offer cleanup services for contaminated insulation, restoring your home's safety and integrity. This comprehensive approach is what solves the problem long-term ^{11 4}.

What to Expect: The Professional Removal Process

When you contact a licensed NWCO in Des Moines, they will typically follow a structured process.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your property, inside and out, to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the damage. Many companies offer this initial inspection for free or a small fee ^{10 11}.
2. Removal Plan and Quote: Based on the inspection, the professional will explain your options, which may involve live trapping, one-way exclusion doors, or hands-on removal. They will provide a detailed quote for the removal work. For example, basic removal of a single animal like a raccoon or squirrel may range from $150 to $400, while complex jobs involving bat colony exclusion, attic cleanup, and insulation replacement can cost $400 to $900 or more ^{10 11}.
3. Humane Removal and Exclusion: The animals are removed using the agreed-upon, DNR-compliant methods. Crucially, the technician will then seal all identified entry points with durable materials to prevent re-entry, a service known as wildlife proofing ⁴.
4. Cleanup and Restoration (if needed): For areas soiled by droppings or urine, especially from rodents or bats, professional cleanup and decontamination may be recommended. This can involve removing and replacing insulation, which is vital for restoring air quality and eliminating health risks ¹¹.
5. Follow-up: Reputable companies often offer a warranty period on their exclusion work, guaranteeing that if the animals get back in, they will return to address the issue at no additional charge.

Finding a Licensed Professional in Des Moines

The most reliable way to find a qualified provider is to use the Iowa DNR's official list of licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators ⁵. You can search by county to find professionals serving the Des Moines area. When contacting companies, ask for proof of their DNR license, inquire about their methods, and request references or examples of similar jobs. A trustworthy operator will be knowledgeable about Iowa regulations and focused on providing a permanent, humane solution.

Frequently asked questions

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