Top Wildlife Removal in Urbandale, Iowa Ranked

When raccoons rummage through your trash or squirrels take up residence in your attic, it's more than a nuisance-it's a problem that can damage your property and pose health risks. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and humanely evicting unwanted animals from your home or business and preventing their return. For Urbandale residents, finding a local expert who understands Iowa's wildlife regulations and the specific behaviors of local species is key to a lasting solution. This guide will help you understand your options, from DIY prevention to professional intervention, so you can reclaim your space from uninvited wild guests.

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 Wildlife Intruders in Urbandale

The suburbs and green spaces of Urbandale provide ideal habitat for several species that often come into conflict with humans. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward effective control.

• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are notorious for tipping over garbage cans and tearing into soffits to access attics for denning. They can carry diseases like rabies and roundworm.
• Squirrels: Both gray and fox squirrels are common. They often enter attics through small gaps near rooflines, where they nest, chew on wires (a fire hazard), and store food.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defense mechanism, skunks often burrow under decks, sheds, or porches. The primary concern, aside from the smell, is the risk of being sprayed or the potential for rabies.
• Opossums: North America's only marsupial, opossums are generally less destructive but will seek shelter in crawlspaces, garages, or under structures. They eat pests like insects and rodents but can also get into pet food left outdoors.
• Bats: Small colonies of bats, such as the little brown bat, may roost in attics or wall voids. They are protected in many contexts due to their ecological role, and their removal is strictly regulated, especially during maternity season (typically May-August) ¹.
• Rodents: This category includes house mice, rats, and voles. They contaminate food, chew through insulation and wiring, and can reproduce rapidly inside a structure.

Understanding Iowa's Wildlife Regulations

Before attempting any animal control, it's crucial to understand the legal framework. In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees nuisance wildlife.

• Licensing for Professionals: Individuals who trap and remove wildlife for a fee must be licensed as Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) by the Iowa DNR ¹. Always verify that a service provider holds this current license.
• Rules for Homeowners: Iowa law provides some latitude for property owners. For specific nuisance animals-namely coyotes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and groundhogs-residents may take them out of season without prior DNR permission ^{2 3}. However, this does not apply to all species (like protected bats or birds) and is generally intended for immediate threats. The DNR strongly recommends contacting a professional NWCO for assistance ².
• Disposition of Animals: Once an animal is trapped, state guidelines dictate how it must be handled. Relocation is often restricted due to disease transmission risks and is illegal in many areas without a permit. Euthanasia or release on-site may be the only legal options. Carcasses must be disposed of properly ⁴.

DIY Prevention and When to Call a Professional

A responsible approach to wildlife control starts with making your property less attractive to animals. The Iowa DNR emphasizes prevention as the first and best line of defense ².

Effective Do-It-Yourself Strategies:

• Secure Food Sources: Use locking lids on garbage cans, store bags of feed in sealed containers, and never leave pet food outdoors overnight.
• Seal Entry Points: Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior. Seal any holes larger than a quarter-inch, paying special attention to areas where utility lines enter, roof vents, and gaps under eaves. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth or sheet metal.
• Modify Habitat: Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline. Store firewood away from the house and clear dense brush or leaf piles from foundations.
• Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle and discourage animals from frequenting an area. For an animal that has wandered into a garage, simply leaving the door open at dusk often allows it to leave on its own ^{2 5}.

When to Hire a Wildlife Removal Specialist:

While prevention is key, some situations require expert intervention. You should contact a licensed Urbandale wildlife control operator when:

• An animal is actively living inside your home's structure (attic, walls, chimney, or crawlspace).
• You hear persistent noises (scratching, scurrying, vocalizations) coming from concealed areas.
• You see signs of damage, like chewed wires, torn insulation, or dug-up landscaping.
• There is a persistent issue despite your preventive efforts.
• You encounter a large, potentially aggressive, or sick animal.
• The situation involves protected species like bats or birds, where removal is legally complex.
• You need professional-grade exclusion work (sealing entry points with permanent materials) or cleanup of hazardous waste like droppings and urine ^{6 7}.

For immediate dangers, such as a raccoon confronting pets or a sick-acting animal, you may also contact Urbandale Animal Control for guidance ².

What to Expect from Professional Wildlife Control Services

A reputable NWCO will follow a comprehensive process, not just set a trap and leave.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your property to identify the species, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation and damage.
2. Humane Removal: They will employ the most appropriate and legal method for removal, which may include one-way exclusion doors, live trapping, or other techniques. Direct handling is avoided whenever possible.
3. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step for a permanent solution. The professional will seal all identified entry points with durable materials to prevent re-entry. This service is what differentiates true wildlife control from simple trapping ⁷.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: If an area has been soiled, they may offer decontamination services, removing droppings, nesting materials, and applying enzymatic cleaners to eliminate odors that attract new animals.
5. Preventive Recommendations: A good operator will provide advice on long-term habitat modification to keep your property wildlife-free.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Urbandale

The cost for animal removal services in Urbandale is not a flat fee; it varies significantly based on the job's complexity. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $191 and $612 or more for a complete service ^{6 8}. Several factors influence the final price:

• Type of Animal: Removing a colony of bats or a family of raccons is typically more involved and costly than evicting a single squirrel or opossum.
• Location and Accessibility: An animal in an easy-to-reach crawlspace is less expensive to remove than one in a high, confined attic.
• Extent of Infestation: The number of animals present directly impacts the time and materials required.
• Needed Repairs: The cost of exclusion work-sealing entry points with steel flashing, hardware cloth, and professional sealants-is often a separate but essential part of the quote. Damage repair (like chewed vents or insulation) adds to the cost.
• Cleanup Services: Biohazard cleanup and odor neutralization are specialized services that increase the overall price but are vital for health and preventing future problems.

Always get a detailed, written estimate that breaks down inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup costs before work begins ⁹.

Finding a Licensed Wildlife Removal Expert in Urbandale

Your best resource is the Iowa DNR's official listing of licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators ¹. You can also search for established local companies that service the Des Moines metro area, such as Critter Control or other regional specialists ¹⁰. When vetting a company, ask for proof of their Iowa DNR NWCO license, verify they carry liability insurance, check online reviews, and ensure their quote includes a warranty on exclusion work.

Frequently asked questions

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