Best Wildlife Removal in Idaho Ranked

When wildlife like raccoons, bats, or squirrels move into your attic or cause damage to your property, it's more than a nuisance-it can be a health hazard and lead to costly structural repairs. In Idaho, all wildlife is owned by the state and managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), meaning removal is governed by specific rules that vary by species. Navigating these regulations while safely and effectively evicting animals requires expertise. This guide explains Idaho's wildlife control laws, typical costs, and how to find qualified local professionals who can resolve your issue legally and humanely.

Sawtooth Pest Control

1117 E Plaza Dr suite f, Eagle, ID 83616

Sawtooth Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Boise, ID, and surrounding areas. They offer full-service residential and commercial pest solutions, including rodent control, mosquito control, wildlife removal, and ongoing maintenance. The company uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that emphasizes long-term prevention, environmentally friendly methods, and customized strategies tailored to each client's needs. With more than 18 years of experience, Sawtooth Pest Control focuses on safe treatments for children and pets while addressing local pest challenges such as gophers, raccoons, and mosquitoes. They provide same-day and emergency services to ensure timely pest management.

5.0

567 Reviews

Bigfoot Pest Control

boise

Bigfoot Pest Control is a pest management company serving Boise, ID, and surrounding areas. They provide a wide range of services including bed bug treatment, ant and rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito and wasp removal, spider control, and commercial pest control. The company emphasizes eco-friendly and pet-safe pest control methods and handles over 30 common pests in the region. With over 20 years of combined experience, the owners focus on effective, locally tailored treatments to protect homes and businesses from pests.

5.0

351 Reviews

Orkin

107 W 43rd St, Boise, ID 83714

Orkin provides pest control services in Boise, ID, addressing common pests such as mice, ants, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, birds, and wildlife. They offer both residential and commercial pest management, including specialized termite inspections and treatments using liquid barriers, Sentricon® bait, and dry foam void filler. Orkin also provides year-round pest control plans tailored to seasonal pest activity. Their customer care team is available day or night to assist with pest control needs.

4.9

2.1k Reviews

Sprague Pest Solutions

2049 W Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705

Sprague Pest Solutions is a commercial pest control company based in Boise, ID. They offer comprehensive pest management services including rodent control, insect prevention, bed bug inspections and treatments, bird exclusion, mosquito abatement, termite baiting, and fumigation alternatives. Their approach uses advanced, science-based solutions tailored to business operations, supported by technology like barcode-scanned devices and online reporting. Sprague Pest Solutions emphasizes compliance with government standards and green, LEED-certified methods. They provide a 24/7 client web portal for alerts and billing, ensuring continuous management of pests at every life cycle stage and entry point.

4.9

327 Reviews

Eco Pest Control

3799 E Mackay Ct, Meridian, ID 83642

Eco Pest Control is a locally owned pest control company serving Boise, ID, and nearby areas. They provide residential and commercial pest extermination and prevention services using environmentally friendly products. Their expertise covers a wide range of pests including cockroaches, ants, rodents, spiders, wasps, and wildlife removal. With over 20 years of combined experience, Eco Pest Control offers customized pest management plans tailored to each client's needs. They focus on eco-friendly methods that are safe for pets, children, and the environment.

4.9

164 Reviews

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Understanding Idaho's Wildlife Ownership and Regulations

A fundamental principle in Idaho is that all wild animals are the property of the state. This means homeowners and businesses do not have an unrestricted right to remove or kill wildlife causing problems. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) manages these resources, and the rules for animal control depend entirely on the species involved ¹.

This state ownership model is designed to conserve wildlife populations. Before taking any action, it's crucial to identify the animal and understand its legal status. Attempting a DIY removal on a protected species can result in significant fines. The general categories break down as follows:

• Federally and State Listed Species: Animals listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as certain salmon, snails, and the grizzly bear, receive strict protection. Any "take"-which includes harming, harassing, or removing-requires coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and must be consistent with federal law ².
• Protected Wildlife (Big Game and Furbearers): This category includes animals like deer, elk, moose, black bear, mountain lion, and furbearers (e.g., beaver, otter). If these animals are causing property damage, the landowner must contact IDFG within 72 hours of discovery. The department will then either send a representative to handle the situation or issue a no-cost permit to the owner (or a designated agent) to trap or kill the animal under specific conditions. Animals taken under such a permit remain state property, except for furbearers taken by a licensed trapper ^{1 3 4}.
• Unprotected or Predatory Animals: Species like coyotes and red fox have fewer restrictions for removal, as they are often classified as predatory. However, local city or county ordinances may still apply, and specific methods like airborne control require a permit from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) ^{1 5}.

Common Problem Wildlife in Idaho and Removal Protocols

Raccoons, Skunks, and Foxes

These animals are common culprits for getting into trash, nesting under decks, or invading attics. In Idaho, it is generally illegal to possess live raccoons, skunks, or foxes without a specific USDA license due to serious disease concerns like rabies ⁶. For removal, a professional wildlife control operator will typically use live traps. It's important to note that changes in raccoon management regulations may affect trapping seasons and methods, so using a professional ensures compliance ⁷.

Bats

Bat removal is a specialized job. Many bat species are protected due to their ecological role, so killing them is illegal. Professional exclusion is the only legal and humane method, which involves installing one-way doors that allow bats to leave but not re-enter. This process is often followed by significant cleanup and sanitization of accumulated guano (droppings), which can pose health risks ^{8 9}.

Squirrels

Squirrels can cause extensive damage by chewing wires, insulation, and wood. Removal usually involves live-trapping and sealing all potential entry points. Some squirrel types in Idaho may have protected status, so proper identification is key ^{10 11}. A professional will ensure the animals are relocated in accordance with state guidelines.

Birds

Removing birds, especially when they nest in vents or attics, is tricky. Many birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under federal law (the Migratory Bird Treaty Act). A professional can identify the species, determine if the nest is active, and perform removal or exclusion legally, often after the nesting season has concluded ¹².

Opossums, Rodents, and Other Small Mammals

While often less regulated, these animals still require safe and sanitary removal techniques. Professionals will address not only the animal but also the conditions that attracted it, such as accessible food sources or entry holes, to prevent recurrence ^{8 12}.

The Cost of Professional Wildlife Control in Idaho

The price for animal removal services varies widely based on the species, the location and extent of the infestation, and the necessary repairs. It's important to know that homeowner's insurance typically does not cover the cost of removal itself, as it's often considered a preventable maintenance issue. However, your policy may cover repairs for structural damage caused by the animals, so check with your provider ^{8 13 14}.

Here is a general overview of average costs for common wildlife removals in Idaho, based on national and local data:

For any wildlife issue, an on-site inspection is essential for an accurate quote. Complex jobs involving extensive attic restoration, insulation replacement, or damage repair will significantly increase the total project cost ^{12 17 14}.

How to Choose a Wildlife Removal Service in Idaho

Selecting the right professional is critical for a safe, legal, and permanent solution. Here's what to look for:

1. Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed to operate in Idaho and carries both liability and worker's compensation insurance. This protects you in case of accidents or further property damage.
2. Knowledge of State Laws: A reputable operator will be intimately familiar with IDFG regulations and federal protections. They should be able to explain the legal protocols for the specific animal on your property.
3. Humane Methods: Prioritize companies that use humane, live-trapping and exclusion techniques whenever legally possible, rather than immediate extermination.
4. Comprehensive Service: Look for providers that offer a full suite of services: inspection, removal, exclusion (sealing entry points), cleanup/sanitization, and repair. This integrated approach solves the immediate problem and helps prevent future ones.
5. Written Estimates and Guarantees: A professional should provide a detailed, written estimate that breaks down costs. Many also offer warranties on their exclusion work, promising to return if the animals regain entry within a certain period.
6. Local References and Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for local references. A company with a strong track record in your community is often a reliable choice.

Preventing Future Wildlife Intrusions

After professional removal, prevention is key. A good wildlife control expert will advise on or provide services for:

• Exclusion: Sealing all potential entry points with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or chimney caps.
• Habitat Modification: Trimming tree branches away from the roof, securing trash cans with locking lids, and removing pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit from the yard.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically checking your home's exterior, especially in the spring and fall, for signs of new entry attempts.

Frequently asked questions

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