Best Wildlife Removal in Illinois Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, chimney, or under your deck can be unsettling. In Illinois, addressing these situations requires a clear understanding of state-specific regulations designed to protect both wildlife and property owners. This guide provides a practical overview of wildlife removal in Illinois, explaining when you can handle a problem yourself, when you must call a professional, and how to navigate the legal requirements to resolve the issue safely and effectively.

D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, LLC

chicago

D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, LLC is a pest control and wildlife removal company serving Chicago, IL, and the western Chicago suburbs. They provide services for both residential and commercial properties, including pest inspections, one-time treatments, quarterly pest control plans, and custom wildlife exclusion solutions. Their work covers rodents, raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds, and common household pests. The company also offers structural repairs and long-term exclusion to prevent future infestations, combining pest removal with prevention efforts.

5.0

349 Reviews

Landmark Pest Management

chicago

Landmark Pest Management provides science-based, environmentally-friendly pest control services in Chicago, IL, and surrounding counties. They handle a wide range of pests including ants, wasps, mice, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and wildlife, using humane and green methods. Founded in 1976 by a wildlife biologist, the company combines expertise from biologists and epidemiologists to deliver effective pest exclusion and control. Landmark offers a Complete Home Care program with year-round protection and 24/7 monitoring to maintain pest-free homes.

5.0

332 Reviews

Effective Pest Solutions

chicago

Effective Pest Solutions provides comprehensive pest control services in Chicago, IL, serving both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include treatment for bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, and wildlife removal, with customized solutions for unique pest challenges. The company also supports institutions like schools and restaurants with pest management programs that comply with regulatory standards. They specialize in rodent control using trapping, monitoring, exclusion, and sanitation, and offer termite inspections and prevention plans to protect property integrity.

5.0

154 Reviews

Aerex Pest Control

4301 E Wilmette Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Aerex Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Chicago, IL, and the Greater Chicagoland Area since 1948. They provide a wide range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. With over 70 years of experience, Aerex Pest Control uses environmentally friendly methods and safe products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to address both common and seasonal pests unique to the Chicago area. Their knowledgeable technicians apply targeted solutions that focus on long-term prevention and sustainability.

4.9

2.3k Reviews

Rose Pest Solutions

270 Larkin Dr Suite A, Wheeling, IL 60090

Rose Pest Solutions is a pest control company serving Chicago, IL, and the Midwest. They provide comprehensive pest management services for homes and businesses, including cockroach, ant, rodent, termite, bee and wasp removal, and wildlife control. The company uses environmentally friendly methods and advanced technology to create long-term pest solutions. Established in 1860, Rose Pest Solutions has over 165 years of experience in pest control. They offer year-round protection plans with multiple visits and emphasize sustainable practices to protect both customers and the environment.

4.9

961 Reviews

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Understanding Illinois Wildlife Removal Laws

Illinois manages its wildlife through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The core principle is that many animals are protected by law, and their removal is regulated to ensure humane treatment and conservation. You generally cannot trap and relocate or euthanize most mammals causing a nuisance without proper authorization ^{1 2}.

The primary mechanism for legal removal is a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit (NARP), issued by the IDNR. Alternatively, for most homeowners, the simplest path is to hire a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). These professionals hold a Class A permit, allowing them to perform removal services for a fee ^{1 3}. Understanding this framework is the first step to solving any wildlife conflict on your property.

When Do You Need a Permit or Professional?

The need for a permit hinges on two factors: the species involved and the nature of the problem. The IDNR distinguishes between protected wildlife and common pests.

You likely need a permit or professional for:

• Property Damage: Animals like raccoons tearing up roof shingles, squirrels chewing electrical wires in attics, or beavers flooding property by damming streams.
• Health and Safety Risks: Bats roosting in an attic (rabies vector), skunks nesting under a porch (spray risk), or coyotes exhibiting bold behavior near homes.
• Protected Species: This includes most mammals you're likely to encounter, such as raccoons, opossums, skunks, bats, foxes, coyotes, deer, and most birds ^{4 5}.

A permit is typically not required for:

• Minor Nuisance: Simply seeing an animal in your yard, like a squirrel at a bird feeder, does not qualify for removal ³.
• Excepted Species: Animals considered common pests, including house mice, Norway rats, moles, voles, pocket gophers, shrews, and chipmunks (except the protected Franklin's ground squirrel) can often be managed without a state permit ^{4 5 6}.

The IDNR will issue a NARP only if you can demonstrate that the animal is causing significant damage or posing a verifiable risk. The process involves contacting your local IDNR District Wildlife Biologist, who will assess your situation ⁷.

Protected vs. Non-Protected Species in Illinois

Knowing which animal you're dealing with is crucial. Here's a general breakdown:

Protected Species (Require Permit/NWCO):

• Furbearers: Raccoon, opossum, skunk, beaver, muskrat, fox, coyote, bobcat.
• Bats: All native bat species (especially important due to conservation status and rabies concerns).
• Other Mammals: White-tailed deer, woodchuck (groundhog).
• Birds: Nearly all native bird species are protected under federal law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

Non-Protected/Excepted Species (No State Permit Required):

• House mouse
• Norway rat
• Eastern mole, vole, pocket gopher, shrew
• Thirteen-lined ground squirrel
• Chipmunk (except the state-threatened Franklin's ground squirrel) ^{4 5 8}.

Special Note on Endangered Species: Animals like the Eastern woodrat and rice rat are state-endangered and require immediate contact with the IDNR for guidance ².

The Professional Path: Hiring a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO)

For most homeowners facing a significant wildlife issue, hiring a licensed NWCO is the recommended and most efficient solution. These professionals have the training, equipment, and legal authority to handle the situation from start to finish.

What is a Class A Permit Holder? An NWCO holds a Class A Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit from the IDNR. To obtain this commercial license, an individual must be at least 18 years old, pass a comprehensive exam covering Illinois wildlife laws, species biology, and diseases, and may need to complete hunter safety education ^{1 9 10}. This ensures they operate legally and ethically.

Services an NWCO Provides: A professional does more than just trap an animal. A complete service includes:

1. Inspection: Identifying entry points, nesting areas, and the full scope of the problem.
2. Humane Removal: Using appropriate, legal methods to remove the animal(s).
3. Exclusion: Sealing up entry points with durable materials to prevent re-entry. This is the most critical step for a permanent solution.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: Removing contaminated insulation, droppings, and urine to mitigate health risks and odors.
5. Restoration: Repairing damage caused by the wildlife, such as chewed wires or torn ductwork.

The DIY Path: Obtaining a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit

If you prefer to handle the removal yourself, you must first obtain a NARP from the IDNR. It's important to understand what this permit does and does not allow.

The Permit Process:

1. Contact the IDNR: Reach out to your regional IDNR District Wildlife Biologist via the official NARP request system ⁷.
2. Make Your Case: You must provide evidence of damage or risk. Photos, descriptions, and a log of incidents can be helpful.
3. Receive Guidelines: If approved, the permit will outline exactly what you are authorized to do-which species, how many, what methods (e.g., trapping), and the timeframe.

Critical Rules for DIY Permit Holders:

• You are the trapper. The IDNR does not trap animals for you ³.
• Legal Disposition: Trapped animals must either be released on the property where caught (if safe and the animal is not a re-entry risk) or humanely euthanized. You cannot relocate them to public lands, parks, or another person's property without their written permission ^{11 12}.
• Humane Requirements: Traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours.

This path requires significant time, effort, and a willingness to handle live wildlife and potentially euthanize an animal. For these reasons, many permit applicants ultimately decide to hire a professional.

Costs Associated with Wildlife Removal in Illinois

Costs can vary widely based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the services required.

DIY Costs (with Permit): Your expenses will include the cost of traps, bait, materials for exclusion (like hardware cloth and sealant), and your personal time. There may also be costs associated with cleanup supplies or insulation replacement.

Professional NWCO Costs: Professional fees are based on the complexity of the job. You can expect:

• Simple removals (e.g., a single groundhog from under a shed) may cost a few hundred dollars.
• Complex removals (e.g., a litter of raccoons from an attic, followed by full exclusion and attic cleanup) can run into the thousands.
• Specialized services like bat exclusion are typically on the higher end due to the meticulous sealing required and the time-sensitive nature of the work (cannot be done during pup-rearing season).

Most reputable operators provide free inspections and detailed quotes. Remember, you are paying for expertise, legal compliance, insurance, and a permanent solution.

Health, Safety, and Prevention

Wildlife removal isn't just about the animal; it's about addressing the risks they leave behind.

Key Health Concerns:

• Rabies: Raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes are primary carriers. Never handle any wild animal with bare hands.
• Histoplasmosis: A fungal lung disease associated with bird and bat droppings (guano). Disturbing accumulations without proper PPE is dangerous.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can be left behind in nesting areas.
• Structural Damage: Chewed electrical wiring is a significant fire hazard.

Effective Prevention Tips:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your roofline, siding, and foundation annually. Seal any holes larger than a quarter-inch.
• Secure Food Sources: Use airtight trash cans, remove pet food at night, and consider squirrel-proof bird feeders.
• Manage Habitat: Trim tree branches away from the roof, keep woodpiles away from the house, and reduce dense ground cover near the foundation.

Frequently asked questions

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