Top Wildlife Removal in Arlington Heights, Illinois Ranked

Finding an uninvited animal in your attic, chimney, or crawl space can be unsettling and pose risks to your property and health. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally evicting nuisance animals like raccoons, squirrels, and bats from your home or business. In Illinois, these animals are protected by state law, making proper procedures and often professional assistance essential. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in Arlington Heights, outlines your legal options, and provides clear steps to find qualified local experts for humane animal control and exclusion.

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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Common Wildlife Problems in Arlington Heights

The suburban landscape of Arlington Heights, with its mature trees, parks, and proximity to forest preserves, creates an ideal habitat for many species that can sometimes become a nuisance. Understanding which animals are most likely to cause problems is the first step in addressing an infestation.

• Raccoons: These intelligent and dexterous mammals are frequent culprits. They seek shelter in attics, chimneys, and under decks, especially when raising young. They can tear up insulation, damage wiring, and create significant messes with their droppings.
• Squirrels: Both gray and fox squirrels are common. They often enter homes through small gaps in rooflines, vents, or soffits to nest in attics. Their constant gnawing can damage wood, electrical wires, and stored items.
• Bats: Small colonies of bats, particularly little brown bats, may roost in attics. While beneficial for insect control, their guano (droppings) can pose health risks and create odor problems. Special care and timing are required for their exclusion due to protected species status.
• Skunks & Opossums: These ground-foraging animals typically take up residence under porches, sheds, or decks. While they may dig for grubs in lawns, the primary concern with skunks is their potent defensive spray.
• Mice and Rats: These rodents are a year-round concern, seeking warmth and food indoors. They can contaminate food supplies, chew through materials, and reproduce rapidly ¹.
• Nuisance Birds: Birds like pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows can nest in vents, gutters, and on building ledges. Their nests can block ventilation systems, and their droppings are corrosive and unsanitary ^{2 1}.

Legal Framework: Permits and Regulations in Illinois

A critical aspect of wildlife management in Arlington Heights is navigating state regulations. In Illinois, most wild mammals and birds are considered property of the state, and you generally cannot trap and remove them without authorization from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) ^{3 4}.

Homeowners typically have three paths for dealing with nuisance wildlife:

1. Hire a Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO): This is the most common and recommended route for removal. Licensed NWCOs hold a Class A commercial permit from the IDNR, which allows them to trap and remove specific animals. They have the expertise to handle animals safely, understand legal seasons and methods, and can perform the necessary exclusion work to prevent re-entry ^{5 4}.
2. Apply for a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit (NARP): For do-it-yourself removal, a homeowner can apply for a NARP through the IDNR's online system. However, these permits are typically issued only after non-lethal methods have failed and there is evidence of significant property damage or a health threat. It's important to note that permits are rarely issued for common pests like raccoons and squirrels, as the state encourages the use of professional NWCOs for these situations ^{5 6}.
3. Non-Lethal Prevention and Exclusion: You are always allowed to take preventative measures that do not harm the animal. This includes sealing entry points with durable materials like hardware cloth or steel mesh, trimming tree branches away from your roof, and securing trash cans. This approach is encouraged by both local and state authorities ⁷.

For immediate threats, such as an injured animal or a loose dog, you should contact Arlington Heights Village Animal Control at 847-368-5300 (non-emergency line) ⁸.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

When you hire a professional wildlife control service, they follow a systematic approach to ensure the problem is resolved completely and humanely.

1. Inspection and Assessment: A technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, inside and out, to identify all active entry points, nesting areas, and signs of damage. They will determine the species involved and the extent of the infestation.
2. Humane Removal and Trapping: Using methods approved by the IDNR, the professional will remove the animals. This may involve live trapping for relocation (where legal), one-way exclusion doors that allow animals to leave but not return, or, in specific cases, other controlled methods.
3. Exclusion and Repair: Simply removing the animals is not enough. The most crucial step is permanent exclusion. The technician will seal all identified entry points with professional-grade materials to prevent future wildlife intrusions. This may include installing chimney caps, vent covers, and repairing damaged siding or roofing.
4. Cleanup and Sanitization: Wildlife droppings, urine, and nesting materials can harbor parasites and pose health risks. Professionals offer biohazard cleanup and sanitization services to deodorize and disinfect affected areas, such as attics or crawl spaces ⁷.
5. Prevention Advice: A reputable service will provide recommendations for long-term prevention, such as habitat modification-like removing outdoor food sources and securing compost bins-to make your property less attractive to wildlife ⁷.

Understanding Costs for Animal Eviction Services

The cost of professional wildlife removal in Arlington Heights varies based on the species, the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and the extent of repairs needed. Most companies provide free or low-cost inspections before giving a detailed estimate.

• Inspection/Consultation: Often ranges from $100 to $200+ ^{9 10}.
• Raccoon or Squirrel Removal & Exclusion: For a standard removal job, including trapping, removal, and sealing primary entry points, homeowners can expect costs in the range of $300 to $800+ ^{2 9}.
• Bat or Bird Exclusion: These services can be more complex and labor-intensive, often involving sealing numerous small gaps and installing specialized exclusion devices. Full bat exclusion and cleanup can range from $500 to $1,500 or more ^{7 10}.
• Rodent (Mice/Rat) Control: Services for mice and rats may involve an initial setup of traps and sealing entry points, with costs typically between $200 and $600+ for the initial service. Ongoing monitoring contracts are common for persistent rodent problems ^{2 10}.

Always request a detailed written estimate that breaks down the costs for inspection, removal, exclusion repairs, and any cleanup services.

Choosing a Qualified Wildlife Removal Provider

Selecting the right professional is key to a safe, legal, and permanent solution. Here are essential factors to consider:

• Licensing and Insurance: Verify the company holds a valid Illinois IDNR Class A Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit ⁴. They should also carry general liability and worker's compensation insurance for your protection.
• Experience and Expertise: Ask how long they have been in business and their specific experience with the type of animal you are dealing with (e.g., bats require specific techniques and seasonal timing).
• Methods and Guarantees: Inquire about their removal methods, emphasizing humane and legal practices. A trustworthy company will focus on exclusion and prevention and should offer a warranty on their exclusion work (e.g., 1-5 years).
• Detailed Written Contract: Ensure you receive a contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, the total cost, the warranty details, and what is not included.
• Local Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for local references. Companies familiar with Arlington Heights will understand common local wildlife patterns and municipal guidelines.

DIY Prevention Tips for Homeowners

While removal often requires a pro, prevention is something every homeowner can and should practice.

• Seal Entry Points: Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in siding, rooflines, foundation vents, and where utilities enter. Seal any hole larger than a quarter-inch with high-quality materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or caulk designed for pest exclusion ⁷.
• Chimney and Vent Guards: Install chimney caps and stainless steel mesh covers on all roof and soffit vents.
• Manage Your Yard: Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roof. Keep woodpiles and dense shrubbery away from the house foundation. Pick up fallen fruit from trees.
• Eliminate Food Sources: Use trash cans with tight-fitting, locking lids. Do not leave pet food outdoors overnight. Consider bringing bird feeders inside during periods of high wildlife activity.

Taking these steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of a wildlife conflict, protecting your home and the animals that belong in our local ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

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