Top Wildlife Removal in Chicago, Illinois Ranked

Discovering a raccoon family in your attic or hearing the persistent scratching of squirrels in your walls is a common reality for many Chicago residents. Wildlife removal is the professional service dedicated to safely and legally resolving conflicts with nuisance animals that have entered homes or businesses. This process is crucial not only for protecting your property from damage but also for ensuring the health and safety of your family, as wild animals can carry diseases and create hazardous conditions. The following information will help you understand the local regulations, common wildlife issues, and what to expect when seeking professional animal control services in the Windy City.

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 Nuisance Wildlife in Chicago

The urban landscape of Chicago, with its parks, riverways, and dense neighborhoods, provides ample habitat for a variety of wildlife species to thrive. When these animals seek food or shelter, they often come into conflict with human structures. Knowing which animals are most likely to become a problem is the first step in addressing an infestation.

Mammals are the most frequent culprits. This group includes raccoons, which are notorious for tearing into attic vents and chimneys; squirrels (both gray and fox species) that chew on wires and wood; and opossums, which may take up residence under decks or porches. Bats can colonize in attics or wall voids, while rats and mice are perennial concerns for any city. Smaller mammals like moles, voles, and chipmunks can damage lawns and gardens, and larger predators such as foxes and coyotes are increasingly common in city parks and even residential areas ^{1 2 3}.

Birds also pose significant nuisance issues. Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows can create unsanitary conditions with their droppings on buildings, in vents, and on rooftops. Woodpeckers may cause damage by drilling into siding in search of insects or to create nesting cavities ^{1 4}.

While less common, reptiles and amphibians like snakes or turtles can occasionally find their way into basements or yards, requiring specialized removal ³.

Understanding Illinois Wildlife Laws and Permits

One of the most critical aspects of dealing with wildlife in Chicago is navigating state and local regulations. In Illinois, most native wildlife species are protected by law, meaning you cannot simply trap or remove them on your own without authorization.

The primary regulatory body is the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). For most situations involving property damage or health risks from wildlife, you are required to obtain a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit (NARP) before any trapping or removal can legally occur ^{1 5 3}. This permit system is designed to ensure that removal is done humanely and appropriately. It's important to note that the IDNR provides guidance and issues permits, but they do not perform trapping services themselves ^{1 5}.

There are limited exceptions for self-removal. Homeowners can often address minor issues, such as removing a bird that has become trapped in a chimney (by opening the damper and allowing it to fly out a door or window) or dealing with common house mice ^{1 2}. However, for protected species like raccoons, squirrels, or bats, professional intervention is almost always necessary.

The Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) agency plays a specific role. They are primarily responsible for handling sick, injured, or immediately dangerous animals, such as those suspected of having rabies. For general, healthy nuisance wildlife causing property damage, CACC typically refers residents to licensed professionals or the IDNR permit process ^{2 4}.

Relocation rules are strict. Animals that are trapped cannot simply be released in a public park. They must either be released on the property where they were caught or relocated to a suitable habitat with the explicit written permission of the landowner ^{3 6}.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

Knowing when a situation requires a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) can save you time, money, and potential legal trouble. Professional animal removal services are essential in the following scenarios:

• When animals are causing significant property damage. This includes raccoons tearing up roof shingles and insulation, squirrels chewing electrical wiring (a serious fire hazard), or woodpeckers damaging siding ^{1 4 7}.
• When wildlife poses a health or safety threat. This is most evident with bats, which can carry rabies, or with accumulations of rodent or bird droppings that can harbor pathogens. Animals that are acting aggressively or appear sick also fall into this category ^{1 7}.
• For dealing with protected species that require a permit for removal, such as raccoons, squirrels, and bats. A licensed NWCO will handle the permit process on your behalf ^{1 5 4}.
• If you need trapping and exclusion services but do not wish to navigate the IDNR permit process yourself. Professionals have the experience and legal standing to manage the entire process efficiently ^{1 7}.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

A reputable wildlife control service follows a systematic approach to ensure the problem is solved completely and humanely. The process typically involves several key steps:

1. Inspection and Assessment: A technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the species involved, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the damage and contamination. This service typically costs between $100 and $300 ^{1 8}.
2. Removal: Using methods appropriate for the species and situation, the animals are removed. This may involve live trapping, one-way exclusion doors, or hands-on removal. The method is chosen to be as non-invasive and stress-free as possible for the animal.
3. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step to prevent recurrence. All identified entry points are sealed with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or chimney caps. Simply removing animals without sealing the entryways will leave your home vulnerable to the next curious creature. For jobs like squirrel or raccoon removal with entry repair included, costs can range from $300 to over $800 ^{1 8}.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: After removal, the affected area (like an attic or wall void) needs to be cleaned. This involves removing contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials, followed by disinfecting and deodorizing the space to eliminate health risks and odors.
5. Restoration: Finally, any property damage caused by the animals is repaired. This can include replacing insulation, repairing chewed wires or pipes, and fixing structural damage.

Cost of Wildlife Control Services in Chicago

The cost for professional wildlife management in Chicago varies widely based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the complexity of the exclusion work required. Here is a general overview of what you might expect:

• Squirrel or Raccoon Removal: For a one-time removal with basic exclusion repairs, costs often range from $300 to $800 or more ^{1 8}.
• Bat Colony Removal: This is a more complex job due to the small size of bats and the need for meticulous exclusion work along every potential entry point. Bat removal and exclusion can range from $800 to $2,000 or more ⁸.
• Bird Control: Deterring or removing nuisance birds like pigeons or starlings often involves installing physical barriers such as netting, spikes, or wire systems. For a flock issue, this service can cost between $500 and $1,500+ ⁸.
• Rodent Control (Rats/Mice): While often less expensive per animal, rodent control usually involves an ongoing service plan. Initial setup for trapping and exclusion may cost $200 to $500, with additional fees for monthly monitoring and maintenance ⁸.

Preventing Future Wildlife Conflicts

Once your immediate wildlife issue is resolved, taking proactive steps can help prevent future problems. Simple actions include:

• Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Not leaving pet food outdoors.
• Sealing gaps around roof vents, chimneys, and soffits with appropriate materials.
• Keeping tree branches trimmed back from your roof.
• Installing chimney caps and vent covers.

By making your property less attractive and accessible, you can greatly reduce the chances of another unwanted wildlife encounter.

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