Top Wildlife Removal in Elmhurst, Illinois Ranked

Finding an unexpected animal in your attic, chimney, or yard can be unsettling. In Elmhurst, professional wildlife removal is a specialized service that addresses the safe, legal, and humane eviction of nuisance animals from residential and commercial properties. Illinois law protects most wild animals, meaning their removal is regulated and often requires specific permits or professional expertise. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in Elmhurst, what you can and cannot do yourself, and how to navigate the process of finding qualified local assistance for 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 Nuisance Wildlife in Elmhurst

Elmhurst's mix of mature neighborhoods, parks, and proximity to waterways creates an ideal habitat for various wildlife species. While seeing animals in nature is enjoyable, problems arise when they seek food, water, or shelter in our homes and businesses.

The most frequent culprits for nuisance wildlife issues in the area include:

• Mammals: Squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and bats are the primary offenders. They are often found nesting in attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and under decks or sheds ^{1 2 3}.
• Birds: Pigeons, starlings, crows, and notably, woodpeckers can cause significant damage. It's crucial to remember that woodpeckers are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which heavily restricts how they can be managed ^{1 4}.

Understanding which species you're dealing with is the first step, as the rules and methods for removal differ dramatically between a common squirrel and a protected woodpecker or bat colony.

Illinois Wildlife Laws and Regulations

In Illinois, nearly all wild animals are considered property of the state and are protected by law. This legal framework dictates how nuisance wildlife situations must be handled. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) oversees these regulations ^{3 5}.

Key regulations include:

• Permit Requirements: For most removal activities beyond simple exclusion or habitat modification, a permit is required. Professionals operating a wildlife control business must hold a Class A Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit (NWCO) from the IDNR ^{3 6}.
• Landowner Permits: Homeowners or tenants facing serious property damage or health risks can apply for a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit (NARP) from the IDNR for do-it-yourself removal. However, these are not granted for minor annoyances, such as animals at a bird feeder ^{5 7 8}.
• Prohibited Methods: The use of poisons, deadfalls, or sticky traps for most species is illegal and can result in significant fines. These methods are considered inhumane and pose risks to non-target animals and pets ⁹.

Navigating these regulations is a primary reason many Elmhurst residents turn to licensed professionals who understand the legal complexities of wildlife management.

What You Can Do: Prevention and DIY Exclusion

Before an animal moves in, or in conjunction with professional removal, homeowners have several effective tools at their disposal. The goal of wildlife management is often prevention.

Effective DIY Prevention Strategies:

• Seal Entry Points: Carefully inspect your home's exterior for gaps. Common entry points include loose roof vents, damaged soffits, gaps in siding, and openings where utility lines enter. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or metal flashing to seal these areas ^{2 10}.
• Remove Attractants: Secure trash cans with locking lids, remove fallen fruit from yards, and stop feeding pets outdoors. Do not leave pet food bowls outside overnight ^{2 11}.
• Modify Habitat: Trim tree branches that overhang or touch your roof to limit access for squirrels and raccoons. Clear away brush piles and dense vegetation near your home's foundation where animals might hide ².

Allowed DIY Removal Actions:

• You can install one-way exclusion doors for bats (outside of maternity season) and other species, which allow animals to leave but not re-enter.
• You can use fencing to protect gardens.
• You can harass or scare animals away from an area, provided no protected species are harmed ^{2 9 10}.

When to Call for Professional Wildlife Control

Knowing when a situation requires professional intervention is key to resolving it efficiently and legally.

Contact the Elmhurst Police Department (Non-Emergency Line) if:

• You encounter a sick, injured, or obviously disoriented wild animal.
• A wild animal is inside the living spaces of your home or a public building ^{1 5}.

Hire a State-Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) for:

• Active infestations in attics, walls, or chimneys (e.g., sounds of scratching or scurrying).
• A mother raccoon or squirrel with young nesting in your structure.
• Persistent nuisance issues in your yard that prevention hasn't solved.
• Any situation involving federally protected species, like woodpeckers or certain birds' nests ^{1 3 7}.

A licensed professional will not only remove the animal humanely but, more importantly, will identify and seal the entry points to prevent future problems-a critical step known as wildlife exclusion.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Elmhurst

The cost for professional animal removal services in Elmhurst varies widely based on the species, the location and extent of the infestation, the complexity of the exclusion work needed, and the service provider. Most companies begin with an inspection fee.

Typical Cost Ranges:

• Inspection/Assessment: $75 - $200 ¹².
• Squirrel or Raccoon Removal: Using live traps or one-way doors, along with basic exclusion, typically ranges from $250 to over $600 ^{1 13}.
• Bat Exclusion: This is a more specialized and labor-intensive process. Due to their protected status and small size, sealing a structure against bats thoroughly can cost between $500 and $1,500 or more ^{7 13}.
• Ground Animal Removal (Skunk/Opossum): $200 - $400 for trapping and removal ¹³.
• Bird Control: Managing pigeons or excluding woodpeckers often involves installing physical barriers and can range from $300 to $800+, with costs influenced by federal protection laws ^{12 13}.

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

The Professional Removal and Exclusion Process

A reputable wildlife control service follows a systematic approach to ensure a long-term solution.

1. Thorough Inspection: The technician will inspect your property inside and out to identify the animal species, locate all entry points, and assess damage.
2. Humane Removal: Using methods compliant with Illinois law, such as live traps or exclusion devices, the animals are removed. Professionals know the legal seasons and methods for each species.
3. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step. All identified entry points are permanently sealed with durable materials. This prevents the current problem from recurring and stops new animals from entering.
4. Cleanup and Restoration: Wildlife leaves behind droppings, urine, nesting materials, and odors. Many companies offer cleanup, sanitization, and attic restoration services to return your space to a safe, usable condition.
5. Follow-up: A good provider will offer a warranty on their exclusion work and may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the solution is holding.

Frequently asked questions

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