Best Wildlife Removal in Indiana Ranked

When raccoons invade your attic, squirrels chew through wiring, or groundhogs undermine your foundation, it's more than a nuisance-it's a problem that can cause significant property damage and health risks. Wildlife removal in Indiana is a specialized service focused on the humane, safe, and legal eviction of wild animals from homes and businesses. Navigating state regulations is crucial, as Indiana law specifies which animals you can handle yourself and which require permits or professional intervention. This guide provides clear, practical information to help you understand your options, comply with Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules, and connect with qualified local professionals who can resolve your wildlife issue effectively.

Orion Wildlife Solutions

fort wayne

Orion Wildlife Solutions provides wildlife removal and pest control services in Fort Wayne, IN. They handle a variety of animals including snakes, chipmunks, mice, bats, groundhogs, starlings, squirrels, and raccoons. Their services include exclusion techniques to prevent animals from entering homes and businesses, addressing common entry points like construction gaps, dryer vent covers, and utility lines. Orion Wildlife Solutions focuses on managing wildlife that can cause structural damage or infestations, such as raccoons in attics and groundhogs burrowing under foundations.

5.0

100 Reviews

Critter Removal Indianapolis

4998 Riverview Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Critter Removal Indianapolis provides wildlife and pest control services in Indianapolis, IN. Their team safely traps and removes wildlife using humane exclusion techniques and offers cleaning and sanitizing of affected areas. They also provide commercial pest control, ongoing treatments, and animal damage repair. The company employs certified experts knowledgeable about local wildlife species and behaviors, serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas with comprehensive pest and wildlife solutions.

4.9

391 Reviews

Armadillo Wildlife

fort wayne

Armadillo Wildlife is a family owned and operated wildlife removal company based in Fort Wayne, IN. With over 20 years of experience, they offer comprehensive services including removal, exclusion, cleanup, and repair to manage common wildlife such as bats, moles, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. The team uses proven methods and durable materials to address wildlife issues effectively while maintaining honest communication about the situation and long-term solutions.

5.0

72 Reviews

Bats B Gone

921 E Dupont Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Bats B Gone is a family-run wildlife removal company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in bat removal from residential and commercial properties. Since 2016, they have provided tailored solutions to safely remove bats and prevent their return, addressing concerns such as safety, property value, and health hazards. Their services cover the greater Fort Wayne area, including Angola, Auburn, Huntington, Fremont, Columbia City, and Kendallville. The company uses thorough inspection methods and offers warranties on their work to ensure lasting results.

5.0

67 Reviews

G & G Termite & Pest Control

9710 Elm Dr, Carmel, IN 46032

G & G Termite & Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Indianapolis, IN. Established in 1979, they provide a wide range of pest management services including ant control, termite prevention and treatment, bee and wasp removal, rodent control, tick control, mole remediation, and spider web removal. Their skilled and certified technicians offer flexible service plans without contracts, addressing both residential and commercial pest issues with a focus on honest, no-pressure sales.

5.0

64 Reviews

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Understanding Indiana's Wildlife Regulations

Indiana's approach to wildlife management balances property rights with conservation. The state categorizes animals based on whether they can be controlled by landowners, require a permit, or are fully protected. Knowing these categories is the first step in any removal plan.

Landowner/Tenant Control (No Permit Required) If you own or lease the property, Indiana law allows you to address damage from certain common nuisance animals without a state permit. This group includes animals like raccoons, skunks, groundhogs (woodchucks), moles, voles, chipmunks, house mice, opossums, and gray or fox squirrels ^{1 2 3}. You can use live traps or other methods to remove these animals from your property. However, you must follow local ordinances regarding discharge of firearms and have a plan for the humane disposal of the animal, which often means euthanasia, as relocating wildlife is illegal in Indiana due to disease risks ³.

Permit-Required Species For other species, or if you wish to hire a professional, a permit from the Indiana DNR is typically required. Key animals in this category include:

• Rabbits: Generally require a Nuisance Wild Animal Control Permit for removal ^{1 2}.
• Deer: Removal outside of hunting season requires a Deer Damage Control Permit, usually issued to farmers or businesses experiencing crop or property damage ^{1 2 4}.
• Coyotes: Landowners may control coyotes causing damage on their own property without a permit. However, a permit is needed if the activity occurs on someone else's land or if a professional is hired ^{1 2}.
• Bats: While a homeowner may exclude bats from a dwelling without a permit, there are specific rules. A general rule allows for the removal of up to five bats per day if they pose a safety threat, but handling bats (which can carry rabies) and addressing maternity colonies requires extreme caution and often professional help ^{5 3}.

Protected and Specially Regulated Species Some animals have additional protections and require specific "Wild Animal Possession Permits" for any form of taking or handling. This list includes wolves, bears, wild cats (not feral domestic cats), and venomous reptiles ⁶. If you encounter one of these animals, you must contact the Indiana DNR immediately and should not attempt removal yourself.

The Role of Professional Wildlife Removal Services

While a homeowner can tackle some problems, many situations call for a licensed professional. These experts not only remove the animal but also find and seal entry points to prevent recurrence-a critical step known as exclusion.

Why Hire a Professional?

• Legal Compliance: Licensed wildlife removal operators in Indiana must hold a Nuisance Wild Animal Control Permit and pass a DNR exam ^{7 4}. They handle the permitting process for species that require it.
• Safety: Professionals are trained to handle animals that may be aggressive, diseased, or protected, reducing risk of injury or bites.
• Effective Solutions: They don't just trap; they diagnose how animals are entering, perform exclusion repairs, and often offer cleanup services for contaminated insulation (e.g., from bat guano or rodent droppings).
• Humane Methods: Reputable services use industry-standard, humane trapping and handling techniques.

What to Expect in Terms of Cost The cost for professional wildlife control in Indiana varies based on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the necessary repairs. According to industry estimates, you can expect the following ranges ^{8 9}:

• Common Removals (e.g., squirrels, raccoons, single-groundhogs): $200 - $600
• Bat Colony Exclusion & Removal: $500 - $1,500+
• Full Attic Restoration (removal, decontamination, reinsulation): $1,500 - $5,000+
• Coyote or Larger Animal Trapping: $500 - $1,000+

It's important to note that while the DNR's Nuisance Wild Animal Control Permit and Deer Damage Permit are free for qualified applicants, the cost of professional services reflects labor, equipment, expertise, and liability insurance ^{1 7 10}.

Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing a Wildlife Problem

1. Identify the Animal: Try to safely identify the species. Listen for noises, look for droppings, or observe entry points. Different animals require different strategies.
2. Assess the Damage and Entry Points: Inspect your home's exterior, roof line, soffits, and foundation for holes, chew marks, or tracks. Remember, a small hole is often enough for mice or bats.
3. Check Indiana DNR Regulations: Before taking action, review the current rules on the Indiana DNR's "Living with Wildlife" or "Wildlife Removal Permits" pages to see if your situation requires a permit ^{2 5}.
4. Decide: DIY or Professional? Consider your comfort level, the legal requirements, and the complexity of the job. For permit-required species, protected animals, or large infestations, contacting a pro is the safest path.
5. Execute Removal & Exclusion: If DIY, use appropriate, humane traps and always wear protective gloves. The most critical step is to permanently seal all entry points after all animals are confirmed out. If babies are present, wait until they are mobile and can leave with the mother.
6. Clean and Restore: Sanitize affected areas. For significant contamination (especially from rodents or bats), consider professional biohazard cleanup.

Preventative Measures for Indiana Homeowners

Prevention is always more cost-effective than removal. Implement these strategies to make your property less attractive to wildlife:

• Secure Food Sources: Use airtight containers for trash, compost, and pet food. Clean barbecue grills and avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight.
• Eliminate Shelter: Keep woodpiles away from the house, trim tree branches that overhang the roof, and seal off crawlspace accesses.
• Fortify Your Home: Install chimney caps, cover attic vents with sturdy mesh hardware cloth (not chicken wire), and repair any loose siding or roof shingles.
• Manage Habitat: Keep your yard trimmed, fill in burrow holes in open areas, and consider removing bird feeders if they are attracting squirrels or other rodents.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Relocation is Illegal: Indiana law prohibits the relocation of trapped wild animals to other properties. This prevents the spread of disease and avoids simply transferring a problem to a neighbor or disrupting ecosystems ³. In-Season Hunting: For game species like deer or rabbit, hunting during the established season is always the preferred and legal method of population control. Record-Keeping: If you operate under a DNR permit (even a free landowner permit for deer), you are required to maintain records of animals taken and report them to the DNR ^{10 4}. Local Ordinances: Always check city or county laws, which may have additional restrictions on trapping or discharging firearms beyond state regulations.

Staying informed is your best defense. Indiana's wildlife laws can be updated, so always verify the current rules on the official Indiana DNR website (in.gov) before proceeding with any removal action ^{1 2 5 3 8}. By understanding the regulations, assessing your situation honestly, and knowing when to call in a licensed expert, you can effectively and responsibly resolve wildlife conflicts on your Indiana property.

Frequently asked questions

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