What should I do if I find a raccoon or squirrel in my attic?

First, confirm the animal's presence and look for entry points from the outside. Do not attempt to trap it yourself if you are unsure of the laws. Contact a KDWP-licensed wildlife removal professional who can humanely remove the animal and seal the entry points to prevent future access.

Are bats protected in Kansas?

Yes, bats are protected under Kansas law. It is illegal to kill them. If bats are roosting in your home, you must wait until the pups are able to fly (typically late summer or fall) before having a professional install exclusion devices that allow them to leave but not re-enter .

Who is responsible for removing a deer carcass from my property?

The responsibility falls on the property owner. You can contact a local waste management service, a rendering company, or a wildlife removal service that offers disposal. In some rural areas, landowners may bury the carcass on their own property if local ordinances allow.

Can I relocate a trapped animal to a park or wooded area?

This is generally illegal and discouraged. Kansas regulations often prohibit the relocation of wildlife due to the risk of spreading disease, causing stress to the relocated animal, and introducing problems to new areas. Euthanasia or release on the property (if legal for the species) are the typical legal options for trapped nuisance animals .

Do I need a permit to destroy a bird's nest on my house?

Almost certainly yes. Most birds, their eggs, and active nests are protected by federal law. You typically cannot disturb or remove an active nest. A professional can advise on timing (after the nesting season) and may need a federal permit to perform the removal legally .

What's the difference between wildlife removal and pest control?

While there is overlap, wildlife removal specialists typically focus on larger vertebrate animals (mammals, birds, reptiles) and are well-versed in state trapping and wildlife laws. General pest control companies often focus on insects and rodents (mice/rats) but may also handle some wildlife; always verify they have the specific KDWP permit for the animal you're dealing with.

Pest Control Services in Kansas

When wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, or bats move into your attic, crawlspace, or yard, it can quickly escalate from a nuisance to a serious problem. In Kansas, managing nuisance animals on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner or business owner, but state and federal laws strictly protect most species. This means finding a knowledgeable professional who understands the legal requirements for trapping, exclusion, and removal is essential. This guide explains Kansas wildlife removal regulations, outlines which animals you can handle yourself, and provides practical information to help you connect with licensed local experts who can resolve your situation safely and legally.

Orkin

1555 E 2nd St N, Wichita, KS 67214

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Wichita, KS. With over 120 years of experience, they handle a wide range of pests including bed bugs, termites, rodents, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and wildlife. Orkin offers specialized termite inspections and treatments using methods like dry foam void filler, Sentricon® bait, and liquid barriers. They also provide 24/7 availability for pest control emergencies and focus on seasonal pest management tailored to the unique climate of Wichita.

4.8

1.4k Reviews

EcoGuard Pest Control

339 Clinton Ave, Haysville, KS 67060

EcoGuard Pest Control provides environmentally friendly pest management services in Wichita, KS, and the surrounding south-central Kansas area. They specialize in controlling ants, termites, rodents, bees, wasps, and other common pests for both residential and commercial properties. Their approach includes integrated pest management with interior and exterior treatments designed to eliminate pests and prevent population growth. EcoGuard employs licensed technicians, including a Certified Master Technician, and uses products that are safe for families, pets, and the environment. The company has over 20 years of combined team experience and offers monthly service treatments for restaurants and other commercial clients.

4.9

96 Reviews

Presto-X Pest Control

1741 S Eisenhower Ct, Wichita, KS 67209

Presto-X Pest Control has been serving Wichita, KS, for nearly 100 years, providing tailored pest control solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Their services cover a wide range of pests including bed bugs, termites, rodents, mosquitoes, and wildlife. They offer customized plans for various industries such as food processing, healthcare, retail, and agriculture, adapting treatments to seasonal pest activity and specific operational needs. With local technicians familiar with Wichita's pest challenges, Presto-X focuses on year-round protection and compliance with health and safety standards.

5.0

35 Reviews

Critter Control of Wichita

wichita

Critter Control of Wichita provides wildlife and pest control services in Wichita, KS. They handle a variety of nuisance animals including raccoons, squirrels, snakes, skunks, and rodents using humane removal methods such as live trapping and exclusion devices. Their services include thorough inspections, removal, exclusion to prevent reentry, and repair of damage caused by wildlife. The company also offers ectoparasite treatments to address pests like fleas and ticks that may accompany wildlife infestations. Critter Control of Wichita serves both residential and commercial properties, applying specialized knowledge to manage wildlife issues safely and effectively.

4.7

91 Reviews

Alta Pest Control

3601 W Harry St Ste. 7, Wichita, KS 67213

Alta Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Wichita, KS, and surrounding areas. They offer year-round pest management with quarterly treatments targeting a wide range of pests including ants, rodents, termites, bed bugs, and stinging insects. Their services also include rodent exclusion, attic insulation, moisture control, and wildlife removal. Alta Pest Control uses certified methods like Sentricon® termite bait stations and emphasizes transparent communication to explain treatments and recommendations clearly. They provide ongoing pest defense rather than one-time solutions.

4.6

2.7k Reviews

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Understanding Kansas Wildlife Laws and Your Responsibilities

In Kansas, the general rule is that private property owners are financially and legally responsible for managing nuisance wildlife on their premises ¹ ². While this gives you the right to address problems, it comes with significant restrictions. Most birds, reptiles, and amphibians are protected by federal law (like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act) or state law (the Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act) ³ ⁴. This legal framework means you often cannot simply trap or remove an animal without checking regulations first.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is the primary agency overseeing these activities. They emphasize that while you may address immediate threats, the department and local animal control agencies typically do not provide removal services unless an animal is inside the living quarters of a home and poses an immediate danger ¹ ². Therefore, for most wildlife conflicts, you will need to either take permitted action yourself or hire a licensed professional.

Which Animals Require a Permit for Removal?

Knowing which animals are protected is the first step. The following categories generally require a permit from KDWP or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for trapping, transporting, or euthanizing, especially outside of established hunting seasons:

Most Native Mammals: This includes raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, beavers, and bats.
Protected Birds: Nearly all native bird species are protected under federal law. This includes woodpeckers damaging your siding, swallows nesting in eaves, and hawks or owls.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Snakes, turtles, and frogs are generally protected.
Furbearers & Small Game: Animals like coyotes, rabbits, and squirrels can be taken during their established hunting or trapping seasons with the appropriate license. However, if they are causing damage outside of those seasons, a specific Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control permit is required ³ ⁵.

Species You Can Manage Without a Permit

Kansas regulations allow for the control of a limited number of species without a state permit, as they are not protected. These include ³ ⁴ ⁵:

House mice
Norway rats
Moles and gophers
Pigeons (Rock Doves)
English (House) sparrows
European starlings

For species like woodchucks (groundhogs), a hunting license may be required even for nuisance control, so it's always best to verify current regulations ⁴.

Special Protections: Threatened and Endangered Species

Some species in Kansas receive the highest level of protection. It is illegal to harm, harass, or possess state or federally listed threatened or endangered species without specific action permits from both KDWP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ³ ⁶ ⁷. Examples you might encounter include:

Black-footed ferret (Endangered)
Whooping crane (Endangered)
Gray bat (Endangered)
Topeka shiner (a small fish, Endangered)

If you suspect a protected species is on your property, you must contact KDWP immediately for guidance ⁸.

The Permit Process for Wildlife Control

For dealing with protected nuisance wildlife, the primary permit is the KDWP Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control (NWDC) permit. This is required for homeowners, businesses, and commercial operators to legally take, transport, or euthanize protected animals causing property damage or health hazards ⁹ ¹⁰.

Who Needs It: Both property owners addressing their own problems and individuals offering commercial removal services must obtain this permit ⁹.
Cost: The permit itself is issued free of charge by KDWP ⁹.
Requirements: Applicants must complete an application and pass an open-book exam based on the state's wildlife damage control training materials ⁹ ¹¹. This ensures permit holders understand laws, ethical standards, and safe practices.
Validity: Permits are valid until December 31st of the year they are issued ⁹.
Federal Permit: For issues involving migratory birds (like removing a nest), a separate federal permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is necessary in addition to the state NWDC permit ³ ¹².

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What to Expect from Professional Wildlife Removal Services

Hiring a professional is often the safest and most efficient solution. A reputable Kansas wildlife control operator will typically follow a multi-step process:

Inspection and Assessment: The professional will identify the animal species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the damage and contamination.
Legal Compliance: They should possess a valid KDWP NWDC permit and any necessary federal permits, ensuring the removal is conducted legally.
Humane Removal & Exclusion: The primary goal is not just to trap the animal but to remove it and then permanently seal entry points (exclusion) to prevent recurrence. This is more effective and humane than repeated trapping.
Cleanup and Sanitation: Wildlife leaves behind droppings, urine, and nesting materials that can pose health risks and attract new pests. Professional cleanup and decontamination are crucial final steps.
Repairs: They may offer or recommend repairs to damaged siding, vents, roof soffits, or insulation.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Kansas

Costs for animal removal and control vary widely based on the species, the severity of the infestation, the location of the animal, and the methods required. Below is a general overview of potential costs to help you budget, though you should always get detailed quotes from local providers ¹¹ ¹³ ¹⁴.

Service Element	Typical Cost Range (Costs vary by provider and situation)
Initial Inspection/Service Call	$75 - $150+
Trapping (per animal or per week)	$100 - $300+
Exclusion/Proofing (sealing entry points)	$200 - $1,000+ (depending on complexity)
Euthanization/Disposal	Often included in removal fee or $25 - $50 per animal
Cleanup/Decontamination	$200 - $500+
Attic Restoration/Insulation Replacement	$1,000 - $2,500+ (for severe cases)

Preventing Wildlife Conflicts on Your Property

The best strategy is to make your property less attractive to wildlife in the first place. Key prevention tips include:

Secure Food Sources: Keep pet food indoors, use secure lids on garbage cans, and clean up fallen birdseed or fruit from trees.
Eliminate Shelter: Seal off crawlspace openings, repair broken vent screens, and cap chimneys with appropriate covers.
Manage Habitat: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof, keep woodpiles away from your home's foundation, and reduce dense vegetation.
Regular Maintenance: Conduct seasonal checks of your home's exterior for new gaps, holes, or signs of animal activity.

Finding Qualified Help in Kansas

When searching for assistance, prioritize companies that:

Can provide their KDWP Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control permit number.
Offer comprehensive solutions (inspection, removal, exclusion, cleanup).
Are insured and provide warranties on their exclusion work.
Have positive reviews and references from local customers.

For a list of permitted individuals or general guidance, you can contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks directly ².

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Nuisance Wildlife Policy | City of Olathe - https://www.olatheks.gov/government/animal-care-control/nuisance-wildlife-policy ↩ ↩²
Nuisance Wildlife - City of Overland Park, Kansas - https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/animals-pets/nuisance-wildlife/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
WILDLIFE DAMAGE CONTROL TRAINING MATERIALS - https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/doc/wildlifemanualfull.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
Education, Exhibition, Collection, and Salvage Permits - KDWP - https://ksoutdoors.gov/Services/Education-Exhibition-Collection-and-Salvage-Permits ↩ ↩² ↩³
Animal Damage Control - Hunting Regulations - KDWP - https://ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Furbearers/Animal-Damage-Control ↩ ↩²
Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species Statewide - https://ksoutdoors.gov/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife/Kansas-Threatened-and-Endangered-Species-Statewide ↩
Federal Threatened and Endangered Species in Kansas - https://ksoutdoors.gov/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife/Federal-Threatened-and-Endangered-Species-in-Kansas ↩
Threatened and Endangered Species Action Permit - KDWP - https://ksoutdoors.gov/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife/Threatened-and-Endangered-Species-Action-Permit ↩
Wildlife Damage Control / Services / KDWP - https://ksoutdoors.gov/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
Kan. Admin. Regs. § 115-16-5 - Wildlife control permit - https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/kansas/K-A-R-115-16-5 ↩
NUISANCE WILDLIFE DAMAGE CONTROL TRAINING ... - https://ksoutdoors.gov/content/download/28220/197799/version/4/file/NWDC+Training+Materials.pdf ↩ ↩²
32-941 - Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes - https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch32/032_009_0041.html ↩
Kansas Wildlife Animal Control - http://www.wildlifeanimalcontrol.com/kansas.html ↩
Frequently Asked Questions | Nuisance Animal Removal - https://www.wildliferemovalma.com/animal-removal-faqs ↩

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