Best Wildlife Removal in New Jersey Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, under your deck, or rummaging through your trash can be unsettling. Wildlife removal in New Jersey involves the safe, legal, and humane management of nuisance animals that have entered human spaces. This service 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. Whether you're dealing with a raccoon family in the chimney or groundhogs undermining your shed, understanding your options and local regulations is the first step to resolving the issue. This guide will help you navigate the process, from identifying common pests to knowing when to call a professional.

Universal Pest Control

118 Locust St, Roselle, NJ 07203

Universal Pest Control is a family owned and operated pest control company serving Newark, NJ, and the surrounding Union County area. They offer a wide range of pest management services including cockroach, ant, termite, bee and wasp removal, as well as wildlife control. Their licensed and trained technicians use up-to-date methods to address pest infestations safely and effectively. With years of experience, Universal Pest Control provides free consultations and estimates to help customers find tailored solutions for their pest issues.

5.0

393 Reviews

Superb Pest Control

20 Commerce Dr, Cranford, NJ 07016

Superb Pest Control provides comprehensive pest control and extermination services in Newark, NJ, and surrounding areas including Woodbridge, Cranford, Clark, Westfield, Scotch Plains, and Springfield. They specialize in managing a wide range of pests such as bed bugs, rodents, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, birds, and wildlife. Their approach includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to inspect, identify, and treat infestations in an environmentally responsible way. The company also offers a specialized six-month plan for controlling lanternfly infestations without harming vegetation or wildlife. Superb Pest Control serves both residential and commercial clients, including homes, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities.

5.0

117 Reviews

Exto Pest Control LLC

212 Continental Pl, Staten Island, NY 10303

Exto Pest Control LLC offers comprehensive pest management services in Jersey City, NJ. They handle a wide range of pest issues including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, bees, wasps, birds, and wildlife. Their services cover both residential and commercial properties, providing customized solutions to meet specific needs. Exto Pest Control is known for advanced termite detection and treatment, as well as humane wildlife removal. The company emphasizes eco-friendly practices and personalized service, with a team of certified professionals dedicated to effective pest problem resolution. They provide prompt responses and have a reputation for thorough inspections and detailed treatment plans.

4.9

149 Reviews

Pests Be Gone Pest Control

41-11 223rd St, Bayside, NY 11361

Pests Be Gone Pest Control is a family-owned and operated pest control company serving Jersey City, NJ, and the greater New York City area, including all five boroughs and Long Island. With over 20 years of experience, they provide residential and commercial pest control services, including bed bug treatment, rodent and ant control, termite inspections, and humane wildlife removal. Their team offers comprehensive pest management solutions backed by a 100% pest elimination policy and a six-month guarantee. Pests Be Gone also provides preventative maintenance and emergency services to help keep properties pest-free.

5.0

66 Reviews

Advance Pest Solutions Inc.

132-26 157th St, Jamaica, NY 11434

Advance Pest Solutions Inc. offers pest control and exclusion services in Jersey City, NJ, and the surrounding New York City and Long Island areas. They provide residential and commercial pest management solutions targeting ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Their services include pest extermination and exclusion techniques to prevent future infestations, with a focus on environmentally friendly and natural products. The company employs certified technicians and uses integrated pest management strategies to address pest problems effectively.

5.0

66 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in New Jersey

New Jersey's diverse landscapes, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods, provide ideal habitats for a variety of wildlife. When these animals seek food, shelter, or nesting sites, they often come into conflict with homeowners. Knowing which species are most likely to cause problems can help with identification and response.

• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons are notorious for tipping over garbage cans, raiding pet food, and taking up residence in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. They can cause significant structural damage and pose a rabies risk¹.
• Squirrels: Both gray and flying squirrels commonly enter homes through small gaps in rooflines or vents. Once inside, they can chew on electrical wiring (a serious fire hazard), insulation, and wooden beams.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defensive spray, skunks often burrow under porches, decks, and sheds. The primary concerns are the lingering odor and the potential for them to dig up lawns in search of grubs.
• Groundhogs (Woodchucks): These large rodents are powerful diggers. Their extensive burrow systems can undermine foundations, sidewalks, and retaining walls, leading to costly structural damage.
• Opossums: Generally less destructive, opossums are scavengers that may take shelter under decks or in low crawl spaces. They can help control ticks and other pests but may still be considered a nuisance.
• Bats: Several bat species in New Jersey are protected due to their ecological role and declining populations. A colony in an attic requires careful, legal handling by a licensed professional, as they cannot be disturbed during maternity season (typically May-August)^{1 2}.
• Coyotes & Foxes: While less likely to enter homes, these predators can threaten small pets and livestock. They are often drawn to neighborhoods by accessible food sources like unsecured trash or pet food left outdoors.

New Jersey's Wildlife Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know

Before taking action, it's essential to understand the legal framework governing wildlife control in the state. New Jersey has specific rules designed to balance humane treatment with effective nuisance control³.

For Property Owners: Homeowners and businesses have the right to manage nuisance wildlife causing damage to their property. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife encourages habitat modification and exclusion as the first and most effective line of defense^{1 3}. This means making your property less attractive by securing food sources and sealing potential entry points.

Key Rules on Relocation and Euthanasia:

• Relocation: If you trap an animal, you cannot simply release it in a park or wooded area. State policy requires that young animals be located and released with their adults. If relocation is attempted, animals must be released on suitable habitat within the same municipality or adjacent township, provided you have the landowner's permission³. For sick, injured, or orphaned animals, you must contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Euthanasia: This is considered a last resort if relocation fails or is not feasible, and it must be performed humanely³.

Permit Requirements:

• Possession: A permit is generally required to possess any wild animal in New Jersey⁴. This includes common nuisance species like raccoons. It is illegal to keep them as pets without proper authorization.
• Protected Species: Endangered and threatened species, such as certain bats and bobcats, are strictly protected and require special permits for any interaction^{1 5}.
• Exotic Animals: Owning non-indigenous animals (e.g., hedgehogs, certain snakes like boa constrictors) also requires a Captive Game Species permit from the NJDEP^{4 5}.

Given these complexities, many residents find that hiring a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) is the most practical and legally compliant solution for anything beyond simple prevention.

The Wildlife Removal Process: Assessment to Exclusion

A professional and effective wildlife removal job is more than just trapping an animal; it's a multi-step process focused on long-term resolution.

1. Inspection and Assessment: A thorough inspection is the critical first step. A trained professional will identify the species involved, locate all entry and exit points, assess the extent of the infestation, and look for damage. This service typically costs between $100 and $250+⁶.
2. Humane Removal: The appropriate removal method is chosen based on the species and situation. This may involve live trapping, one-way exclusion doors, or hands-on removal for young or trapped animals. Removal and relocation fees can range from $150 to $400+ per animal, often including an initial setup fee⁶.
3. Clean-up and Sanitation: After removal, the affected area must be cleaned. Droppings, urine, and nesting materials can harbor parasites and pathogens like histoplasmosis (from bat guano) or leptospirosis. Professional decontamination is highly recommended for health safety.
4. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most important step to prevent recurrence. All identified entry points are permanently sealed with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or chimney caps. Exclusion work varies in complexity and cost, generally ranging from $200 to $600+⁶. For specialized jobs like bat exclusion or bird proofing, costs can be higher, from $400 to $1,000+⁶.
5. Restoration: Finally, any damage caused by the animals-such as chewed wires, torn insulation, or soiled ductwork-is repaired to restore the safety and integrity of your home.

Cost Factors for Wildlife Control in New Jersey

The total cost for wildlife removal is not a flat fee and depends on several variables. Understanding these can help you interpret estimates from professionals.

• Type of Animal: Larger animals or those requiring specialized techniques (like bats or birds) are more expensive to remove than a squirrel or mouse.
• Extent of Infestation: A single animal is less costly to remove than an entire family or colony.
• Location of the Problem: Animals in hard-to-reach areas like high attics, inside walls, or under concrete slabs require more labor and time.
• Amount of Damage: Significant damage requiring repair (e.g., replacing insulation, repairing chewed electrical lines) will add to the overall cost.
• Service Provider: Prices can vary between companies based on experience, licensing, insurance, and the comprehensiveness of their service (e.g., whether they include clean-up and minor repairs).

As a general guide, homeowners in New Jersey can expect total costs for a complete wildlife removal job-including inspection, removal, exclusion, and basic clean-up-to often fall between $200 and $500+, with more complex situations exceeding this range^{1 6}.

DIY Prevention: Making Your Property Less Inviting

The best wildlife control is prevention. By proactively managing your property, you can avoid most conflicts.

• Secure Food Sources: Use locking lids on garbage cans, store pet food indoors, and clean barbecue grills after use. Consider bringing bird feeders in at night.
• Seal Entry Points: Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior. Seal cracks in the foundation, install chimney caps, and cover attic vents with sturdy, animal-proof screening.
• Modify Habitat: Keep tree branches trimmed back from your roof. Store firewood away from the house and elevated off the ground. Fill in or fence off areas under decks and porches.
• Eliminate Water: Fix leaky outdoor faucets and ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation to eliminate drinking sources.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While some minor issues can be handled with DIY exclusion, there are clear signs that it's time to call a licensed professional:

• You hear persistent scratching, scurrying, or vocal noises in walls, ceilings, or chimneys.
• You see signs of damage like chewed wood, torn insulation, or dug-up landscaping.
• You notice a strong, musky odor, which can indicate an animal has died inside a wall or attic.
• You encounter a wild animal inside your living space.
• You are dealing with a protected species (like bats) or an animal that could be rabid (like a raccoon acting strangely).
• DIY trapping efforts have been unsuccessful.

A licensed WCO has the expertise, tools, and legal knowledge to resolve the situation safely, humanely, and in full compliance with New Jersey state regulations^{1 7}.

Frequently asked questions

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