What should I do if I find a wild animal inside my house?

Remain calm, isolate the animal by closing doors to contain it in one room if possible, and ensure people and pets keep their distance. Then, contact a licensed wildlife removal professional for safe extraction. If the animal is injured, sick, or acting strangely, you can also call the Bridgewater Animal Control Officer via the Police Department .

Who handles a raccoon in my attic or squirrels in my chimney?

For these general nuisance situations involving healthy animals, you need to contact a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO). Bridgewater Animal Control typically does not handle the removal of healthy nuisance wildlife from attics, chimneys, or other parts of a dwelling .

Is it legal for me to trap and relocate a raccoon or skunk in New Jersey?

The rules are restrictive. While homeowners can trap some animals causing damage on their own property, the relocation of many species, including raccoons and skunks, often requires a permit and is best left to professionals. Improper relocation can be illegal, may orphan young, and often simply moves the problem to another property .

What are the most effective ways to keep wildlife out of my yard?

Focus on eliminating food, water, and shelter. Use animal-proof trash containers, pick up fallen fruit, secure pet food, seal off crawl spaces and gaps under decks, and keep bird feeders away from the house. Installing a fence can also deter larger animals like groundhogs .

How much does bat removal typically cost in Bridgewater?

Bat exclusion is a specialized service due to their protected status and small entry points. The process involves installing one-way exits and sealing all potential gaps. Costs for this complex work typically range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the size of the colony and the accessibility of the roost area .

What's the difference between a pest control company and a wildlife control operator?

While some companies do both, a Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) is specifically licensed and trained to handle wild mammals and birds according to state laws. They specialize in humane trapping, exclusion techniques, and understanding animal behavior, whereas general pest control often focuses on insects and rodents with chemical treatments.

Who do I call if I see a coyote in my neighborhood?

For coyotes that are not posing an immediate threat but are a concern, you can contact a wildlife control specialist who handles coyote issues. For an immediate threat or an injured animal, contact local animal control or police. Management often involves public education on securing attractants, as removal is complex and regulated .

Pest Control in Bridgewater, NJ,

When raccoons rummage through your trash or squirrels take up residence in your attic, it's more than just a nuisance-it can pose risks to your property and health. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally evicting wild animals from homes and businesses, followed by securing the property to prevent their return. In Bridgewater, navigating encounters with local fauna requires an understanding of New Jersey's specific regulations and the roles of different professionals. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in the area, outlines your options for animal control, and provides a framework for finding qualified local specialists to resolve your situation effectively.

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

Recon Pest Control Inc

79 Escanaba Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308

Recon Pest Control Inc is a family-owned pest control company based in Staten Island, serving New York, NY, and nearby New Jersey. They offer a wide range of pest management services including bed bug extermination, termite control, rodent removal, mosquito reduction, bee and wasp removal, and wildlife relocation. The company also provides specialized solutions like the SolaTrim Pest Abatement Barrier to protect solar panels from pigeons and rodents. Recon Pest Control partners with Dad and Daughters Home Inspection, LLC to offer comprehensive home inspections and related services.

5.0

359 Reviews

Uma Pest Control

200 W Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065

Uma Pest Control offers a range of pest management services in New York, NY, including bed bug treatment, termite inspections, mosquito control, rodent removal, and bird control. They provide commercial, residential, and industrial pest control using green botanical products when preferred. Uma Pest Control is known for its one-day bed bug treatment that combines freeze, heat, and steam methods in a single visit, avoiding multiple follow-ups common with other providers. Their services also cover insect repellents, exclusion work, and wildlife removal for animals like bats and raccoons. The company operates from Rahway, NJ, and has been maintaining pest control services for several years.

5.0

153 Reviews

All Platinum Termite & Pest Control

266 Wild Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314

All Platinum Termite & Pest Control is a family-owned and operated pest control company serving New York, NY, and the surrounding New Jersey area. They provide a wide range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, termite inspections, rodent and wildlife removal, mosquito control, and bird and bee removal for both residential and commercial clients. The company uses low-toxic, organic, and environmentally friendly products in compliance with state and federal regulations. With over 25 years of experience, All Platinum Termite & Pest Control is fully licensed and insured, offering 24/7 availability including same-day service.

4.9

1.3k 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

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Bridgewater

Bridgewater's mix of suburban neighborhoods, wooded areas, and open spaces creates ideal habitats for many wild animals that can become problematic for residents. Knowing which species you're dealing with is the first step toward a solution.

Mammals: The most frequent offenders include raccoons, which are adept at opening trash cans and entering attics. Squirrels, both gray and red, commonly chew entry points into eaves and soffits. You may also encounter opossums, skunks, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs (woodchucks), bats, mice, and rats ¹ ². Each species requires a different removal and exclusion strategy.

Birds: Bird infestations often involve species like starlings, sparrows, and pigeons (rock doves), which nest in vents, chimneys, and under eaves. Woodpeckers can cause significant damage by drilling into siding. It's important to check state and federal regulations, as many birds are protected by law, requiring specific handling techniques ¹ ³.

Understanding New Jersey Wildlife Regulations

Attempting to handle a wildlife problem without knowing the law can lead to fines and ineffective results. New Jersey has clear guidelines governing the trapping, relocation, and handling of wild animals.

The Role of Animal Control: In Bridgewater, the Animal Control Officer (ACO), typically contacted through the Police Department, has a specific mandate. They primarily respond to situations involving injured, sick, or potentially rabid animals inside a home's living spaces. For general nuisance issues-like a healthy raccoon in the attic or squirrels in the chimney-homeowners are usually directed to contact a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) ⁴ ⁵ ⁶.

Trapping and Relocation Rules: Homeowners have limited rights to control damage on their own property. However, the relocation of most adult nuisance wildlife, such as raccoons or skunks, often requires permits or must be handled by a professional. This is partly to prevent orphaning young animals that may be hidden in a den. New Jersey's official relocation policy states that if an animal cannot be released on-site, euthanasia may be the only legal option in many cases ¹ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹. Never handle a wild animal directly, as they can bite and transmit diseases like rabies.

Your Options for Wildlife Management

You have a spectrum of choices when dealing with unwelcome wildlife, from preventive measures you can take yourself to hiring a specialist for complex removals.

Do-It-Yourself Prevention and Deterrence

For minor issues or as a preventive measure, habitat modification is your first and best line of defense.

Secure Attractants: Use animal-proof trash cans with locking lids, clean up fallen fruit and nuts from yards, and keep compost piles securely covered ¹ ¹⁰.
Exclusion: Seal potential entry points before animals get in. This includes gaps in foundations, vents, roof intersections, and chimneys using materials like wire mesh or chimney caps. Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline ¹ ¹⁰.
Deterrents: For some animals, commercially available repellents or scare devices (like motion-activated lights or sprinklers) can be effective, though their success varies by species and situation.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

If an animal is already inside your home, causing significant damage, or poses a safety risk, it's time to call a licensed Wildlife Control Operator. These specialists are trained in safe trapping, humane handling, and, most importantly, permanent exclusion.

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What a Professional Service Does: A comprehensive service involves inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup. The technician will identify all active entry points, use appropriate traps or one-way doors to remove animals, then permanently seal those entries with durable materials. They may also decontaminate areas soiled by droppings or urine. For protected species like bats, they must follow strict protocols, often only performing exclusion work during legally permitted seasons.

Expected Cost Ranges: Pricing depends heavily on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the complexity of the exclusion work needed.

Inspection/Consultation: Typically ranges from $100 to $250 ¹ ¹¹.
Squirrel, Rat, or Mouse Removal: Including trapping and sealing entry points, costs generally range from $300 to over $800 ¹ ¹².
Raccoon, Opossum, or Skunk Removal: These larger animals often require more complex strategies and multiple visits. Trap-and-release services typically range from $400 to $1,000 or more ¹ ⁴.
Bat or Bird Exclusion: This is specialized work that can be quite complex. Sealing all potential entry points for bats or installing bird netting/spikes usually costs between $500 and $2,000+ ¹ ¹¹.
Coyote or Fox Management: These situations often require special permits and specialist intervention, leading to higher costs, as they may involve trapping and potentially euthanasia or regulated relocation ¹ ¹².

Choosing the Right Wildlife Control Operator in Bridgewater

Not all pest control companies are licensed for wildlife work. When searching for help, look for a provider that specifically advertises nuisance wildlife control or is a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO). They should be fully insured and willing to explain their methods, guarantees, and how they comply with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Fish & Wildlife regulations. A reputable operator will emphasize permanent exclusion over simple trapping and will have a process for checking for and reuniting young animals when possible.

For regulatory questions or particularly complex cases, you can also contact the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife for guidance ¹³. Remember, the goal is not just to remove the animal but to solve the problem permanently by making your property inaccessible.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

NJ Wildlife Relocation Policy - NJ.gov - https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/relocation_policy.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰
Bridgewater Wildlife Control / New Jersey Animal Removal - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/city/NJ-Bridgewater.htm ↩
N.J. Admin. Code § 7:25-5.22 - Wild animals; possession, killing - https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-7-25-5-22 ↩
Nuisance Wildlife Removal & Control Specialists | NJ Pest - https://4njpest.com/nuisance-wildlife-removal-control-specialists/ ↩ ↩²
Veterinary Public Health | Animal Control - NJ.gov - https://www.nj.gov/health/vph/animal-control ↩
Animal Control Officer | Bridgewater Police - https://www.bridgewaterpd.com/aco ↩
Need Wildlife Help? New Jersey Nuisance Wildlife Animals - https://4njpest.com/help-new-jersey-nuisance-wildlife-animals/ ↩
Wildlife Relocation Policy - https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/wildlife-relocation-policy.pdf ↩
NJ Wildlife Relocation Policy - https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/relocation_policy.pdf ↩
I have nuisance wildlife in my home/yard. What should I do? - https://www.ewingnj.org/documents/files/file/Health/Animal%20Control/Nuisance%20wildlife.pdf ↩ ↩²
Nuisance Wildlife Control Services - https://4njpest.com/nuisance-wildlife-control/ ↩ ↩²
List Of Nuisance Animals And Their Wildlife Management - https://4njpest.com/list-of-nuisance-animals-and-their-wildlife-management/ ↩ ↩²
Animal Control FAQ - SouthBrunswick - https://southbrunswicknj.gov/public-works-home/animal-control/animal-control-faq/ ↩

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