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

Remain calm. Isolate the animal by closing doors to contain it in one room, if possible. Open an exterior window or door to provide an escape route. Avoid direct contact and call a licensed wildlife removal specialist for safe extraction .

Does Edison Animal Control remove raccoons from my attic?

No. Edison Animal Control does not provide general wildlife trapping or removal from private structures. They respond primarily to calls about sick, injured, or aggressive animals on public property or in immediate distress. For attic invasions, you must contact a private, licensed wildlife control company .

Is it legal to trap and relocate a squirrel or groundhog myself in Edison?

No. New Jersey state law prohibits the unlicensed trapping and relocation of wildlife by homeowners. This policy helps prevent the spread of disease and avoids creating nuisance problems elsewhere. Relocation must be performed by a licensed professional .

How can I tell if I have wildlife in my attic?

Listen for sounds of movement (scurrying, scratching, thumping) at dawn and dusk. Look for visible entry holes on your roofline, torn insulation, droppings, or a strong, musky odor. Stains on ceilings or walls can also indicate an active entry point .

What's the most important thing to do after the animals are removed?

The single most important step is exclusion-permanently sealing all potential entry points. Without this, new animals will simply move into the now-vacant, attractive den. A professional service should always include this as part of their solution .

Are wildlife removal services safe for pets and children?

Reputable companies use methods that target specific nuisance animals. They will advise you on keeping pets and children indoors during active trapping if necessary and ensure that any cleaning agents or exclusion materials used are safe once the job is complete.

Pest Control in Edison, NJ,

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, walls, or yard can be unsettling. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally resolving conflicts with wild animals that have become a nuisance or a hazard to your property. In Edison, this is a critical service due to local wildlife populations and strict New Jersey regulations. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in Edison, what you can do yourself, when to call a professional, and how to navigate the process to protect your home and family.

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 Wildlife Intruders in Edison

Edison's mix of suburban neighborhoods, parks, and waterways creates an ideal habitat for various animals to seek food and shelter, often in our homes. Knowing which species are most likely to cause problems is the first step in identification and control.

Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are frequent culprits for attic invasions, where they create dens and cause significant damage with their droppings. They are also notorious for tipping over unsecured trash cans ¹ ².
Squirrels: Both gray and flying squirrels commonly chew their way into attics and eaves to nest. Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wiring, posing a serious fire hazard ³ ².
Groundhogs (Woodchucks): Primarily a yard nuisance, groundhogs dig extensive burrow systems under sheds, decks, and foundations, which can lead to structural instability and lawn damage ³ ¹.
Other Frequent Visitors: You may also encounter opossums, skunks, foxes, and increasingly, coyotes in the area. Bats can roost in attics or chimneys, and birds like Canada geese or chimney swifts can create messes and blockages ³ ¹ ².

What Homeowners Can Do: Safe & Legal DIY Steps

For minor issues or as a preventative measure, there are several effective, legal actions Edison residents can take. The core principles are exclusion and habitat modification.

Secure Your Property (Exclusion)

The most permanent solution is to prevent animals from getting in. This involves a thorough inspection of your home's exterior.

Seal cracks, holes, and gaps in foundations, siding, and rooflines with sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or metal flashing.
Install chimney caps and vent covers.
Repair damaged soffits, roof vents, and fascia boards ³ ⁴ ⁵.

Important Note: Never seal an entry point if you suspect an animal is still inside, as this can trap them, leading to odors, further damage, or inhumane deaths.

Remove Attractants (Habitat Modification)

Make your property less inviting by eliminating food sources and shelter.

Use animal-proof trash cans with locking lids and store them in a garage or shed until pickup day.
Clean up fallen fruit, nuts, and birdseed regularly.
Keep compost bins securely covered.
Remove wood piles, dense brush, and other clutter near your home's foundation ³ ⁴ ⁵.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Expert

While DIY methods are excellent for prevention, certain situations require the expertise of a licensed wildlife removal specialist. Edison's municipal animal control services are limited; they primarily handle sick, injured, or aggressive domestic animals and truly helpless wildlife, not general nuisance trapping or removal from structures ¹ ⁶.

You should contact a licensed professional for:

Animals Inside Living Spaces: If a raccoon, squirrel, or bat is in your kitchen, basement, or bedroom.
Signs of Infestation: Hearing noises (scratching, scurrying) in walls or attics, finding droppings, or noticing strong odors.
Suspected Disease Risk: Any animal acting strangely (potential rabies) or if you need to clean up large amounts of droppings (risk of histoplasmosis from bats or raccoons).
Failed DIY Efforts: If the animal returns after you've tried to exclude or deter it.
Complex Removal: When babies (young) are present, requiring careful relocation with the mother ³ ⁴ ⁷ ⁸ ¹.

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Understanding New Jersey's Wildlife Regulations

New Jersey has strict laws governing wildlife control to protect both animals and residents. Ignorance of these rules can lead to fines and unintended harm.

No DIY Relocation: It is illegal for homeowners to trap and relocate most wildlife in New Jersey. State law (NJAC 7:25-5.21) requires that trapping and relocation be conducted by licensed professionals. Relocating an animal can spread disease, strand dependent young, and simply move the problem to another neighborhood ³ ⁴ ⁹.
Humane Trapping Rules: If a licensed professional sets traps, they must be checked at least every 24 hours. It is prohibited to set a trap on a Friday afternoon and leave it unchecked until Monday morning ¹⁰.
Protected Species: Some animals, like certain birds and bats, have additional federal protections. A reputable specialist will know these laws and obtain necessary permits ⁷.

What to Expect from Professional Wildlife Control Services

A reputable wildlife control operator in Edison will typically follow a multi-step process that goes beyond simple trapping.

Inspection and Assessment: A thorough inspection to identify the animal species, entry points, and the extent of the infestation.
Humane Removal: Using appropriate, legal methods to remove the animal(s). This may involve one-way exclusion doors, hand-removal, or trapping, depending on the species and situation.
Exclusion and Repair: The most critical step-permanently sealing all identified entry points to prevent re-entry. This may also include repairing damage caused by the animals.
Cleanup and Sanitation: Removing contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials and applying disinfectants to mitigate health risks.
Prevention Advice: Providing recommendations for ongoing habitat modification to keep your property wildlife-free ⁴ ⁷ ⁸ ¹¹.

Cost Considerations for Wildlife Removal

The cost for professional animal removal in Edison varies significantly based on the species, the number of animals, the location of the problem, and the extent of repairs needed. It's always wise to obtain multiple detailed quotes.

Initial Inspection/Consultation: Often ranges from $100 to $300+.
Removal Services (per animal/job): Can cost between $200 and $600+.
Exclusion Work (sealing entry points): Typically ranges from $300 to over $1,000, depending on the complexity and materials.
Complete Projects (Removal + Exclusion + Cleanup): It's common for total costs to fall between $500 and $2,000 or more for comprehensive resolution ³ ⁴ ⁷ ⁸ ¹¹ ¹².

When evaluating quotes, ensure the company is licensed, insured, and provides a clear explanation of their methods, guarantees their exclusion work, and adheres to New Jersey's humane wildlife regulations ⁴ ⁷ ⁸ ¹¹.

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