Top Wildlife Removal Companies in Hillsborough, New Jersey Ranked

Finding an unexpected animal in your attic, under your deck, or rummaging through your trash can be a startling experience. Wildlife removal is the professional service dedicated to safely and humanely resolving conflicts with nuisance animals on your property. In a community like Hillsborough, nestled in New Jersey's diverse ecosystems, understanding how to manage these encounters is crucial for protecting your home and respecting local wildlife laws. This guide will help you identify common problem species, know when to call for help, and understand the process for effective and legal animal control in our area.

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Hillsborough

Hillsborough's mix of suburban neighborhoods, wooded areas, and open spaces creates ideal habitats for various wildlife. While these animals are a natural part of our environment, they can become pests when they seek food and shelter in our homes and yards. The most frequently encountered species include:

• Squirrels: Often the culprits behind noises in attics or walls, they can chew wires, insulation, and structural wood. They are also attracted to bird feeders.
• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons are notorious for tipping over garbage cans and can tear through roof vents or soffits to access attics, where they create dens.
• Groundhogs (Woodchucks): These burrowing rodents can undermine foundations, sheds, and decks with their extensive tunnel systems, and they feast on garden vegetables.
• Opossums & Skunks: Typically seeking shelter under porches, decks, or sheds, these animals can become a nuisance and, in the case of skunks, create a potent odor problem.
• Rats & Mice: While often grouped with general pests, rodent infestations require specific exclusion and removal strategies to protect health and property.
• Coyotes & Foxes: Present in the area, they primarily pose a threat to small pets and livestock rather than home intrusion. ¹

Local ordinances, such as one recently passed to curb the feeding of wildlife-including vultures-highlight the community's active role in managing human-wildlife interactions. ²

What You Can (and Can't) Do: New Jersey Regulations

Before taking action, it's vital to understand New Jersey's wildlife laws. These regulations are designed to protect both residents and animals.

Actions Homeowners Can Take: The first and most effective line of defense is habitat modification. You are encouraged to:

• Secure trash in animal-proof containers with locking lids.
• Remove outdoor pet food, birdseed, and clean up fallen fruit or nuts.
• Seal potential entry points around your home's foundation, eaves, vents, and rooflines with sturdy materials like wire mesh or concrete.
• Trim back tree branches and dense vegetation from your house to reduce access and hiding spots.
• Install fencing around gardens to deter groundhogs and other herbivores. ³

Prohibited or Restricted Actions: Critically, it is illegal for individuals in New Jersey to trap and relocate most nuisance wildlife off their property without specific permits. The state's relocation policy is strict, as moving animals can spread disease and disrupt local ecosystems. For any situation requiring trapping and removal, you must contact a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). ⁴

When to Call Animal Control vs. a Wildlife Professional

Knowing which agency or professional to contact saves time and ensures the situation is handled correctly.

Contact Hillsborough Animal Control (via the Police or Health Department) if:

• An animal is visibly sick, injured, or acting strangely (e.g., disoriented, overly aggressive).
• An animal poses an immediate threat to human safety.
• You suspect an animal has rabies (excessive drooling, paralysis, aggression).
• There is a deceased animal on public property. ^{5 6}

Animal Control officers are trained to handle dangerous situations and public health risks.

Contact a Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) or the NJ DEP for:

• Healthy animals causing property damage or nuisance: This includes squirrels in the attic, raccoons in the chimney, groundhogs burrowing under a shed, or birds nesting in vents.
• Trapping and removal services: NWCOs are licensed by the state to legally live-trap and remove problem animals.
• Exclusion and repair work: The most permanent solution, which involves removing animals and then sealing entry points to prevent re-entry. ^{7 8}

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

Hiring a licensed NWCO ensures a safe, humane, and legal resolution. Here's what a typical service involves:

1. Inspection and Assessment: A professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the animal species, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the damage. This service often costs between $100 and $200.
2. Humane Removal: Using methods appropriate for the species, such as live traps or one-way exclusion doors, the operator will remove the animals. The cost for removal varies significantly by species and complexity, ranging from approximately $150-$300 for squirrels or rats to $200-$400 or more for raccoons or opossums. ⁹
3. Exclusion and Repair: This critical step prevents future problems. The professional will seal all identified entry points with durable materials. They may also recommend habitat modifications, like installing chimney caps or vent covers. This is an additional cost but is essential for a long-term solution.
4. Clean-up and Decontamination: For areas like attics where animals have nested, professionals can clean droppings, urine, and contaminated insulation to eliminate health hazards and odors.

Preventing Future Wildlife Conflicts

Once your property is secure, ongoing prevention is key. Continue practicing good habitat management: keep trash secured, avoid feeding wildlife directly or indirectly, and regularly inspect your home's exterior for new potential entry points. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Hillsborough Township website are excellent resources for current guidelines and local ordinances. ^{10 11 12}

Frequently asked questions

Sources