Top Wildlife Removal 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.

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 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 2 3}

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. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

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. ¹ For any situation requiring trapping and removal, you must contact a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). ^{4 6}

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. ^{1 4 8 9 10}

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. ^{1 5 8 11}

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. ¹²
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. ¹²
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. ^{8 9 11}

Frequently asked questions

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