What should I do if I hear scratching in my attic?

First, try to identify if the sound is consistent (like squirrels during the day) or nocturnal (like raccoons). Then, contact a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator for an inspection. Do not attempt to seal the entry hole while animals are still inside.

Is it legal for me to trap and relocate a raccoon in my yard?

No. In New Jersey, it is generally illegal for private citizens to live-trap and relocate most wildlife off their property. This practice requires a permit and is restricted due to animal welfare and ecological concerns .

Who do I call for a sick or injured wild animal in Monroe?

For an animal that appears sick (e.g., displaying signs of rabies like disorientation or aggression) and poses an immediate threat, contact Monroe Township Animal Control . For injured wildlife that is not a threat, you can seek guidance from a local wildlife rehabilitator or the NJDEP.

What's the difference between animal control and a wildlife removal company?

Municipal animal control primarily handles domestic animals (dogs/cats) and urgent public safety threats from wildlife. A licensed wildlife removal company (NWCO) specializes in resolving conflicts with wild animals through inspection, humane removal, and permanent exclusion for your home.

Will the animals be killed?

Not necessarily. Professionals follow state regulations, which prioritize humane solutions. Whenever possible, they use methods that allow for legal release. However, for certain species, in specific situations, or if an animal is diseased, euthanasia may be the only legal or humane option .

How can I stop skunks from digging up my lawn?

Skunks often dig for grubs. Treating your lawn for grubs can remove the food source. Also, ensure trash is secured and seal off access to spaces under decks or sheds where they may den.

Does homeowners insurance cover wildlife removal or damage?

It depends on your specific policy. Damage caused suddenly (like a raccoon breaking a window) may be covered, while damage from a long-term infestation (like squirrels gnawing wires) often is not. Always check with your insurance provider and address wildlife issues promptly to minimize damage.

Pest Control in Monroe, NJ,

Discovering an uninvited animal in your home or yard can be unsettling. Wildlife removal is the professional service dedicated to safely and legally resolving conflicts with nuisance animals, from squirrels in the attic to raccoons in the trash. This process is crucial not only for protecting your property from damage but also for ensuring the humane and lawful treatment of wildlife, which is strictly regulated in New Jersey. For Monroe residents, understanding your options for animal control and exclusion can help you quickly connect with the right local experts to restore peace and safety to your property.

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

800-Raccoon Pest & Wildlife Control

32-07 Astoria Blvd N, Astoria, NY 11102

800-Raccoon Pest & Wildlife Control is a family-owned pest control company serving New York, NY, with over 45 years of experience. They offer comprehensive pest management services including rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, and humane wildlife removal for both residential and commercial properties. Their approach covers all aspects of pest prevention and treatment to protect homes and businesses effectively. The company emphasizes a thorough, multi-step process to ensure complete pest protection and peace of mind for their clients.

5.0

181 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

Horizon Pest Control

45 Cross Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432

Horizon Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving New York, NY, and New Jersey. Established in 1970, they provide residential and commercial pest management services including bed bug treatment, ant control, rodent removal, termite inspections, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. Their licensed technicians use advanced, EPA-approved products to ensure safe and effective pest control. Horizon Pest Control offers comprehensive protection plans covering over 40 common pests and guarantees follow-up service if pests return. They serve multiple counties in New Jersey and New York, including Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

4.9

3.1k Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Monroe

Monroe Township's mix of residential neighborhoods, wooded areas, and open spaces creates an ideal habitat for several species that can become problematic for homeowners. Knowing which animals are most likely to cause issues is the first step in addressing a wildlife problem.

Mammals:

Squirrels: These agile climbers are frequent attic invaders, seeking shelter for nesting. They can also raid bird feeders and gnaw on electrical wires, creating fire hazards ¹ ².
Raccoons: Notorious for tipping over trash cans, raccoons are strong, intelligent animals that can tear through roof vents or soffits to access attics or chimneys ¹ ².
Skunks & Groundhogs (Woodchucks): These burrowing animals can undermine foundations, decks, and sheds. Skunks pose the added risk of their infamous defensive spray, while groundhogs can decimate gardens ¹ ².
Opossums, Foxes, and Coyotes: While often more secretive, these animals can prey on small pets, rummage through garbage, or den under porches, leading to conflicts ² ³.

Birds: Various bird species, including starlings, sparrows, and pigeons, may nest in attic vents, chimneys, or eaves. Their nests can block ventilation, and accumulated droppings pose health risks and can damage structures ¹ ³.

What Monroe Residents Can Do: Prevention First

The most effective and least costly approach to wildlife management is preventing animals from being attracted to your property in the first place. Proactive habitat modification is something every homeowner can undertake.

Remove Food Sources: Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords. Clean up fallen fruit, nuts, and birdseed regularly. Manage compost piles carefully, as they can attract rodents and larger scavengers ¹ ⁴.
Seal Entry Points: Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior. Cap chimneys with approved wildlife guards, seal gaps in foundations, and repair holes in siding, rooflines, and fences. Remember, a gap as small as an inch can admit a mouse or squirrel ¹ ⁴.
Modify Habitat: Reduce clutter like woodpiles, dense brush, and unused equipment near your home's foundation. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to limit access for climbing animals ⁴.

These steps form the foundation of integrated pest management for wildlife, making your property less inviting and reducing the likelihood of an infestation.

Understanding New Jersey's Wildlife Regulations

Attempting to handle a wild animal yourself can be dangerous and, in many cases, illegal. New Jersey has specific laws designed to protect both wildlife and the public, which drastically limit what a homeowner can do.

A Critical Restriction: Relocation is Largely Illegal One of the most important rules to know is that you generally cannot live-trap and relocate nuisance wildlife off your property in New Jersey ¹ ⁵ ⁶. Relocating animals can spread disease, disrupt existing animal populations, and simply transfer the problem to someone else. The state's official policy strongly discourages relocation due to these animal welfare and ecological concerns ¹ ⁶.

Property Owners' Rights and Professional Permits State regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.21) do allow property owners to control damage from certain animals using lawful means ¹ ⁵. However, it is illegal to possess or transport wildlife without the proper permits. Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) carry these permits, which is why their services are almost always required for trapping and handling. In cases where release is not feasible or would cause undue suffering, euthanasia by a licensed professional may be the most humane outcome ¹ ⁷ ⁶.

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When and Who to Call for Help in Monroe

Determining the correct agency or professional to contact saves time and ensures the situation is handled appropriately.

Contact Monroe Township Animal Control For:

Stray or lost domestic animals like dogs and cats.
Immediate public health or safety threats, such as a visibly sick or potentially rabid animal ⁸ ⁹. Municipal animal control typically does not handle wild animals like raccoons or squirrels that are not an immediate threat ¹⁰.

Contact a Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) For:

Persistent infestations inside the home (e.g., sounds in walls or attic).
The need for humane trapping, exclusion, or removal of mammals.
When an animal is causing significant property damage ¹ ¹¹ ⁷. NWCOs are private, state-licensed professionals trained in safe, legal, and effective wildlife conflict resolution.

Contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) / Fish & Wildlife For:

Guidance on state regulations and protected species.
Questions about what is legally permissible for a homeowner to do ¹ ¹¹.

The key takeaway is that for wildlife inside your home or causing ongoing damage, a licensed NWCO or state guidance is your best path forward. DIY removal often leads to repeated infestations, legal trouble, or personal injury ¹ ¹¹ ⁷ ¹⁰.

What to Expect from Professional Wildlife Removal Services

Engaging a professional brings a systematic approach to resolving your wildlife issue safely and permanently.

Inspection and Assessment: A technician will identify the animal species, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation and any damage ¹.
Humane Removal: Using methods appropriate to the species and situation, the professional will remove the animals in compliance with NJ law. This may involve one-way exclusion doors, live trapping (for later legal release or euthanasia), or other techniques ¹ ⁷.
Exclusion and Repair: The most critical step is preventing re-entry. The service will seal all identified access points with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or professional-grade sealants ¹ ⁷.
Cleanup and Sanitation (if needed): For attic or wall infestations, professionals may offer cleanup services to remove contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials, which helps eliminate odors and health risks ³.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Monroe

The cost for animal control services varies based on the species, the extent of the infestation, and the repairs required. The following are general estimates to help Monroe residents budget for these services ¹ ³ ¹².

Initial Inspection/Call-Out Fee: Typically ranges from $100 to $250+. This fee is often applied toward the total service cost.
Squirrel or Raccoon Removal: Comprehensive service including trapping and permanent exclusion (sealing entry points) often falls between $400 and $1,000+.
Bird Removal and Exclusion: Can be more complex, especially if nests and droppings need remediation. Costs frequently range from $500 to $2,000+.
Groundhog/Woodchuck Removal: Generally costs between $200 and $500+, depending on the number of animals and burrow locations.

Investing in professional exclusion is cost-effective in the long run, as it solves the root of the problem, preventing costly recurring visits and property damage.

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 ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷
List Of Nuisance Animals And Their Wildlife Management - https://4njpest.com/list-of-nuisance-animals-and-their-wildlife-management/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
New Jersey Wildlife Control & Animal Removal Business - https://pro-animal-control.com/new-jersey-wildlife-removal/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
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 ↩³
Need Wildlife Help? New Jersey Nuisance Wildlife Animals - https://4njpest.com/help-new-jersey-nuisance-wildlife-animals/ ↩ ↩²
Wildlife Relocation Policy - https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/wildlife-relocation-policy.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³
Nuisance Wildlife Removal - Turner Pest Control - https://www.turnerpest.com/nuisance-wildlife-removal/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
ordinance 0:17-2023 - entitled "animal control" - Monroe Township - https://monroetownshipnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/O_17-2023-3.pdf ↩
Animal Control - https://www.monroetwp.com/index.php/animal-control ↩
Municipal Animal Control in NJ-Best Practices - http://www.njcacoa.org/Municipal_Animal_Control_in_NJ_Best_Practices.html ↩ ↩²
Remove Or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species/remove-take-legally ↩ ↩² ↩³
How Much Does Animal in Attic Removal Cost? - https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/much-does-animal-attic-removal-111955331.html ↩

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