What should I do if I find a sick or injured wild animal in my yard?

Do not approach or attempt to handle the animal. Contact Paterson Animal Control or the NJ DEP for guidance, as sick animals pose a significant health risk.

Is it legal to trap and relocate an animal myself in New Jersey?

The state strongly discourages DIY relocation due to animal welfare concerns, the spread of disease, and legal restrictions. Relocation has strict guidelines and is often not a permanent solution. It is best handled by a licensed professional.

A raccoon family is living under my deck. Will they leave on their own?

They might, especially as the young grow, but they are likely to return. The most effective solution is to wait until the young are mobile, then have a professional install a one-way exclusion door after the family leaves to forage, permanently sealing the entry afterward.

Why can't I just use poison to get rid of rodents like squirrels?

Poison is illegal and inhumane for most wildlife control situations. It causes slow, painful death and poses extreme risks to pets, children, and non-target animals. Poisoned animals often die in inaccessible wall voids, creating severe odor and insect problems.

How quickly can a wildlife control operator come out?

Many local services offer emergency or same-day inspections for urgent situations, such as an animal actively inside the living spaces of a home. For less critical issues, an appointment can typically be scheduled within a few days.

Are bats protected? What if I have bats in my attic?

Yes, many bat species in New Jersey are protected by state and federal law due to their ecological importance. It is illegal to harm them. Professional bat exclusion involves installing one-way devices at key exit points after the breeding season, allowing them to leave but not return, which is the only legal and effective removal method.

Pest Control in Paterson, NJ,

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, walls, or yard can be unsettling and potentially damaging. Wildlife removal is the professional service of safely and humanely addressing conflicts with nuisance animals on your property. It matters because improper handling can be dangerous, ineffective, and even illegal. This guide helps you understand the local wildlife challenges in Paterson and how to find qualified professionals to resolve them.

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

GoSafe Pest Control LLC

264-07 Langston Ave unit B, Glen Oaks, NY 11004

GoSafe Pest Control LLC is a locally owned pest control company serving New York, NY. They provide a range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, bee and wasp removal, bird and pigeon control, and wildlife removal. The company offers eco-friendly solutions tailored to client schedules, with options for weekly to seasonal visits.

5.0

213 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

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Paterson

Paterson's mix of urban and suburban landscapes, combined with its proximity to the Passaic River and natural areas, creates ideal habitats for several adaptable species. Knowing which animals you might encounter is the first step.

Squirrels: Often the culprits behind attic noises, squirrels can chew through wiring, insulation, and wood to create nests, posing a fire hazard and causing significant structural damage¹.
Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are notorious for tipping over trash cans and can tear through roof vents or soffits to access attics, where they leave behind hazardous waste² ³.
Skunks & Opossums: Frequently found under decks, sheds, or porches, these animals are attracted to accessible food sources. While opossums are generally less destructive, skunks can cause lingering odor issues² ⁴.
Bats: Small colonies may roost in attics or wall voids. Bat removal is highly specialized, as many species are protected by law, and their guano (droppings) can pose serious health risks through fungal spores⁴ ³.
Birds: Species like starlings, grackles, and pigeons can nest in vents, chimneys, and eaves, leading to clogged drainage systems, property damage from acidic droppings, and noise³.

Why Professional Animal Control is Essential

Attempting to handle a wildlife intrusion yourself is rarely advisable. Professional wildlife control operators (WCOs) are trained and licensed to manage these situations effectively and legally.

Safety & Disease: Wild animals can carry diseases transmissible to humans and pets, including rabies, leptospirosis, and histoplasmosis (from bat or bird droppings)² ⁵. Professionals have the protective gear and knowledge to minimize exposure risks.
Humane & Legal Compliance: New Jersey has specific regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife² ⁶. Professionals understand these laws, including protections for certain species, and employ humane capture and exclusion techniques.
Effective Solutions: DIY methods often address the symptom (the animal) but not the cause (the entry point). A professional provides complete wildlife exclusion, sealing entry points to prevent future re-infestation after the animals are removed⁷ ⁸.
Cleanup and Repair: Removal is only part of the job. Professionals can also sanitize affected areas, remove contaminated insulation, and repair damage caused by the animals, which is crucial for restoring your home's safety and integrity¹ ⁹.

What to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide for Paterson Homeowners

If you suspect wildlife is living in or around your home, follow this course of action.

Identify and Observe: Try to safely identify the animal and its entry/exit points without getting close. Note the time of day you hear noises, as this can help identify the species.
Remove Attractants: Immediately secure your property. Use animal-proof trash cans with locking lids, bring pet food indoors, clean up fallen fruit or birdseed, and secure compost bins⁶ ⁵. This is the first line of defense in nuisance wildlife management.
Contact the Right Authority:
- For lost domestic pets (dogs/cats) or an animal that is visibly sick or injured on public property, contact Paterson Animal Control through the Paterson Police Department¹⁰ ¹¹.
- For general guidance on state-regulated wildlife issues, you can contact the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Fish & Wildlife² ⁶.
- For active infestations in your home (e.g., squirrels in the attic, raccoons in the chimney, bats in walls), your next step is to contact a licensed professional wildlife removal service⁷ ¹².

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Understanding the Process and Cost of Animal Removal

A professional service typically follows a multi-step process: inspection, humane removal/exclusion, cleanup/decontamination, and repair. The cost for wildlife pest control in Paterson is not one-size-fits-all and depends heavily on the specifics of the job¹³ ¹⁴.

Factors influencing price include:

Species: The type of animal affects the techniques and equipment needed. For example, bat exclusion is a meticulous process that is typically more involved than trapping a groundhog⁹ ¹⁵.
Location and Accessibility: An animal in a hard-to-reach attic crawl space will take more time and labor to address than one under an easily accessible deck.
Extent of Infestation: Removing a single animal is different from evicting an entire family unit, which requires careful planning, especially if young are present² ¹.
Damage and Cleanup: The need for biohazard cleanup, odor removal, insulation replacement, and structural repairs will add to the overall cost¹ ¹³.

While prices vary greatly, simple trapping and removal jobs may start in the range of a few hundred dollars, while complex attic infestations requiring full exclusion, cleanup, and repairs can cost significantly more¹³ ¹⁴. Reputable companies will provide a detailed, written estimate after a thorough inspection.

Prevention: Keeping Wildlife Out for Good

The most effective and cost-efficient strategy is to make your property less inviting to wildlife in the first place. This involves habitat modification and exclusion⁷ ⁸.

Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in the roofline, loose vent covers, holes in siding, and spaces around utility lines and pipes. Seal these with durable materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or caulk⁵ ⁸.
Chimney and Vent Caps: Install professionally fitted chimney caps and vent covers to block common entryways for birds, squirrels, and raccoons.
Trim Vegetation: Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline to eliminate highways for squirrels and raccoons.
Secure Food and Water: As mentioned, this is critical. Never leave pet food outdoors overnight, and ensure bird feeders are placed away from the house or use designs less likely to spill seed on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Paterson Animal Attic, Wildlife Control in New Jersey - http://patersonanimalattic.com/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
NJ Wildlife Relocation Policy - NJ.gov - https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/relocation_policy.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶
List Of Nuisance Animals And Their Wildlife Management | NJ Pest ... - https://4njpest.com/list-of-nuisance-animals-and-their-wildlife-management/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Remove Or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species/remove-take-legally ↩ ↩²
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 ↩³
Nuisance Wildlife Removal & Control Specialists | NJ Pest - https://4njpest.com/nuisance-wildlife-removal-control-specialists/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Effective Wildlife Removal in New Jersey - Amco Pest Control - https://amcopest.com/news-and-updates/effective-wildlife-removal-in-new-jersey ↩ ↩² ↩³
Paterson Wildlife Removal, Pest Animal Control NJ - http://www.wildlife-removal.com/city/NJ-Paterson.htm ↩ ↩²
Veterinary Public Health | Animal Control - NJ.gov - https://www.nj.gov/health/vph/animal-control ↩
Animal Control / Paterson, New Jersey - Patersonnj.gov - https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/division.php?structureid=126 ↩
Paterson Wildlife Control / New Jersey Animal Removal - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/city/nj-paterson.htm ↩
Prices for Paterson Wildlife Pest Control Animal Trapping - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/Professional-TRAPPER/prices/NJ-Paterson-prices.htm ↩ ↩² ↩³
Uninvited Guests - Controlling Nuisance Animals - https://nj.cooperatornews.com/article/controlling-nuisance-animals ↩ ↩²
Wildlife Removal Services: Top 7 Proven Tips for 2024 - https://walthampestcontrol.com/wildlife-removal-services/ ↩

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