Top Wildlife Removal in Albuquerque, New Mexico Ranked

Living in Albuquerque means sharing our beautiful high desert landscape with a diverse array of native wildlife. While this is part of the area's charm, it can become a serious problem when animals like raccoons, squirrels, or rodents decide to move into your attic, garage, or walls. Professional wildlife removal and animal control services are essential for safely and humanely evicting these uninvited guests and, more importantly, preventing them from returning. This guide will help you understand the common nuisance species in Albuquerque, when to call for help, and how to find a qualified local expert to resolve your wildlife conflict.

Hadlow Pest Solutions Albuquerque

4501 Bogan Ave NE B6, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Hadlow Pest Solutions Albuquerque provides pest control services in Albuquerque, NM, and nearby areas including Rio Rancho. The company offers treatments for bed bugs, ants, rodents, wildlife removal, and weed control for both residential and commercial properties. Led by Associate Certified Entomologist Leverett Hadlow, the team applies science-based methods and customized solutions to address pest issues and help prevent future infestations.

5.0

247 Reviews

Gopher Guys, LLC

albuquerque

Gopher Guys, LLC is a pest control company based in Albuquerque, NM, specializing in rodent control and wildlife removal. They focus on managing gopher populations, which are known for causing significant damage to landscapes, lawns, agriculture, and irrigation systems. Their services help prevent soil erosion and protect structures from damage caused by gopher tunnels. Gopher Guys, LLC addresses the safety hazards and disease risks associated with gophers and other rodents.

5.0

229 Reviews

Bosque Pest Control

albuquerque

Bosque Pest Control is a pest control company based in Albuquerque, NM, offering services for both residential and commercial properties. They specialize in ant and rodent control, wildlife removal including trapping raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, and weed and pest spraying. Their approach emphasizes safety and eco-friendly methods to maintain a pest-free environment. Bosque Pest Control serves multiple locations around Albuquerque, including Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, among others.

4.9

75 Reviews

The Bug Boyz

albuquerque

The Bug Boyz is a pest and weed control company serving Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding East Mountain areas. Since 2022, they have provided residential and commercial pest control services including bed bug treatment, mosquito control, wildlife removal, and weed treatment. Their services include a general pest control program with perimeter and interior treatments and a VIP service offering organic treatments and additional inspections. The company emphasizes environmentally friendly and pet-safe products, reflecting the owner's commitment to protecting local wildlife. Trevor Myers, one of the owners, brings nearly seven years of industry experience to the business.

5.0

36 Reviews

Orkin

3220 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Albuquerque, NM. They handle a variety of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Orkin offers specialized termite treatments using methods like Sentricon® bait, liquid barriers, and dry foam void filler to protect structures from damage. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin has established a long history in pest management. Their services are available 24/7 with flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent pest control needs.

4.7

1.9k Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Albuquerque

The Albuquerque metro area is home to several species that frequently come into conflict with homeowners and businesses. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective solution.

• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are notorious for rummaging through trash cans and can cause significant damage by tearing into roof vents or soffits to access attics for denning. ¹
• Squirrels: Both rock squirrels and tree squirrels can invade attics and crawl spaces, where they chew on wiring, insulation, and structural wood, creating fire hazards and costly damage. ^{1 2}
• Rodents: This category includes house mice, pack rats, and roof rats. They are a year-round concern due to their small size, rapid reproduction, and the serious health risks they pose, as they can carry diseases like hantavirus. ^{3 2}
• Skunks: Known for their potent defensive spray, skunks often burrow under porches, sheds, or decks. An encounter with a pet can lead to a very unpleasant and lingering odor problem. ¹
• Opossums: These nocturnal marsupials are often found taking shelter under decks or in low crawl spaces. While they eat many pests, their presence can be unsettling and they may rummage through pet food left outdoors. ²
• Birds: Birds such as pigeons, sparrows, or starlings often nest in dryer vents, chimneys, and attic openings. Their nests can block vents, creating moisture and fire hazards, while their droppings can damage property and pose health risks. ¹
• Snakes: While most snakes are beneficial, the presence of rattlesnakes in suburban areas is a serious safety concern that requires immediate professional attention. ²

What You Can Do: Prevention and Legal Guidelines

Before a problem starts, and in some minor cases, there are actions you can take as a resident. The City of Albuquerque provides clear guidance on coexisting with urban wildlife. ⁴

Effective Prevention Strategies:

• Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Seal any gaps, cracks, or holes larger than a quarter-inch, especially around the roofline, vents, and foundation.
• Remove Attractants: Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords. Do not leave pet food outdoors overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and keep bird feeders clean or remove them if they are attracting rodents.
• Practice Safe Cleanup: If you find rodent droppings or nesting materials, do not sweep or vacuum them, as this can aerosolize dangerous pathogens. Wear gloves and a mask, dampen the area with a disinfectant, and clean it up carefully.

Important Regulations and "Don'ts":

• Do Not Handle Wild Rabbits or Rodents: The city explicitly advises against handling wild rabbits or rodents, as they can spread serious illnesses like tularemia and plague. ⁴
• City Policy on Specific Animals: Albuquerque Animal Welfare does not trap rabbits or porcupines for removal but can offer assistance with releasing a porcupine if it is trapped; residents should contact 311 in such cases. ⁴
• Roxy's Law: This New Mexico state law prohibits the use of traps, snares, or poisons on public lands, emphasizing the need for humane and targeted approaches to wildlife management. ⁵

When to Call Animal Control vs. a Private Wildlife Professional

Knowing which agency or company to contact will save you time and ensure the situation is handled appropriately.

Call City/County Animal Control (via 311): Contact municipal services for immediate public safety threats. This includes:

• A visibly sick, injured, or disoriented animal (e.g., a raccoon acting aggressively or stumbling during the day, which can be a sign of rabies).
• An animal that is actively threatening people or pets.
• For issues with stray domestic animals (dogs and cats).

It's important to note that city animal control services have limited capacity for general nuisance wildlife removal and typically do not handle pests like rodents, bats, or squirrels in attics. ^{1 4}

Hire a Private Wildlife Removal Company: For the vast majority of nuisance wildlife situations in Albuquerque, you will need to contact a licensed private wildlife control operator (WCO). These professionals are equipped for:

• Inspection: Identifying how animals are getting in and what species is present.
• Trapping & Removal: Using humane, legal methods to remove animals like raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and skunks.
• Exclusion: The most critical step-permanently sealing all entry points after removal to prevent re-infestation.
• Cleanup & Sanitation: Safely cleaning contaminated areas like attics to remove health hazards from droppings and urine.
• Specialized Services: Handling complex cases involving bats, snakes, or birds, which often have specific regulations. ^{1 3 6}

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Albuquerque

The cost for professional animal removal and exclusion varies widely based on the species, the extent of the infestation, and the complexity of the work required. While getting a specific quote from a local provider is essential, you can expect the following general ranges:

• Rodent Control (Mice, Rats): A comprehensive service including inspection, trapping, and exclusion sealing often falls in the range of $200 to $600. The final cost depends on the size of the home and the number of entry points that need to be sealed. ^{1 7 8}
• Raccoon or Squirrel Removal: Removing a mother and young from an attic and then sealing the entry points is more involved. Costs typically range from $300 to $800 or more. This includes humane trapping, removal, and critical repair work to the exterior of the home. ^{1 6 7}
• Specialized Services: Removal of bats or snakes, which require specific expertise and equipment, can be more expensive, potentially ranging from $400 to $1,000+. ^{7 8}

The key takeaway is that investing in a full exclusion service is almost always more cost-effective than simple trapping, which leaves your home vulnerable to the next animal. A reputable company will provide a detailed inspection and a clear, itemized estimate before any work begins.

The Professional Removal Process: What to Expect

When you hire a qualified wildlife control operator in Albuquerque, they should follow a systematic and ethical process.

1. Detailed Inspection: The technician will perform an interior and exterior inspection of your property to identify the species, locate all active entry points, and assess any damage.
2. Customized Plan: Based on the inspection, they will present a plan that includes removal, exclusion, and cleanup. They should explain all applicable local and state regulations, such as Roxy's Law provisions. ⁵
3. Humane Removal: Using methods appropriate for the animal and situation-which may include one-way doors, live traps, or hands-on removal-the animals are evicted. Ethical companies will relocate animals in accordance with New Mexico wildlife laws.
4. Exclusion & Repair: This is the cornerstone of permanent control. All identified entry points are sealed with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or professional-grade sealants to prevent future entry.
5. Cleanup & Restoration: For attics or crawl spaces contaminated with droppings, urine, or nesting materials, professional cleanup and decontamination are recommended to eliminate odors and health risks.
6. Warranty & Follow-up: Many companies offer a warranty on their exclusion work, providing peace of mind that the solution is permanent.

Choosing a Reputable Albuquerque Wildlife Removal Service

Not all animal control services are created equal. Look for these hallmarks of a professional and ethical provider:

• Licensing & Insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed for wildlife control in New Mexico and carries liability insurance.
• Experience & References: Choose a company with proven experience handling your specific wildlife issue. Don't hesitate to ask for local references.
• Humane Methods: Inquire about their removal techniques. They should prioritize humane, legal methods and explain their relocation policies.
• Focus on Exclusion: Be wary of companies that only offer trapping. A lasting solution must include a comprehensive exclusion plan.
• Detailed Written Estimate: A trustworthy professional will provide a clear, written estimate that breaks down the costs for inspection, removal, exclusion, and any repairs or cleanup.

Frequently asked questions

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