Best Wildlife Removal in Nevada Ranked

Finding an uninvited wild animal in your home or business can be alarming. In Nevada, where urban areas meet vast desert and mountain habitats, encounters with wildlife are common. Wildlife removal is the safe, legal, and humane process of addressing conflicts with animals that have become a nuisance or a danger. It's a specialized service that matters for protecting your property, ensuring public health, and complying with strict state and federal laws. This guide will help you understand Nevada's unique regulations and connect you with local professionals equipped to handle these sensitive situations effectively.

Natura Pest Control

1855 Sullivan Ln Suite 210, Sparks, NV 89431

Natura Pest Control provides environmentally conscious pest control services in Reno, NV, and surrounding areas. Since 2017, they have offered solutions for homeowners and businesses to manage pests such as ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents, and stinging insects. Their approach uses integrated pest management with organic and organic-blended products to address local pest challenges effectively. Natura Pest Control specializes in comprehensive pest control, including tunneling animals like gophers and moles, and offers bilingual services in English and Spanish.

5.0

2.1k Reviews

Pest Control Solutions, Inc.

1600 Raiders Way Ste 150, Henderson, NV 89052

Pest Control Solutions, Inc. provides pest control services in Henderson, NV, specializing in both residential and commercial pest management. They handle a variety of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, bees, wasps, pigeons, and wildlife. The company offers customized treatment plans and natural, green solutions to meet specific customer needs. They also provide after-hours services including evenings, weekends, and nights, with emergency response times promising solutions within two hours and treatment within 24 hours.

5.0

1.6k Reviews

Pest Pros Las Vegas

5220 Desert Star Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130

Pest Pros Las Vegas is a family-owned pest control company serving Henderson, NV, and surrounding areas including Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. With over 20 years of experience, they offer residential and commercial pest control services targeting a wide range of pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, pigeons, and wildlife. Their Triple Protection Initial Service applies a three-layer barrier treatment around properties to effectively control infestations from the first visit. All treatments are designed to be safe for children, pets, and the environment, using products approved by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Pest Pros Las Vegas employs university-trained technicians and provides a warranty with every service.

5.0

310 Reviews

Dispatch Pest Control

henderson

Dispatch Pest Control is a locally owned and operated pest management company serving Henderson, NV, and surrounding areas including Las Vegas and Boulder City. Since 2003, they have provided residential and commercial pest control services tailored to the unique challenges of Nevada's desert environment. Their offerings include treatments for bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, scorpions, spiders, mosquitoes, wasps, pigeons, and wildlife removal. They emphasize eco-friendly and pet-safe products combined with integrated pest management strategies to ensure effective and sustainable pest control. Dispatch Pest Control also offers same-day emergency services and customized prevention plans to maintain pest-free properties year-round.

5.0

182 Reviews

Orkin

9410 Prototype Dr Ste. 18, Reno, NV 89521

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Reno, NV. With over 120 years of experience, they handle a wide range of pests including bed bugs, termites, rodents, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Orkin offers specialized termite treatments using methods like Sentricon® bait, liquid barriers, and dry foam void filler to protect property structures. Their team understands seasonal pest patterns in Reno and tailors solutions accordingly. Orkin is available 24/7 for pest control emergencies and flexible scheduling to meet customer needs.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

See more providers in Nevada

Understanding Nevada's Wildlife Protection Laws

Nevada's approach to wildlife management is governed by a complex framework of state and federal regulations designed to protect native species. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the primary agency overseeing these rules ^{1 2 3}. A fundamental principle is that most wildlife in the state is protected, meaning it cannot be killed, harmed, harassed, or collected without specific authorization ⁴.

This protection extends to several key categories:

• Federally and State Protected Species: This includes animals listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as the Dixie Valley Toad, Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog, and the Mojave desert tortoise ^{5 6}.
• Migratory Birds: Nearly all bird species are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This law protects the birds, their feathers, nests, and eggs, making it illegal to disturb active nests ⁷.
• Game Animals: Species like mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions are managed as game animals. They can only be taken during established hunting seasons with the proper license and tag ⁸.
• Species of Special Concern: Animals like the pygmy rabbit have this state designation and receive additional protections ⁴.

Attempting to remove a protected animal without the correct permits can result in significant legal penalties. Therefore, correctly identifying the animal and understanding its legal status is the critical first step in any removal process.

When Can You Handle Wildlife Removal Yourself?

There are limited exceptions where homeowners or business owners can take action without a permit. These generally apply to species classified as "unprotected." According to NDOW guidelines, this includes a short list of non-native birds: pigeons (rock doves), house sparrows, and European starlings ^{9 10}. For these species, you may use scare tactics or removal methods, provided no active nests with eggs or young are present.

For other general nuisance situations, property owners are encouraged to use preventive and non-lethal methods first. These humane control measures do not typically require a permit and are always the best initial strategy ^{11 12}:

• Exclusion: Sealing entry points with durable materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or concrete.
• Habitat Modification: Removing attractants such as pet food, unsecured garbage, birdseed, and standing water.
• Frightening Devices: Using motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noise-makers to deter animals.

If these methods fail and the animal is unprotected, you may proceed with live trapping and removal. However, it is essential to check local municipal codes, as cities like Elko have ordinances regarding animals trespassing on private property ¹³.

When Do You Need a Permit or Professional?

For any protected species, a permit is mandatory. The process often involves applications to both the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and NDOW ^{1 14}. Permits are also required for:

• Commercial Activities: Any business engaged in the commercial collection of unprotected wildlife must obtain an annual Commercial Collection Permit from NDOW (with an associated fee) ^{15 16}.
• Relocation: Relocating wildlife is heavily restricted and often not recommended by biologists, as it can spread disease and is rarely a sustainable solution for the animal ¹⁷.
• Preventing Harm: NDOW can issue special permits to handle protected wildlife temporarily to prevent harm from lawful land-use activities ¹⁴.

This is where professional nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) provide essential value. They understand the legal labyrinth, possess the necessary commercial permits, and have the experience to handle animals safely and humanely. If you encounter a protected animal, a game species, or a persistent nuisance from any wildlife, contacting a licensed professional or NDOW directly is the recommended and legally sound course of action ¹.

Common Wildlife Issues in Nevada Homes and Businesses

Nevada's diverse ecosystems mean a variety of animals can come into conflict with people. Some of the most frequent issues include:

• Rodents: Pack rats, roof rats, and house mice seek shelter in attics, walls, and garages, chewing wires and contaminating insulation.
• Bats: These protected species often roost in attics or eaves. Their removal requires special care due to health concerns and legal protections.
• Snakes: Several species, including rattlesnakes, may enter yards or structures while searching for prey or shelter.
• Birds: Beyond pigeons, protected birds like swallows or owls may nest in vents or on ledges, creating noise and mess.
• Larger Mammals: In more rural or foothill areas, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and even the occasional fox or bobcat can become nuisances.

Each situation requires a tailored strategy that considers the animal's biology, the extent of the infestation, and the property's specific vulnerabilities.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly, safely, and legally. A reputable service will typically follow a multi-step process:

1. Inspection: A thorough assessment to identify the animal species, entry points, and the scope of the problem.
2. Legal Compliance: The operator will determine if the animal is protected and ensure all actions are within state and federal guidelines.
3. Humane Removal: Using species-appropriate techniques, such as one-way exclusion doors, live traps, or hands-on extraction.
4. Exclusion & Repair: After removal, the critical step is sealing all potential entry points to prevent re-entry. This may involve installing chimney caps, vent covers, or repairing damaged siding.
5. Cleanup & Sanitation: Many animals leave behind hazardous waste like droppings, urine, or nesting materials. Professional cleanup and decontamination are often necessary for health and safety ^{18 19}.

Cost Considerations for Wildlife Control

The cost of professional wildlife removal in Nevada varies widely based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the services required ^{18 20}. Homeowners should be prepared for a range of potential expenses:

• Basic Removal: Simple trapping and removal of a single animal (e.g., a skunk or raccoon) may start in the low hundreds of dollars.
• Full-Service Jobs: Complex situations like a colony of bats in an attic or extensive rodent damage requiring removal, exclusion, and attic restoration can cost several thousand dollars.
• Permit Fees: While homeowners don't pay commercial permit fees directly, these business costs are factored into service pricing. For reference, an annual Nuisance Wildlife Commercial Collection permit for a business costs $250 ¹⁵.
• Related Costs: If hunting is a viable option during an open season, a resident hunting license costs approximately $38, while a non-resident license is about $155 ²¹. Local animal control impound fees for certain animals can also apply ²².

Always request a detailed, written estimate from any service provider before work begins.

Choosing a Qualified Wildlife Removal Service in Nevada

Selecting the right professional is crucial. Look for a service that:

• Is fully licensed and insured to operate in Nevada.
• Has specific experience with the type of animal causing your problem.
• Emphasizes humane methods and preventive exclusion.
• Provides clear, written contracts and warranties for their work.
• Can explain the relevant state and federal regulations pertaining to your situation.
• Offers references from past clients in your local area.

By choosing an expert who prioritizes ethical practices and legal compliance, you resolve your immediate problem while contributing to the responsible stewardship of Nevada's wildlife.

Frequently asked questions

Sources