Top Wildlife Removal in Reno, Nevada Ranked

When wildlife like raccoons, bats, or squirrels decide your attic is their new home, it's more than a nuisance-it can pose health risks and cause significant property damage. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and humanely evicting these unwanted animal guests and securing your home against future intrusions. For Reno residents, understanding the local wildlife, effective prevention strategies, and when to call a professional is key to coexisting peacefully with our natural neighbors. This guide will help you identify common problems, explore your options, and connect with local experts who can resolve your wildlife situation.

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

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

Progressive Pest Management and Weed Control

911 Linda Wy Suite 106, Sparks, NV 89431

Progressive Pest Management and Weed Control is a pest control company serving Reno, NV, and the broader Northern Nevada region. They offer a range of services including bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, bird and pigeon control, wildlife removal, and weed and tree treatments. The company has been operating since 1978 and uses high-quality products to detect and treat infestations early, helping to protect homes from future pest issues. Their coverage includes Reno, Carson City, Sparks, Fernley, Fallon, Winnemucca, Wells, Battle Mountain, Elko, Lovelock, and Lake Tahoe.

4.9

281 Reviews

Advanced Integrated Pest Management

640 Kresge Ln, Sparks, NV 89431

Advanced Integrated Pest Management offers comprehensive pest control services in Reno, NV, serving both residential and commercial properties throughout the greater Reno area, including communities like Sun Valley and Hidden Valley. Their services cover a wide range of pests such as ants, bed bugs, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, wasps, birds, and more. They emphasize eco-friendly pest management solutions designed to protect homes and businesses while minimizing environmental impact. Advanced IPM also provides specialized vegetation management services and focuses on preventive treatments to reduce pest infestations before they start.

4.9

87 Reviews

B's Weed & Pest Control Services

reno

B's Weed & Pest Control Services is a family-operated business serving Reno, NV, and nearby areas including Sparks and Carson City. They provide a wide range of pest control services for residential and commercial customers, including treatments for ants, spiders, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife removal. Their expertise also extends to weed and lawn spray treatments, offering pre-emergent and post-emergent applications to maintain healthy landscapes. B's uses environmentally friendly products and customized plans to address specific pest and weed issues. With decades of experience, they are licensed and insured to ensure professional service.

4.9

60 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Reno

The Reno area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and while many species are a joy to observe from a distance, some become problematic when they seek food and shelter in our homes and yards. Knowing which animals are most likely to cause issues is the first step in prevention and control.

Mammals:

• Rodents: Rats and mice are year-round pests but see increased activity in spring and fall as they seek warmth and nesting materials ¹. They can chew wires, insulation, and wood, creating fire hazards and structural damage.
• Bats: These protected mammals often roost in attics, especially during their peak season from June through August ^{2 3}. A colony can create large accumulations of guano (droppings), which poses respiratory health risks.
• Tree Squirrels & Raccoons: These clever climbers frequently invade attics and crawlspaces, particularly from March through July when raising young ^{2 4}. They can tear up insulation, chew on structural elements, and create noisy disturbances.
• Skunks & Opossums: Often found under decks, sheds, or in crawlspaces, these animals are attracted to pet food, garbage, and other easy food sources. Opossum activity is common from January to July ³.
• Coyotes & Foxes: While less likely to enter homes, they can threaten pets and livestock. Signs of unusual behavior, such as a lack of fear of humans, could indicate rabies and require immediate professional and authorities' attention ⁵.
• Moles: These subterranean visitors can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens as they tunnel in search of grubs and earthworms ¹.

Birds:

• Pigeons, Starlings, and Woodpeckers: Birds can nest in vents, eaves, and attics, primarily from February through August ^{2 3}. Their nests block ventilation, and their droppings are corrosive and can damage roofing and siding. Woodpeckers may drill into wood siding in search of insects or to create nesting cavities.

Why Wildlife Becomes a Problem

Wildlife doesn't move into human spaces out of malice. They are driven by basic survival needs: food, water, and shelter. The urban environment of Reno often provides these in abundance, especially as natural habitats are developed.

• Shelter: Your home offers a warm, dry, and predator-safe alternative to the outdoors. Attics, wall voids, chimneys, and crawlspaces mimic the hollow trees and dens animals seek in the wild.
• Food: Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit from trees, and even bird feeders can become reliable food buffets for raccoons, skunks, rodents, and birds ^{6 7}.
• Water: Leaky faucets, pet water bowls, clogged gutters, and swimming pools provide the hydration wildlife needs, making your property particularly attractive, especially in Nevada's arid climate.

When these elements are present, it's only a matter of time before an animal finds the smallest gap-a loose vent screen, a cracked soffit, an un-capped chimney-and moves in.

Effective DIY Prevention and Exclusion

Before an animal takes up residence, proactive measures are your best defense. The goal is to make your property less attractive and accessible, a practice often called habitat modification and exclusion.

Remove Attractants:

• Secure Food Sources: Use locking lids on garbage cans, bring pet food and water bowls indoors at night, and clean up fallen fruit or nuts from trees ^{5 7}.
• Eliminate Water: Fix leaky outdoor faucets and ensure gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent standing water.
• Reduce Cover: Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline and keep shrubs and vegetation trimmed away from your home's foundation ⁶. Remove piles of wood, debris, or dense brush where animals can hide or nest.

Seal Entry Points (Exclusion): This is the most critical step. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior, looking for any gaps, holes, or weak spots.

• Common Entry Points: Check roof vents, soffits, fascia boards, gaps around pipes and utility lines, foundation cracks, and chimney caps.
• Materials: Seal small holes with high-quality caulk or spray foam. For larger openings, use heavy-duty materials like 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch hardware cloth, steel mesh, or metal flashing. These materials are chew-proof and durable ^{2 4}.
• Chimneys: Install a professionally-fitted chimney cap to keep out raccoons, birds, and bats.
• Vents: Cover attic, soffit, and dryer vents with sturdy, corrosion-resistant screening.

For Bird-Specific Issues:

• Timing is Everything: It is illegal to disturb active nests with eggs or young for most native bird species. If you find a nest, you must wait for the babies to fledge (leave the nest), which typically takes about two weeks, before removing the nesting material ^{5 8}.
• Physical Deterrents: After ensuring a nest is empty, you can install bird spikes on ledges, bird netting over large areas (like gardens or fruit trees), or ultrasonic repellents to discourage re-nesting ⁶.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While DIY methods are excellent for prevention, certain situations require the expertise, equipment, and legal knowledge of a professional wildlife control operator.

1. Animals are Already Inside Your Home: If you hear scratching, scurrying, or vocalizations in your walls, attic, or crawlspace, an animal has already breached your defenses. Professionals can safely identify the species, locate all entry points, and humanely remove the animals.

2. Dealing with Protected Species: All native birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under federal law (the Migratory Bird Treaty Act). Bats are also protected in many states. Professionals understand the regulations-such as those enforced by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)-regarding when and how these animals can be handled ^{9 8}.

3. Presence of Young (Babies): During spring and summer, many animals have dependent young. Removing an adult while leaving babies inside leads to odors, insects, and a more complex removal. Professionals can identify and safely handle family groups.

4. Significant Health or Safety Risks:

• Droppings and Contamination: Large accumulations of bat guano or rodent feces can harbor pathogens like histoplasmosis and require specialized cleaning and disinfecting protocols ^{10 11}.
• Dead Animal Removal: Locating and removing a carcass from within a wall or crawlspace is a unpleasant and potentially hazardous task.
• Aggressive or Sick Animals: Any animal behaving erratically or without fear could be sick (e.g., rabies in coyotes or foxes) and poses a direct danger ⁵.

5. The Problem is Complex or Recurring: If you have a large infestation, multiple animal species, or a persistent problem that DIY solutions haven't solved, a professional can implement a comprehensive solution.

What Professional Wildlife Removal Entails

A reputable wildlife removal service in Reno doesn't just trap an animal; they provide a complete solution to ensure the problem is resolved permanently. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Inspection and Assessment: A technician will perform a thorough interior and exterior inspection to identify the pest species, locate all active entry points, and assess the extent of the damage and contamination ^{10 11}.
2. Humane Removal: Depending on the animal and situation, removal methods may include live trapping, one-way exclusion doors (which allow animals to leave but not re-enter), or hand-removal. Professionals follow NDOW guidelines for the humane treatment and legal relocation of animals ^{9 12}.
3. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most important service. After removal, the technician will permanently seal all identified entry points using durable, animal-proof materials to prevent re-entry. They may also repair damage caused by the animals, such as chewed wires, torn insulation, or damaged vents ⁴.
4. Clean-up and Sanitization: For areas contaminated with urine, feces, or nesting materials, professionals will remove the waste and apply enzymatic cleaners and disinfectants to eliminate odors and health hazards ¹⁰.
5. Prevention Advice: A good technician will provide recommendations for ongoing habitat modification to keep your property wildlife-free.

Understanding Costs and Regulations

The cost for wildlife removal in Reno varies significantly based on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the repairs needed. Most companies charge an initial inspection fee, which can range from $100 to $200 or more ¹³. The total project cost, which includes removal, exclusion work, and repairs, can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the complexity ^{13 12}.

It's crucial to hire a company that is knowledgeable about Nevada's wildlife regulations. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) regulates the capture and possession of live wildlife. Professionals often operate under specific licenses or permits and must keep detailed records of their activities ^{9 8}. They ensure that removal methods are humane and that protected species are handled legally.

Frequently asked questions

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