Top Wildlife Removal in Buffalo, New York Ranked

Finding an uninvited animal in your attic, garage, or yard can be unsettling and potentially damaging. Wildlife removal in Buffalo involves safely and legally addressing conflicts with local animals, from raccoons and squirrels to bats and groundhogs. This process is governed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulations, which distinguish between unprotected species you may handle yourself and protected species that require professional intervention. Understanding these rules and your local options is key to resolving the issue effectively and protecting your property.

Critter Control of Buffalo

buffalo

Critter Control of Buffalo provides wildlife removal and pest control services in Buffalo, NY. They handle a variety of nuisance wildlife including raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, rats, and mice using humane and legal methods. Their services include inspection, live trapping, exclusion techniques to prevent reentry, and repair of damage caused by animals. The company follows state regulations and uses specialized equipment to ensure safe removal and cleanup. They serve both residential and commercial properties, addressing issues from attics to outdoor areas with a focus on long-term prevention.

4.9

77 Reviews

Ehrlich Pest Control

1321 Millersport Hwy, Williamsville, NY 14221

Ehrlich Pest Control provides residential and commercial pest control services in Buffalo, NY. They offer treatments for common pests such as bed bugs, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife, using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods tailored to local regulations. The company serves a variety of business sectors including warehouses, retail stores, and food processing facilities, helping protect properties from pest-related damage and health risks. Ehrlich Pest Control combines local expertise with industry-leading technology to deliver effective pest management solutions.

4.8

46 Reviews

Jack's Nuisance Wildlife Removal

88 Old Orchard Dr, Williamsville, NY 14221

Jack's Nuisance Wildlife Removal is a full-service wildlife control company based in Buffalo, NY. They specialize in managing urban and suburban wildlife damage for both residential and commercial customers. Licensed by the New York Fish & Wildlife Commission, they handle a wide range of wildlife control issues, including rodent and bird pigeon control, with a focus on humane and professional solutions. The company serves Buffalo and the surrounding areas and is available seven days a week to discuss and schedule wildlife removal services.

4.6

17 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Buffalo

The Buffalo area is home to a variety of mammals and birds that can become problematic when they seek food or shelter in human dwellings. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward a proper solution.

Frequent Mammalian Intruders:

• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, they often target attics, chimneys, and trash cans.
• Squirrels (Gray & Red): Commonly enter attics and wall voids to nest, and can chew on wires and structural wood.
• Bats: Small colonies may roost in attics or behind shutters; they are protected species, requiring special care during exclusion.
• Skunks & Groundhogs (Woodchucks): These burrowing animals can damage foundations, decks, and gardens.
• Other Rodents: Mice, rats, voles, and chipmunks are common year-round pests ^{1 2 3 4}.

Problem Birds: While many birds are protected, species like blackbirds, crows, and grackles can sometimes be managed if they are causing significant crop damage or structural issues, though permits are often required ^{1 5 4}.

New York State Laws and Your Options

New York law clearly defines what you can and cannot do when dealing with nuisance wildlife. The regulations split animals into two main categories: unprotected and protected species.

Handling Unprotected Species

For animals not protected by state law, you have more flexibility. On your own property, you can often take action-which includes trapping or other means-against species like woodchucks, red squirrels, chipmunks, and rats using any legal method ^{6 7 5}. It's crucial to check local city or county ordinances regarding the use of firearms or pesticides. The most sustainable approach combines removal with prevention: securing trash cans with locking lids, managing compost piles, keeping grass trimmed, and never leaving pet food outdoors ^{8 9 5}. The cornerstone of long-term control is exclusion-permanently sealing all potential entry points in your roofline, vents, and foundation to prevent future access ^{7 10}.

When You Need Professional Help or a Permit

For many situations, contacting a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) is the safest and most legally sound choice. You must hire a professional or obtain a special permit from the NYSDEC for any protected species. This includes:

• Large mammals like deer, bears, beavers, and otters.
• All migratory birds, which are federally protected. This covers raptors (hawks, owls), woodpeckers, and most other native bird species.
• Native reptiles such as snakes and turtles.
• Complex infestations where animals are trapped inside attics or walls, requiring humane trapping, removal, and potential relocation ^{1 6 7 3 11}.

For immediate public safety concerns involving large animals, you can also contact Buffalo Animal Services ^{8 11}.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

Licensed NWCOs follow a systematic approach to ensure the animal is handled correctly and your home is secured against future entry. A typical service includes:

1. Inspection and Assessment: A professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess damage. This service is often included or available for a small diagnostic fee ^{6 7 9}.
2. Humane Trapping and Removal: Using species-appropriate techniques, the operator will remove the animal. For protected species, this is done in strict compliance with DEC permits. The goal is to resolve the immediate intrusion safely ^{6 7 12}.
3. Exclusion and Repair: This critical step goes beyond simple removal. The technician will seal all identified entry points with durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth and may perform repairs to damage caused by the animals, such as torn vent screens or compromised roofing ^{7 10}.
4. Cleanup and Deodorization: In cases where animals have nested or defecated in an enclosed space, cleanup may be necessary to remove biohazards. Special odor-neutralizing treatments are also available for incidents involving skunk spray or other persistent smells ^{13 10}.

Understanding Costs for Animal Control

The cost of wildlife control in Buffalo varies significantly based on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the services required. While prices can fluctuate, here is a general framework based on local service models:

• Inspection and Consultation: Often provided at a low cost or sometimes free.
• Trapping and Removal: For a medium-complexity job-such as removing squirrels from an attic, which may require multiple traps-costs can start around $299 or more ¹³.
• Exclusion and Repair Work: Expenses for sealing entry points and repairing structural damage (e.g., to siding, roof eaves, or vents) are typically quoted separately after the inspection.
• Additional Services: Specialized cleanup, odor removal, or emergency service calls will add to the total project cost ^{6 9 13}.

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

Legal Permits and Compliance

Navigating the legal requirements is a non-negotiable part of wildlife management in New York.

• State Permits: The NYSDEC issues permits for the taking of protected nuisance species. A licensed NWCO will typically manage this process on your behalf for the animals they handle ^{1 2}.
• Federal Regulations: Any action involving migratory birds, their nests, or eggs requires a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Licensed professionals are familiar with this federal layer of regulation ¹¹.
• Consult the DEC: For specific questions about a species or situation, the best course is to consult the NYSDEC website or contact your regional DEC office directly. Attempting improper removal can lead to significant legal issues and fines ^{1 2 11}.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

Professional removal solves an immediate problem, but proactive prevention stops the next one. Make your property less attractive to wildlife by eliminating food sources (secure trash, harvest garden produce promptly, use bird feeders designed to deter squirrels) and removing shelter opportunities (seal gaps in foundations, install chimney caps, and keep woodpiles away from your house) ^{8 5}. Regular property maintenance is the most effective and economical form of long-term wildlife control.

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