What should I do if I find a raccoon in my attic?

Raccoons are protected in New York State. Do not attempt to remove them yourself. Contact a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) who can legally and humanely trap and relocate the animal, often after ensuring any young are also safely removed.

Is it legal to trap and relocate a squirrel from my backyard?

While you may trap an unprotected grey squirrel on your property, New York law prohibits you from relocating it elsewhere without a permit, which requires a NWCO license . Your legal options are to release it on-site or humanely euthanize it.

Who do I call for a dead bird or other animal on my property?

For common, unprotected birds like pigeons or starlings, you can dispose of them yourself using gloves and plastic bags. For a dead protected species (like a hawk, owl, or deer) or if you are unsure, you should report it to the NYSDEC .

How can I tell if an animal is sick with rabies?

You cannot definitively diagnose rabies by observation. Signs of potential rabies in wildlife include extreme lethargy, aggression, disorientation, paralysis, or appearing unusually tame. Do not approach the animal. Report it immediately via NYC311 .

What's the difference between "exclusion" and "removal"?

Removal is the act of taking the animals out of your home or property. Exclusion is the subsequent process of permanently sealing all entry points to prevent wildlife from getting back in. Effective wildlife control always includes both steps.

Are bats in my house a health concern?

Yes. Bat droppings (guano) can harbor fungal spores that cause respiratory illness. More importantly, bats are a rabies vector species. If you find a bat in your living space, especially in a room with a sleeping person or unattended child, contact the Health Department and a NWCO immediately.

Why is relocating wildlife often discouraged?

Relocation can spread disease, introduce animals into territories where they will struggle to survive, and simply transfer the problem to another property. It is also illegal in New York without a license. Professional focus is on solving the conflict on your property through removal and exclusion.

Pest Control in New York, NY,

Finding an unexpected animal in your New York City home or business can be a stressful experience. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally resolving conflicts with wild animals that have become a nuisance or a hazard. In a dense, regulated environment like NYC, navigating local and state laws is just as important as the physical removal. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in the city, your legal options, and how to connect with licensed professionals who can ensure the job is done correctly and humanely.

Universal Pest Control

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in New York City

The urban ecosystem of New York supports a variety of wildlife that can occasionally come into conflict with residents. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step, as it determines the legal protections and appropriate response.

Common Unprotected Species: These are animals that, under New York State law, can be "taken" (meaning killed, trapped, or captured) on your own property if they are causing damage. This category includes:

Rodents: Rats and house mice.
Small Mammals: Grey squirrels, red squirrels, chipmunks, moles, and woodchucks (groundhogs).
Bats: Most bat species, except for the federally protected Indiana bat.
Certain Birds: Pigeons (that are not banded), European starlings, and house sparrows ¹ ² ³.

Protected Species: Many native animals are protected by New York State law and require a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) for any handling, trapping, or relocation. This broad group includes:

Mammals: White-tailed deer, beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, fisher, marten, and bobcat.
Birds: Wild turkey and virtually all other bird species besides the three unprotected ones listed above.
Other Wildlife: Most reptiles and amphibians ¹ ² ⁴.

Attempting to remove a protected species yourself can result in significant fines. When in doubt, always assume an animal is protected and contact a professional.

Understanding New York's Wildlife Laws and Regulations

New York has strict regulations governing human-wildlife interactions, designed to protect both animals and the public. The cornerstone of legal wildlife control is the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) license, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) ⁴.

What You Can Do (DIY Limitations): For unprotected species on your property, you are generally allowed to use humane methods to trap or eliminate the problem. However, a critical restriction exists: private citizens cannot legally trap and release an animal elsewhere. Relocating an animal off your property requires a NWCO license ¹ ² ⁵. Your most effective and legal DIY strategies involve habitat modification-removing brush piles, securing trash, and sealing entry points to make your property less attractive to wildlife ⁵ ⁶.

When You Must Call a Professional: You need to hire a licensed NWCO for:

Any interaction with a protected species.
Any situation requiring the relocation of an animal.
Complex removals from structures (like attics or walls).
Situations where you are unsure of the species or the law.

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The Wildlife Removal Process: What to Expect

Engaging a professional wildlife removal service in NYC typically follows a structured process to ensure a complete and lasting solution.

Inspection and Assessment: A technician will inspect your property to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation or damage.
Removal Plan: They will present a plan that includes the removal method, which must comply with NYSDEC regulations. For protected animals, this often involves live trapping and relocation under specific guidelines.
Humane Removal: Using specialized equipment, the animals are removed from the structure. For animals inside living spaces, this may involve one-way exclusion doors that allow animals to leave but not re-enter.
Clean-up and Sanitation: This is a crucial step, especially with rodents or bats. Droppings (guano), urine, and nesting materials can pose health risks and attract new pests. Professionals will clean and disinfect affected areas.
Exclusion and Repair: The final and most important step is sealing all potential entry points with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or chimney caps to prevent future intrusions. Without proper exclusion, the problem is likely to recur.

Cost Factors for Wildlife Control in NYC

The cost for animal removal and control services in New York City can vary widely based on several key factors. While prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, the species involved and the complexity of the job are the primary drivers ⁷.

Type of Animal: Removing common rodents like rats or squirrels may start in the $200 to $500+ range for a basic service. Larger animals like raccoons or protected species often cost more due to permit requirements and specialized handling.
Extent of Infestation and Location: A single animal in a garage is simpler than a family of raccoons in an attic. Access difficulty plays a major role.
Required Repairs and Exclusion: The necessary work to seal the property and repair damage (e.g., chewed wires, soiled insulation) adds to the overall cost. Comprehensive attic remediation and exclusion can push costs toward $1,000 or more ⁷.
Clean-up Services: Decontamination and sanitization services for droppings or urine are typically additional but essential for health and safety.

Always request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down inspection, removal, repairs, and exclusion costs.

Who to Contact for Wildlife Issues

Knowing which agency or service to call can save time and ensure the right response.

For Immediate Danger: If a wild animal is actively threatening public safety (e.g., an aggressive animal in a schoolyard), call 911 ⁸.
For Sick, Injured, or Park Wildlife: If you find a sick or injured animal, or have concerns about wildlife in a city park, contact NYC311 ⁸. You can also report suspected rabies cases to the Health Department through 311.
For Regulatory Questions or Dead Protected Wildlife: Contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). They manage the NWCO program, issue permits, and should be contacted for reporting dead protected species or if you are unsure how to proceed ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹.
For Professional Removal Services: For any hands-on removal, especially of protected species, or for legal relocation, you must hire a state-licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) ⁴ ¹².

Prevention: Keeping Wildlife Out for Good

Effective wildlife control is proactive. Making your property less inviting is the best long-term strategy.

Secure Food Sources: Use locking lids on garbage cans, avoid feeding pets outdoors, and clean barbecue grills.
Eliminate Shelter: Trim tree branches away from your roof, clear dense brush and woodpiles from your property's perimeter, and keep grass mowed ⁵.
Seal Entry Points: Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in siding, loose roof vents, uncapped chimneys, and holes where utility lines enter. Seal any opening larger than a quarter-inch.
Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can discourage animals from settling in your yard.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

New York State Laws and Regulations - https://nwco.net/training-modules/new-york-state-laws-and-regulations/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Dealing with Wildlife and the New York Laws That Protect Them - https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstreams/7e128507-1b23-4102-ae9b-abe6dad7f2c2/download ↩ ↩² ↩³
Dealing With Wildlife and the Laws That Protect Them - Cornell blogs - https://blogs.cornell.edu/nysipm/2014/12/05/dealing-with-wildlife-and-the-laws-that-protect-them/ ↩
Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/special-licenses/nuisance-wildlife-control ↩ ↩² ↩³
Tips To Eliminate Wildlife Conflicts - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species/tips-to-eliminate-wildlife-conflicts ↩ ↩² ↩³
Ch. 3 - Training Information for Wildlife Control Operators - https://nwco.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/chapter3.pdf ↩
Wildlife Removal New York City, NY - NYC Animal Control LLC - https://nycanimalcontrol.net/areas-of-service/new-york-city-wildlife-removal/ ↩ ↩²
Wild Animal · NYC311 - https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01790 ↩ ↩²
Remove Or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species/remove-take-legally ↩
Nuisance Wildlife Species - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species ↩
Reporting Dead Wildlife - NYSDEC - https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/reporting-dead-wildlife ↩
Legislation - The New York State Senate - https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ENV/11-0524 ↩

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