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

First, ensure people and pets stay away. Leave a clear exit path, such as propping open the garage door at night. Once you're sure the animal has left, immediately seal the entry point it used. If it's trapped or has given birth, contact a licensed Wildlife Control Operator.

Is it legal to trap and relocate a squirrel from my attic in Portland?

Generally, no. Relocation of squirrels and most other nuisance wildlife is illegal in Oregon. Licensed professionals typically use humane trapping followed by euthanasia as required by law, or they employ one-way exclusion doors that allow the animal to leave but not re-enter, followed by permanent sealing of the entry point .

Who do I call for an injured or aggressive coyote?

For an injured, sick, or aggressive coyote that is posing an immediate threat, contact Multnomah County Animal Services. For ongoing coyote presence or predation, an ODFW-licensed wildlife control professional can assess the situation and take legally sanctioned action .

Can I remove a bird's nest from my vent?

It depends on the species and timing. Many birds, like swallows and crows, are protected by federal law, and active nests cannot be disturbed. Once the nesting season is completely over and the nest is abandoned, you can safely remove it and install a vent cover to prevent recurrence.

What's the difference between pest control and wildlife removal?

Traditional pest control companies often focus on insects and rodents (mice, rats). Wildlife removal specialists are trained and permitted to handle larger mammals like raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and bats, requiring knowledge of specific trapping regulations, animal behavior, and structural exclusion techniques.

How can I tell if I have bats or birds in my attic?

Bats leave behind piles of crumbly, dark droppings (guano) that may contain shiny insect parts. They are also nocturnal, so you might hear faint scratching at dusk or dawn. Birds are active during the day, and their droppings are whiter. Both require different exclusion strategies and timelines due to wildlife laws.

Pest Control in Portland, OR,

Discovering a raccoon family in your attic or hearing squirrels scampering in your walls is a common Portland experience. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and legally resolving conflicts with wild animals that have become a nuisance or a danger to your property. In a city that values its green spaces, understanding the balance between coexistence and protection is crucial. This guide helps you navigate local regulations, understand your options for DIY deterrents, and find qualified professionals when you need expert intervention.

Pest & Pollinator LLC

315 SE 61st Ave, Portland, OR 97215

Pest & Pollinator LLC is a pest control company based in Portland, OR, specializing in eco-friendly integrated pest management solutions. Owner Keith Chaloux brings over a decade of experience in habitat restoration and pest control, focusing on protecting native species and promoting biodiversity. The company offers services including ant and rodent control, wildlife removal, and tree, turf, and shrub care. Pest & Pollinator LLC emphasizes safe, environmentally conscious methods to manage pests while supporting natural ecosystems.

5.0

245 Reviews

Morgan's Pest Management

portland

Morgan's Pest Management is a pest control company based in Portland, OR, serving Portland neighborhoods and surrounding cities including Sherwood, Tigard, Beaverton, and more. They provide services for bed bug treatment, ant control, rodent control, bee and wasp removal, wildlife removal, and general pest extermination. With over 10 years of experience, they handle a variety of pests such as ants, spiders, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mice, rats, squirrels, and fleas.

5.0

212 Reviews

Pest Plus LLC

portland

Pest Plus LLC is a locally owned pest control company serving the Portland, OR metro area and surrounding regions. They provide custom pest management solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Their services include thorough inspections, advanced exclusion repairs, crawlspace and attic restorations, sanitation services, and solar panel exclusions. Pest Plus specializes in wildlife removal, rodent control, ant control, bee and wasp removal, and bird and pigeon control. The company emphasizes tailored strategies and offers flexible service programs without long-term contracts to meet customer needs.

5.0

143 Reviews

Pointe Pest Control - Vancouver

5900 NE 152nd Ave Bldg B #250, Vancouver, WA 98682

Pointe Pest Control - Vancouver provides pest control and wildlife removal services in Portland, OR. They handle infestations of rodents, ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, bees, wasps, pigeons, and other pests. Their technicians are experienced in identifying vulnerable areas of homes and managing infestations ranging from moderate to advanced. Pointe Pest Control has extensive knowledge of pest behavior and control methods to address a variety of pest problems effectively.

4.9

3.4k Reviews

PURCOR Pest Solutions

4949 S Macadam Ave #6, Portland, OR 97239

PURCOR Pest Solutions provides pest and termite control services in Portland, OR. They manage a variety of pests including ants, mice, spiders, roaches, rodents, and seasonal invaders for both residential and commercial properties. Their services include pest prevention, termite inspections, rodent control, and wildlife removal, with additional support for cleanup after infestations. PURCOR emphasizes environmentally mindful pest management and offers resources to help customers understand termite-related issues.

4.9

682 Reviews

See more providers in Portland, OR

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Portland

Portland's unique blend of urban neighborhoods and forested areas creates ideal habitats for a variety of wildlife. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective solution.

Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are frequent culprits for attic invasions and tipped-over trash cans. They seek warm, dry spaces for denning, especially in spring and fall ¹ ².
Squirrels: Both Eastern gray squirrels and native species can cause significant damage. They chew on wires, wood, and insulation to gain entry and build nests, posing a fire hazard and requiring prompt squirrel removal ¹ ³.
Opossums: Often found under decks, sheds, or in crawlspaces, these nocturnal marsupials are generally less destructive but can still be a nuisance and may carry parasites.
Coyotes: Adaptable and increasingly visible in many Portland neighborhoods, coyotes can prey on small pets and create general safety concerns. Their management is highly regulated ⁴.
Other Species: Residents may also encounter issues with bats, rats, mice, and occasionally bobcats or birds like crows and pigeons, each requiring a specific approach ¹ ⁵.

What You Can Do: Prevention and DIY Deterrents

Before a situation escalates, many minor wildlife issues can be mitigated through proactive measures and humane discouragement tactics.

Effective Prevention Strategies: The best animal control is making your property less attractive. Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords, never leave pet food outside overnight, and pick up fallen fruit from trees. Perform seasonal checks of your home's exterior, sealing any potential entry points larger than a quarter-inch, especially around rooflines, vents, and foundations ⁵ ⁶.

Humane Deterrents: For animals that are merely passing through, non-lethal methods can encourage them to move along. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle nocturnal visitors. For coyotes, making yourself appear large and using loud noises like whistles or clapping can be effective hazing techniques ⁴ ³. Commercially available repellents may offer temporary relief for some species, but their effectiveness varies.

Limits of DIY: It's important to understand that while exclusion (sealing an entry point after the animal has left) is a cornerstone of wildlife control, active trapping and relocation are heavily restricted by Oregon law for most species. Attempting to trap an animal yourself often requires a permit and may be illegal if done incorrectly ¹ ⁷.

When to Call for Professional Wildlife Control

Knowing when to handle a situation yourself and when to call in experts is key to a safe and legal resolution. Portland and Multnomah County have specific guidelines on who to contact.

Contact Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS): Reach out to MCAS if you encounter an animal that is visibly injured, sick (showing signs of rabies like disorientation or aggression), or poses an immediate public safety threat. They are a primary resource for guidance on living with urban wildlife ⁵.

Hire an ODFW-Permitted Wildlife Control Operator (WCO): For persistent nuisance animals causing property damage-such as raccoons in the chimney, squirrels in the attic, or opossums under the porch-a licensed WCO is your best recourse. These professionals hold permits from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) specifically for the trapping and removal of problem wildlife. They understand the complex legal protocols for each species ¹ ⁸.

Contact ODFW Directly: If you are a landowner dealing with specific protected species like bobcats, or if you wish to understand the process for obtaining a permit to trap an animal on your own property, contacting ODFW for direct guidance is the appropriate step ⁷ ⁸.

Find the perfect wildlife removal for your needs

Get personalized recommendations and expert advice

Understanding Portland's Wildlife Regulations

Oregon's wildlife laws prioritize ecological balance and public safety, which means common expectations about "relocating" animals often don't apply here.

Relocation is Often Illegal: To prevent the spread of disease and avoid creating problems in new areas, it is generally illegal to trap and relocate wildlife like raccoons, opossums, and coyotes off your property. In many cases, state law requires that trapped nuisance animals be euthanized or released on-site after the attractant or entry point is secured ¹ ² ⁴.
Permits are Mandatory: The trapping and removal of most fur-bearing mammals and other protected wildlife require an ODFW permit. Licensed Wildlife Control Operators carry these permits, which is why hiring a professional is often the only legal pathway for removal ¹ ⁹.
Special Rules for Predators: Coyotes cannot be relocated in Oregon; removal typically means euthanasia ⁴. For bobcats, landowners have the right to kill an animal causing damage but must report it to ODFW immediately ⁷.

What to Expect: Services and Cost Considerations

A professional wildlife removal service typically follows a multi-step process: inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup. An initial inspection, which can cost between $100 and $250, identifies the species, entry points, and extent of the problem ¹⁰.

The removal method depends on the animal and the situation. Professionals may use live traps, one-way exclusion doors, or other techniques compliant with state regulations. Following removal, the critical step is exclusion-permanently sealing all entry points with durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth. This service can range from $300 to over $1,000 depending on the complexity and accessibility of the work ¹⁰.

Finally, many companies offer sanitization and repair services to remove hazardous droppings, replace contaminated insulation, and repair damage caused by chewing or nesting.

Cost Estimates for Wildlife Removal in Portland: Costs vary widely based on the animal, the severity of the infestation, and the company. Here are general estimates based on local market research ⁴ ¹⁰:

Trapping & Removal (per animal/service): Raccoons or opossums: $200 - $600+
Squirrel Removal: $150 - $400+
Coyote Removal: $400 - $1,000+ (due to specialized handling)
Full Exclusion Service: $300 - $1,000+

Always obtain detailed, written estimates from several ODFW-licensed operators before proceeding. The cheapest option may not include necessary exclusion work, leading to a recurring problem.

Choosing a Qualified Wildlife Control Professional

Selecting the right provider ensures the job is done effectively, humanely, and legally. Always verify that the company holds a current ODFW Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) permit. Ask about their specific experience with the type of animal you have, their approach to humane methods, and their guarantees on exclusion work. A reputable professional will prioritize permanent solutions-like sealing entry points-over simply setting traps, and will be transparent about the legal protocols they must follow for the species in question.

Find the Best Wildlife Removal for Your Business

Why you can trust Pest Crews

Select your city

Search providers near you