Best Wildlife Removal in South Dakota Ranked

When wildlife like raccoons, skunks, or squirrels move into your attic, garage, or yard, it can quickly become a stressful and damaging situation. Professional wildlife removal addresses these nuisance animals safely, humanely, and in compliance with South Dakota's specific laws. This guide explains the local regulations, typical costs, and how to find qualified specialists to resolve your wildlife conflict effectively.

Anderson's Pest Control

46984 Sunset Boulevard STE C, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Anderson's Pest Control offers a wide range of pest control services in Sioux Falls, SD. They handle common pests such as bed bugs, rodents, ants, cockroaches, termites, spiders, bees, wasps, bats, earwigs, mosquitoes, and flies. Their team provides thorough inspections and treatments designed to address infestations in both homes and businesses. One notable capability is their termite control service, which focuses on protecting properties through comprehensive treatment methods. Anderson's Pest Control emphasizes environmentally responsible approaches and affordable solutions for their customers.

5.0

231 Reviews

CP Bat Mitigation

7601 S Audie Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108

CP Bat Mitigation is a wildlife removal company based in Sioux Falls, SD, specializing in humane bat control and removal. They serve residential and commercial clients across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota, including Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. With over 30 years of experience, this family-owned business uses proven exclusion methods to safely remove bats and prevent re-entry, ensuring properties remain bat-free while allowing bats to relocate safely. They have completed more than 18,000 projects and offer a nationwide commercial service.

5.0

221 Reviews

Prairie Bat Services, LLC

sioux falls

Prairie Bat Services, LLC is a wildlife removal company based in Sioux Falls, SD, specializing in humane bat exclusion and protection. They are certified by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association and focus on closing structural openings to prevent bats from entering homes and businesses. The company emphasizes bat conservation and follows federal and state protections for these animals while providing ongoing monitoring to keep properties bat-free.

5.0

72 Reviews

Orkin

4920 W 14th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With over 120 years of experience, they handle a wide range of pests including bed bugs, termites, ants, rodents, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Their services include specialized termite inspections and treatments using methods like dry foam void filler, liquid barriers, and Sentricon® bait. Orkin also offers 24/7 availability for urgent pest control needs, ensuring timely response for homes and businesses in the area.

4.9

164 Reviews

Bug Busters

820 Dynamic Ave, Harrisburg, SD 57032

Bug Busters is a locally owned pest control company based in Sioux Falls, SD. They provide comprehensive pest management services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, including treatment and inspection for bed bugs, termites, rodents, cockroaches, ants, bees, and other pests. The company offers termite control with a no-cost 5-year warranty and uses modern methods for bat removal and exclusion. Bug Busters operates seven days a week to accommodate customer schedules.

4.9

113 Reviews

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Understanding South Dakota's Wildlife Laws

South Dakota law provides a framework for dealing with nuisance animals, but it's crucial to understand the distinction between protected and unprotected species. Generally, landowners or their agents can remove most unprotected animals causing damage ^{1 2}. However, a permit is required to remove, capture, or destroy any state or federally protected species ^{3 4}.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) manages wildlife but typically does not handle common nuisance animal removal directly ^{4 5}. They encourage non-lethal methods first, such as securing trash, using repellents, and excluding animals from buildings ^{4 6}. For specific concerns, contacting the GFP or a licensed wildlife damage management specialist is recommended ^{4 7}.

Protected vs. Unprotected Species

Knowing which animals are protected is the most critical step before any removal action.

Protected Species: It is illegal to harm, capture, or kill these animals without a specific permit. Permits are only issued for purposes like scientific research, education, or to address significant property damage or threats to human health and safety ^{1 4 8}. This category includes:

• Federally and State-Listed Threatened & Endangered Species: Such as the black-footed ferret, swift fox, whooping crane, least tern, and American burying beetle ^{9 10 11}.
• Birds of Prey (Raptors): All hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons are protected under federal and state law ^{12 13}.
• Other Protected Birds: Species like the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon are also protected ^{9 14}.

Unprotected Furbearers: Residents may trap certain animals without a license during a specific season (April 1st to August 31st) if they are causing damage. This includes raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, coyotes, badgers, and jackrabbits ^{3 15 16}. Outside of this period or for other methods, checking regulations is essential.

Special Cases: For larger game animals like elk, deer, antelope, wild turkey, or mountain lion that are threatening property, landowners may take action but must provide the GFP with 48 hours of written notice in advance ^{5 17}. Local ordinances also apply; for example, in Sioux Falls, it is illegal to feed deer or geese in city parks ⁵.

Common Nuisance Wildlife in South Dakota

The state's diverse habitats bring a variety of animals into conflict with homes and businesses.

• Raccoons: These intelligent animals seek shelter in attics, chimneys, and under decks, tearing up insulation and ductwork.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defense mechanism, they often burrow under sheds, porches, and foundations.
• Squirrels: Both tree and ground squirrels can invade attics and walls, gnawing on electrical wires and structural wood.
• Bats: Colonies in attics or barns pose health risks due to guano accumulation. They are often protected, requiring specific exclusion techniques rather than lethal removal ^{3 18}.
• Coyotes & Foxes: These predators can threaten pets and livestock and may den under structures.
• Beavers: Their dam-building activities can flood property and damage trees.
• Birds: Pigeons, sparrows, and starlings can nest in vents and gutters, creating clogging and sanitation issues.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

Hiring a professional is strongly recommended. They have the expertise to handle animals safely, understand complex laws, and ensure the job is done completely to prevent recurrence. A standard service includes:

1. Inspection: A thorough assessment to identify the animal species, entry points, and extent of the infestation and damage.
2. Humane Removal: Using live traps, exclusion devices, or other methods appropriate for the species and situation.
3. Exclusion & Prevention: Sealing all potential entry points with durable materials to prevent re-entry. This is the most critical long-term step.
4. Cleanup & Sanitation: Removing contaminated insulation, droppings, and urine to eliminate health hazards and odors.
5. Repairs: Fixing damage caused by the animals, such as chewed wires, torn vents, or damaged siding.

What Does Wildlife Removal Cost in South Dakota?

Costs vary significantly based on the animal, the complexity of the removal, and the extent of repairs needed. Below are average price ranges for common services, though obtaining local quotes is essential ^{3 19}.

• Raccoon Removal: $250 - $600+. Initial trapping is often followed by additional costs for attic cleanup, exclusion, and repairs.
• Skunk Removal: $300 - $600. Removal from under a deck or foundation. Deodorizing and extensive cleanup may be extra.
• Squirrel Removal: $300 - $600. Higher if multiple animals are inside walls or an attic, requiring more complex exclusion.
• Bat Removal: $230 - $700+. As protected species, the focus is on exclusion. Guano cleanup and sanitization can be a major cost factor, ranging from $600 to $8,500 for severe cases ^{3 18}.
• Coyote/Fox Removal: $300 - $800+. Pricing depends on the threat level and trapping difficulty.
• Beaver Removal: $350 - $600+. Involves trapping and often consultation on dam management.
• Bird Removal: $100 - $700. Simple nest removal is less expensive; excluding birds from a large structure like a warehouse costs more.

DIY vs. Professional Help

While you may be able to address some minor issues yourself, professional intervention is advised for most situations.

When to Consider DIY: Simple deterrents like securing garbage cans, using motion-activated lights or sprinklers, or sealing a single, obvious entry point after confirming no animals are inside.

When to Hire a Pro:

• The animal is in your living spaces (walls, attic).
• You suspect the animal is a protected species (e.g., bats, birds of prey).
• There is significant damage or a large accumulation of droppings.
• You are unsure of all entry points.
• The animal is potentially dangerous (e.g., a mother with young, a coyote).
• DIY attempts have failed.

Professionals ensure legal compliance, possess the proper tools and safety equipment, and provide warranties on their exclusion work, giving you peace of mind ^{3 4}.

Finding the Right Wildlife Control Specialist

Look for a service provider with the following qualifications:

• Licensing & Insurance: Verify they are licensed to operate in South Dakota and carry liability insurance.
• Experience & References: Ask how long they've been in business and for references from past clients with similar problems.
• Humane Methods: Inquire about their removal techniques and commitment to humane practices.
• Comprehensive Service: Ensure they offer full-service solutions: inspection, removal, exclusion, cleanup, and repairs.
• Local Knowledge: Choose a company familiar with South Dakota's specific wildlife and regulations.

For guidance, you can contact the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks or consult their directory of wildlife damage management specialists ^{4 20}.

Frequently asked questions

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