Top Wildlife Removal in Murfreesboro, Tennessee Ranked

When raccoons rummage through your trash, squirrels nest in your attic, or snakes appear in your yard, it's more than a nuisance-it's a potential hazard to your property and health. Wildlife removal in Murfreesboro involves the safe, legal, and humane management of wild animals that have become problematic. This service is critical because Tennessee has strict laws protecting wildlife and regulating who can handle it, making professional intervention essential for most situations. This guide will help you understand common local wildlife issues, what you can legally do yourself, and how to find qualified local experts to resolve conflicts with nature effectively.

A-Team Wildlife Removal

nashville

A-Team Wildlife Removal is a wildlife removal company based in Nashville, TN. They specialize in safely and responsibly resolving wildlife issues in homes, including animals in attics, crawl spaces, and around properties. The company emphasizes a humane and state law-compliant approach, focusing on proper removal, identifying entry points, and preventing future problems while treating each home with care.

5.0

165 Reviews

EcoPro Pest Control

1441 New Hwy 96 W, Franklin, TN 37064

EcoPro Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas including Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and Columbia. They offer environmentally-friendly pest management services for homes and businesses, addressing issues such as ants, bed bugs, mosquitoes, roaches, rodents, spiders, termites, ticks, wasps, and wildlife. EcoPro Pest Control also provides repair and exclusion services to help prevent pest entry. With over 12 years of experience, the company emphasizes personalized service and uses proven methods to protect properties effectively.

5.0

134 Reviews

Terminix

802 N Cumberland St B, Lebanon, TN 37087

Terminix provides comprehensive pest control services in Nashville, TN, specializing in the treatment and prevention of common pests such as bed bugs, termites, ants, rodents, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Their local technicians are familiar with the specific pest challenges in the area and offer tailored solutions including termite inspections, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. Terminix also offers ongoing pest protection plans and guarantees for termite damage repair. They serve a wide range of communities around Nashville, ensuring homes and businesses are protected throughout the year.

5.0

132 Reviews

Critter Gitter Wildlife Removal

nashville

Critter Gitter Wildlife Removal is a wildlife removal company based in Nashville, TN. They focus on humane and ethical wildlife management, emphasizing the relocation of animals rather than extermination. Their team is trained to understand animal behavior and carefully assess each situation to ensure respectful treatment of local wildlife while addressing human concerns. The company aims to promote coexistence between people and wildlife through thoughtful and professional service.

5.0

121 Reviews

Orkin

3710 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211

Orkin provides residential pest control services in Nashville, TN, addressing common pests such as cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, rodents, bed bugs, termites, and stinging insects. Their service includes thorough termite inspections using infrared scanners and moisture monitors, along with tailored treatments like foam, liquid, or Sentricon® bait applications. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin offers customized pest plans that consider Nashville's unique climate and seasonal pest cycles. They provide 24/7 availability with next-day service and flexible scheduling to meet urgent pest control needs.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro's mix of suburban neighborhoods, green spaces, and proximity to rural areas creates an ideal environment for various wildlife species to thrive, sometimes a little too close to home. Understanding which animals are most likely to cause problems is the first step in addressing an issue.

Mammals in Attics and Under Decks

• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous animals are notorious for tipping over trash cans, tearing up lawns for grubs, and, most concerningly, breaking into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces to create dens. They can cause significant structural damage and pose a rabies risk ^{1 2}.
• Squirrels: Eastern gray squirrels and flying squirrels commonly enter attics, often through gaps in roof vents or soffits. Once inside, they gnaw on wood, insulation, and-most dangerously-electrical wiring, which is a serious fire hazard ^{1 3}.
• Opossums: Typically less destructive, opossums will still take up residence under porches, decks, or sheds. While they eat many pests like ticks, their presence can be unsettling and they may raid pet food left outdoors ^{1 2}.
• Rodents (Rats & Mice): While often categorized separately, roof rats and house mice are persistent invaders that seek shelter and food in homes, requiring dedicated exclusion and control efforts ².
• Skunks & Groundhogs: These burrowing animals can undermine foundations, sheds, and decks with their digging, and skunks present the obvious and potent defensive spray risk ².

Birds and Reptiles

• Birds: Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows often nest in vents, on ledges, and in eaves. Their droppings are acidic and can damage property, while nests can block ventilation systems. It's important to note that many bird species are protected by federal law, requiring careful handling ^{1 2}.
• Snakes: Tennessee is home to both non-venomous (like rat snakes and garter snakes) and venomous species (such as copperheads). Snakes often seek shelter in wood piles, under debris, or in crawl spaces. Proper identification is crucial for safety ^{1 2}.

Tennessee Laws and Regulations: Why Professional Help is Often Required

One of the most critical aspects of dealing with wildlife in Murfreesboro is understanding state regulations. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) enforces laws designed to protect both people and animals.

• Illegal Relocation: A key law prohibits the capture, transport, and release of live wildlife without a special permit (TCA 70-4-401, 70-4-412) ^{4 5}. This means if you trap a raccoon in your yard, you cannot legally drive it to a park or forest and let it go. Violations can result in fines.
• Animal Damage Control (ADC) Permits: Only individuals holding a valid ADC permit from the TWRA are legally authorized to charge fees for wildlife removal services ^{4 6}. This ensures that professionals are knowledgeable about humane techniques, state laws, and animal biology.
• Protected Species: Certain animals, like bats (which are beneficial insectivores) and many birds, have additional protections. Their removal is often restricted to specific times of the year or requires special methods ⁴.

These regulations make a strong case for hiring a licensed professional for anything beyond simple prevention. They handle the legal complexities, ensuring the animal is dealt with according to state law.

What Homeowners Can Do: Prevention and Limited Action

For minor issues or as a proactive measure, there are several effective steps Murfreesboro residents can take to make their property less attractive to wildlife.

Effective Exclusion and Deterrence

1. Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Look for gaps in siding, loose roof vents, holes in soffits, and spaces around utility lines. Use high-quality materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), and caulk to seal these openings ^{1 3}.
2. Secure Food Sources: Use trash cans with tight-fitting, locking lids. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight. Clean up fallen fruit from trees and secure compost bins ^{1 2}.
3. Modify Habitat: Trim tree branches that hang within 6-8 feet of your roof to limit squirrel and raccoon access. Keep wood piles elevated and away from the house. Reduce dense ground cover near foundations where snakes may hide ³.

Understanding Your Limits

If an animal is already present, your options are limited. For non-venomous snakes or a single opossum under the deck, you may be able to encourage it to leave by making the area inhospitable (e.g., with lights and noise). Live-trapping is an option for some mammals, but you must check local ordinances and remember the state law against relocation ^{4 7}. The trapped animal typically must be euthanized humanely or released on your property if it is safe and legal to do so. For animals inside the living structure of your home (attic, walls) or for any venomous or potentially rabid animal, do not attempt handling yourself ^{3 8}.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Expert

Knowing when to call for help can save you time, prevent property damage, and ensure your safety. Contact a licensed ADC permit holder in the following situations:

• Animals Inside the Home: Any wildlife living in your attic, walls, chimney, or crawl space requires professional extraction and exclusion to ensure all animals (including babies) are removed and entry points are sealed ^{1 9}.
• Potential Health Risks: If the animal is a species known to carry rabies (raccoons, bats, skunks) or if you suspect a bat has been in a room with a sleeping person or unattended child, professional assistance is urgent ⁸.
• Venomous Snakes: Positive identification and removal of venomous snakes should always be left to professionals with the proper tools and training ².
• Large or Aggressive Nuisances: A persistent raccoon, a colony of bats, or a mother squirrel with young often require specialized techniques for humane and complete resolution ⁹.
• After-Attempts Fail: If your own deterrent or trapping efforts have been unsuccessful, a professional can assess the situation with expertise.

Note: Rutherford County Animal Control is a valuable resource, but its primary mandate is domestic pets like dogs and cats. They generally do not handle nuisance wildlife removal ^{9 8}.

What to Expect: The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

A reputable wildlife control operator will follow a multi-step process to solve your problem thoroughly.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The professional will inspect your property to identify the animal species, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation or damage ¹.
2. Humane Removal: Using species-appropriate methods such as one-way exclusion doors, direct trapping, or hand-removal, the animals will be removed from your property in compliance with TWRA regulations ^{4 1}.
3. Exclusion and Repair: This is the most critical step to prevent recurrence. The professional will seal all identified entry points with durable materials. They may also recommend habitat modifications ³.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: If animals have been living in an area like an attic, they will likely leave behind droppings, urine, and nesting materials. Professionals can clean and disinfect these areas to remove health hazards and odors ¹.
5. Prevention Advice: A good technician will provide recommendations for long-term prevention, such as trimming branches or securing trash, to keep wildlife from returning.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Murfreesboro

The cost for animal removal services in Murfreesboro is not fixed and can vary based on the species, location of the animal, extent of damage, and necessary repairs. Here is a general range based on common service types ^{10 7}:

• Basic Removal or Yard Service: For a single animal trapped in a yard or a simple snake removal, costs may start around $100 to $200.
• Standard Attic or Interior Removal: For removing squirrels, raccoons, or bats from an attic, including basic exclusion work, prices often range from $300 to $500.
• Complex Infestations or Major Repairs: For severe infestations, situations requiring extensive exclusion work (like re-screening a vent system), or significant cleanup and sanitization, costs can begin at $500 and increase based on the project's scope.

Always request a detailed, written estimate before work begins. A trustworthy company will be transparent about what the quote includes (removal, exclusion, repairs, cleanup).

How to Find a Qualified Wildlife Removal Professional in Murfreesboro

To ensure you hire a legitimate and effective service provider:

1. Verify the ADC Permit: Ask for their TWRA Animal Damage Control permit number and verify it. This is your assurance they operate legally in Tennessee ^{4 11}.
2. Check for Insurance: Ensure the company carries liability insurance to protect you in case of accidental damage to your property.
3. Read Reviews and Ask for References: Look at local reviews on trusted platforms and ask the company for references from past clients in the Murfreesboro area ¹¹.
4. Get a Detailed Plan: Choose a company that emphasizes permanent exclusion and prevention, not just trapping. The solution should address how the animal got in and how to keep others out.
5. Compare Quotes: Get estimates from 2-3 licensed operators to compare their proposed plans, warranties, and pricing.

Frequently asked questions

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