Top Wildlife Removal in Harlingen, Texas Ranked

Finding an uninvited animal in your attic, garage, or yard can be unsettling. In Harlingen, a diverse range of native and non-native wildlife can become a nuisance, posing risks to property and health. This guide explains the common problem species in the area, outlines what you can legally do yourself, details when to call a professional wildlife control operator, and clarifies the local and state regulations that govern animal removal. Use this information to make informed decisions about protecting your home.

ABC Home & Commercial Services

2600 Mid Valley Dr, Weslaco, TX 78599

ABC Home & Commercial Services has been serving Brownsville, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1949. They offer a wide range of pest control solutions for homes and businesses, including bed bug treatment, fire ant control, mosquito control, termite inspection and control, rodent and wildlife removal, and roach extermination. Their termite services include pre-construction termite protection using Termimesh, a scientifically proven method to safeguard properties. With decades of experience, ABC provides tailored treatment plans to address various pest issues effectively.

5.0

59 Reviews

Orkin

222 Hanmore Industrial Pkwy, Harlingen, TX 78550

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Brownsville, TX. They offer customized pest management plans targeting common pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, stinging insects, and wildlife. Orkin uses specialized treatments including dry foam void filler, Sentricon® bait, and liquid barriers for termite control. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin serves the Rio Grande Valley area and offers 24/7 availability for pest control needs.

4.8

1.6k Reviews

Terminix

1508 Industrial Dr, Weslaco, TX 78599

Terminix provides pest control services in Brownsville, TX, addressing common local pests such as ants, spiders, termites, bed bugs, roaches, rodents, and wildlife. Their team is familiar with the area's pest challenges and offers customized plans to protect homes and properties. Terminix specializes in termite inspections and control, rodent prevention, and bed bug treatments, supported by a nationwide network of expertise.

4.7

671 Reviews

Critter Control of Rio Grande Valley

brownsville

Critter Control of Rio Grande Valley provides wildlife removal and pest control services in Brownsville, TX. They handle a variety of nuisance animals including raccoons, rodents, squirrels, armadillos, bats, and snakes. Their process includes inspection, humane removal, exclusion to prevent re-entry, and repair of any damage caused by the animals. The company also offers sanitation and ectoparasite treatments to address health concerns related to wildlife infestations. Critter Control specializes in local wildlife control with trained specialists familiar with regional regulations and effective exclusion techniques.

5.0

5 Reviews

D1 Pest Control

brownsville

D1 Pest Control offers professional pest and termite control services in Brownsville, TX, and the surrounding Rio Grande Valley. The company handles a variety of pests including rodents, roaches, ants, wildlife, spiders, and fleas, providing solutions such as nest removal, hole sealing, and trap setting. They also specialize in termite control with inspections and treatments designed to prevent further damage. Established in 2023 with over twenty years of experience, D1 Pest Control uses high-quality equipment and products to protect both residential and commercial properties. The company provides 24/7 availability including emergency services.

5.0

5 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Animals in Harlingen

The Rio Grande Valley's unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife that can come into conflict with residents. Understanding which animals are most likely to cause issues is the first step in effective wildlife management.

• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are notorious for rummaging through unsecured trash and gaining entry into attics or crawl spaces, where they can cause significant damage and create unsanitary conditions.
• Squirrels: Both gray and fox squirrels can chew on electrical wiring, wood, and insulation when they nest in attics or walls, creating a serious fire hazard and requiring costly repairs ^{1 2}.
• Bats: While important for insect control, bats can form colonies in attics or soffits. Their guano (droppings) can pose health risks, and their entry points are often small and difficult to locate.
• Coyotes: These adaptable predators are present in and around Harlingen. They may prey on small pets and can be attracted by unsecured food sources like pet food or fallen fruit ^{1 3}.
• Feral Hogs: A major issue in Texas, these destructive animals can root up lawns, gardens, and agricultural land, causing extensive property damage in a very short time ¹.
• Opossums & Skunks: Often seeking shelter under decks or outbuildings, these animals can dig, spray, or scavenge, leading to unpleasant encounters.
• Protected Parrots: Harlingen is home to non-native flocks of Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots, which are protected by city ordinance. It is illegal to harm, capture, or harass these birds within city limits ⁴.

What You Can Do: DIY Wildlife Control & Prevention

Texas law grants landowners broad rights to address nuisance animals on their property. Before calling a professional, several effective and legal do-it-yourself strategies can resolve or prevent many common issues.

Exclusion and Habitat Modification

The most permanent solution is to make your property less attractive and accessible to wildlife.

• Seal Entry Points: Carefully inspect your home's exterior for gaps, holes, or loose vents. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool, or metal flashing to seal potential entry points to attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Remember to ensure no animals are trapped inside before sealing.
• Secure Food Sources: Never leave pet food outdoors overnight. Use locking lids on trash cans and compost bins. Regularly clean up fallen fruit from trees and bird seed from under feeders.
• Modify Landscaping: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent access for squirrels and raccoons. Clear dense vegetation and brush piles away from your home's foundation to eliminate hiding spots.

Legal Trapping Considerations

Landowners in Texas may trap nuisance fur-bearing animals (like raccoons, squirrels, and skunks) on their own property without a license ^{5 6}.

• Important Restrictions: The use of poison to control squirrels or other wildlife is illegal in Texas due to the severe risk it poses to non-target animals, pets, and children ².
• Relocation is Regulated: You cannot simply trap an animal and release it elsewhere. Relocating most nuisance animals requires prior authorization from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and written permission from the landowner at the release site ^{5 7}. Releasing an animal on public land or another person's property without permission is illegal.
• Protected Species: Any action taken must not harm protected species, including the city's parrots and all migratory birds protected by federal law.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While DIY methods work for prevention and simple issues, certain situations demand the expertise of a licensed wildlife control operator.

• Attic or Wall Infestations: If you hear noises in your walls or ceiling, a professional can safely identify the species, locate all entry points, humanely remove the animals, and perform necessary repairs and sanitation.
• Bat Colonies: Due to health risks and their protected status, bat removal requires specialized exclusion techniques that allow bats to leave but not re-enter, typically performed at specific times of the year.
• Large or Dangerous Wildlife: Dealing with coyotes, feral hogs, or large raccoons can be dangerous. Professionals have the experience and equipment to handle these situations safely.
• Complex Repairs: After animals are removed, proper cleanup (decontamination, droppings removal) and repair of damaged insulation, wiring, or wood are crucial to prevent future problems and health hazards.
• Legal Compliance: A licensed professional understands state and local regulations regarding trapping, relocation, and protected species, ensuring the job is done legally and ethically.

Understanding Costs

The price for professional wildlife control in Harlingen varies based on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the repairs needed. Simple yard animal removal may start around $100 or more, while a full attic restoration for squirrels or raccoons, including removal, cleanup, and sealing entry points, can range from $300 to over $500⁸. Always get a detailed, written estimate.

Local Regulations and Legal Responsibilities

Navigating the laws is a critical part of wildlife removal. Key regulations for Harlingen residents include:

• Harlingen Animal Control: This city department primarily handles domestic animal issues-stray dogs and cats, barking complaints, and dead animal removal from public rights-of-way. They enforce city ordinances but typically do not handle wild animal removal from private property ^{9 10}.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD): State law permits landowners to control nuisance wildlife on their own land. However, commercial sale or relocation of live wildlife requires appropriate TPWD licenses ^{5 11}. For reporting wildlife law violations (like poaching or illegal trapping), you can contact Operation Game Thief at (800) 792-GAME¹².
• Protected Parrot Ordinance: The City of Harlingen specifically protects Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots. It is unlawful to "molest, hunt, trap, take, wound, or kill" these birds within the city ⁴.
• Relocation Laws: As noted, you cannot relocate a trapped animal without TPWD authorization and a release site permission. Improper relocation often simply moves the problem to a neighbor and can spread disease.

Choosing a Responsible Wildlife Control Provider

If you decide to hire help, select a provider who prioritizes humane, legal, and permanent solutions.

1. Verify Licensing: Ask if they hold the necessary Texas licenses for commercial wildlife control and relocation.
2. Ask About Methods: Ensure they do not use illegal poisons and have a clear plan for humane removal and legal disposal or relocation.
3. Inspect and Exclude: A reputable operator will always perform a thorough inspection, remove animals, and then seal entry points to prevent recurrence.
4. Provide a Detailed Contract: The estimate should clearly break down costs for removal, cleanup, repairs, and any warranties offered on their exclusion work.
5. Check for Insurance: Ensure the company carries liability insurance in case of accidental property damage during the removal process.

By combining proactive prevention, a clear understanding of your legal options, and the judicious use of professional services when needed, you can effectively manage wildlife conflicts and protect your Harlingen home.

Frequently asked questions

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