Top Wildlife Removal in Burien, Washington Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your home or yard can be unsettling. Wildlife removal in Burien addresses the safe and legal eviction of nuisance animals like raccoons, rats, and squirrels from your property. This service is crucial for protecting your home from damage and your family from health risks. The following guide will help you understand local wildlife issues, when to call a professional, and how to find qualified help in the Burien area.

Cascade Pest Control

1420 5th Ave Suite 2260, Seattle, WA 98101

Cascade Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Seattle, WA, and nearby areas. Established in 1979, they specialize in environmentally safe pest and rodent control services tailored to the unique needs of homes and businesses in the region. Their licensed technicians provide comprehensive inspections and treatments for common Seattle pests such as ants, spiders, rodents, termites, and wasps. Cascade Pest Control offers rodent removal and prevention, including damage remediation and exclusion services, along with ongoing pest prevention maintenance programs to protect properties year-round.

5.0

809 Reviews

Insulation Co

1420 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122

Insulation Co is a Seattle, WA-based company specializing in attic and crawl space services. Their offerings include insulation installation and removal, mold remediation, ventilation improvements, and rodent proofing and clean-up. They also provide sump pump installation and drainage solutions. The company focuses on improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality through services like duct sealing and insulation. Insulation Co also handles rodent and pest exclusion with humane removal and sanitization. Their expertise includes mold removal and moisture control to maintain healthy living spaces.

5.0

251 Reviews

Insight Pest Solutions

3635 S Cedar St Suite F, Tacoma, WA 98409

Insight Pest Solutions is a pest control company based in Tacoma, WA, specializing in the removal of ants, spiders, rodents, and other wildlife. They offer comprehensive pest control services including inspections and treatments to prevent and address infestations. Their team of certified local exterminators uses methods they trust in their own homes to ensure effective and safe pest management.

4.9

4.4k Reviews

PURCOR Pest Solutions

450 Alaskan Way S Ste: 200-269, Seattle, WA 98104

PURCOR Pest Solutions provides pest and termite control services in Seattle, WA. They manage a variety of pests including ants, mice, spiders, roaches, rodents, and seasonal invaders for both homes and businesses. Their services include pest prevention, rodent removal, termite inspections, and wildlife cleanup, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. PURCOR is locally managed and committed to serving the Seattle community with expert pest control solutions.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

Sunrise Pest & Turf Management | Bellevue, WA

1840 130th Ave NE #13th, Bellevue, WA 98005

Sunrise Pest & Turf Management | Bellevue, WA has been providing pest control and lawn care services in Seattle, WA and the surrounding areas since 1978. They offer comprehensive pest management solutions for ants, rodents, wasps, termites, and moles, as well as lawn care treatments including fertilization, weed control, aeration, and disease management. Their commercial services cater to retail, industrial, and HOA properties. The company is affiliated with WSPMA and has an A+ rating from the BBB. Customers can speak directly with licensed technicians during business hours for straightforward quotes and scheduling.

4.9

603 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Burien

Burien's mix of urban spaces and greenbelts creates ideal habitats for several species that can become problematic for homeowners. Knowing which animals are most likely to cause issues is the first step in effective wildlife control.

• Rats and Mice: These rodents are frequent culprits, often drawn to accessible food and trash sources. Infestations can trigger city code complaints and require prompt action to prevent property damage and health hazards ^{1 2}.
• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons are common attic and crawlspace invaders. They can tear up insulation, chew wires, and pose significant health risks through their droppings, which may contain dangerous parasites ^{1 2}.
• Squirrels: Both Eastern gray squirrels and flying squirrels can find their way into attics, where they nest, chew, and create noise. Their removal often requires specialized skills to locate and seal all potential entry points ^{1 2}.
• Opossums: While generally less destructive, opossums may take up residence under decks or in crawlspaces. They are typically transient but can become a nuisance if they decide to stay ^{1 2}.

For larger animals like deer, bear, or cougar, residents should contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) directly, as these are not handled by local animal control or standard wildlife removal operators ^{1 3}.

When to Handle It Yourself vs. Call a Professional

For minor, transient issues, some DIY animal control methods can be effective. However, understanding when a situation requires expert intervention is key to your safety and the humane resolution of the problem.

You might handle it yourself if:

• A single animal (like an opossum) is passing through your yard.
• The issue is clearly related to an attractant, like unsecured trash or pet food left outside.
• You are comfortable safely implementing deterrents or performing minor exclusion work, such as sealing a small hole in a soffit.

It's time to call a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) for:

• Animals inside the structure: Hearing noises in walls, attics, or crawlspaces almost always signals an active infestation that needs professional eviction and exclusion ^{4 5}.
• Health and safety concerns: Large accumulations of droppings, potential rabies exposure (especially with raccoons), or aggressive animal behavior ^{6 5}.
• Complex removal: Situations involving trapping, especially if the animal is inaccessible or the state has specific regulations on its disposition ^{7 8}.
• You're unsure: If you're uncomfortable with any aspect of the removal, cleanup, or repair process.

Effective Prevention and Exclusion Strategies

The best form of wildlife management is preventing animals from wanting-or being able-to enter your property in the first place. Proactive exclusion and habitat modification are long-term solutions.

Remove Attractants:

• Secure trash and compost: Use locking lids or store bins in a garage until pickup day ^{3 9}.
• Manage pet food: Never leave pet food bowls outside overnight ^{2 10}.
• Clean up yard waste: Regularly remove fallen fruit, nuts, and seed from bird feeders, and keep woodpiles away from the house ^{9 10}.

Seal Entry Points:

• Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior, paying close attention to the roofline, vents, and foundation.
• Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), or metal flashing to repair holes and gaps. Remember, a determined raccoon can pry open weak barriers ^{4 9}.

Use Deterrents (for transient animals):

• Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can discourage animals from lingering in your yard.
• Temporary scare tactics, like a radio talk show played in an attic, can sometimes convince a new visitor to leave before it settles in ¹⁰.

Understanding Washington State Regulations

Wildlife removal in Washington is strictly regulated to ensure humane treatment and protect ecosystems. Homeowners and professionals must adhere to rules set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

• Licensing: Professionals who trap and remove wildlife for a fee must be licensed as Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs) by the WDFW ^{1 11}.
• Trapping Rules: There are specific regulations on trap types, checking intervals, and where traps can be set. Special permits from WDFW are required for certain trapping situations ^{7 11}.
• Disposition of Animals: State law often dictates what happens to a captured animal. For example, due to rabies concerns, raccoons trapped in most counties (including King County) must be euthanized and cannot be relocated ^{7 6 12}.
• Relocation Myths: Relocating wildlife is frequently illegal and often inhumane, as relocated animals struggle to survive in unfamiliar territory and can spread disease to new populations ^{8 12}.

What to Expect: Services and Costs

A professional wildlife removal service typically follows an integrated process: inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup. Costs in Burien vary widely based on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the necessary repairs.

• Inspection and Assessment: A thorough inspection to identify the species, entry points, and extent of the problem.
• Humane Removal/Eviction: This may involve live trapping, one-way exclusion doors, or hands-on removal, always following WDFW protocols ^{1 4}.
• Exclusion and Repair: The most critical step-permanently sealing all entry points to prevent re-entry. This is what turns a temporary removal into a permanent solution ^{4 10}.
• Cleanup and Sanitation: Removing contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials, followed by disinfecting the area to eliminate health hazards ^{6 13}.

Cost Ranges in Burien:

• Small, Simple Jobs: For a single animal trapped in a readily accessible location, costs may start around $100-$200 ^{6 13}.
• Medium Jobs: For evicting animals from a house (like an attic) and performing basic exclusion repairs, prices often range from $300 to $600 ^{3 6}.
• Large/Complex Jobs: Extensive infestations requiring full attic restoration, major exclusion work, or hazardous waste cleanup can cost between $500 and well over $1,000 ^{3 13}.

Finding the Right Local Help

Knowing who to call is essential. Burien's city animal control (C.A.R.E.S.) handles domestic animals like lost pets and public safety threats but does not provide wildlife removal services ⁵.

1. For Nuisance Wildlife: Search the WDFW's online list of licensed Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs). This ensures the professional is trained in state laws and approved methods ^{1 11}.
2. For Big Game: If you encounter a bear, cougar, or injured large deer on your property, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) directly ¹.
3. For Immediate Danger: If any animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.

When contacting a WCO, ask about their licensing, their process for exclusion and repair, and whether cleanup services are included in their quote. A reputable operator will provide a clear plan and explain all associated costs upfront.

Frequently asked questions

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