Top Wildlife Removal in Everett, Washington Ranked

When raccoons rummage through your trash, squirrels nest in your attic, or skunks take up residence under your deck, it's more than a nuisance-it's a problem that can damage your property and pose health risks. Wildlife removal in Everett involves the safe, humane, and legal eviction of nuisance animals from homes and businesses, followed by crucial repairs to prevent their return. This guide explains the common wildlife issues in the area, outlines your legal responsibilities, and helps you understand when to call a professional versus when a do-it-yourself approach might be suitable. Use the information here to find qualified local experts who can resolve your situation effectively.

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

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

Wildlife Advocates - Humane Wildlife Control and Removal

3004 NW 89th St, Seattle, WA 98117

Wildlife Advocates - Humane Wildlife Control and Removal is based in Seattle, WA, providing humane solutions for nuisance wildlife problems. They specialize in identifying entry points, humanely excluding wildlife such as squirrels, rats, and birds, and making permanent repairs to prevent future invasions. Their approach takes into account seasonal behaviors to avoid separating mothers from young. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured, focusing on long-term wildlife control and removal.

4.9

35 Reviews

See more providers in Everett, WA

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Everett

The urban and suburban landscapes of Everett provide ideal habitats for several adaptable animal species. Knowing which creature you're dealing with is the first step toward a solution.

• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons are notorious for tearing into attic vents, ripping off roof shingles, and raiding garbage cans. They can carry diseases like rabies and roundworm, making their removal a priority ^{1 2}.
• Squirrels (Gray & Fox): These agile rodents often enter attics and wall voids through small gaps near rooflines. Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard, and their nesting materials can block vents ^{2 3}.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defensive spray, skunks often burrow under porches, sheds, and decks. Removal requires careful techniques, such as using covered cage traps, to avoid an odorous incident ^{4 5}.
• Opossums, Rats, and Mice: While opossums are generally less destructive, they can still rummage for food and create dens in crawlspaces. Rats and mice are year-round pests that contaminate food and cause structural damage through gnawing ^{2 6}.
• Bats: Bats are protected in Washington due to their ecological benefits, but a colony in your attic is a serious concern due to health risks from guano (droppings). Their removal is strictly regulated and often requires special exclusion methods installed at specific times of the year ^{7 6}.

For larger animals like beavers, which require special permits for relocation, or big game such as deer, elk, cougar, and bear, you must contact the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) directly, as these situations are handled by their officers ^{1 7 3}.

Understanding Washington's Wildlife Laws

Before taking any action, it's crucial to understand the legal framework governing animal control in Washington State. Compliance isn't just about ethics; it's the law.

• Transport and Possession: It is generally unlawful to capture and transport live wildlife without a permit from the WDFW (WAC 220-450-030) ^{1 8}. This means relocating a trapped raccoon to a park is illegal and can spread disease or doom the animal.
• Permits for Trapping: While live cage traps are commonly used, the use of body-gripping traps (like Conibear traps) for species like beavers or muskrats requires a special trapping permit from the WDFW ^{7 9}. Licensed Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs) are trained and often permitted to use these methods legally.
• Disposal of Carcasses: If an animal is lethally trapped (often a last resort for rodents like rats), state guidelines require it to be buried at least 3 feet deep and 100 feet from any water body, or disposed of by a professional service ¹⁰.

DIY Prevention and Eviction Techniques

For minor issues or as a proactive measure, homeowners can take several effective steps to make their property less inviting to wildlife.

Prevention is the Best Medicine:

1. Seal Entry Points: Conduct seasonal inspections of your home's exterior. Look for holes, loose siding, gaps around utility lines, and broken vent screens. Use high-quality materials like hardware cloth, steel wool (for rodents), and metal flashing to seal these gaps ^{2 5}.
2. Remove Food and Water Sources: Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords. Keep pet food indoors, clean barbecue grills, and pick up fallen fruit from trees. Eliminate standing water in bird baths or clogged gutters ^{4 3}.
3. Modify Habitat: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to limit squirrel and raccoon access. Keep woodpiles and dense shrubbery away from your home's foundation ⁵.

Humane Eviction Methods:

• One-Way Doors: For animals like squirrels that have young in an attic, professionals often use one-way exclusion doors. These allow animals to leave but prevent re-entry, after which the entry point is permanently sealed. This should only be done when you are sure all animals are out, often with professional guidance ⁵.
• Skunk-Specific Trapping: If you attempt to trap a skunk, always use a covered cage trap and approach it slowly while holding a large tarp in front of you to block the skunk's view. This can significantly reduce the chance of being sprayed ⁴.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While DIY methods work for prevention, many situations demand the expertise of a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO).

• You're Dealing with a Protected or Dangerous Species: Bats, birds, and sometimes even raccoons have specific legal protections or pose high disease risks. WCOs know the regulations and safe handling procedures ^{1 7}.
• The Animal is Inside a Wall, Chimney, or Hard-to-Reach Area: Extracting an animal without causing further damage or risking a bite requires specialized tools and experience.
• There is a Significant Health Hazard: Accumulations of droppings (guano), urine, or decaying carcasses require professional biohazard cleanup to safely remove and disinfect the area ².
• You Need Permanent Exclusion and Repairs: A true solution involves more than just removing the animal. Professionals will find all potential entry points, remove contaminated insulation, and perform necessary repairs to prevent future invasions ^{1 2}.
• The Problem is Recurring: If animals keep coming back, a WCO can diagnose why your exclusion efforts are failing and implement a more robust solution.

Who to Call?

• Everett Animal Control: Contact them for issues with domestic animals-stray dogs, barking complaints, leash law violations, or an immediate threat to public safety from a pet. For true wildlife concerns, they will typically refer you to a licensed WCO ^{11 12}.
• Licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO): This is your primary contact for humane wildlife removal, exclusion, and repair services. Companies like Critter Control operate locally with the proper WDFW licensing ^{1 2}.
• Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW): Reach out to WDFW for issues involving big game (bear, cougar, elk) or if you need to apply for a special trapping permit ^{1 7}.

What to Expect: Services and Costs

A professional wildlife removal service typically follows a multi-step process, and costs can vary based on the species, severity, and required repairs.

1. Inspection and Assessment ($100 - $250+): A technician will perform a thorough inspection to identify the animal species, locate all entry points, and assess the damage. This fee often includes a detailed quote for the full service ^{1 13}.
2. Humane Trapping and Removal ($200 - $500+ per animal/set): The cost depends on the species and the number of traps needed. For example, skunk removal often falls in the $200-$400 range, while a persistent raccoon problem may cost more ^{4 14}.
3. Exclusion, Repair, and Cleanup (Varies Widely): This is where costs can scale from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It includes sealing all entry points with durable materials, removing contaminated insulation, sanitizing the area, and performing odor remediation. The final price depends on the square footage affected and the extent of the damage ^{2 13}.

Always obtain a detailed, written estimate from a licensed WCO before work begins. A reputable company will clearly explain what each charge covers and guarantee their exclusion work for a period of time.

Frequently asked questions

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