Your Complete Guide to Wildlife Removal on Your Property

Did you know that United States bird watchers spend about $41 billion annually on equipment and trips? Many of those people spend money on equipment they don’t have to go far to use, as they spend hours observing birds from the comfort of their own homes and property.

Whether it’s birds or bears, being able to observe the wildlife around where you live is a beautiful thing. That being said, wildlife on your property can be a nuisance, a danger, and it can even result in property damage.

Wildlife removal is often necessary for situations where critters keep showing up or even living around your house.

But how do you know who to call? Check out our guide about wildlife removal and how you should go about hiring someone.

What About Local Government or Pest Control?

Call your local government to check and see what services they offer are and what state laws are. Most will only remove domestic animals like dogs and cats.

Some do aid with removal in certain situations, but it won’t be as thorough as if you hire someone. For example, if there is a raccoon you’ve seen by your chimney or around your property looking for scraps, local authorities might lend you a cage. They may go so far as to remove the raccoon, but it’s unlikely they’ll have authority to find out where the raccoon was living and uncover if it has any family who needs to go with it.

Pest control typically pertains to extermination, not removal. Plus, you don’t want to spray poison and kill any living creatures. It’s not humane, not environmentally friendly, and may not follow state laws.

How Can You Find a Service?

If you need wildlife control, go online, and search for critter control near me. Ask friends, family, and neighbors who, if anyone, they’ve had to use in the past. If you live in a place where wildlife is plentiful, chances are there is more than one service who will assist in removal.

Call your local humane society or animal control agency. Ask them who they’ve used in the past and how they know that the company uses humane practices.

Once you have your results and any recommendations, make sure you take the time to call and look for certain criteria.

What Should You Look for in a Service?

Make sure whoever you hire will conduct animal removal that is humane. Ask them how they handle families of animals and where they take them.

Make sure that services rendered include prevention. How will they make sure or at least do their best to make sure that the critters won’t return? Find out if animal proofing is included in the price and ask if they have a guarantee.

Get them to tell you what the process will be from beginning to end. Find out how they’ll catch the animal, and where they’ll be brought after.

Ask for a written estimate that is based on their inspection. They should have to make a physical visit to give you an estimate and put it in writing.

A professional control company will use photos to show you where the animal might be living, how they’re getting in and out, and what steps need to be taken to fill any points of entry or tend to a structure.

Make sure that whoever you hire is licensed and insured. There’s nothing wrong with requesting written proof that the company is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. They should have commercial liability insurance and other potential licenses.

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s hard to give an exact number as there are so many variants involved. That being said, you could expect to pay anywhere from 200 to 400 or more for the removal of an animal.

If a company offers repair and prevention services, the price might be higher. And again, it depends on the animal, how many there are, what damage has been done, and a variety of other factors.

If ladders have to be climbed or a cage has to be brought in for something like an iguana removal, those are all details that may increase the cost.

Most companies will offer a guarantee or a period of time afterwards where, if the same type of animal shows up, they’ll remove them as a courtesy.

What Are the Health Risks?

Sometimes having wildlife on your property is fascinating, or even cute. It’s exciting to wake up and see a family of deer run across your lawn.

That being said, many critters carry diseases that are dangerous to humans. Either through direct contact or feces, humans are susceptible to diseases like Typhus, roundworm, Salmonellosis, Ricketts, and more.

Most animals have the ability to bite and won’t hesitate at the slightest threat.

Even if you’re in an ideal situation where you get to feed a family of ducks daily, you aren’t doing them favors by training them to depend on you for food.

Wildlife Removal Can Be the Best Route for Everyone Involved

While you may feel guilty for opting to remove a wild animal from your property, it’s better for both you and them for them to have their own space in the wild.

And when it comes to those little critters who can multiply and become quite a nuisance, wildlife removal is almost always a necessity.

It won’t break the bank, and most services will provide extras like guarantees, and taking preventative measures to make sure you don’t have the same issue in the near future.

Is there wildlife on your property that prevents you from up-keeping your property? Once you’ve hired a control company, check out our blog to learn how to transform your garden into one that you’ve always dreamed of!