Standard pest control companies handle insects and rodents. Raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, groundhogs, and coyotes require licensed wildlife control operators with specific training, equipment, and legal authorization to handle protected species. Hiring the wrong provider can result in illegal trapping, ineffective removal, and animals dying inside your walls.
Inspection: Identifies the species, locates entry points, assesses for young (critical during maternity season), and determines whether the animal is nesting or just visiting.
Humane removal: Uses species-appropriate methods — one-way exclusion doors (for bats, squirrels, raccoons), live traps, or direct capture. Methods comply with state and federal wildlife regulations.
Exclusion: After removal, seals all entry points to prevent re-entry. This is the most important step — without exclusion, a new animal occupies the same space within weeks.
Cleanup and sanitation: Removes contaminated insulation, disinfects areas with raccoon roundworm risk, and repairs damage to soffits, vents, and roofing.
Inspection: $75–200 (some companies offer free inspections).
Squirrel removal + exclusion: $300–1,000 depending on number of entry points and roof access difficulty.
Raccoon removal + exclusion: $400–1,500. Higher if attic cleanup is needed (raccoon droppings carry roundworm and require professional decontamination).
Bat exclusion: $500–2,500 depending on colony size and number of entry points. Must be done outside maternity season. Often requires multiple one-way excluders.
Skunk trapping + exclusion: $250–600. Live-trap removal plus sealing under-deck or under-porch access.
Compare to our pest control cost guide for general service pricing context.
State wildlife agency referral: Most state departments of natural resources or fish and wildlife maintain lists of licensed nuisance wildlife control operators. This is the most reliable source.
NWCOA membership: The National Wildlife Control Operators Association provides training certification and maintains a directory of certified operators.
Ask about licensing specifically: "Do you hold a state nuisance wildlife control permit?" and "Are you insured for wildlife damage repair?" A legitimate operator answers both immediately.
Get the exclusion plan in writing. Removal without exclusion is money wasted — insist on a written plan that includes sealing all entry points as part of the service.