opossum in yard

Dealing with wildlife entering homes can quickly escalate from a minor nuisance to a significant headache for homeowners. Common culprits like raccoons, armadillos, squirrels, skunks, and opossums can find their way into attics, basements, or walls, seeking shelter or food. These uninvited guests can cause extensive damage and spread diseases. Understanding how to get rid of wildlife from your home is crucial not only for protecting your property but also for ensuring the health and safety of your family.

What you should know about wildlife removal

When considering how to get rid of wildlife from your home, it's crucial to be aware of the legal restrictions and potential dangers involved in wildlife control. Many regions have specific laws protecting certain species, so you might need a legal permit to remove animals from your property. Attempting to remove wildlife without the proper knowledge or equipment can also lead to injuries or the spread of diseases. Hiring professional wildlife removal services is best to ensure the process is done safely and legally.

 

DIY vs. professional wildlife removal

DIY methods for wild animal removal often seem like a quick and cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to get rid of wildlife. These methods can include setting up traps, using repellents, or attempting to seal entry points. However, these methods can be dangerous, and without proper knowledge, one might incorrectly install traps, leading to injury to both the person and the animal. It's always best to call in professional wildlife animal control services first. Pest removal experts have the necessary training, licenses, and equipment to ensure the removal is safe, humane, and practical, avoiding the risks of DIY attempts.

Professional removal and exclusion services

At Terminix, we understand that each wildlife issue needs a unique solution, so we use specialized techniques tailored to the specific species and your property's needs. Exclusion is a key method Terminix technicians use to help prevent wildlife from entering your home. This technique involves finding and sealing all potential entry points with exclusive FlexiArmour™ products or other pest-proofing solutions to effectively protect your home against unwanted intruders. Hiring professional wildlife control services helps ensure that wildlife removal is done safely and complies with local laws.

rodent control

Repellents and deterrents

DIY methods to get rid of wildlife from your home often include using natural repellents, traps, or ultrasonic devices. While peppermint oil is believed to deter rodents due to its strong scent, its effectiveness can vary and will not provide a long-term solution. Many homeowners may also use ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sounds intended to be uncomfortable for animals, theoretically keeping them at bay. However, the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices is widely debated, as there is a lack of consistent scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.

Humane removal methods

Educating yourself on how to get rid of wildlife responsibly is the first step towards solving any issues with unwanted animal guests in your home. Wildlife control can require careful planning and execution to avoid harm to both humans and animals. Effective strategies often involve various methods, such as habitat modification, exclusion techniques, and deterrents. Understanding the specific wildlife species and their behaviors is essential to determine the best removal method.

Preventing critters from coming back

The best way to get rid of wildlife is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. At Terminix, we recommend sealing entry points, maintaining your yard, securing trash and compost, removing outdoor food sources, and using chimney caps and vent covers to help keep wildlife out of your home. Despite these efforts, some situations require professional expertise. Terminix Wildlife Control Services1 is here to help, offering humane removal and exclusion techniques that not only solve your current wildlife issues2 but also help prevent future invasions.

If you’re struggling with how to get rid of wildlife, schedule an inspection today!

1. Coverage generally includes commensal rodents (house mice, Norway rats, roof rats), tree squirrels, flying squirrels, raccoons, opossums, pigeons, starlings, sparrows, armadillos, and skunks. Covered pests vary between Rodent & Wildlife Exclusion service plans. See Plan for details.

2. Trapping and removal of covered wildlife during the initial service is not included within all Rodent & Wildlife Exclusion plans. Additional trapping services may be required. See Plan for details.