Pest Control vs. Wildlife Removal – What You NEED to Know!

Let’s face it: no one wants to deal with critters invading their home. But if you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re sharing your living space with wildlife, the last thing you want is confusion about who to call. “Pest control” and “wildlife removal” often get lumped together, but they’re two different services with very different approaches.

As a professional wildlife removal expert, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing this can be for homeowners, especially when you’re just trying to get the situation under control. So, let’s break it down and figure out exactly what you need when it comes to pest control and wildlife removal.

What Is Pest Control?

When we talk about pest control, we’re generally referring to the management of smaller, often insect-based pests that invade your home. This includes bugs, rodents, and other unwanted creatures that are looking for food, water, or shelter. The main focus of pest control is usually eliminating the problem before it gets worse, especially when dealing with infestations or health risks.

Common Pests in Your Home:

• Rodents: Mice, rats, and squirrels (yes, squirrels can be pests too!)
• Insects: Ants, cockroaches, termites, and bed bugs
• Spiders and other small critters

How Pest Control Works:

• Chemical Treatments: For insects like ants, roaches, or termites, pest control companies often use chemical treatments, baits, or sprays to eliminate the problem.
• Traps and Bait Stations: These are commonly used for rodents. If you’ve seen mouse droppings or had the occasional mouse scurrying across your floor, a professional pest control company may set up traps to deal with the problem.
• Preventative Measures: Pest control companies will often inspect your home for potential entry points and make recommendations for keeping pests out, like sealing cracks in the foundation or adding caulking around windows.

When Pest Control Is the Right Choice:

• If you’re seeing a few ants in your kitchen or have noticed a sudden increase in insects around your home.
• If you’ve found small rodent activity, like droppings or the occasional mouse in the pantry.
• If you need to address a small-scale infestation of bugs or rodents.

I’ve been called to help clients who’ve spotted a couple of ants, only to realize they’ve got a full-blown ant colony living under their kitchen floor! In these situations, pest control is absolutely the way to go.

What Is Wildlife Removal?

Now, let’s talk about wildlife removal—this is when you have a larger, often more complex issue. Wildlife removal is specifically geared toward the humane removal and relocation of wild animals that have made their way into your home or property. We’re talking about animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, opossums, or even skunks—typically creatures that might cause serious damage or pose a threat to the safety and structure of your home.

Common Wildlife Intruders:

• Raccoons (often found in attics or basements)
• Squirrels (they love getting into attics and chewing on wires)
• Bats (often roost in attics or behind vents)
• Skunks (usually burrow under decks or porches)

How Wildlife Removal Works:

• Humane Trapping and Relocation: For most wildlife, humane traps are set to capture the animal and then relocate them safely away from your home (at least 5 miles away to prevent them from finding their way back).
• Exclusion and Prevention: After removing the animals, the next step is sealing up potential entry points (e.g., holes in the roof, vents, chimneys). This ensures that animals can’t get back in.
• Damage Repair: Wildlife removal specialists may also assist with repairing damage caused by the animals, such as chewed wires, broken insulation, or holes in the walls or attic.

When Wildlife Removal Is the Right Choice:

• If you hear scratching or thumping noises coming from your attic, roof, or walls (usually late at night).
• If you’ve found animal droppings or nesting materials in hidden areas like attics or basements.
• If you notice damage to your home’s structure—chewed wires, insulation damage, or broken vents.
• If there’s a bigger animal, like a raccoon, opossum, or even a bat, inside your home.

I once had a client who had a raccoon living in their attic for months without realizing it—until they started hearing loud scratching noises at night. The raccoon had chewed through insulation, wires, and even the drywall! It was a nightmare situation, and pest control wouldn’t have done the trick in this case.

Key Differences Between Pest Control and Wildlife Removal

So, what’s the main difference between pest control and wildlife removal? Let’s break it down.

1. The Focus of Target:

• Pest Control: Deals mainly with smaller pests like insects, rodents, and other creatures that don’t cause significant structural damage. These pests usually live in or around your home for a short period and are easier to eliminate.
• Wildlife Removal: Targets larger animals that are often living in hidden areas of your home (attics, basements, etc.) and pose a threat to the structure and safety of your home. These animals are often harder to remove, and the approach is more about long-term prevention.

2. Methods Used:

• Pest Control: Uses pesticides, baits, and traps to eliminate the pests. Often a quick fix, but not always a long-term solution.
• Wildlife Removal: Involves humane traps, exclusion techniques, and sometimes relocation of the animals. Wildlife removal also focuses on repairing damage and preventing future invasions.

3. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

• Pest Control: While effective, pest control often uses chemicals, which can be harmful to pets, children, and even the environment.
• Wildlife Removal: Wildlife removal must follow local laws, ensuring that the animals are treated humanely and safely. It’s illegal in many places to harm or relocate certain species, especially without the proper permits.

When to Call Pest Control vs. Wildlife Removal?

Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out when you need pest control versus when you need wildlife removal:

You Need Pest Control If:

• You’ve found a couple of ants, cockroaches, or mice in your home.
• You need to address a minor infestation of insects or rodents.
• The problem is isolated to small-scale issues—like a single mouse or ants in your kitchen.

You Need Wildlife Removal If:

• You hear loud noises from the attic or walls at night (scratching, thumping, or scampering).
• You’ve discovered nests, droppings, or animal damage in your home.
• You’re dealing with a larger animal like a raccoon, squirrel, or bat.
• There’s evidence of significant property damage (chewed wiring, destroyed insulation).

Common Misconceptions

Let’s address some common myths that can cause confusion.

“Pest Control Can Solve All My Problems”

Pest control is great for dealing with small-scale infestations, but it won’t help if you’ve got a raccoon or squirrel in your attic. Those larger animals require wildlife removal experts who specialize in humane relocation and exclusion.

“Wildlife Removal Is Always Expensive”

While wildlife removal may seem like a bigger investment upfront, it can actually save you money in the long run by preventing costly damage to your home. For example, a raccoon living in your attic can chew through wires, insulation, and even the roof—leading to much higher repair costs if left unchecked.

“Pest Control and Wildlife Removal Are the Same Thing”

They’re definitely not. Pest control deals with insects and small rodents, while wildlife removal focuses on larger animals. Calling the wrong service can lead to an incomplete or ineffective solution.

How to Choose the Right Professional

If you’re unsure whether you need pest control or wildlife removal, here’s what you can do:

Ask the Right Questions:

• For pest control: “What methods do you use? Are the chemicals safe for pets and children?”
• For wildlife removal: “Do you use humane traps? How do you prevent animals from returning?”

Look for Certifications:

Ensure the company you hire is licensed and insured, with experience in dealing with your specific issue. Wildlife removal experts should have certifications related to humane animal handling, while pest control companies should have experience with the specific pests you’re dealing with.

Call to Action:

If you’re unsure which service you need, schedule a home inspection with a wildlife removal expert today. The earlier you address the issue, the sooner you can get back to living in a critter-free home.