The short version
Wildlife control requires humane removal of animals already inside and exclusion to prevent re-entry. For landlords, the priority is protecting tenants and property.
- Attics and chimneys are the most common entry points for raccoons, squirrels, bats, and other wildlife.
- Exclusion is the only permanent fix; trapping alone is ineffective.
- State regulations vary; protected species like bats require special handling.
- Spring denning and fall seeking shelter are peak seasons for intrusions.
- Landlords must act quickly to avoid liability and tenant turnover.
This page is written specifically for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors who own or manage single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, or commercial properties. If you’re dealing with tenant complaints about scratching, odors, or sightings of raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, or bats, you’re in the right place. We focus on permanent solutions that protect your investment and satisfy regulatory requirements.
What to look for
For landlords, the stakes are high—unaddressed infestations lead to costly repairs, tenant complaints, and potential legal liability for unsafe living conditions. Once inside, animals can cause extensive damage: raccoons tear ductwork and insulation, squirrels gnaw on electrical wires (increasing fire risk), and bat guano can harbor histoplasmosis, a serious lung infection. Attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, and wall voids are ideal because they mimic natural cavities. In fall, animals like skunks and opossums try to escape cold weather. In spring, female raccoons and squirrels look for safe den sites to raise their young. Wildlife seeks shelter in buildings for two main reasons: warmth and reproduction.
- 1Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds in the attic, walls, or ceiling, especially at dawn or dusk.
- 2Droppings (feces) near entry points, in attics, or along baseboards; size and shape vary by species.
- 3Strong, musky odors from urine or feces; dead animals produce a distinct rotting smell.
- 4Visible damage: gnawed wood, chewed wires, torn insulation, or ripped vent screens.
- 5Footprints or paw prints in dusty areas, or grease marks along walls from animals squeezing through gaps.
- 6Daytime sightings of nocturnal animals (e.g., raccoons, opossums) can indicate a den with young.
- 7Chimney flue blocked by debris or nesting material; smoke backing into the home.
Why it’s worth acting soon
- Structural damage: raccoons can rip off roof shingles and fascia boards; squirrels enlarge holes.
- Electrical fires: rodents gnaw wiring, exposing live wires and creating short circuits.
- Health hazards: raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris) can be fatal; bat guano spreads histoplasmosis; skunk spray causes nausea.
- Legal liability: tenants may sue for breach of habitability; local health departments can fine you.
- Higher costs: a minor exclusion job can become a major restoration if damage worsens.
Treatment options and typical costs
Humane Trapping & Removal
$250–$600
pest control pros set live traps and remove animals humanely. Typically used for raccoons, opossums, and skunks. Animals are relocated or euthanized per state regulations.
- Time
- 1–3 days per animal
- Best for
- Immediate removal of visible animals, especially during birthing season.
Exclusion & Sealing
$800–$2,500
All entry points (gaps, vents, chimneys) are sealed with heavy-duty materials like galvanized steel mesh or sheet metal. This is the only permanent solution.
- Time
- 1–2 days for average homes
- Best for
- Preventing re-entry; essential after removal.
Damage Restoration & Cleanup
$500–$3,000
Removal of contaminated insulation, disinfection, odor removal, and repair of chewed wires or structural damage. Often required after eviction.
- Time
- 1–5 days depending on extent
- Best for
- Properties with heavy damage or health hazards.
Prices are typical published ranges. Ask what’s included before you compare quotes.
In the attic, look for flattened insulation, droppings and nests. Leave big cleanups to someone with the right gear.The Science of Wildlife Behavior: Why They Invade.
Understanding these traits helps focus exclusion efforts: for example, raccoon-proofing requires securing all openings larger than 3 inches, while bat exclusion must be done with one-way doors after pups can fly (typically August). Bats, contrary to popular belief, do not build nests; they roost in colonies and return to the same site year after year. Skunks are poor climbers but excellent diggers, often entering under porches or foundations. Opossums are nomadic but will take shelter in any dark, dry space; they are beneficial for eating ticks but can be a nuisance. Squirrels are relentless chewers; their incisors grow continuously, so they gnaw on wood, wires, and even metal to keep them trim. Raccoons are highly intelligent and have strong memories—once they find a food source or den site, they will return repeatedly. Wildlife intrusions are predictable if you understand animal behavior.
Legal and Regulatory Landscape for Landlords.
wildlife removal technicians are certified in humane handling and stay current with state laws, providing you with liability protection. Always get documentation from your pest control provider about the methods used and any permits required. Additionally, landlords have a duty to maintain habitable premises; a wildlife infestation that causes health risks can lead to tenant lawsuits. Failure to comply can result in fines or legal action. Landlords must ensure that any wildlife control service they hire is licensed and follows all regulations. Protected species like bats, birds (including pigeons), and some snakes have federal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or state laws. For instance, California requires non-lethal methods for most animals; Texas allows trapping year-round but with specific trap sizes; New York prohibits relocation of raccoons due to rabies concerns. Wildlife control is state-regulated, and rules vary significantly.
Walk the foundation with a flashlight. Gaps at ground level let animals under the house.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Wildlife.
Landlords benefit from IPM because it reduces the need for repeated service calls and protects the building envelope, which also improves energy efficiency. Unlike insects, wildlife cannot be controlled with baits or sprays; exclusion is the only sustainable method. Monitoring involves checking exclusion points after installation and during seasonal changes. Exclusion is the core—use materials like 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth for vents, heavy-gauge steel for chimneys, and polyurethane foam for small gaps. Inspection means thoroughly checking the entire property for entry points, signs of activity, and conducive conditions (like food sources). For wildlife, IPM involves three steps: inspection, exclusion, and monitoring. IPM is a holistic approach that minimizes chemical use and focuses on long-term prevention.
Spring Denning Season: A Landlord's Critical Window.
After removal, exclusion must be done immediately to prevent the mother from breaking back in. Professional removal at this stage often costs more but prevents a larger infestation later. If you hear scratching in April, assume there are babies. In many states, it is illegal to separate a mother from her young, so eviction must be timed carefully. Once she has young, removal becomes more complex—pups must be carefully removed and reunited with the mother outside, or taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. A mother raccoon can tear through a roof vent in one night to access an attic. Spring is when female raccoons, squirrels, and opossums seek quiet, warm spaces to give birth.
What affects the price
- Species involved (bats and raccoons often cost more due to regulatory complexity).
- Number of animals and whether there are young (removing and reuniting litters is labor-intensive).
- Accessibility of entry points (high roofs, tight crawl spaces increase time).
- Extent of damage (insulation replacement, wire repair, etc.).
- Local labor rates and cost of living.
- Whether you need emergency service (after-hours calls cost more).
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What is the most common wildlife issue you face as a landlord?
When to call for help
Call a professional immediately if you hear persistent noises, see droppings, or smell odors. If you suspect bats, do not attempt removal—they are protected in many states and require specialized exclusion (bat cones) during specific seasons. For landlords, most tenant leases require prompt action; waiting can lead to lease breaches.
What you can do yourself
DIY wildlife control is rarely effective and often illegal. Sealing a hole without first removing the animals traps them inside, leading to death, odor, and secondary pest problems. Moreover, many states require licenses for trapping and relocation. Professionals have the training to identify all entry points, use humane methods, and comply with regulations. They also carry insurance—if a DIY fall from a ladder results in injury, you’re liable. For landlords, the cost of a pro is offset by the value of protecting your property and avoiding tenant disputes. That said, simple exclusion maintenance (like installing chimney caps) is a DIY-friendly task if you’re comfortable on a roof.
Where you live matters
Regardless of location, the solution is the same: inspect, exclude, and monitor. Landlords should check their state’s wildlife agency website for specific rules. Regulations differ: some states require euthanasia of trapped raccoons, others mandate relocation. In all regions, spring denning and fall shelter-seeking are peak times. The West, especially California and Oregon, has significant bat colonies and tree squirrels. The South has more opossums and armadillos (which dig under foundations). The Midwest sees heavy skunk activity under decks and sheds. In the Northeast, raccoons and squirrels are the top culprits, with bats common in older homes. Wildlife issues vary across the US, but the principles are universal.
Simple ways to keep wildlife away
- Install heavy-duty chimney caps and vent covers (use steel mesh, not plastic).
- Trim tree branches at least 6 feet from the roofline to deny squirrels access.
- Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and cables with caulk or expandable foam reinforced with wire mesh.
- Store garbage in metal cans with tight lids; keep them in a garage until pickup day.
- Remove bird feeders and pet food from outdoors; they attract rodents and raccoons.
- Inspect your property each spring and fall for new gaps or signs of chewing.
- For multi-unit buildings, check common attics and crawl spaces regularly—one unit’s infestation can spread.
Metal mesh keeps animals out of vents for good. Foam and light screen won't hold.Did you know?
Opossums are largely immune to most snake venom and eat thousands of ticks per season, helping reduce Lyme disease risk.
By not remembering where they buried nuts, squirrels help create thousands of new trees every year.
Bats can squeeze through a gap as small as 3/8 inch—about the width of a dime.
Questions people ask
How do I know if I have raccoons or squirrels in my attic?
Raccoons are larger and make heavy thumping sounds, especially at night. Squirrels are active during the day and make lighter scratching or scurrying noises. Raccoon droppings are larger, tubular, and often contain undigested seeds; squirrel droppings are smaller and oval-shaped.
Is it legal to trap and relocate wildlife myself?
In most states, a license is required to trap or relocate wildlife. Many states prohibit relocation of certain species (e.g., raccoons) due to rabies concerns. Always check with your state wildlife agency. Professional services handle permits and ensure humane, legal removal.
How much does wildlife removal cost for a rental property?
Removal alone ranges from $250 to $600 per animal. Exclusion (sealing entry points) costs $800 to $2,500. Damage restoration adds $500 to $3,000. For a typical single-family home with a raccoon in the attic, expect $1,000–$1,500 total.
What should I do if I find a dead animal in my property?
Do not touch it with bare hands. Wear gloves and a mask, place the carcass in a sealed plastic bag, and dispose of it in the trash. Disinfect the area with a bleach solution (1:10). If the animal is in a wall cavity, you may need to cut out the drywall to remove it. Professionals can handle this safely and deodorize the space.
Can wildlife cause health problems for tenants?
Yes. Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris) can cause severe neurological damage; bat guano spreads histoplasmosis; and rodent droppings can transmit hantavirus. Skunk spray causes respiratory irritation. Prompt removal and cleanup are essential to avoid liability.
How long does the exclusion process take?
Exclusion typically takes 1–2 days for an average home. Complex cases with multiple entry points or extensive damage may take longer. After exclusion, a follow-up visit is recommended to ensure no new gaps have appeared.
What do homeowners actually do about wildlife in the yard?
In Landlords, nuisance wildlife is usually removed by trapping, then the entry points are sealed so the next animal cannot move into the same spot. In Landlords, because many animals are protected by state rules, removal has to be done legally, and a written plan should spell out removal, exclusion, and cleanup.
Sources (10)
The facts in this article come from the public sources listed above. Every home is different, so ask the company you talk to about pricing and what’s included. Published by Wildlife Exterminator · Updated September 11, 2026 · How we write these guides