Maryland wildlife control: The Complete Homeowner's Guide

What to look for

Big brown bats slip through gaps a quarter inch wide at flashing, ridge caps, and trim joints. The state's climate is temperate throughout, with summer highs near 87F and a median winter low around 26F across our city data. That is cold enough to drive an autumn den rush but mild enough that raccoon and skunk activity never fully stops. At 42 inches of rain a year and humidity near 66 percent, exterior trim on the region's older housing softens at the eaves and around chimneys, and those soft spots are where the openings begin. Maryland Department of Natural Resources lists raccoon, striped skunk, red fox, and big brown bat among the species behind nuisance complaints, and each one uses a house differently. Raccoons climb, tear soffits, and take chimneys. Striped skunks dig under decks, sheds, and stoops. Red foxes den under outbuildings and porches and are more a yard concern than a building one.

• 1Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds in the attic or walls, especially at dawn or dusk.
• 2Droppings (scat) in attic, garage, or near entry points—size and shape vary by species.
• 3Visible entry holes: torn vent covers, loose siding, gaps around pipes or eaves.
• 4Strong musky odors from urine and feces buildup.
• 5Footprints or rub marks along rafters, ductwork, or insulation.
• 6Damaged insulation (flattened, torn) used for nesting.
• 7Noises in chimney or fireplace—raccoons, squirrels, or birds.

Treatment options and typical costs

Prices are typical published ranges. Ask what’s included before you compare quotes.

Raccoon Removal in Maryland: Challenges and Solutions.

Raccoons are also primary carriers of rabies in the mid-Atlantic region; Maryland consistently reports raccoon rabies cases. Professionals use humane live traps baited with marshmallows or cat food. After removal, exclusion is critical: raccoons will return if entry points are not sealed with heavy-gauge steel mesh. Attic restoration is often needed due to urine-soaked insulation. Maryland requires raccoons to be euthanized if trapped, not relocated, because relocation spreads disease and disrupts ecosystems. A professional will dispose of the animal humanely and legally. Raccoons are arguably the most troublesome wildlife in Maryland. They are intelligent, strong, and dexterous—able to open latches, tear through soffits, and remove roof shingles. They often choose attics and chimneys for denning, especially in spring when females give birth to 3–5 kits.

wildlife activity by season.

The most useful first step in Maryland is to note where you have seen wildlife and when they appear, because that timeline is what lets a provider focus on the right area instead of treating the whole property. In Maryland, checking the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and any moisture or clutter near the structure usually turns up the conditions that are letting them in. Scheduling before the busy stretch, rather than after it, tends to mean faster service and a more accurate quote, and a local provider can point out the conditions that matter most in Maryland.

Bat Exclusion: Timing, Regulations, and Health Risks.

Bats roost in attics, behind siding, and in chimneys. Their guano accumulates quickly and can harbor Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that causes histoplasmosis (lung infection). Cleanup requires HEPA vacuuming and disinfecting. Bats are protected in Maryland because they are vital for insect control and are threatened by white-nose syndrome. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources prohibits exclusion during maternity season (May 1–July 31) when flightless pups are present. Exclusion during that period can trap and kill young bats, which is illegal and inhumane. The only legal approach is to install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter, sealing all other holes. This must be done in late winter or early fall.

Squirrel Intrusions: A Year-Round Nuisance.

Exclusion is the best prevention: seal all openings with steel mesh, and trim tree branches. One-way doors can evict squirrels already inside. After removal, check for babies—squirrels often have litters in spring and fall. Professional removal averages $300–$500. Gray squirrels are abundant in Maryland suburbs and forests. They enter homes through gaps as small as 1.5 inches—chewing through wood, vinyl, and even aluminum. Squirrels are active year-round, but intrusions spike in late summer (juveniles dispersing) and early winter (seeking warmth). They often nest in attics, causing damage to wiring and insulation. A single squirrel can cause thousands of dollars in damage if it chews through electrical wires, creating a fire risk. Squirrels are not protected in Maryland, but trapping and removal must be humane.

Skunk and Opossum Control: Unique Challenges.

However, they will den under sheds, decks, and in crawlspaces. Opossums are transient and often leave on their own if not threatened. Exclusion—sealing access to crawlspaces and under decks—is the best long-term solution. Both skunks and opossums can be trapped and relocated in Maryland, but check local ordinances. Skunks are known for their spray, but they also dig under decks, porches, and foundations, creating burrows that can undermine structures. They are attracted to grubs in lawns. Skunks are carriers of rabies and distemper. Trapping skunks requires careful technique to avoid triggering a spray; professionals use covered traps and dark cloths to calm the animal. Opossums, on the other hand, are often misunderstood. They are docile, rarely carry rabies (their body temperature is too low), and are beneficial because they eat ticks (up to 5,000 per season) and other pests.

Groundhogs (Woodchucks) and Their Damage.

They are not protected in Maryland and can be trapped. Exclusion involves burying heavy-gauge fencing at least 2 feet deep and bent outward at the bottom to prevent digging. Groundhogs are strong and can push through weak barriers. Professional removal costs $250–$500. After removal, fill the burrow with gravel and soil to prevent other animals from moving in. Groundhogs are also known to climb, so protect garden areas as well. Groundhogs are prolific diggers that can undermine foundations, patios, and retaining walls. Their burrows can extend 30 feet with multiple entrances. Groundhogs are active during the day, especially in spring and summer.

Simple ways to keep wildlife away

• Trim tree branches at least 6 feet from your roofline to block squirrel and raccoon access.
• Install heavy-duty chimney caps with stainless steel mesh.
• Seal all gaps around vents, pipes, and eaves with hardware cloth and caulk.
• Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and store pet food indoors.
• Remove bird feeders in spring and fall, or place them far from the house.
• Inspect your home annually in late winter and early fall for new holes or damage.
• Close off crawlspace vents with metal grates and ensure doors seal tightly.

Questions people ask

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