Wildlife Removal in Washington: Raccoons, Squirrels, Bats & More
Wildlife Removal in Washington: Raccoons, Squirrels, Bats & More
Complete guide to humane wildlife removal, regulations, and prevention in Washington State
Wildlife Conflicts in Washington
Washington's abundant wildlife is part of what makes our state special—until it moves into your attic. From urban Seattle to rural Eastern Washington, wildlife conflicts are common year-round.
Common wildlife problems in Washington:
- Raccoons – Attics, chimneys, under decks
- Squirrels – Attics, wall voids
- Bats – Attics, wall voids, chimneys
- Opossums – Under porches, in garages
- Birds – Vents, chimneys, soffits
- Skunks – Under structures
- Rats/mice – See our rodent control guide
Understanding Washington's wildlife regulations is essential—improper handling can result in fines and legal issues.
Washington Wildlife Regulations
Key Laws to Know
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulates wildlife removal:
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Trapping license | Required for most nuisance wildlife |
| Relocation | Generally prohibited (see below) |
| Protected species | Bats, many birds protected |
| Hunting seasons | Apply to some species |
| Euthanasia requirements | Humane methods mandated |
| Homeowner exceptions | Limited self-help allowed |
The Relocation Problem
Washington law generally prohibits relocating wildlife. Here's why:
- Relocated animals often die (unfamiliar territory)
- Spreads disease to new populations
- Creates problems at release site
- Animals may return (strong homing instinct)
- Illegal without specific permits
Legal options:
- Exclusion (seal entry, let animal leave)
- Humane euthanasia
- On-site release (some species, some situations)
- Licensed wildlife rehabilitator (injured animals)
Homeowner Exceptions
You may trap/remove some nuisance wildlife from your own property:
- Raccoons (with proper methods)
- Opossums
- Squirrels
- Skunks
BUT: You must use legal trapping methods, cannot relocate, and must handle humanely. Most homeowners hire professionals.
Common Wildlife by Species
Raccoons
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry points | Roof vents, soffits, chimneys, foundation vents |
| Signs | Large droppings, tracks, damage, noise at night |
| Breeding | March-April, 3-5 kits born |
| Risks | Rabies, roundworm, aggressive when cornered |
| Removal season | Wait until kits can travel (May-June) |
Key concern: Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris) in feces is dangerous to humans. Professional cleanup recommended.
Squirrels
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common types | Eastern gray, Douglas, flying squirrels |
| Entry points | Roof-soffit gaps, chewed holes, vents |
| Signs | Chewing sounds, acorn/nut caches, droppings |
| Breeding | February-March, August-September |
| Risks | Fire hazard (chewed wires), insulation damage |
Key concern: Flying squirrels are colonial—you may have 6-20 in an attic, not just one.
Bats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common types | Big brown bat, little brown bat, others |
| Entry points | Gaps as small as 3/8 inch |
| Signs | Guano (droppings), oil staining, dusk/dawn activity |
| Colonial | Yes, colonies of 20-300+ possible |
| Protected | YES – special rules apply |
Critical regulations:
- Cannot disturb during maternity season (May 1 – August 15)
- Must use exclusion (one-way doors), not trapping
- Bat colony removal requires proper timing
- Rabies risk with any bat contact
Opossums
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry points | Under decks, porches, sheds |
| Signs | Tracks, droppings, slow-moving nocturnal animal |
| Behavior | Nomadic, may leave on their own |
| Risks | Low disease risk, rarely aggressive |
| Removal | Often simple exclusion works |
Skunks
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry points | Under structures, foundation vents |
| Signs | Obvious odor, digging in lawn |
| Breeding | February-March, kits born April-May |
| Risks | Rabies possible, spray obvious |
| Removal | Professional strongly recommended |
Birds
| Species | Entry Point | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Starlings | Vents, gaps | Not protected |
| House sparrows | Vents, soffits | Not protected |
| Pigeons | Ledges, vents | Not protected |
| Woodpeckers | Siding, trim | PROTECTED |
| Swallows | Eaves, overhangs | PROTECTED during nesting |
Protected birds: Most native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Wait until nesting is complete before exclusion.
The Removal Process
Professional Inspection
A wildlife control inspection includes:
- Species identification
- Entry point location
- Damage assessment
- Population estimate
- Removal timeline
- Prevention recommendations
- Cleanup needs
Exclusion-Based Removal (Preferred)
- Identify all entry points
- Install one-way doors at primary entries
- Seal secondary entries
- Monitor for activity
- Remove one-way doors after exit confirmed
- Seal final entry point
- Cleanup contaminated areas
Trapping
When exclusion isn't practical:
- Humane live traps
- Checked at least daily
- Proper handling
- Legal disposition
- Documentation
Wildlife Removal Costs in Washington (2024)
Inspection and Assessment
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial inspection | $75–$200 | Often credited toward removal |
| Crawl space inspection | $100–$200 | If access difficult |
| Full property assessment | $150–$300 | Multiple buildings |
Removal by Species
| Animal | Cost Range | Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon (single) | $300–$600 | Location, accessibility |
| Raccoon (family) | $500–$1,000 | Wait for kits or remove |
| Squirrel (single) | $200–$400 | Attic access |
| Squirrel (colony) | $400–$800 | Multiple animals |
| Bat exclusion | $500–$2,500+ | Colony size, entry points |
| Opossum | $200–$400 | Usually straightforward |
| Skunk | $300–$600 | Spray risk premium |
| Bird removal | $150–$400 | Species dependent |
Exclusion/Prevention
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry point seal | $75–$200 | Basic repair |
| Multiple entry points | $300–$800 | Comprehensive |
| Full home exclusion | $1,000–$3,000 | All vulnerable areas |
| Chimney cap installation | $200–$400 | Prevents multiple species |
| Vent screening | $50–$150 each | Roof, soffit, foundation |
| Deck exclusion | $400–$1,000 | Perimeter screening |
Cleanup and Restoration
| Service | Cost Range | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Attic cleanup (light) | $300–$800 | Minimal contamination |
| Attic cleanup (heavy) | $1,500–$4,000 | Significant contamination |
| Insulation removal | $1,000–$3,000 | Damaged/contaminated |
| Insulation replacement | $1,500–$5,000 | After removal |
| Deodorization | $200–$500 | Skunk, dead animal |
| Dead animal removal | $150–$400 | Wall, crawl space |
DIY vs. Professional
When DIY May Work
- Animal is clearly passing through (not nesting)
- Single squirrel in garage
- Opossum under deck (may leave on own)
- You can safely reach entry point
- No babies/breeding season
- You understand regulations
When Professional is Essential
- Bats – Protected, exclusion-only, timing restrictions
- Raccoons with kits – Dangerous, complex removal
- Animals in walls – Access requires expertise
- Skunks – Spray risk, rabies concern
- Any aggressive animal
- Birds during nesting – Legal issues
- Large colonies – Squirrels, bats
- Unknown species
Why DIY Often Fails
- Didn't find all entry points
- Sealed animal inside (dies in wall)
- Wrong season (babies left behind)
- Improper exclusion methods
- Legal violations
- Disease/injury risk
Washington Licensing Requirements
Wildlife Control Licensing
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| WDFW Trapping License | Required for trapping |
| Commercial license | For paid wildlife work |
| Business license | Washington state requirement |
| Insurance | Liability and property damage |
| Pesticide license | If using any pesticides |
Verify Your Contractor
- Ask for WDFW license number
- Verify business license
- Check insurance coverage
- Ask about specific species experience
- Request references
Prevention Tips
Structural Prevention
- Seal all openings larger than 3/8"
- Install chimney caps with mesh
- Screen attic vents with hardware cloth
- Repair damaged soffits promptly
- Secure foundation vents with proper covers
- Trim tree branches 6-10 feet from roof
Habitat Modification
- Remove attractants – Pet food, fallen fruit
- Secure garbage in locked containers
- Don't feed wildlife (intentionally or not)
- Remove brush piles near structures
- Address water sources – Leaky faucets, birdbaths
- Keep lawn maintained – Reduces cover
Timing Matters
- Inspect annually in early spring
- Address issues before breeding season
- Best exclusion time – Late fall after young mature
- Worst time – May-July (baby season)
Questions to Ask Wildlife Control Companies
- Are you licensed by WDFW?
- What species are we dealing with?
- What's your removal method? (Exclusion preferred)
- How do you handle babies/breeding season?
- What's included in the price?
- Do you guarantee your work?
- What repairs/exclusion do you recommend?
- Do you do cleanup and decontamination?
- What about dead animals in walls?
- Can I see your insurance certificate?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Offering to relocate (illegal in most cases)
- Recommending poison for wildlife (often illegal)
- No license verification
- No inspection before quoting
- Killing bats (protected species)
- Very low prices then upsell
- No warranty on exclusion work
- Ignoring regulations
Emergency Situations
When to Call Immediately
- Animal inside living space
- Aggressive or unusual behavior (rabies concern)
- Injured animal (may need wildlife rehabilitator)
- Animal trapped in chimney
- Bat contact with person or pet
Rabies Concerns
Washington has rabies in bats. If you have:
- Direct contact with a bat
- Bat in room with sleeping person
- Bat contact with pet
Contact local health department immediately. The bat should be captured (not killed if possible) for testing.
Find Wildlife Control Specialists in Our Directory
All wildlife control contractors are verified for:
✅ Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife licensing
✅ Current liability insurance
✅ Humane removal methods
✅ Proper exclusion techniques
Browse Washington Wildlife Control Contractors →
Related Resources
Last updated: 2024. Prices reflect Washington market rates. Wildlife removal in Washington is regulated by WDFW. Always use licensed professionals who follow legal removal methods. Relocation is generally prohibited.