Question 1

How much does wildlife removal cost in Louisville, KY?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies by species and infestation severity. Wildlife removal services typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the complexity of the problem. Complex jobs involving attic restoration, bat exclusion, or extensive damage repair can be higher. We provide an instant free quote over the phone.

Question 2

Do you offer free quotes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide instant free quotes over the phone. As part of our process, we will identify the animal, locate entry points, assess damage, and provide a written estimate for repairs.

Question 3

Are you licensed and insured in Kentucky and Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are fully licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO) in both Kentucky and Indiana. We carry full liability insurance and workers' compensation to protect you and your property during our work.

Question 4

Do you offer 24/7 emergency wildlife removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We understand that a bat in the bedroom or a raccoon in the kitchen is an emergency. We have technicians on call 24/7/365 for urgent wildlife situations in the Louisville metro area.

Question 5

Do you use poisons to kill animals?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not use poisons for wildlife removal. Poisons are inhumane, pose risks to pets and children, and often cause animals to die inside walls, creating terrible odors. We use live traps, one-way exclusion doors, and physical removal methods.

Question 6

Do you provide a warranty on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a warranty on all our exclusion and repair work, typically ranging from 1 year to lifetime guarantees depending on the service. If an animal breaches our repair, we fix it for free.

Question 7

How fast can you get to my house?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies, we can typically arrive within 2-4 hours. For standard appointments, we usually schedule same-day or next-day service depending on your availability.

Question 8

Do you service commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide wildlife control for businesses, warehouses, apartments, HOAs, and retail centers throughout Louisville. We offer discreet services to protect your business reputation.

Question 9

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, checks, cash, and can work with insurance checks for covered claims.

Question 10

Will the animals come back after you remove them?

Accepted Answer

Not if you authorize the exclusion work. Trapping alone removes the current animals, but sealing the entry points (exclusion) is the only way to prevent new animals from moving in. Our exclusion work is guaranteed.

Question 11

I hear heavy walking in my attic. Is it a raccoon?

Accepted Answer

Likely yes. Raccoons are heavy animals (10-30 lbs) and sound like a person walking in the attic. If you hear thumping, scratching, or vocalizations at night, it is almost certainly raccoons.

Question 12

How do raccoons get into attics in Louisville?

Accepted Answer

Raccoons are strong and dexterous. They often tear open soffits, rip off roof vents, climb down chimneys, or chew through fascia boards. They can climb brick walls and downspouts to reach the roof.

Question 13

Is raccoon poop dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Extremely. Raccoon feces can contain Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) eggs, which can cause blindness and severe neurological damage in humans. It requires professional hazardous waste cleanup.

Question 14

What if there are baby raccoons in the attic?

Accepted Answer

In spring (March-May), female raccoons often nest in attics. We do not trap the mother and leave babies to die. We remove the babies by hand (often from tight eaves) and use them to lure the mother into a trap or reunion box.

Question 15

Can raccoons damage my house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Raccoons cause significant damage: tearing insulation, chewing wires (fire hazard), crushing ductwork, and destroying roof vents. The average raccoon damage claim is several thousand dollars.

Question 16

How do I keep raccoons out of my trash?

Accepted Answer

Use heavy-duty bins with locking lids or secure them with bungee cords. Store bins in a garage or shed until pickup day if possible. Raccoons are intelligent and can open simple latches.

Question 17

Do raccoons carry rabies in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Yes, raccoons are a primary vector for rabies in Kentucky. Never approach a raccoon, especially one acting strangely, staggering, or showing no fear of humans.

Question 18

Will a raccoon attack my dog?

Accepted Answer

Raccoons can be aggressive if cornered or defending young. They have sharp claws and teeth and can inflict serious injury to pets. Keep dogs leashed at night and check the yard before letting them out.

Question 19

How do you trap a smart raccoon?

Accepted Answer

We use professional-grade traps and specific baits that target raccoons. We also use 'positive set' traps over entry points that force the animal to enter the trap when exiting the home.

Question 20

Do you repair raccoon damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We repair soffits, replace roof vents, fix fascia boards, and install chimney caps. We also offer full attic restoration to replace damaged insulation.

Question 21

What kind of squirrels are in Louisville attics?

Accepted Answer

We primarily deal with Eastern Gray Squirrels (active during the day) and Southern Flying Squirrels (active at night). Both cause damage but require different removal strategies.

Question 22

How do I know if I have squirrels or rats?

Accepted Answer

Timing is key. Gray squirrels are active during the day (diurnal), so you'll hear noise in the morning and evening. Rats and flying squirrels are nocturnal. Squirrels are also louder and more frantic in their movements.

Question 23

Do squirrels chew on wires?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Squirrels must gnaw to keep their teeth filed down. They frequently chew electrical wiring in attics, which is a major cause of house fires. If you have squirrels, you have a fire risk.

Question 24

Can you use one-way doors for squirrels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is our preferred method. We install a one-way door over the entry hole. Squirrels can leave to find food but cannot re-enter. Once they are all out, we remove the door and seal the hole permanently.

Question 25

How small of a hole can a squirrel fit through?

Accepted Answer

Gray squirrels can fit through a hole the size of a golf ball (1.5 inches). Flying squirrels can fit through a hole the size of a quarter.

Question 26

Why are squirrels chewing my wood siding?

Accepted Answer

They may be trying to create a nesting site, or they may be 'cribbing' (chewing wood for nesting material). They also chew lead flashing around plumbing vents.

Question 27

Do flying squirrels really fly?

Accepted Answer

They glide. They have a membrane of skin between their front and back legs that allows them to glide from tree to roof. They are nocturnal and live in colonies, so if you have one, you likely have many.

Question 28

How do I stop squirrels from eating my bird seed?

Accepted Answer

It's difficult. Baffles can help, but squirrels are agile. The best solution is to place feeders far away from the house (20+ feet) so they don't attract squirrels to your roofline.

Question 29

Will mothballs keep squirrels away?

Accepted Answer

No. Mothballs are ineffective deterrents and contain naphthalene, which is toxic to humans and pets. The smell is unpleasant but won't drive a squirrel out of a warm, safe attic.

Question 30

What is the cost to remove squirrels?

Accepted Answer

We provide an instant free quote over the phone. Costs usually range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the repair work needed.

Question 31

Is it illegal to kill bats in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many bat species are federally protected. It is illegal to kill, poison, or trap them. We use humane exclusion methods to let them fly out and prevent their return.

Question 32

When is bat maternity season in Louisville?

Accepted Answer

May 1st to August 15th. During this time, flightless baby bats are in the roost. We cannot perform exclusions during this window because the babies would be trapped inside and die. We can seal off living quarters but must wait to evict the colony.

Question 33

What diseases do bats carry?

Accepted Answer

Bats are a vector for rabies (though less than 1% carry it). Their droppings (guano) grow a fungus that causes Histoplasmosis, a serious lung infection in humans.

Question 34

How do bats get into my house?

Accepted Answer

Bats can squeeze through gaps as small as 3/8 of an inch. Common entry points include ridge vents, gable vents, chimney gaps, fascia boards, and loose brick.

Question 35

I found a bat in my house. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Do not lose sight of it. Close doors to contain it in one room. Call us immediately for emergency removal. If there's a possibility of contact (sleeping person, child), the bat should be tested for rabies.

Question 36

What does bat guano look like?

Accepted Answer

It looks like dark mouse droppings but is shiny/sparkly (due to insect wings) and crumbles to dust easily. It is often found in piles below the roosting area.

Question 37

How do you get rid of a bat colony?

Accepted Answer

We install one-way exclusion devices (valves or tubes) over the entry points. Bats fly out at night to feed but cannot fly back in. After a few days, we remove the devices and seal the holes.

Question 38

Do bat houses keep bats out of my attic?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Bats prefer the stable temperature of your attic. However, installing a bat house after exclusion gives them an alternative home nearby, which is beneficial for insect control.

Question 39

Does insurance cover bat removal?

Accepted Answer

Insurance typically covers the cleanup and repair of damage (guano removal, insulation replacement) but often excludes the cost of the exclusion/eviction itself. Check your specific policy.

Question 40

Why do I hear scratching in my wall?

Accepted Answer

Bats often roost in wall voids, sliding down from the attic. The scratching sound is them moving up and down the wall studs. This often sounds like 'scurrying' or 'fluttering'.

Question 41

How do I know if I have mice or rats?

Accepted Answer

Mouse droppings are small (rice grain size). Rat droppings are larger (bean/raisin size). Rats also leave larger gnaw marks and grease smudges (rub marks) along walls. Rats are much louder in attics.

Question 42

Why do I have mice if my house is clean?

Accepted Answer

Mice seek warmth and shelter, not just food. They can enter through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or under garage doors. A clean house helps, but structural sealing is required to stop them.

Question 43

Do ultrasonic pest repellers work on mice?

Accepted Answer

No. Scientific studies show that ultrasonic devices have little to no effect on rodent behavior. They quickly get used to the sound. Trapping and exclusion are the only proven methods.

Question 44

How small of a hole can a mouse fit through?

Accepted Answer

A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime (1/4 inch). A rat can fit through a hole the size of a quarter (1/2 inch).

Question 45

Do you use snap traps or bait stations?

Accepted Answer

We prefer snap traps indoors to ensure we recover the carcass (preventing odors). We may use tamper-resistant bait stations outdoors or in specific situations, but we prioritize exclusion (sealing the home).

Question 46

Are deer mice dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Deer mice are the primary carriers of Hantavirus, a rare but fatal respiratory disease spread through urine and droppings. Proper cleanup safety is essential.

Question 47

How do you seal a house against mice?

Accepted Answer

We inspect the entire exterior foundation, roofline, and utility penetrations. We seal gaps with copper mesh (which doesn't rust), steel wool, concrete, and metal flashing that rodents cannot chew through.

Question 48

Why are rats in my toilet?

Accepted Answer

Norway rats are excellent swimmers and can swim up sewer lines into toilet bowls. This usually indicates a break in the sewer line or a missing backflow valve.

Question 49

How long does it take to get rid of mice?

Accepted Answer

With proper trapping and exclusion, a mouse population can usually be eliminated in 1-2 weeks. Without exclusion, they will keep coming back forever.

Question 50

Do cats keep mice away?

Accepted Answer

Cats can catch some mice, but they rarely eliminate an infestation. Mice live in walls and attics where cats can't reach. A well-fed pet cat is often not a motivated mouser.

Question 51

Can you remove a bird nest from my dryer vent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Starlings frequently nest in dryer vents. This is a major fire hazard as the lint backs up behind the nest. We remove the nest, clean the vent, and install a bird-proof cover.

Question 52

Are birds protected by law?

Accepted Answer

Most native birds (robins, cardinals, swifts) are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to move their nests if eggs/young are present. Invasive species like Starlings, House Sparrows, and Pigeons are NOT protected and can be removed anytime.

Question 53

How do I get rid of pigeons on my business sign?

Accepted Answer

We install bird spikes, netting, or electric track systems that prevent pigeons from landing. These solutions are discreet and highly effective for commercial properties.

Question 54

What are the birds in my chimney?

Accepted Answer

Likely Chimney Swifts. They are protected migratory birds that cling to vertical walls. They nest May-August. You must wait until they leave in fall to cap the chimney. We cannot legally remove them while nesting.

Question 55

Do bird droppings carry disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bird droppings can harbor Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, and E. coli. Large accumulations (like in attics or warehouses) require professional hazmat cleanup.

Question 56

How do birds get into the attic?

Accepted Answer

They enter through missing soffit panels, unscreened gable vents, or loose fascia boards. Starlings and sparrows are cavity nesters and actively seek these holes.

Question 57

What are bird mites?

Accepted Answer

Tiny parasites that live on birds. When the birds leave the nest (or are removed), the mites migrate into the home looking for a new host, biting humans. We treat the nesting area to eliminate mites.

Question 58

Do you clean up bird poop?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer pressure washing and sanitization services for areas affected by bird droppings, using hospital-grade disinfectants.

Question 59

Will a plastic owl scare birds away?

Accepted Answer

Usually only for a few days. Birds quickly realize it's not real. Physical barriers (netting, spikes) are the only long-term solution.

Question 60

Do you install chimney caps?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A stainless steel chimney cap is the best way to prevent birds, raccoons, and squirrels from entering your chimney flue.

Question 61

Are there venomous snakes in Louisville?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Copperhead is the most common venomous snake in our area. Timber Rattlesnakes exist in Kentucky but are rare in the metro. Most snakes you see are harmless (Garter, Rat, Water snakes).

Question 62

How do I tell if a snake is venomous?

Accepted Answer

Copperheads have a distinct hourglass pattern and a triangular, copper-colored head. However, it is safest to assume ANY snake is dangerous and call a professional rather than getting close enough to check.

Question 63

Why is there a snake in my basement?

Accepted Answer

Snakes enter basements seeking cool, damp environments or hunting mice. They enter through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or under door sweeps.

Question 64

Do snake repellents work?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. Granular repellents (mothballs, sulfur) are ineffective. The best deterrent is habitat modification: keeping grass short, removing debris piles, and eliminating rodent food sources.

Situation	Action	Who to Call
Animal inside living space	Isolate animal, close doors	Us (24/7 Emergency)
Animal in attic/walls	Schedule inspection	Us (Schedule Appt)
Sick/Injured Wildlife	Do not touch	Wildlife Rehabilitator
Stray Dog/Cat	Do not approach	Metro Animal Services
Dead Animal on Road	Report location	Metro Public Works

Critter Removal of Louisville

Wildlife Removal FAQ

Quick Reference Guide

1 General & Cost Questions

2 Raccoon Removal

3 Squirrel Removal

4 Bat Removal & Laws

5 Mice & Rat Control

6 Bird Control

7 Snake Removal

8 Groundhogs, Skunks & Opossums

9 Attic Restoration & Insurance

10 Service Area & Misc

Still Have Questions?