Why DIY Wildlife Removal is a Bad Idea

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DIY wildlife removal is risky and often ineffective. At Titan Pest & Wildlife, we can help.

Wildlife invasions can be unsettling and potentially dangerous. When you discover unwanted critters like raccoons, squirrels, or even snakes in your home or yard, your first instinct might be to handle the situation yourself. After all, how hard can it be? However, DIY wildlife removal is often more complicated, risky, and ineffective than it appears.

Don’t take unnecessary risks—contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your home and family from unwelcome wildlife guests.

why-diy-removal-is-a-bad-idea
Titan Pest and Wildlife Solutions
Excellent
4.9
Based on 571 reviews
J Kesterson came and inspected our house. We discovered raccoon and mice activity in the attic. Jay and I went up and had a look to see the damage as well as him taking pictures of the damage. We went around the house and inspected the outside to look for potential openings, and found 3 entry points. J was very professional and genuine when discussing options and inspecting the house. It was nice to be included and shown where specific activity was taken place in person and in pictures as well as see where those entry points are. He answered all our questions and broke things down so they were easy to understand. He fully explained the benefits for each treatment option and the prices. We appreciate the wholistic assessment.
Response from the owner: Hi, Tyler. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Brandyn at Titan Pest & Wildlife is our go to guy for all our wildlife issues for all our properties. Both Brandon and this company communicate well with their clients. Titan has a great team and offer reasonable prices especially compared to other local wildlife companies. I have no reservations or hesitations referring this company to my family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers.
Response from the owner: Hi, Carol. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Ken came out was super friendly and helpful very professional appreciate the job well done.
Response from the owner: Hi, Joseph. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Cristian did a great job with my pest control treatment this week. He answered all my questions and was thorough in inspecting and treating my house. Thanks Cristian!
Response from the owner: Hi, Mary. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Great service
Response from the owner: Hi, Parker. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
J did an excellent assessment of the issue and took him time to understand my concerns and goals. I feel like I’m in good hands to resolve my pest issue.
Response from the owner: Hi, Christine. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Worked with Jay and Christian from Titan over the last two years. Treated the yard over the summer (great, effective sprays), and most recently contracted them for indoor pest/rodent control. Very comprehensive customer service + responsive communication. Prices seem appropriate for great valued services! Will use them for any service that the home needs.
Response from the owner: Hi, Jack. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Jay Kesterson is great! He was prompt and professional. He assessed the problem and solved it quickly. I'm in good hands with Jay, you will be too!
Response from the owner: Hi, Kathryn. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
I really like J he was really kind and nice and he took the time out to really look through the house and make sure that he pointed out everything as far as where the bedbugs could be thanks for you guys service and I will see you guys really soon to start getting these bed bugs really took out this house
Response from the owner: Hi, Robert. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Jay promptly answered the phone and answered all my questions in professional manner and the whole team is very customer focused with reasonable quality service
Response from the owner: Hi, Darren. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Excellent customer service! Cristian was a big help and was very knowledgeable. He was friendly and very efficient.
Response from the owner: Hi, Victoria. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Ken is very thorough and professional and respectful of our property. Personable too. I highly recommend him for any of your pest control needs. Liz and George
Response from the owner: Hi, George. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Cristian, our technician, is awesome. He has been so helpful and informative! He seems to have solved an issue with spiders we were having on the exterior of our home.. which have bothered me for years. He is proactive in getting those pests. So thankful for his great work m, helpful tips to keep the bugs away, and kind demeanor.
Response from the owner: Hi, Anonymous. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
I initially used Titan to get rid of my mole problem, but I just upgraded to additional pest protection. The tech that came out, J Kesterson, was professional and knowledgeable, and he explained clearly the additional services I’m getting. I’m very pleased with Titan Pest and Wildlife and highly recommend them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Ellyssia. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
We had a multiple types of pest issue in our attic and yard. Jay made the 2+ hour drive up to our house and did a thorough inspection, after which he walked me through all the areas they could address on our 3 acres. The technician, Christian, showed up on time for the initial and follow-up treatment of our attic (mice, squirrels, and raccoon evidence) and our yard (loads of mole tunnels throughout the property). He was very professional, thorough, and always asked if there was anything more I needed him to check out/look at. Titan is also spraying and treating the inside and outside of our house for spiders, bugs, etc. - which I have seen a major improvement in! I am very happy so far and look forward to their monthly treatments - peace of mind for me and my family!
Response from the owner: Hi, Barbie. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Ken was our service tech and went above and beyond. Great and prompt service and the utmost professionalism.
Response from the owner: Hi, Chris. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Ken was super helpful! Thankful for the monthly appointments.
Response from the owner: Hi, S. Thank you so much for rating your experience with us so highly!
Ken Husser did an amazing job at my apartment. He is a kind a professional gentleman and I cannot thank him enough for his service. He is the best!!!!!
Response from the owner: Hi, Joseph. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
The inspection was great, (J Kesterson was the guy that did the inspection for me).
Response from the owner: Hi, Lily. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Jay Kesterson was really helpful in explaining the process for eliminating mice and how to protect the property moving forward, great service
Response from the owner: Hi, Joanna. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Great service from Ken Husser and Cameron Stroh. They are both attentive, ask good questions, and worked to solve our rodent problems. Thank you!
Response from the owner: Hi, Benjamin. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
When you have a problem with pest you need to make a call to J @TitanPest and wildlife!😁
Response from the owner: Hi, Amber. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
We love the work that J Kesterson does for us!!
Response from the owner: Hi, Patti. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
John H is your man for thorough and trustworthy services. He will take care of you.
Response from the owner: Hi, Brent. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
We had concerns over one in our household being bit periodically each month. We made an appointment and J came out that same day. He helped us decipher what our problem was and came up with a plan.
Response from the owner: Hi, Cindy. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Ken did an awesome job! Much appreciated!
Response from the owner: Hi, Jb. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
I really really loved how Jay came to my rescue with the pest 🪳 in my house and he really made me and my family truly happy 😁😄 so thankful for Jay thank you titan 🙏❤️
Response from the owner: Hi, Jeanette. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Jay came out for a walkthrough and inspection today. I appreciated the in person quote. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was very thorough in his explanations. I would recommend.
Response from the owner: Hi, Kippi. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
J came out to my house, did a complete assessment, explained their program and all the cost. They captured a raccoon that was destroying my yard, then took it and released in a safe location. Thank you for your help!
Response from the owner: Hi, Michael. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
J. Kesterson came to my house and did a thorough inspection of my exterior and interior of my house including the attic and basement. He provided pictures of the areas of concern and I was able to set up a program to address these issues. Nice gentleman!
Response from the owner: Hi, Marie. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Service guys are great. We enjoyed working with the technicians on our outdoor concerns. Issues resolved.
Response from the owner: Hi, Odean. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Ken H did a great job, and was extremely kind and courteous, making sure to take extra caution to keep our pets safe 😃
Response from the owner: Hi, Maryann. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
J did a fantastic job and thorough work on the property today! His efforts were much appreciated!
Response from the owner: Hi, Kyle. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
This is the 3rd time they have been out and they are very attentive in trying to figure out how the mice are getting in my attic. All 3 young men have been very professional.
Response from the owner: Hi, Mckenna. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
"Great service! They're responsive, show up on time, and take care of the pest or wildlife problem quickly—highly recommend!"
Response from the owner: Hi, Mckenzie. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Employees are courteous and show up on scheduled.
Response from the owner: Hi, Denise. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
J came out the same day and was able to get us a quote and scheduled for some work around the house!
Response from the owner: Hi, Angela. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
J came to my house and was very thorough with his termite inspection. I had others come out but never any real explanation of things. J did great and even pointed out termites and explained the process of removing and getting the active ones out. Great experience and happy to work with them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Laelle. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
J Kesterson came out and did a thorough job inspecting and explaining our situation to us. Termites are a serious issues and we were in a hurry to get a solution started. Highly recommend Titan and J Kesterson, thank you!
Response from the owner: Hi, Laura. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Personal and friendlyDid an excellent job.!
Response from the owner: Hi, Tony. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
We have used Titan for over a year since replacing the company our builder had us using. They have deliver better and more consistent results and ANY time we have had an issue outside of our normal service they’ve been quick to respond and assist.
Response from the owner: Hi, Ben. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Titan pest control was very comprehensive and professional! Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Hi, Lynn. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
I purchased Samuel Berton Distillery 5 weeks ago. And one of the hoops we had to jump through was a pest inspection, treatment and plan moving forward. Titan got on it. And in a weeks time all is well! Look forward to long term service and Jake was very professional and as thorough as can be. Very satisfied!!!
Response from the owner: Hi, Tony. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Brandyn and his team are on it! Whatever you need done, they’re efficient, effective and cost effective!
Response from the owner: Hi, Rey. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Prompt and did what they said.
Great company with fantastic customer service, they solved all my pest issues and are really easy to work with
Called early in morning and got an answer. They were out here in less than 30 minutes later to relocate Racoon that had been getting into my coop. Even got a snip of the gps where it was relocated.
I had an issue with the previous owner, but the new owner is very responsive!
They did a great job and guaranteed their work. Highly recommend.
Easy to work with and schedule, and great prices.
Incredible service!
My wife & I love this company! Great customer service & affordable! Will definitely be referring our friends and family!
Titan is my go to for all my real estate clients. Very professional and easy to work with.
Great service and did the job right the first time. I’ll be calling them for my next service to keep my property free of pests. Thanks guys.
Fantastic company and great owners!
These guys were amazing. Quality work done efficiently. Will definitely be the people we call if we ever need to get rid of any more pests.
I was having a recurring ant infestation around my windows. No matter what I tried they kept coming back. After Titan came by, no more ants. They were very professional and on time. Took care of the bugs with great service.
Everyone I've interacted with has been great, and the price is good, too. The mice that had moved in have been evicted, and I haven't had any issues since. The guys that come out to my house have been quick and non-intrusive while I work from home as well. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Hi, Logan. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
They done a good job explaining everything they would do for the termite problem we had and done a good job on the follow up. The technician we had was very professional and answered all our questions.
Response from the owner: Hi, Glenn. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
These guys are awesome!! We had a few mice in our house we bought (it was built in the 50s). They quickly came out, found the access points, and sealed those points of entry. Very reasonably priced and the gentlemen who came out were great! 10/10 recommend.
Response from the owner: Hi, Kaitie. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Great, quick, honest service
Response from the owner: Hi, Sherise. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Always in time and responsive to concerns. Happy to work with Titan whose rates are reasonable.
Response from the owner: Hi, Robin. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
On time very thourough great explanation of services. You were highly recommeded by a friend. Thanks again.
Response from the owner: Hi, Bill. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
I was so impressed with the responsiveness I experienced using Titan. Everyone was so friendly and professional from my initial consult down to the numerous panicked phone calls I made during the catch period. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and if necessary, I would definitely use them again. Who knew raccoons could create such damage?
Response from the owner: Hi, Sharon. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
They did a good job installing my holiday lights
Response from the owner: Hi, Bibian. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
My appointment period was estimated to be between 1&4. Unlike most businesses that give you a range, he showed up at 130 after a quick call. He answered all my questions, gave me several options to pick from and a firm estimate. I agreed to get it done asap and he had the equipment available to do it right then. The whole appointment took about 1 1/2 hrs and he was done. The estimate was better than most other’s that I’ve gotten. Very happy with the experience.
Response from the owner: Hi, Justine. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Very responsive and professional
Response from the owner: Hi, Jorge. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
AJ and David hung our Christmas lights on the front of our house and did a great job. They were very friendly and professional. I highly recommend them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Sandy. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Hung Christmas lights, did a wonderful job!! So pleased with how it looks and these 2 young men were so professional and courteous, I expected I will call them for other things. Will definitely tell everyone who did this.
Response from the owner: Hi, Laura. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
This was my first time using Titan and they far exceeded my expectations! I contacted Titan as we discovered we had 2 very large, guinea pig looking animals in our garage. We had seen them go in and out of their hiding place and no clue what they were. I figured I would have to wait to get someone out, and they put me on the schedule the same day. David came out and looked around and talked about our wildlife/rodent problem....appears to be two pack rats. He explained in detail what he was going to do with the traps and all. Typically they leave and send you an estimate and, once approved, they come back to do all the work. I asked if he could go ahead and put the bait and traps out now, and I would sign and pay, or whatever was needed. as we were just anxious to get these rodents taken care of, due to the inconvenience and damage they have caused (including eating through my husbands turn signal wire on his car). He took the time to contact the office to see if he could do this, prepare the estimate for my signature, go over in detail the terms of the contract and warranty, and then I paid over the phone. Very easy. I was so appreciative of his willingness to try to get this done quickly for us, even though it isn't their usual policy. He then set everything out and told me if I felt like I needed service before my scheduled 7 day time to just call and they would work with me. I loved the experience, or as much as you can love having 2 very large pack rats in your garage (think guinea pig size, lol). David was very timely, knowledgeable, and respectful. When he left he even shook my hand. Titan has definitely earned any future business of mine and I will definitely be recommending them to others!**Update: After no movement on the camera for almost 72 hours (and they set off the camera pretty much every 5 minutes prior to Titan coming out so we were cautiously optimistic they both had died), one resurfaced at 3am this morning, the one that has had a trap stuck on him for that entire 72 hours, and he can't get into the only food source, aka the bait trap, because of the trap being stuck on his head. So, I contacted Titan this morning just to see if anyone could come back out before the scheduled Thursday time, figuring I probably would be out of luck. The lady that answered said that while David's schedule was pretty full, she would have him out sometime today, just couldn't say when.I wish more businesses operated this way.
Response from the owner: Hi, Haley. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
I had my home checked for all insects and pest. He did a great job and was very thorough. I would tell all my family and friends about them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Hunter. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
We had so many brown recluse this year, response time was fantastic. Allen was very friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable. They handled the problem and now i can finally sleep again. Will forever recommend Titan to all our friends and family.
Response from the owner: Hi, Dusty. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
David did a great job of ridding my flea issue! He is very knowledgeable and very professional!! I would recommend Titan Pest and Wildlife Solutions if you have any kind of pest you want gone!!! 👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Response from the owner: Hi, Lori. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
I had a skunk trying to build a home under my house and they came and removed it. They were professional.
Response from the owner: Hi, Ashley. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Lots of brown recluse this year! The titan crew is knowledgeable and efficient!
Response from the owner: Hi, Shelby. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Aj was very professional and got rid of those pesky spiders
Response from the owner: Hi, Ruby. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Very professional and helpful!
Response from the owner: Hi, April. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
I had feral cats under my house and they removed them and took them to a shelter
Response from the owner: Hi, Tressa. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
I personally thought they were the best! Very friendly and went above and beyond what I expected!
Response from the owner: Hi, Michelle. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Fast easy and very respectful
Response from the owner: Hi, Garrett. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
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The Dangers of DIY Wildlife Removal

Attempting to remove wildlife on your own can expose you to significant dangers. Here’s why:

Common Risks:

  • Animal Aggression: Wild animals may become aggressive when threatened.
  • Disease Transmission: Animals like raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, which are transmittable to humans and pets.
  • Injury Risk: Handling wildlife without proper training can lead to severe injuries.

Why Professionals Are Safer:

  • Trained Expertise: Wildlife removal experts understand animal behavior and are trained to handle dangerous situations.
  • Protective Gear: Professionals use specialized equipment and protective clothing to minimize risks.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Experts know how to react in case of unexpected animal aggression.

DIY Mistakes Can Worsen the Problem

Many DIY wildlife removal methods, such as traps, repellents, and home remedies, don’t work. Sometimes, it might provide a temporary solution, but the animals often return or find another way into your home. Professional wildlife control services use proven techniques to remove the animals and prevent them from returning.

This often involves sealing entry points, installing exclusion devices, and providing advice on how to keep your home and property less attractive to wildlife. These preventative measures are crucial for long-term solutions.

The Hidden Health Hazards of Wildlife

Wildlife can carry a variety of diseases and parasites that are harmful to humans. Here’s what you need to know:

Common Diseases and Parasites:

  • Roundworms: In raccoon feces, roundworms can cause neurological damage if ingested.
  • Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection carried by bats that affects the lungs.
  • Lyme Disease: Carried by ticks that can be present in wildlife such as deer.

Why Professionals Are Better Equipped:

  • Safe Handling: Professionals know how to handle animals and their waste to prevent disease transmission.
  • Proper Disposal: Experts ensure that animal waste is disposed of according to health and safety regulations.
  • Prevention Advice: Professionals can provide tips to prevent future infestations and protect your health.
Opossum Removal

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Many wildlife species are protected by law, and improper removal can lead to legal trouble. Here’s what to consider:

Legal Issues with DIY Removal:

  • Protected Species: Certain animals, like bats and specific bird species, are protected under federal and state laws.
  • Relocation Regulations: Wildlife can only be relocated under specific conditions, particularly if they are raising young.
  • Fines and Penalties: Violating wildlife protection laws can result in fines and legal consequences.

Why Professionals Are the Right Choice:

  • Legal Compliance: Wildlife experts know all relevant laws and ensure their removal practices are legal.
  • Documentation: Experts can provide the necessary documentation if legal issues arise.

The Ineffectiveness of DIY Methods

DIY wildlife removal methods are often ineffective in the long run. Here’s why:

Ineffective DIY Solutions:

  • Homemade Traps: These often fail to capture the animal or can harm it, making the situation worse.
  • Repellents: Many over-the-counter repellents don’t work as advertised and may not be suitable for all animals.
  • Incomplete Exclusion: Without proper knowledge, it’s easy to miss entry points, allowing animals to return.

Professional Solutions:

  • Effective Trapping: Professionals use effective traps tailored to specific species.
  • Comprehensive Exclusion: Experts will seal entry points and provide long-term solutions to keep wildlife out.
  • Follow-Up Services: Many wildlife removal companies offer follow-up inspections to ensure the problem is fully resolved.

Contact Us Today

While saving money by handling wildlife removal yourself might be tempting, the risks far outweigh the benefits. From the dangers of handling wild animals to the potential legal repercussions, it’s clear that this is a job best left to the experts.

At Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions, our trained professionals are ready to handle any wildlife situation safely and effectively. Don’t take unnecessary risks—contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your home and family from unwelcome wildlife guests.

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