How Much Does Animal in Attic Removal Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost to remove a wild animal from an attic ranges from $200 to $1,500.
• Some of the factors that will determine the cost to remove an animal from the attic include the type of animal, the type of service, the number of animals, the cost of an inspection, the use of exclusion methods, and the cost of cleaning and decontamination.
• There are several telltale signs that an animal is in the attic, including unusual noises, unpleasant noises, animal droppings, debris, paw prints, rub marks, and damage.
• Homeowners may be able to tackle a single squirrel in the attic themselves, but it’s usually best to leave animal removal to the professionals since they have the experience and equipment to remove animals humanely and prevent them from returning.

Hearing scratching, rustling, running, or squeaking in the attic at night can leave a homeowner wondering “Can an animal get into the house?” These noises can be signs that there are animals in the attic at night—which means they might be there in the daytime, too. While these noises can strike dread in even the bravest of homeowners, removing an animal in the attic may be more cost-effective than expected. According to Angi, the typical cost for wildlife removal services in an attic ranges from $200 to $1,500, though the exact cost will depend on the type of animal and the difficulty in removing it.

Factors in Calculating Animal in Attic Removal Cost

Hearing noises in the attic is usually an unsettling experience, one that typically leaves homeowners wondering how much it will cost to remove one or more animals from the attic. Wildlife removal costs can vary widely and depend on the type of animal that has taken up residence, the types of services that will remove the animal, the size of the infestation, the method of removal, and the initial inspection.

Animal Type

The cost of animal removal from an attic will depend heavily on the type of animal that has moved in. Certain animals, such as bats and some birds, are protected species and require special care in their removal. The cost to remove them from an attic can range from $100 or $200 up to around $700. Squirrel removal costs between $125 and $1,500, and skunk removal costs between $300 and $600. Mice and rats are a common attic infestation; removal costs between $175 and $500. Searching online for “animal in attic removal cost” can help homeowners gauge what they’ll pay to remove the specific animal from their home.

Service Type

Services for animal removal from an attic include trapping, installing exclusion doors, cleaning, and putting preventive measures in place, among them installing spikes as a deterrent or sealing the entrances. Below are some common costs based on service type. It’s important to note that depending on the method of exclusion, some services may be included with others, which may mean the cost changes.

Service Type	Average Cost (Materials and Labor)
Entrance sealing	$150 to $500 per hole
Exclusion door installation	$250 to $550
Humane trapping	$50 to $350
Relocation	$150 to $200
Repair and cleaning	$500 to $15,000
Spike installation	$20 to $35 per 10 feet

Infestation Size

The larger the infestation, the more expensive it will be to get rid of animals that get in the attic. Depending on the type of animal, they may infiltrate the home on their own, or they may come with a group. Squirrels, for instance, can build multiple nests for a family, which can cost between $500 and $800 to remove.

Inspection

If there are animal noises in the attic at night or during the day, chances are an inspection by a reputable wildlife removal company or local animal control is the next step. Some companies offer free inspections and estimates, but they may also charge for the inspection—between $200 and $400, according to HomeAdvisor—and then deduct it from the final bill if they handle the wildlife removal.

Exclusion

Exclusion involves installing doors at strategic points around the attic. These exclusion doors allow animals to leave but won’t let them come back in. This is one of the standard ways to handle animals in the attic, but it requires multiple visits from a wildlife removal professional, because they’ll need to do the inspection, install the exclusion doors, and then return to make sure the animals have left the attic. This process starts at around $500 and can cost more than $8,500; it may include sealing up entries.

Cleaning and Decontamination

Depending on the type of animal in the attic, it may chew on rafters or wiring, tear at insulation, or build hard-to-remove nests. Animals also leave behind droppings and urine that can be hazardous to humans and can damage wood and insulation. The cost for deep cleaning after the infestation has been taken care runs between $200 and $470, while biohazard cleaning services can cost an additional $190 to $450. Once the animal has been removed, homeowners may be relieved that there’s not an animal in the attic scratching at night and decide to leave things as is, but not following through with cleaning and decontamination can lead to unpleasant odors and damage the structural integrity of the home.

Additional Costs and Considerations

In addition to the type of animal in the attic, the removal method, inspection costs, and infestation size, there are other costs and considerations for homeowners to factor into the total cost. Animals in the attic can do a lot of damage, especially if the infestation isn’t handled quickly. Damage repair, dead animal removal, and pest control services can add to the total.

Damage Repair

After a homeowner figures out how to get rid of animals in the attic, the next step will likely be to repair any damage. This may need to be factored into the total cost of removing animals from the attic. Depending on the type of damage and the extent, below are some examples of repair costs.

Repair Type	Average Repair Cost (Materials and Labor)
Crawl space repair and cleaning	$500 to $15,000
Drywall repair	$300 to $900
Duct repair	$12 to $25 per linear foot
Electrical wiring repair	$2 to $4 per square foot
Insulation replacement	$1,000 to $2,500
Siding repair	$350 to $1,400

Dead Animal Removal

If a homeowner needs to deal with dead animal removal in the attic, the process is a little more straightforward than the removal of multiple live animals. Dead animal in the attic removal costs between $150 and $250, depending on the animal’s location and accessibility. If the animal is dead, there’s a chance that it spent a significant amount of time in the attic, from a few days to a few weeks or maybe even months. This means that there may be damage to repair once the dead animal is removed.

Pest Control Services

If animals have been in the attic, there’s a chance that they brought some pests with them. Many animals that end up in the attic carry fleas, mites, or ticks, which can lead to the need for one of the best pest control services (such as Orkin or Terminix) on top of wildlife removal services. Pest control can cost between $200 and $600, and the professional may need to visit multiple times depending on the severity of the problem.

Animal in Attic Removal Cost by Type of Animal

Different animals in the attic require different removal methods. Trapping works well for raccoons, opossums, and skunks, while exclusion doors are best for bats and birds. A mix of methods can also be used depending on the wildlife removal specialist’s assessment of the situation. Because different types of animals require different methods, the cost to remove the animals will vary. And because an attic is more difficult to reach than a yard or garage, the price may fall on the high end of the range.

Type of Animal	Average Removal Cost
Bats	$230 to $700
Birds	$100 to $300
Opossums	$250 to $500
Raccoons	$400 to $600
Rodents	$175 to $550
Squirrels	$200 to $600

Bats

Bats are a protected animal in many areas of the country, so they must be removed safely. They are also known to carry rabies and can spread disease through their droppings. Therefore, the removal specialists will need to take extra care during the removal process and wear the right protective gear. If it’s mating season and there may be babies present, it may not be possible to remove them immediately, which can increase the expense of damage repair. Bat removal costs between $230 and $700 and typically includes installing exclusion doors, sealing access points, and then cleaning up.

Birds

The method of bird removal can depend on the breed of bird, as some are protected. If the bird has been there a while, bird nest removal may also be required. Removal is tricky because once birds have found a home, they may try to return. This is why removal typically includes exclusion doors and netting or spikes that will deter them from returning. Simple bird removal costs between $100 and $300, but if they continue to return and preventative measures are needed, the cost may go up to $500 to $2,000.

Opossums

Opossums are great climbers, using their feet, opposable thumbs, claws, and tail to get them up high to safety or to find food. Their climbing skills mean they are often found in attics. Because they’re larger and slower than lots of other attic invaders, they won’t scurry around, but they can still make noise as they move through the space. The best method for removing opossums is trapping them humanely and then sealing up entry points. They leave behind large droppings, so the area will need to be cleaned and decontaminated as quickly as possible. The cost to remove an opossum from an attic ranges from $250 to $500.

Raccoons

If there’s a raccoon in the attic, the good news is that raccoons are relatively easy to trap. The bad news is that they can carry rabies or other diseases and may attack if they feel threatened. Raccoons may nest in an attic with their babies away from predators and the elements, and they’ll likely stay as long as they can, so removing them quickly is essential. The cost to trap and remove a raccoon from an attic is between $400 and $600.

Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are trickier to remove than other animals because they breed quickly and scurry around, so it’s difficult to tell how large the infestation is. Roof rats, in particular, are skilled climbers and often take up residence in attics. Rodents can cause substantial damage, especially considering how small they are. They leave behind droppings and urine that can be hazardous, and they can chew through wires and insulation. Live traps can be used, but for a large infestation of rats or mice, extermination via snap traps that kill them quickly can be used to solve the problem. The traps can be reset as many times as needed to catch and kill all of the mice. Rat and mice extermination costs between $175 and $550.

Squirrels

Squirrels are larger than rats and mice and move quickly, so they’re not very good at concealing their presence in the attic. If there are squirrels in the attic, exclusion doors can keep them from getting back in once they leave, and live traps are often used to catch them and release them in a different area. Because they may enter the attic to birth and raise their babies, a squirrel infestation can grow quickly, so prompt removal is essential and can be easier if the problem is detected and taken care of while the babies are still in the nest. Squirrel removal costs between $200 and $600.

Do I need animals in my attic removed?

If there are animals in the attic, the homeowner likely needs to hire an animal removal service. The question is whether or not there are animals up there. Once it’s clear there is something living in the attic, then an inspection by one of the best wildlife removal services can determine what has taken up residence and how bad the infestation is, which will help determine the wildlife removal cost.

Unusual Noises

Unusual noises that could signal an animal presence and need further investigation include scratching, scurrying, squeaking, scampering, rustling, thumping, and thudding. Because many attic invaders are nocturnal, animal noises in the attic at night are a sure sign there’s something living up there.

Unpleasant Odors

If an animal is living in the attic, unpleasant odors can be a result of their urine or droppings or a result of a dead animal that has started to decompose. Either way, the source of the odor presents a danger to humans if it’s left untreated. Unpleasant smells are a sign that the homeowner may need to schedule an inspection.

Animal Droppings

Animal droppings, from rice-size mouse droppings to opossum droppings that are comparable in size to small dog droppings, are a sure sign there’s been animal activity in the attic. Not only is it unsightly and unsanitary to have animal droppings in the home, it’s an indication that animals may be living in the attic and need to be removed as quickly as possible. A professional knows what bat poop looks like, as well as other species’ droppings, and can advise the homeowner on the type of animal in the attic.

Debris

Any debris, particularly chewed insulation and wiring, needs to be investigated to find the source—likely an animal in the attic. The longer the animal lives there, or the more animals there are, the more debris will be created, which will lead to bigger attic cleaning costs.

Paw Prints

Identifying paw prints in the wild can be fun. Identifying paw prints in the attic, not so much. Seeing paw prints that don’t belong to the home’s dog or cat can mean that other animals are living under the same roof. If the homeowner finds paw prints, they can do an online search for wildlife paw prints to identify what is living in the attic. This information may help wildlife removal professionals determine what’s living there and make a plan to get rid of it.

Rub Marks

Certain animals, such as mice, rats, and bats, leave behind an oily residue or rub marks where they brush against an interior wall or entry point; the marks may be visible on the exterior of the home as well. These can be an indication that the animals have moved into the attic. Keeping an eye out for these marks can alert homeowners to an attic invader.

Damage

Damage to the siding is another clue that there are animals living in the attic. In the attic, animals can damage the wiring, duct work, insulation, studs, and rafters. This damage, if noticed, can help homeowners determine whether or not there are animals in the attic. This is why it’s important for homeowners to check their attic periodically and make sure everything’s in order.

Animal Removal from an Attic: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

While it is possible for homeowners to DIY animal removal, this is a job that usually needs to be left to the professionals. Live-trapping animals requires knowing where to place the traps, which bait to use, and how to relocate the animal once it’s captured. The same goes for setting snap traps for mice or rats. Proper placement and the right bait are key to successful trapping, and without the knowledge of the best place to put the traps and what bait to use, homeowners may not be as efficient at taking care of the problem. Many of these animals can also carry disease and need to be handled with extreme care. Further, many are protected, so a professional will be able to advise the homeowner on the best removal methods that won’t violate any state or local ordinances.

After the animals are removed, cleaning and sanitizing are essential to maintaining a hazard-free home that’s safe for kids, pets, and grownups alike. Beyond cleaning, if the animals have done any structural or electrical damage, it’s important for a homeowner to get the appropriate professional to inspect the area and make recommendations for remediation.

How to Save Money on Animal in Attic Removal Cost

Saving money on animal removal is possible, but homeowners are advised to act quickly and be very thorough.

• Seal up entry points as soon as they’re noticed. If you notice a new hole or see a crack, seal it as quickly as possible. Before doing so, make sure the animal has evacuated the area to prevent it getting trapped inside.
• Order an inspection. Many companies offer a free inspection and estimate for wildlife removal. This is important if there are noises coming from the attic, but if there was an entry point that is now sealed, it’s especially important to make sure an animal isn’t trapped up there.
• Remove the animal quickly. The longer an animal lives in an attic, the more damage it will do, so prompt removal can help save on the cost of damage repair, cleaning, and decontamination.
• Trim trees and remove nests. Trimming trees around the home can reduce access to the attic, and removing nests from chimneys or nearby trees can discourage animals from returning.
• Ask for multiple quotes. Wildlife removal companies will often offer free estimates that you can compare to make sure you’re getting the best price and working with a company you’re comfortable with.
• Contact the local Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game. The Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game can offer some guidance for what animals can be removed without a license and give suggestions on how to trap or otherwise remove the animal.

Questions to Ask About Removing an Animal from the Attic

There are a lot of elements to take into account when homeowners are searching online for “animal in attic removal cost” or interviewing contractors, including the inspection, the removal, the cleaning, and the repair. Asking questions is essential to understanding the process and learning how the homeowner can expedite the process.

• Can an animal in the attic get into the house, and if so, how can I prevent it?
• Will you check for animals in the attic crawl space?
• How will you trap or otherwise remove the animals?
• What do you do with the animals after they’re trapped?
• Do you handle the cleaning and decontamination?
• Do you have recommendations for companies that can handle repairs?
• What should I do with my pets while you remove the animals from the attic?
• How much will this cost, and can I get a written quote?
• How many visits will it take to complete the removal?
• Will you be installing anything on the home? And will you uninstall it after you’re finished?

FAQs

Hearing animals in the attic can be stressful, so getting them removed quickly is essential to the homeowners’ safety and peace of mind. It’s normal for homeowners to have questions about animal removal from the attic, the types of animals that can get in there, and suggestions on what to do if the animal dies. Learning the answers to these questions can help prepare homeowners for these situations.

Q. How do I permanently get rid of roof rats?

The first step to permanently get rid of roof rats is to remove the rats that are living in the attic. Next, seal up all entry points and, because roof rats are great climbers, trim back any trees that can provide access to the roof. Keep the home clear of any food debris, boxes, or other clutter that may attract them. Finally, set some traps to catch and kill them.

Q. What happens if an animal dies in the attic?

If an animal dies in the attic, you may not know it right away. But once it starts to decompose, you’ll likely smell the signature smell of decay. If an animal dies in the attic, it will need to be removed as soon as it’s found to reduce the likelihood of worse smells or an insect infestation.

Q. How do you get squirrels out of an attic?

Squirrels can be removed from an attic by installing exclusion doors that will let them leave but won’t let them back in. Because squirrels will often take up residence in an attic to build a nest and have their babies, a visual inspection by a wildlife removal professional is necessary to determine if there are nests and babies and to remove them.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor (1 and 2), LawnStarter