How much does wildlife removal cost in New York?

Wildlife removal in New York typically costs $150–$600 for a one-time removal, depending on the animal and situation. Exclusion work (sealing entry points) adds $200–$1,500 depending on the extent of the problem. Bat exclusion — which requires specialized work — runs $500–$3,000.

What wildlife is most commonly removed in New York State?

The most commonly removed wildlife in New York includes raccoons, gray squirrels, groundhogs (woodchucks), skunks, opossums, bats, and Canada geese. In upstate areas, fisher cats and coyotes are also reported. NYC and the lower Hudson Valley see high raccoon and squirrel activity.

Is wildlife removal in New York regulated by the state?

Yes. Wildlife removal in New York is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Nuisance wildlife control operators must be licensed by NYSDEC. Certain species — including bats and Canada geese — have additional federal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Can I remove wildlife myself in New York State?

New York State allows homeowners to trap and remove certain nuisance animals without a license in limited circumstances, but most wildlife situations require a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator. Bats, migratory birds, and threatened species are federally protected and require professional handling.

How do I prevent wildlife from entering my New York home?

Exclusion is the most effective long-term solution. A licensed wildlife removal professional will identify and seal all entry points — chimney caps, roof vents, fascia gaps, and foundation cracks — after removing the animals. Exclusion work is especially important in older New York homes with wood construction.

Manhattan Squirrel Removal

Licensed & humane squirrel control for brownstones, co-ops, and townhouses across Manhattan

Call (516) 447-4673

Why Manhattan Has a Squirrel Problem

Manhattan is home to one of the densest populations of Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in the country. Central Park alone supports an estimated 2,500 squirrels, and that number climbs when you add Riverside Park, Inwood Hill Park, Fort Tryon Park, Morningside Park, and the dozens of smaller green spaces scattered across the island.

The problem starts when the tree canopy meets the roofline. Squirrels travel building-to-building through overhanging branches, and Manhattan's aging brownstone stock gives them easy access. Rotting wood fascia, crumbling decorative cornices, and deteriorating soffit panels on pre-war buildings are open invitations.

The neighborhoods most affected are the ones bordering parks and green corridors: the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood. But squirrels are resourceful — we get calls from Midtown co-ops, East Village townhouses, and Financial District buildings too.

Peak Season: Spring

Late January through March is the first litter season. Pregnant females actively seek warm, enclosed spaces — your attic, soffit cavity, or the gap between your roof deck and top-floor ceiling.

Peak Season: Fall

August through September brings the second litter cycle and winter food caching behavior. Squirrels chew new entry points to stockpile food in wall voids, attic insulation, and any enclosed space they can access.

Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Manhattan Building

What You Hear

•Scratching and scurrying in the ceiling or walls, especially at dawn and dusk
•Persistent gnawing sounds — squirrels chew constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing
•Rolling or thumping sounds as they move cached nuts and debris

What You See

•Chewed holes in wood fascia, soffit panels, or decorative cornices — typically 2-3 inches in diameter
•Bark stripping on nearby trees and tooth marks on exterior trim
•Droppings in the attic — small, dark, pellet-shaped, roughly 3/8 inch long
•Damaged or missing roof vent covers and chewed-through aluminum flashing

Damage & Safety Risks

Squirrels in a Manhattan building aren't just a nuisance — they cause real structural and safety damage that escalates quickly if left unaddressed.

🔥 Fire Hazard

Squirrels chew electrical wiring compulsively. Exposed wires inside wall cavities and attic spaces are a leading cause of electrical fires in older buildings. FDNY responds to squirrel-related electrical incidents every year.

💧 Water Damage

Chewed-through roof flashing and fascia boards compromise your building envelope. Water infiltration follows within weeks, damaging plaster ceilings, hardwood floors, and creating mold conditions inside wall cavities.

🦠 Health Concerns

Squirrel droppings and urine contaminate attic insulation. Leptospirosis and Salmonella are both transmitted through squirrel waste. Accumulated nesting material also harbors fleas, ticks, and mites that migrate into living spaces.

Our Manhattan Squirrel Removal Process

Full Inspection

We inspect the entire building exterior — roofline, fascia, soffits, cornices, vent covers, chimney caps, and where the roofline meets the parapet wall. Inside, we check the attic, crawl spaces, and top-floor ceilings for nesting, droppings, and wiring damage.

Humane Trapping & One-Way Exclusion

We install one-way exclusion devices at primary entry points so squirrels can leave but not re-enter. For active nests with juveniles, we use humane live traps and relocate the family unit together per NYS DEC guidelines.

Seal & Exclude

Once the building is clear, we seal every entry point with heavy-gauge galvanized steel mesh, metal flashing, and commercial-grade sealant. Squirrels can chew through aluminum, plastic, and wood — so we use materials they cannot penetrate.

Cleanup & Sanitization

We remove nesting material, droppings, and contaminated insulation from the attic space. The area is sanitized with enzyme-based treatments that eliminate odor markers squirrels use to find their way back.

Monitoring & Warranty

We schedule a follow-up inspection within 30 days and provide a warranty on all exclusion work. If squirrels find a new way in during the warranty period, we come back at no additional cost.

Manhattan-Specific Challenges

Co-op & Condo Boards

Many Manhattan buildings require board approval before any exterior work. We provide full documentation — licensed operator credentials, scope of work, materials list, and insurance certificates — so your management company can approve the job quickly.

Landmark & Historic Buildings

If your brownstone is in a Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) district, exterior modifications require approval. We work within LPC guidelines, using materials and methods that protect the building's historic character while permanently excluding squirrels.

Shared Walls & Row Houses

Manhattan brownstones share walls. Squirrels can travel through connected rooflines and party walls, meaning your neighbor's squirrel problem can quickly become yours. We inspect the full roofline, not just your unit.

NYS DEC Licensing

New York State classifies squirrels as protected wildlife. Only licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) can legally trap and remove them. Our team is fully licensed and insured per NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulations.

Manhattan Squirrel Removal Cost

Every job is different. Pricing depends on building type, number of entry points, extent of damage, and whether juveniles are present.

Inspection

$150–$300

Full exterior and interior inspection with written report

Trapping & Exclusion

$400–$1,200

Depends on entry point count and building complexity

Full Service + Repair

$800–$2,500+

Includes exclusion, cleanup, insulation, and structural repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove squirrels from my Manhattan building myself?

Legally, no. New York State requires a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) to trap and remove squirrels. DIY trapping without a license can result in fines from the NYS DEC.

How do squirrels get into a Manhattan brownstone?

The most common entry points are rotted wood fascia boards, deteriorating soffit panels, gaps where the roofline meets the parapet wall, missing or damaged roof vent covers, and uncapped chimneys. Squirrels only need a 1.5-inch gap to squeeze through.

Will my co-op board need to approve the work?

In most Manhattan co-ops and condos, yes. Any work on the building exterior typically requires board or management approval. We provide all documentation needed to expedite the process.

What time of year is worst for squirrel intrusions?

Late January through March (first litter) and August through September (second litter). These are the two peak periods when pregnant females actively seek enclosed nesting spaces in buildings.

Do squirrels really cause fires?

Yes. Squirrels chew electrical wiring constantly to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Exposed wires inside wall cavities are a documented cause of electrical fires in older buildings, including in New York City.

How long does the removal process take?

Most Manhattan squirrel jobs take 3-7 days from initial inspection to final exclusion. If juveniles are present in a nest, we may extend the timeline to ensure the entire family unit is safely removed before sealing entry points.

Squirrels in Your Manhattan Building?

Call now for a same-day inspection. Licensed, insured, and trusted across Manhattan.

(516) 447-4673