Wildlife & Bird Control in Santa Cruz, CA (Humane)

Raccoons • Skunks • Opossums • Nuisance Birds

Wildlife inside attics, crawlspaces, or chimneys can mean noise at night, insulation damage, and persistent odors. On the coast, we also see balcony and eave nesting from pigeons and other nuisance birds that make a mess fast. Our program uses humane methods to evict, block, and clean—protecting your home, pets, and the Monterey Bay watershed.

Need help now?

Call (831) 263 6611

Why Wildlife & Birds Target Coastal Homes

From Westside/Seabright to Capitola, Aptos and beyond, here’s the typical pattern we see across the coast:

🦝 Raccoons

Use loose soffit/roof vents, uncapped chimneys, and weak crawl doors to den and raid food sources.

🦨 Skunks

Burrow under decks and sheds; fog-softened soil and food sources (compost/fruit) keep them nearby.

🐀 Opossums

Exploit ground-level gaps and crawlspace openings; they scavenge quietly but still damage insulation.

🕊️ Nuisance Birds

Pigeons, swallows, and starlings roost on unprotected beams/ledges; guano blocks gutters and creates hazards.

Signs You Need Humane Wildlife/Bird Control Program

Scratching/thumping in attics, walls, or under decks (usually at night).
Droppings/urine: pellet piles, strong “musky” odors, or white bird guano streaks.
Shredded insulation, nesting debris, or displaced soffit/roof vent screens.
Tipped bins, paw prints, or pet food disappearing at night.

Active burrows at lattice lines or deck footings.
Blocked gutters/ledges with feathers and droppings; noisy dawn/dusk roosting.
Fleas/ticks appearing after wildlife visits.
*Crucial:* If you’re hearing pups or seeing nest material, timing is critical to avoid separating dependent young.

Our 6-Step Humane Process (IPM-First, Built for the Coast)

Inspect & Identify (Photo-Backed)

We map entry points, travel paths, den sites, droppings, and moisture. You get a same-day photo report with priorities.

One-Way Eviction & Timing

We install one-way doors/valves that allow exit but prevent return—timed to avoid the maternity window so mothers leave with young. Live traps only when legally required.

Wildlife-Grade Exclusion (Permanent Fix)

Seal and reinforce with galvanized hardware cloth, stainless fasteners, chimney caps, and salt-air-resistant sealants. We harden all entry points.

For long-term holds in salt air, harden entry points with coastal-grade installs — see Exclusion & Sealing Services — wildlife-grade vent guards & mesh.

Bird Control with Clean Aesthetics

Discreet, UV-resistant netting, stainless spikes, and sloped ledge systems that blend with trim. We schedule outside the active-nest period per migratory bird rules.

Cleanup, Odor & Sanitation

HEPA vacuums for droppings, bio-enzymatic disinfectants for pathogens, and odor encapsulants in insulation. We restore R-value targets as needed.

If insulation is contaminated or matted, we’ll coordinate a full reset—HEPA sanitation, odor encapsulation, and R-value upgrades—via Attic & Crawlspace Cleanup/Insulation — HEPA cleanup after eviction.

Monitor & Follow-up

We revisit to confirm exit, test seals, and verify no new activity—then leave a seasonal prevention checklist.

Mini Case Snapshots: Real Coastal Solutions

Westside Attic – Raccoon Family

Loose soffit vent, damaged insulation, strong odor. One-way door timed post-weaning $\rightarrow$ full exit; soffit re-screened with galvanized mesh; HEPA cleanup + odor control.

Result: Silent attic at 45-day check.

Capitola Balcony – Pigeon Roost

Droppings on railings and blocked downspout. Discreet netting + slope deterrents, followed by washdown and minor vegetation trim.

Result: No roosting through the breeding season; clean drain line.

🚨 Health & Safety Alert

Wildlife droppings can harbor histoplasma, leptospira, and parasites; skunk spray lingers in porous materials. Our team uses PPE, negative-disposal protocols, and no-runoff practices to protect your family and the Monterey Bay watershed.

Worried about parasite carryover after wildlife? Add our pet-safe Flea & Tick Treatment — reduce flea/tick spillover from wildlife.

⭐ What Makes Our Humane Program Different

Eviction-first ethics with maternity-aware timing (no orphaned young).
Coastal-grade materials (galv/stainless) for long-term holds in fog and salt air.
Aesthetic bird installs (netting/slopes) that preserve curb appeal.
Full sanitation (HEPA + enzyme + odor encapsulation) rather than “patch and go.”
Photo documentation and a seasonal prevention plan you can actually follow.

🛡️ Prevention That Actually Works Here

Lock trash and compost; store pet food indoors; remove outdoor bowls at night.
Trim trees/vines 18″ off roofs/siding; raise woodpiles; tidy fruit drops.
Install chimney caps, soffit/roof-vent guards, and door sweeps.
Screen fence/lattice gaps that invite nightly “through traffic.”
For birds: reduce constant-on lighting at ledges; clean guano promptly so pheromone cues don’t persist.