You hear scratching above the ceiling. You see droppings in the garage. Or there's a raccoon-looking animal on the porch at noon. The first decision is simple: is this pests (insects/rodents) or wildlife (larger animals)? The second decision is who to call.
Start with a basic split
Pest control typically handles: mice and rats, ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, wasps/hornets, cluster flies and other nuisance insects.
Wildlife situations typically need a wildlife specialist: raccoons in attics, squirrels in soffits, skunks under decks/sheds, bats (special handling rules apply), birds in vents/chimneys.
If you're in Byron or Lambeth with homes near green space, you'll see wildlife pressure more often. In Old North or Wortley Village, older rooflines and gaps can also invite it.
When to call animal control
Animal control is usually the right direction when: an animal is injured or sick, there is a public safety concern, it's a municipal enforcement issue, or there's a stray domestic animal issue.
Wildlife inside a structure is usually not an "animal control" job
If a raccoon is living in an attic, animal control often isn't coming to remove it from your private property. You usually need a licensed wildlife removal service that finds the entry point, removes the animal humanely, seals the entry, and installs preventions.
The key is the prevention work. Removal without sealing is a repeat call.
Pest control vs wildlife: the "sounds" clue
- Light scratching in walls at night: often mice
- Heavy thumping / daytime movement in attic: often raccoon or squirrel
- Buzzing near soffit: often wasps/hornets
- Repeated tapping near vents: could be birds
Homes in Masonville and Sunningdale often report attic wildlife because the rooflines and soffit details create sheltered entry points if anything loosens.
Special note on rodents
Rodents sit in a middle category. They're not "wildlife removal" in the way raccoons are, but they require inspection to find entry points, exclusion work, monitoring, and follow-up. If you're in White Oaks, Argyle, or Westminster, attached garages and shared fence lines make entry points common.
Special note on wasps/hornets
Wasps and hornets are a pest-control call when there's an active nest on/inside the structure, traffic is near doors or play areas, or you need the entry points checked after removal. Avoid DIY if the nest is high or in a void.
The decision guide
- Call a pest pro: insects inside the home, mice/rats signs, wasp/hornet nest on the structure
- Call animal control: animal is injured/sick, immediate public safety risk, municipal enforcement issue
- Call a wildlife removal service: larger animal in attic/soffit/chimney/deck cavity, need exclusion to stop re-entry
FAQ
#### If I have squirrels in the attic, can a pest control company handle it?
Usually you want a wildlife specialist. The key is humane removal plus sealing the entry points.
#### What if I see a raccoon in the daytime?
Keep distance and contact the appropriate city resources for guidance.
#### Are mice considered wildlife?
They're rodents and typically handled through pest control methods focused on exclusion, monitoring, and follow-up.
#### Should I seal the hole right away?
Not until you know what's using it and whether anything is inside. Sealing too soon can trap animals and create a bigger problem.