Wildlife Exclusion in Ventura County, CA

Wildlife exclusion means getting animals out of the spaces where they don't belong, such as attics, crawl spaces, and under decks, and then sealing those spaces so they can't get back in. In California, how wild animals can be trapped, moved, and handled is regulated, so the usual approach is to encourage animals to leave on their own, confirm they are out, and seal the opening, rather than trapping and relocating them.

Which animals cause problems around Ventura County homes?

Raccoons: strong climbers that can tear open roof vents and soffits, often to den in attics.
Striped skunks: dig under decks, porches, sheds, and raised-floor homes.
Opossums: den under decks and in crawl spaces and garages.
Tree squirrels and ground squirrels: tree squirrels can enter attics; ground squirrels and gophers dig in yards and slopes.
Bats: occasionally roost in attics or behind siding. They are protected and need special care.

Coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions live in the hills and open space around much of the county. They are not exclusion jobs; secure pets, food, and trash, and report safety concerns to local authorities.

How does exclusion work?

Inspection: find where the animal is getting in and whether there are young inside. Spring and early summer are common birthing seasons, and sealing a mother out can trap young inside.
Encourage the animal out: methods include one-way doors over the entry, light and noise, and removing food sources.
Confirm it is gone: using monitors, loose material over the opening, or cameras.
Seal: close openings with heavy hardware cloth, metal, or masonry. Under decks and sheds, an L-shaped mesh barrier buried into the soil helps stop digging.
Clean up: remove droppings and damaged insulation if needed, using protective gear.

What are the rules in California?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets rules about trapping and moving wildlife, and many species can't simply be trapped and released elsewhere. Some animals, including bats and many birds, have extra protections. Rules change and depend on the species, so ask the provider how they will handle the animal and which rules apply. Don't try to handle wild animals yourself, and never feed them.

Safety and health

Never touch a wild animal that seems sick, unafraid, or injured, and keep pets away. Contact local animal services.
Raccoon droppings can carry a parasite that is dangerous to people. Don't clean up raccoon latrines without proper protection; this is a job for a pro.
Bats can carry rabies. If a bat is found in a room where someone was sleeping, or anyone has contact with a bat, contact your doctor or public health.

How can I make my home less attractive to wildlife?

Bring pet food in at night and use secure trash lids.
Pick up fallen fruit and clean up under bird feeders.
Close gaps under decks, sheds, and stairs, and repair torn vent screens.
Trim branches away from the roof.

What about gophers and ground squirrels?

Pocket gophers and ground squirrels are a yard problem more than a house problem, but they can damage lawns, irrigation lines, slopes, and the soil around patios and foundations. Gophers are usually controlled by trapping in their tunnels, with wire baskets for new plants and mesh under raised beds. Ground squirrels need a different approach because they live in burrow systems and come up to feed. Ask a provider which methods they use and how they protect pets and non-target animals.

Hiring tips

Exclusion often involves construction-type repairs. Ask who does the repair work and check any contractor at cslb.ca.gov. If pesticides or rodent work are included, check the company's Structural Pest Control Board license at pestboard.ca.gov. Ask for a written plan, a description of how they confirm the animal is out, and what the warranty on sealed openings covers. See rat and mouse control for rodent entry points.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trap a raccoon or skunk and release it somewhere else?

California limits relocating many wild animals. Rules depend on the species, so ask a provider who knows the current CDFW rules, and don't handle wild animals yourself.

When is the wrong time to seal an animal out?

Spring and early summer, when young may be inside. A good provider checks for young before sealing so they are not trapped.

What should I do about a skunk under my deck?

Keep pets away, remove food sources, and have a provider confirm the skunk has left before sealing the opening with buried mesh.

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Wildlife Exclusion in Ventura County