Terminix is a national pest control company that also handles wildlife removal
Terminix is a pest control and wildlife removal company owned by ServiceMaster Global Holdings. They operate in most U.S. states and offer services for insects, rodents, and wildlife that enter homes or businesses. Unlike a local wildlife trapper, Terminix combines pest control with wildlife removal under one company, which means you can call one number for both a rat problem and a raccoon in your attic.
The company has been operating since 1927 and maintains local service centers in most regions. When you contact Terminix for wildlife removal, they send a technician to inspect your property, identify what animal is present and how it entered, and then remove it. They also offer follow-up services like sealing entry points and treating for parasites the animal may have left behind.
Key Takeaways
- Terminix handles both pest control and wildlife removal, so one company can address rodents, raccoons, squirrels, and other animals that enter buildings.
- A Terminix technician will inspect your property, identify the animal and entry points, and remove the animal before sealing the openings.
- Terminix charges for inspections and removal separately, and prices vary by location and the type of animal involved.
- You can reach Terminix by phone or through their website to request an inspection, and they typically schedule appointments within a few days.
How Terminix handles a wildlife removal call
When you call Terminix about wildlife in your home, the first step is a property inspection. A technician visits your address, looks for signs of the animal (droppings, damage, entry holes), and identifies where it is living and how it got inside. This inspection usually costs a fee, though some locations offer it free if you hire them for removal.
After the inspection, Terminix will tell you what animal is present, where the entry point is, and what removal will cost. If you agree to proceed, they schedule the removal appointment. The method depends on the animal — for raccoons and squirrels, they typically use one-way doors or traps; for rodents, they use traps or poison depending on the situation. Once the animal is removed, Terminix can seal the entry point and treat the area for fleas, mites, or other parasites the animal carried.
The entire process usually takes one to three weeks from the first inspection to final sealing, though it can be faster if the animal is removed quickly and the entry point is straightforward to access.
What animals Terminix removes
Terminix handles most common wildlife that enters homes and buildings: raccoons, squirrels, opossums, bats, birds, snakes, groundhogs, and rodents like rats and mice. They also remove wildlife from attics, crawl spaces, walls, and basements. For each animal type, they use different removal methods — for example, bats require a different approach than raccoons because bats are protected under federal law in many states and cannot be killed.
Terminix does not handle all wildlife. Large animals like deer, coyotes, or bears are typically outside their scope, and you would need to contact your state wildlife agency or a specialized large-animal trapper instead. If you are unsure whether Terminix handles your specific animal, you can call or check their website for your region.
Terminix pricing and what it covers
Terminix does not publish standard prices online because costs vary widely by location, the animal involved, and how difficult the removal is. A raccoon removal in a suburban area might cost $300 to $800, while a bat removal or rodent treatment could be different. The inspection fee, removal fee, and sealing fee are usually separate charges.
When you get a quote, ask what is included: Does it cover the inspection? Does it cover sealing the entry point? Does it include treatment for parasites? Some Terminix locations bundle these services, while others charge separately. Also ask whether the price is for one-time removal or whether it includes a follow-up visit to confirm the animal is gone.
If you have homeowners insurance, check your policy to see whether wildlife removal is covered. Some policies cover removal of certain animals but not others, and some require you to use a specific contractor. Terminix works with many insurance companies, so it is worth asking whether they are in-network for your plan.
How to contact Terminix for wildlife removal
You can reach Terminix by phone or through their website. Their main number connects you to a local service center, and you can request a wildlife inspection appointment. When you call, have your address ready and describe the problem — what animal you have seen or heard, where you think it is, and when you first noticed it. This helps the dispatcher schedule the right type of technician.
Terminix typically schedules inspections within two to five business days, depending on how busy the local office is. If you have an urgent problem — for example, a bat in a bedroom — mention that when you call, as some locations offer faster appointments for safety concerns.
Terminix versus local wildlife trappers
Terminix is a national company with standardized procedures, which means you know what to expect and can file complaints through their corporate office if something goes wrong. A local wildlife trapper may be cheaper and more familiar with your specific area's animals, but you have less recourse if there is a problem.
Terminix also offers ongoing pest control service, so if you have both a wildlife problem and a separate insect or rodent issue, one company can handle both. A local trapper typically removes the animal but does not treat for fleas or seal entry points unless you hire them separately. On the other hand, a local trapper may be faster to respond and may charge less for a straightforward removal.
The choice depends on your situation. If you want one company to handle everything and prefer a national brand with a track record, Terminix is a reasonable option. If you want the lowest price or fastest service, a local trapper may be better.
What to do before and after Terminix removes an animal
Before the technician arrives, clear access to the areas where the animal is — remove clutter from the attic, basement, or crawl space so the technician can move safely and inspect thoroughly. If you know where the animal is entering, point that out during the inspection. If you have pets, mention that so the technician can plan around them.
After removal, follow the technician's instructions for sealing entry points. If Terminix sealed the hole, make sure you understand what was done and whether any follow-up is needed. If you sealed it yourself, use materials the technician recommended — steel mesh or hardware cloth work better than wood or caulk for most animals. Check the sealed area after a few weeks to make sure the animal has not chewed through or found another way in.
If the animal was in your attic or walls, ask whether Terminix recommends cleaning or decontamination. Raccoon and bat droppings can carry disease, and a professional cleaning may be worth the cost if the infestation was large.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Terminix kill the animal or relocate it?
It depends on the animal and your location. For raccoons and squirrels, Terminix typically uses one-way doors or traps and relocates the animal to a wildlife area, though some states restrict relocation. For rodents, they usually use lethal traps. For bats, which are protected in most states, they use one-way doors to let the bat leave but prevent it from returning. Ask the technician which method they will use before they begin.
How long does it take to remove an animal?
The removal itself can take one visit or several, depending on the animal. A single raccoon might be caught in one or two days; a family of raccoons or squirrels can take a week or more. Rodent removal often takes longer because you need to confirm all animals are gone before sealing entry points. The technician will give you a timeline during the inspection.
Will Terminix seal the hole where the animal entered?
Yes, but sealing is usually a separate service with an additional fee. Some Terminix locations include it in the removal price; others charge separately. Ask during the inspection whether sealing is included or what it will cost. Sealing is important because without it, another animal can enter the same way.
What if the animal comes back after Terminix removes it?
If the entry point was sealed correctly, the animal should not return. If it does, call Terminix and describe what happened. Many locations offer a warranty on their work, though the terms vary. Ask about the warranty before you pay so you know what is covered if a problem recurs.
Can I use Terminix if I rent my home?
You can call Terminix, but you will likely need permission from your landlord before they can enter the property. Some landlords have a preferred pest control company or require that you use a specific contractor. Check your lease and contact your landlord before scheduling the inspection.