As urban areas like San Antonio continue to grow, encounters with local wildlife have become increasingly common. From raccoons rummaging through garbage to squirrels nesting in attics, these interactions can pose risks to both humans and animals. That’s why it’s essential to use safe and humane trapping methods when addressing urban wildlife issues. At Critter Control of San Antonio, our priority is protecting your home while preserving the well-being of local wildlife.
Understanding the Need for Humane Trapping
Wild animals play an important role in our ecosystem. However, when they invade homes or businesses, they can cause property damage, carry diseases, or pose a threat to pets. While it’s important to remove these animals for safety and sanitation, doing so ethically is equally critical.
Humane trapping is essential because it prevents unnecessary injury or death to animals during the removal process. It also helps avoid accidentally harming non-target species, such as pets or protected wildlife, which may be caught using indiscriminate or dangerous methods. Additionally, humane trapping ensures that any wildlife removed can be safely and responsibly relocated, allowing the animals to survive and continue to contribute to the local ecosystem in an appropriate environment.
Common Urban Wildlife in San Antonio
Some of the most frequently encountered wildlife in San Antonio include:
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Raccoons: Often found in attics, chimneys, and garbage cans.
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Opossums: Nocturnal scavengers that may shelter under decks or sheds.
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Squirrels: Known to chew through wiring and insulation in attics.
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Skunks: Can burrow under homes and emit a strong odor when threatened.
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Bats: Often roost in attics and eaves, protected by federal law.
Each species requires a different approach to safe and humane trapping.
Steps to Humane Trapping
Inspection and Identification
Before setting a trap, it’s crucial to identify the animal, understand its habits, and locate its entry points. This ensures the right trapping method is used and that young or dependent animals aren’t left behind.
Choose the Right Trap
Use live traps that are specifically designed for the target species. These traps should:
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Be large enough for the animal to enter comfortably.
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Be baited with species-appropriate food.
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Have safety mechanisms to prevent injury.
Avoid using lethal traps, glue boards, or poisons, as they are not only inhumane but can also violate local wildlife laws.
Check Traps Frequently
Texas law requires traps to be checked at least once every 24 hours. Prompt checks prevent unnecessary stress, injury, or death to the trapped animal, and reduce the risk of exposure to the elements or predators.
Safe and Legal Relocation
Once the animal is trapped, it must be relocated to a suitable habitat — one that provides adequate food, water, and shelter. It’s important to follow local and state regulations regarding relocation distances and protected species.
Seal Entry Points
After removal, seal all access points to prevent re-entry. This includes repairing holes, installing chimney caps, and reinforcing crawl space vents.
Use Deterrents and Preventative Measures
Natural repellents, motion-activated lights, and fencing can discourage future wildlife visits. Keeping garbage secured and food sources unavailable is key to long-term prevention.
When to Call the Professionals
Wildlife control is not always a DIY project. Certain situations — such as dealing with bats, nesting mothers, or potentially aggressive animals — require expert handling. At Critter Control of San Antonio, our licensed professionals are trained in humane trapping and relocation practices that comply with all local, state, and federal guidelines.
We use a proven approach that includes:
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Thorough inspections
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Customized trapping and removal strategies
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Sanitation and damage repair
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Long-term exclusion and prevention
Respecting Nature, Protecting Homes
At Critter Control of San Antonio, we believe in balancing the needs of people and wildlife. Safe and humane trapping is not only the right thing to do — it's the most effective and sustainable approach to managing urban wildlife conflicts.
If you suspect an animal has taken up residence in or around your home, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our experts help you reclaim your space — safely, humanely, and responsibly.