Living in Dallas-Fort Worth, we deal with extreme weather. And so do the animals. When the heat hits or the temperature drops, raccoons and squirrels want into your attic just as badly as you want to stay out of the traffic on I-35.
If you are reading this, you probably heard a noise upstairs.
Your next thought was likely: “How much is this going to cost me?”
I’ve worked in the Texas wildlife industry for years. I’ve seen homeowners in Plano get quoted $500, and others in Arlington get quoted $5,000 for what looked like the same problem.
Why the difference? Are you getting scammed?
To be honest, most “online price guides” are useless. They give you national averages that have nothing to do with the Texas market.
Today, I’m going to pull back the curtain. I’ll tell you exactly what you should expect to pay in the DFW Metroplex in 2025, and how to spot a quote that smells fishier than a dead possum.
The “Free Inspection” Trap
First, let’s talk about the “Free Inspection.”
Many companies in Dallas offer this. It sounds great, right?
My experience is this: “Free” often means the salesperson must find a problem to justify their gas money.
Suddenly, a simple squirrel trapping job turns into a mandatory $3,000 attic insulation replacement.
At US Wildlife Dispatch, we believe in transparency. Sometimes a small fee for a thorough inspection (which gets credited to the job) is the best way to ensure you get an honest diagnosis, not a sales pitch.
Real DFW Price Ranges (What I Actually See)
Forget the national averages. Here is what reliable, licensed pros are charging in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding suburbs right now.
💡 Looking for professional help? Compare quotes from top-rated Lawn & Garden Care Pros and get free estimates from local pros.
(Note: These are estimates. Every house is different.)
1. The Inspection Fee
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Range: $95 – $295
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What you get: A technician should be crawling on your roof, in your attic, and under your crawlspace. If they just walk around the yard and quote you, kick them out.
2. Trapping & Removal (The “Easy” Part)
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Raccoons: $350 – $600 per setup.
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Dallas Context: Raccoons in our area are huge and smart. If it’s a mother with babies (common in spring), expect to pay closer to
600−800 because removing babies by hand is difficult labor.
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Squirrels: $250 – $500.
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Watch out for: Companies charging “per squirrel.” You could go broke. Look for a flat rate for the setup and removal process.
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Rodents (Rats/Mice): $300 – $800+.
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This isn’t just setting traps. This is about strategy.
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3. Exclusion (The “Real” Work)
This is where the price varies wildly. This is sealing the holes so they don’t come back.
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Minor Patching: $200 – $500. (Sealing one or two vents).
💡 Looking for professional help? Compare quotes from top-rated Handyman Services and get free estimates from local pros.
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Full Home Exclusion: $1,500 – $4,000+.
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Why so high? In Texas, our brick homes often have “weep holes” near the foundation and construction gaps along the roofline (soffit returns). A rat can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. Sealing an entire 3,000 sq ft house in Frisco or Southlake takes massive amounts of steel mesh, specialized caulk, and labor.
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The “Attic Restoration” Shock
This is the big one.
If raccoons have been partying in your attic in Arlington for six months, your insulation is likely ruined with urine and feces.
Full Attic Restoration Cost: $2,500 – $10,000+.
My advice: Don’t let anyone scare you into this immediately. Unless the smell is unbearable or the insulation is totally flattened, handle the removal first. You can always do the insulation later.
3 Red Flags in a DFW Quote
If you call a company and hear these things, hang up.
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“We charge per animal catch.” (For squirrels or rats, this is a bottomless pit.)
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“We need to do the work TODAY or your house will burn down.” (Fear tactics are a bad sign.)
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A lowball quote over the phone. (No one can price a wildlife job without seeing the roof.)
The Bottom Line
You get what you pay for. A cheap handyman might trap the animal, but he won’t seal the roof correctly. Two weeks later, you’ll hear scratching again.
We connect you with Licensed Texas Pros. They aren’t the cheapest, but they do it right, and they warranty their work.
Do you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, or the mid-cities?
Stop guessing. Call our dispatch center. We can give you a ballpark idea over the phone and get a tech to your door ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a wildlife problem?
Common signs include scratching sounds in walls or attic (especially at night), droppings in garage or attic spaces, chewed wires or insulation, greasy rub marks along baseboards, and unexplained holes in roofing or siding. If you notice any of these signs, document them with photos and contact a licensed wildlife professional for an inspection.
Is DIY wildlife removal safe?
The CDC and wildlife management experts strongly caution against DIY wildlife removal. Wild animals can carry rabies, hantavirus, roundworm, and other zoonotic diseases. Trapping without proper training can result in animal injury or human exposure. In most states, relocating wildlife is regulated or prohibited. Professional wildlife control operators are trained in humane exclusion methods and carry appropriate licensing and insurance.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home exterior for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel mesh, hardware cloth, or caulk to seal openings around pipes, vents, and rooflines.
- Remove Attractants: Secure garbage cans with locking lids. Remove bird feeders or use squirrel-proof models. Keep pet food indoors. Clean up fallen fruit from trees.
- Landscape Management: Trim tree branches at least 6-8 feet away from your roofline. Keep shrubs and ground cover well-maintained to reduce hiding spots.
- Regular Inspections: Perform seasonal checks of attic spaces, crawl spaces, and foundation perimeters. Look for signs of new entry or activity.