Humane Wildlife Control in Trenton, NJ
The Humane Wildlife Control Society recommends non-invasive solutions to resolve human-wildlife conflicts. This includes:
Determining if the issue needs to be addressed at all
Opting for preventative measures first
Opting for wildlife exclusion as opposed to trapping
If trapping is the only way to solve the problem do so humanely
The Humane Wildlife Control Society screens candidates prior to recommendation. Our process requires any company we recommend to meet the following criteria:
Is properly licensed in New Jersey for wildlife control
Carries appropriate business licenses and insurance
Complies with all New Jersey laws and regulations for wildlife control
Adheres to the humane principles listed above.
In Trenton, New Jersey we recommend Humane Wildlife Removal Trenton for professional wildlife control services. This is a private company that charges for their services.
Contact Information:
Trenton Wildlife Removal
609-456-0556
If you have any wildlife issues that can be handled by the state government agency for free, the New Jersey Wildlife Commission can help.
State Contact Information: 609-292-2965
The State Department of Agriculture may also be able to address your wildlife problem for no charge.
USDA Contact Information: (609) 292-3976
Humane Urban Wildlife Management in Trenton, New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection & Public Works
Introduction
Trenton’s unique position along the Delaware River and its blend of historic districts, residential neighborhoods, and industrial areas creates diverse habitats for wildlife within the urban landscape. As the capital city continues to experience revitalization efforts, interactions between residents and wildlife have increased. This document outlines humane, effective strategies for addressing urban wildlife challenges specific to Trenton’s environment.
Wildlife Species of Concern in Trenton
Urban wildlife in Trenton primarily consists of highly adaptable species that have successfully integrated into the built environment. These include:
Eastern gray squirrels and raccoons that frequently access attics and chimneys in Trenton’s historic homes, particularly in the Berkeley Square and Mill Hill neighborhoods.
Groundhogs (woodchucks) that burrow near foundations and under structures, especially in properties adjacent to the D&R Canal State Park and the Abbott Marshlands.
Canada geese populations that congregate in public spaces along the Delaware River waterfront and in Cadwalader Park, creating concerns regarding droppings and occasional aggressive behavior.
Bats that establish colonies in older buildings throughout the downtown district and industrial structures, particularly the Mexican free-tailed bat and little brown bat species.
Peregrine falcons that nest on tall structures including the State House dome and vacant industrial buildings, requiring special consideration due to their protected status.
Preventative Measures
Structural Modifications
Properties throughout Trenton should implement appropriate exclusion measures to prevent wildlife entry. Historic district properties require particular attention to maintaining architectural integrity while implementing effective wildlife barriers. Recommended strategies include:
Installation of chimney caps and roof vent covers constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant materials suitable for Trenton’s variable climate conditions.
Repair of deteriorated soffit areas, fascia boards, and roof edges common in Trenton’s aging housing stock, particularly in the Cadwalader Heights and Greenwood-Hamilton neighborhoods.
Sealing of foundation cracks and installation of L-shaped underground barriers around foundations to prevent burrowing animals from accessing crawlspaces, especially important for properties near Trenton’s extensive park system.
Implementation of bird deterrents on commercial buildings in the downtown business district that discourage roosting while maintaining compliance with historic preservation requirements where applicable.
Habitat Modifications
Strategic modification of property characteristics can significantly reduce wildlife attractions. These modifications should integrate with Trenton’s existing urban landscape while discouraging wildlife habituation:
Management of waste disposal using wildlife-resistant containers, particularly important in areas with high population density such as the East Trenton and North Ward neighborhoods.
Removal of fallen fruit from trees in residential yards and community garden spaces throughout the city.
Modification of landscaping to reduce cover near structures while promoting native plant species appropriate to Trenton’s location within the Piedmont region.
Installation of appropriate fencing with below-ground barriers in areas adjacent to natural corridors, particularly properties near the Assunpink Creek greenway.
Humane Removal Techniques
When wildlife has already established residence in or around structures, humane removal approaches should be employed:
For Structures
Implementation of one-way exclusion devices that allow animals to exit but prevent re-entry, followed by permanent sealing of access points.
Timing of exclusion efforts to avoid separating dependent young from parent animals, generally avoiding removal during spring months (March through June) when most Trenton wildlife species are reproducing.
Use of species-appropriate deterrents that discourage return following removal, including motion-activated devices and natural repellents.
For Yards and Open Spaces
Application of humane hazing techniques to discourage wildlife habituation to human environments, including motion-activated sprinklers and sound deterrents appropriate to urban settings.
Installation of visual deterrents that reduce wildlife comfort in specific areas while maintaining aesthetic standards appropriate to the neighborhood context.
Creation of designated wildlife corridors that direct movement away from high-use human areas, particularly important in neighborhoods adjacent to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
Legal Framework
Wildlife management in Trenton operates under specific regulatory requirements:
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations govern the handling of wildlife throughout the state, with specific protections for certain species.
Trenton municipal ordinances address wildlife feeding, authorized removal methods, and requirements for licensed wildlife control operators working within city limits.
Federal protections apply to migratory birds and endangered species that may be present in Trenton, including the peregrine falcon and certain bat species.
Historic district regulations may impact the implementation of certain wildlife exclusion methods, requiring coordination with Trenton’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Community Coordination
Effective wildlife management requires coordination between multiple stakeholders:
Neighborhood associations should develop consistent approaches to wildlife management that address community-wide challenges rather than property-by-property solutions.
Educational outreach through Trenton’s environmental organizations and community groups promotes understanding of urban wildlife ecology and appropriate response strategies.
Coordination with adjacent municipalities and Mercer County agencies ensures consistent wildlife management approaches throughout the region.
Professional Services
When wildlife situations exceed the capacity for self-management, professional wildlife services should:
Maintain appropriate state licensing and municipal permits for operating within Trenton city limits.
Employ exclusion-based methods rather than lethal control whenever possible.
Provide documentation of humane practices and follow-up services to ensure long-term resolution.
Conclusion
Humane wildlife management in Trenton requires a balanced approach that acknowledges both resident concerns and wildlife welfare. By implementing appropriate preventative measures, utilizing humane removal techniques when necessary, and coordinating community-wide efforts, Trenton can maintain its urban revitalization while coexisting with urban wildlife populations.
