Wildlife Control Services: Professional Humane Solutions for South Yorkshire Properties

Welcome to Apex Pest Control, South Yorkshire’s trusted leader in wildlife control services. Backed by BPCA and NPTA accreditation, our highly qualified pest technicians deliver humane solutions that protect your home, business, and local biodiversity.

Our approach combines strict compliance with British law, a commitment to ethical best practice, and the latest industry data—ensuring property, people, and wildlife are all safeguarded.

Understanding Wildlife Control vs Traditional Pest Control

Wildlife control is a specialist field distinct from standard pest extermination. While pest control often uses chemical or lethal methods for insects and rodents, wildlife management requires humane, non-lethal techniques such as live trapping, relocation, exclusion, and habitat modification.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, all wild animals are protected by law. It is illegal to harm, disturb, or remove most species without following strict legal guidance (Wildlife and Countryside Act; Animal Welfare Act Advice). BPCA and NPTA standards guarantee that Apex operates with up-to-date knowledge and ethical commitment.

What Are Wildlife Control Services?

Wildlife control services address nuisance species such as foxes, squirrels, moles, rabbits, birds, and more. Each animal presents unique challenges—requiring specific trapping, relocation, exclusion, and property-proofing strategies.

Our experienced team individually assesses every situation, designing solutions that stop damage and prevent recurrence, all while supporting ecological balance.

Key Differences: Wildlife Control vs Pest Extermination

• Live Trapping & Relocation: Using DEFRA-approved cage traps and one-way doors, we safely capture and release animals following all legal protocols (minimum 10–20 miles from your property).

• Exclusion Services: Entry points are thoroughly sealed with high-grade materials—vents, chimneys, soffits, and foundations—to stop animals from re-entering.

• Habitat Modification: We remove food sources, manage vegetation, and make landscape adjustments to reduce wildlife attractants.

• Non-lethal Deterrents: Modern deterrents, including visual and audio devices, discourage wildlife without harm.

South Yorkshire Wildlife: Data & Trends

Recent studies show wildlife challenges are widespread in our region:

• 68% of Yorkshire residents have seen a live wild fox in the last five years; 69% a rabbit; and 11% a mole.

• Nearly 16.1% of UK species are threatened with extinction, and 88% of UK adults express concern about wildlife decline ([British Wildlife Insights 2025]).

• 40% of UK households feed local wildlife, while 32% take no action—highlighting the need for expert guidance and intervention when animals enter homes or businesses ([DEFRA Biodiversity & Wildlife Statistics]).

• Only 7% of UK native woodland is in good ecological condition, leading to greater wildlife displacement into urban spaces ([Woodland Trust 2025]).

These statistics underscore the vital role of professional wildlife management and public education in South Yorkshire.

Common Wildlife Issues in South Yorkshire

Residential: Squirrels in lofts, foxes in gardens, birds nesting on roofs, and rodents in kitchens and cellars are common.

Commercial/Agricultural: Rabbits damage crops, moles undermine lawns, birds infest food premises, and foxes disrupt livestock.

Our services offer species-specific, legal solutions: squirrel removal, fox control, bird and rodent proofing.

Professional Wildlife Control Methods

• Humane Trapping and Relocation: All trapping follows strict licensing rules set by DEFRA and the Animal Welfare Act. Captured animals are relocated with minimal stress and never in restricted or urban areas.

• Exclusion & Prevention: We use rigorous proofing to block any return, safeguarding both home and wildlife.

• Habitat Modification: Advice and action to remove attractants and alter your surroundings for long-term prevention.

• Integrated Management: For complex cases, we combine multiple best-in-class techniques for a lasting solution.

Our work is planned seasonally—with breeding and winter shelter-seeking periods requiring special consideration.

UK Wildlife Control Legislation and Compliance

Our work is grounded in the strictest legal and professional frameworks:

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Sets out protection for all wild species, especially bats, birds, and endangered animals.

• Animal Welfare Act 2006: Demands humane, welfare-first treatment for all mammals ([DEFRA]).

• BPCA & NPTA Certification: Apex technicians undergo continuous professional development to stay updated with regulatory changes, inspection requirements, and best practice ([BPCA]; [NPTA]).

• DEFRA/GOV.UK Guidelines: Only licensed practitioners can handle some protected species. For official advice: [Managing Wildlife on Your Land – GOV.UK].

Species-Specific Control Solutions

• Urban Fox Control: Humane deterrence, bin and fence proofing, and livestock protection—always legal and environmentally responsible.

• Squirrel Management: Safe attic clearance, entry sealing, property repair, and ongoing exclusion.

• Bird Control: Installations for spikes, netting, and devices to prevent nesting and mess.

• Rabbit and Mole Solutions: Proven approaches for homes, public and commercial landscapes, and agricultural sites.

Health & Safety

Wildlife may carry zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis, rabies, and hantavirus. Apex Pest Control teams use full PPE and safe animal handling, restoring insulation and wiring, and addressing all risks.

Why Choose Apex Pest Control?

• Accredited by BPCA and NPTA

• Technicians highly qualified and always up-to-date

• Local experience across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster

• Transparent pricing; fast emergency response

DIY attempts risk prosecution and damage to property. With Apex, you’re protected by the law and expertise.

Emergency Wildlife Control Services

Wildlife emergencies need rapid, expert solutions. Apex offers 24/7 emergency call-outs, same-day surveys, and immediate response, minimising stress for both humans and animals.

Wildlife Control Service Costs & Value

Our charges depend on site size, species, and complexity. All consultations and quotes are clear and competitive—prioritising prevention and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I call for wildlife near me?

Apex Pest Control provides immediate, local wildlife solutions. Our response covers all South Yorkshire postcodes.

Does Apex deal with foxes?

Yes, all methods are humane, legal, and BPCA/NPTA certified.

Who is the best company to remove squirrels from an attic?

Apex Pest Control is the trusted, accredited choice for safe, lasting squirrel removal.

Are wildlife control services humane?

All our procedures meet strict legal guidelines and animal welfare standards.

What wildlife control methods are legal in the UK?

Legal approaches include live trapping, exclusion, relocation, and professional proofing—always compliant with UK law.

What wildlife species are most commonly removed by professional services in the UK?

Professional wildlife control typically addresses squirrels, foxes, birds (such as pigeons and gulls), rabbits, moles, and occasionally bats or deer. The exact species depends on local environments and the season, but squirrels and foxes are the most frequent intruders in both urban and rural South Yorkshire properties.

Do I need a permit or licence for wildlife control on my property?

Most homeowners do not need a personal permit, but certain species—such as bats, badgers, and birds—are protected, and any action must be handled by a licensed, certified professional under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Apex Pest Control secures all required permits for trapping, exclusion, or relocation, ensuring every intervention is fully legal.

What should I expect during a professional wildlife control visit?

A certified technician will conduct a thorough property inspection, identify entry points and species involved, assess any risks, and design a safe, humane removal and prevention plan. The process often includes trapping or exclusion, legal notification if necessary, detailed advice, and follow-up visits to guarantee successful, long-term protection.

Authoritative Sources and Further Reading

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

• DEFRA Biodiversity and Wildlife Statistics

• BPCA: Codes of Best Practice

• NPTA: Qualifications and Frameworks

Contact Apex Pest Control

For the most effective, legal, and humane wildlife control in South Yorkshire, trust Apex Pest Control. Call us now for free expert advice, or request a wildlife risk assessment and quote. Protect your property—professionally and responsibly.