Blog — Animal & Wildlife Trapping
Field notes on humane trapping, Delaware wildlife and keeping animals out of your home.
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Understanding Wildlife Behavior and Habits: Paving the Way for Effective and Humane Trapping
Success in trapping is not just about setting cages. It is about understanding the behaviors and habits of each species, and how that knowledge shapes an effective, humane strategy.
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Humane Wildlife Trapping Methods: Balancing Conservation and Control
Addressing human-wildlife conflict should not come at the expense of animal welfare. Balancing conservation and control is both possible and necessary.
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Common Wildlife Nuisances in Delaware and How to Handle Them
Delaware's landscapes are home to a wide range of species. Here are the nuisances we see most often and the best trapping approach for each.
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Safely Managing Wildlife Intrusions: How Emergency Services Can Assist
When wildlife intrusions pose a risk to safety or property, emergency services can manage the encounter safely for people and animals alike.
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Life as a Delaware Animal & Wildlife Trapper: Why 24/7 Availability Matters
Three decades of serving Delaware as a licensed wildlife control professional, and why the phone stays on around the clock.
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Safely Trapping, Removing and Releasing Wildlife in the Lewes, Delaware Area
A guide to ethical wildlife management in Lewes and the wider Delmarva Peninsula.
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Safeguarding Harmony: Responsible Wildlife Trapping and Removal in Sussex and Kent Counties
Our commitment to responsible trapping and removal that protects the community and the wild neighbors who share it.
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Unveiling Ethical Animal Trapping Techniques: A Guide for Humane Practices
Whether for wildlife management, pest control or rescue, ethical technique keeps both people and animals safe.
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Raccoon Removal & Repairs: A Guide to Managing Uninvited Guests
Effective raccoon removal strategies and the repairs that keep your property secure afterward.
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Skunk Digging Under Your Shed or Deck? Here's What to Do
Practical steps to take when a skunk moves in under a shed or deck, without setting off the obvious problem.
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Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional Wildlife Control Company
From raccoons in the trash to squirrels in the attic, weighing professional help against doing it yourself.
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How to Humanely Remove Skunks from Your Yard
Skunks are rarely aggressive, but their odor makes them unwelcome. Here is the humane way to move them along.
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What to Do When You Discover a Wildlife Burrow in Your Garden
How to keep a thriving garden while dealing considerately with the wildlife that has taken up residence.
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8 Common Signs of a Wildlife Infestation to Look Out For
Infestations lead to property damage and health hazards. Spot them early with these eight signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a wildlife infestation?
Common signs are scratching or scampering noises overhead at night, droppings, damaged soffits or vents, a strong odour, torn insulation and fresh digging near a shed, deck or foundation.
Can I trap and relocate an animal myself in Delaware?
Trapping and relocation are regulated, and a badly set trap injures the animal and can put you at risk of bites or rabies exposure. Using a certified wildlife control operator keeps it legal and humane.
What are the most common wildlife problems in Delaware?
Raccoons in chimneys and attics, squirrels in soffits and attics, skunks and groundhogs digging under sheds and decks, opossums under porches, and pigeons on flat roofs.
What should I do if the animal seems sick or aggressive?
Keep people and pets away, do not approach it, and call 302-236-1273. If disease or rabies is suspected the animal must be handled by a professional.
About the author
Dale Sipple is the owner and operator of Animal & Wildlife Trapping in Lewes, Delaware. He has worked as a wildlife control professional for more than 25 years, handling raccoons, skunks, squirrels, groundhogs, opossums, foxes, beavers, bats, snakes and pigeons across Sussex and Kent Counties.
- Certified wildlife control operator
- Licensed and insured in the State of Delaware
- Licensed and insured for fishing and wildlife
- Member, National Wildlife Control Operators Association
- 25+ years of field experience in Delaware
- Owner-operated — no sub-contracted crews
Every article here is written from jobs run in Delaware, not from general advice. Questions about a specific animal on your property? Call 302-236-1273.