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Mississippi Wildlife Removal Laws
Most sites that rank for wildlife removal say nothing about the law. It is the part that decides who may do the work, and — for bats and birds — when they may do it at all. Everything below is sourced to MDWFP and federal statute.
https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/nuisance-wildlife
Nothing here is legal advice. Wildlife law changes and enforcement varies — confirm anything that affects a permit or a prosecution with your state wildlife agency.
Who is allowed to charge for this work
Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit
MDWFP requires operators to hold a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit before offering removal services commercially. On top of that, every employee actively engaged in trapping under the permit must personally hold a valid Mississippi trapping licence. A trapping licence is required for anyone aged 16 or over trapping on land other than their own.
Bats
Mississippi is unusually strict on bats: killing, trapping or handling a bat without authorisation is illegal, and "handling" is defined broadly enough to include capturing, moving, confining or even physically contacting one.
MDWFP bat permits are issued only to licensed wildlife control professionals. There is no DIY route — a homeowner cannot lawfully handle the bats themselves. Lethal removal is restricted for game animals, furbearers and bats.
Bats are never exterminated. Removal is by one-way exclusion — how that works →
Federal law applies on top of this
Birds — the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Nearly every native North American bird is federally protected. Only three species commonly found in buildings are exempt: the pigeon (rock dove), the European starling and the house sparrow. An active nest containing eggs or young is protected regardless of species. That means a great many bird-in-the-vent jobs legally have to wait. More on bird removal →
Bats
Several bat species carry federal listings in addition to state protection, and maternity season restrictions exist to stop flightless pups being sealed inside a structure.
Somebody has to look at the property to answer that. How many entry points or burrows there are, how hard they are to get at, and whether young are present is what sets the price — and none of it can be judged from a description. Send us your address and licensed local operators will quote the inspection and the work. Request free quotes →
Questions
Do I need a permit to remove an animal from my own house in Mississippi?
Confirm this with MDWFP before relying on it — the answer depends on the species and whether you are being paid.
Can a pest control company do this work?
Not always. Nuisance wildlife control is a separate licence from pesticide application, and protected species add further restrictions. Ask to see the wildlife permit specifically, not a general pest licence.
What happens if the work is done illegally?
It is the operator who carries the licence, but the homeowner commissioned the work. Penalties vary by state and species, and federal bird and bat protections apply on top of state law. This is a reason to check a licence rather than take a cheap quote.
Sources
- MDWFP — Nuisance Wildlife
- MDWFP — Nuisance Animal Regulations (PDF)
- MDWFP — Furbearing and Trapping Regulations
Request free quotes
Licensed wildlife operators covering Hattiesburg will contact you directly. There is no charge and no obligation.