Wildlife removal in Michigan

Raccoons tear open soffits, roof vents and chimney tops to den in attics, especially in late winter and spring when females look for a safe spot for their young. Fox squirrels, gray squirrels and red squirrels chew into attics through soffit gaps and roof returns. Flying squirrels are active only at night and often get into attics in groups, so the noise starts after dark.

Skunks dig under decks, porches, stoops and sheds, and you usually smell them before you see them. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, burrow under sheds, slabs and foundations, which can undermine concrete over time, and they love vegetable gardens. Opossums take shelter under decks, in garages and in crawl spaces and wander from yard to yard.

Squirrels in the attic often mean chewed wiring, which is a fire risk. Raccoons can tear up insulation and ductwork and leave large latrines. If you are not sure what animal you are hearing, the time of day helps: squirrels are busy at dawn and dusk, raccoons and flying squirrels at night.

Wildlife in Michigan is managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Rules on trapping, relocating and euthanizing animals vary by species, and some animals have specific protections. Licensed nuisance wildlife control businesses operate under DNR permits and know which methods are allowed for each animal. Ask any company you hire how they handle the animals they catch.

Moving a trapped animal to a park or woods may sound kind, but it can spread disease, often leads to the animal's death in unfamiliar territory, and may not be legal for that species. Before you trap anything yourself, check the DNR's current guidance on nuisance animals, or let a licensed company handle it.

Skunks are one of the species that can carry rabies in Michigan, along with bats. Stay away from any animal acting strangely, such as stumbling, showing no fear of people, or acting aggressive. Raccoon droppings can contain raccoon roundworm eggs, so attic latrines should be cleaned with gloves, a respirator and care, or by a pro.

If you or a pet are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, wash the wound with soap and water and contact a doctor and your local health department right away. Keep pets' rabies vaccinations current. If a bat is involved, see our bat guide for what to do. Do not try to catch the animal yourself.

A licensed company will inspect the house, find every entry point, and remove the animals using live traps or one-way doors that let animals leave but not return. In spring, they check for young before sealing anything, since trapping a mother outside leaves babies stranded and creates a bigger problem.

After the animals are out, openings are sealed with heavy-gauge screen, metal flashing and chimney caps. Some jobs also need insulation removal and attic cleanup. Repairs usually account for a large share of the cost, but they are what stops the next animal from moving in. Ask for photos of the entry points before and after the work.