Raccoon Removal From Attics & Chimney's
Michigan Wildlife Solutions Raccoon Control
Raccoon Infestation
In Michigan we offer wild animal control services such as How to Get Rid of Raccoons: Raccoon Removal, raccoon control, and raccoon damage control; including attic decontamination and insulation removal.
Have you been hearing scratching sounds, loud banging, or walking around in the walls or attic of your home or business in Michigan? If so, you may have a raccoon problem!
Identifying if You Have a Raccoon Problem
Raccoons are probably the most recognized animal in Michigan wildlife. Black and brown, black around their eyes, and a ringed tail distinguish them from all other wildlife. Raccoons are great climbers and are found in dumpsters, sheds, garages, factories, chimneys, and house attics. They are primarily scavengers in the cities looking through dumpsters and garbage cans for food. They will also eat fish and other small wildlife. Raccoons look for areas in your attic or chimney to build their dens, oftentimes to have their young. You can identify entry points to the attic or chimney by large openings in the roof line, open canned vents, hanging soffits, or no chimney cap.
How to Identify Raccoon's
Raccoon's nocturnal animals are mostly active during the night. They will come out around dusk or right at dark to forage through dumpsters and garbage cans looking for food. During colder climates in Michigan, the raccoons will stay close to their den. However, raccoons do not hibernate and will come out during warmer winter nights. Raccoons often bread during January and February in preparation to have their young around the end of March or early April.
Common Reasons for Raccoon Removal and Control
Raccoons will enter your Michigan home or businesses in order to find an area to make their den. Raccoon nesting areas like hollowed-out treas are consistently being destroyed. It really not their fault they enter your home. Michigan Wildlife Solutions can remove raccoons from your Michigan home by trapping and handling them with thick gloves.
Raccoon Damage: Damage Control and Prevention
Just like any wildlife in your home or attic, they will cause damage. Whether that is chewing on wires, ripping up insulation, or feces and urine throughout the attic this can all be prevented and repaired. Trimming back trees at least 3 feet from the house will keep animals from getting onto your roof. Flashing around poles, chimney caps, and roof vent caps will all prevent raccoon entry. If you are unfortunate to have raccoons enter your MI home and damages occur, Michigan Wildlife Solutions can decontaminate your attic by removing the droppings and damaged insulation.
Nuisance Problems: raccoons are loud walking around in attics. They destroy insulation and defecate all over the attic. They carry many diseases like rabies, and distemper, and their feces carry eggs of roundworms which can hatch and become harmful to humans. Whenever there are raccoons in the attic it is always recommended to have it restored and cleaned.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons?
Once raccoons are in your home they do great damage. Raccoon's should be removed or controlled from your home by trapping in live traps. Once trapped from your home its recommended to relocate the raccoon at least 20-30 miles away within the County, MI to prevent the spread of diseases. Raccoon's can also be removed by handling with thick gloves or by a singe pole catch noose. Only recommended from experienced nuisance wildlife control operators. Our Most Recent Raccoon Removal job/story in Michigan We recently received a call about a raccoon living in the rafters of the Howell, MI Lowe's garden center located right on Grand River Ave. The trap above is the raccoon we removed with a catch noose. We set up our 28 foot ladder against the wall and grabbed the female raccoon from the rafters and put it in a live trap. Ironically enough we used a trap we bought from the Lowe's in Lansing, MI earlier that day.
Are you kept up during the night because of loud thumping? You probably have a raccoon or raccoon living in your attic. The most common problem we come across for raccoon problems is raccoons damaging the attic. You may hear scratching, scampering, or walking noises above you at night and sometimes even during the day. It's not always known for sure there is a raccoon living in the attic, but most of the noises explained are ultimately signs of raccoons. Most of the time we receive calls the first instinct someone on the other end has is raccoons. When there is a raccoon in your attic it will be the loudest of sounds compared to all other nuisance wildlife. Rodents, birds, bats, and other nocturnal wildlife sounds will be much different than that of a raccoon.
Raccoons are generally trapped overnight or removed onsite. Trapping raccoons consists of finding the entry point and strategically setting the traps. Once we locate the entry point we can guide the raccoons into the traps with baits and lures. Once the animals are trapped we will relocate them back into their natural environment. It's not always as simple as trapping the nuisance raccoons, sometimes they have litters of babies. Litters of raccoon pups or kittens are not always easy to locate. We once removed a whole litter of baby raccoons, but a day later got a call back from a customer saying the babies were still there. When we returned we found one of the baby raccoons down in a wall cavity. The only way to remove this little guy was to allow him to bite onto a glove and pull him up through the wall.
DO NOT poison raccoons or use antifreeze to get rid of them. In retrospect, this will work to kill the raccoon and get rid of them, but it will not solve your attic raccoon problem. dead raccoons in your attic or wall will cause a decaying animal that you may not be able to find. With dead animals come maggots which lead to flies. Not to mention it's very cruel to animals, because they die a very painful death. Not humane to say the least.
Signs of a Raccoon Living in Your Attic
Besides the annoyance of loud noises throughout the night, raccoons are often spotted entering the attic or clawing at the roof. Birds, bats, and other nuisance animals will often use pre-existing openings to enter your attic. Raccoons are much different and oftentimes destructive. When trees are cut down and other natural habitats are destroyed raccoons need somewhere to live. Raccoons will tear into your roof line, open up soffit vents, rip open canned vents, and force their way into the attic through gable vents. Contrary to most people's beliefs it doesn't take much of an opening for raccoons to enter your attic. If they can squeeze their tiny little head into a hole, then most likely their body will follow. Raccoons are very strong animals and can destroy many structures.
Raccoon's Are Destructive and Cause Damage
Once the raccoons have made their way into your attic the damage really begins. The worst thing about having raccoons in your attic is the destruction they cause. Raccoons will roll up or push aside insulation throughout your attic to make bedding that is comfortable for them and often their litter. During March and April, raccoons will have a litter of usually 3-6 pups. Raccoons also use your attic for a toilet. They know no better where and where not to go. Urine and raccoon feces will flood your attic making an awful odor throughout your home. Raccoon feces contain the egg of ringworm which can be harmful to humans. Attic restoration is very important after having raccoons or any critters for that matter in your attic. Keep in mind most homeowners insurance companies will help cover your restoration cost which can sometimes be very expensive.
What About Raccoons Living in a Chimney?
Raccoons get in chimney stacks also. Some of the exact same principles, as described below, apply to raccoons in chimneys. Nonetheless, odor deterrents are a lot more effective because of the concentrated location. DO NOT START A FIRE if you have raccoons in the chimney - you'd have to open the damper to let the smoke out, as well as they will certainly get in the fireplace as opposed to climbing up out. Even if they don't enter your house or fireplace, you will certainly bring pests alive as well as obtain a hideous odor that will certainly last a very long time. Numerous specialist wild animal elimination experts have special raccoons in chimney removal systems if odor deterrents do not function.
Importance of Raccoon Removal
Raccoons will keep breading and returning with more and more numbers if not taken care of as soon as possible. Damages can be controlled if taken care of right away, but if you allow generations of raccoons to return the damages will be greater over time. If you call us to have your raccoons trapped and relocated that is the first step towards getting rid of raccoons and keeping them out. As mentioned above attic restoration and decontamination is a must when dealing with raccoons. Not only do raccoons carry all sorts of diseases, but the scent of the urine and feces will also keep other raccoon families to come back. Unlike most wildlife raccoons are not fearful or territorial of other raccoons in the wild. They smell the sent and join the families.
Raccoon Prevention
Easier said than done, but there are things you can try to keep raccoons away. keeping your dog food out of reach and in a secure place is a good measure to keep them out of your attic and out of your garage. Keeping garbage in a secure trash can with a lid is a way to keep them from getting into your garbage. No food source typically means no raccoon problem. There are even raccoon repellents and eviction solutions to try. With this said there really is no permanent way to keep raccoons off your property and even out of the attic. The best solution is to recognize the problem as soon as possible to get it taken care of right away.
Our Most Recent Raccoon Removal Jobs and Stories
How Much Does it Cost to Get Rid of Raccons?
Raccoon trapping is the best method to get rid of them. Charging for raccoon trapping is much like trapping opossums, squirrels, or skunks. We typically charge a flat rate fee to remove the raccoon family from your home. This is usually between $350-$700. If there is a litter we will charge for the entire litter removed, not per baby removed. Per animal cost is an old way to charge for raccoon removal. So you know the price upfront, we will give you a flat rate fee. This is the method we usually use for raccoons. This cost is usually cheaper than a per-animal removal cost. At an added cost once the raccoons are trapped and removed we can also screen off decks, screen vents, cap chimneys, or fix canned vents to keep them from returning. In some instances with female raccoons and babies, we can place raccoon eviction fluid in their nesting area to evict them. Raccoons also do a lot of damage and you may need an attic restoration estimate. For a free detailed quote click on the free price quote button.
Disclaimer: At Michigan Wildlife Solutions, LLC we reserve the right to turn some trapping jobs down. During our exclusion seasons or other busy times, we reserve the right to not take on any animal trapping jobs. Like most companies these days we are short on staff. It takes a dedicated full-time animal trapper to remove many nuisance wildlife from homes and properties. Wildlife does not operate on a 9-5 schedule during the week. We have to have someone available 7 days a week in order to provide the best and most humane services possible We also must adhere to strict laws and guidelines provided by the DNR. Please reach out to us 7 days a week to see if we have an animal trapper in your area.
We service over 14 counties in Michigan for raccoon removal projects. See our service area to see if we are in your area. Looking for a professional wildlife control expert specializing in the raccoon removal process, but not sure who to hire? Click here for information on hiring a wildlife control expert.
If you have a raccoon problem and you live in Michigan we service you. Common areas we serve throughout our service area are: Bay City, Dewitt, Eagle, Elsie, Fowler, Maple Rapids, Ovid, St. Johns, Westphalia, Bellevue, Charlotte, Dimondale, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Mulliken, Olivet, Potterville, Sunfield, Vermontville, Waverly, Burton, Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flint, Flushing, Goodrich, Grand Blanc, Linden, Montrose, Mount Morris, Otisville, Swartz Creek,Dansville, East Lansing, Lansing, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Webberville, Williamston, Jackson, Grass Lake, Almont, Attica, Clifford,Columbiaville, Dryden, Imlay City, Lapeer, Metamora, North Branch, Otter Lake, Argentine, Brighton, Fowlerville, Hartland, Howell, Pinckney, Whitmore Lake, Armada, Center Line, Chesterfield, Clinton, Eastpointe, Memphis, Mount Clemons, New Baltimore, New Haven, Romeo, Saint Claire Shores, Shelby, Sterling Heights, Utica, Warren, Midland, Carleton, Dundee, Estral Beach, Luna Pier, Maybee, Monroe, Petersburg, South Rockwood, Auburn Hills, Berkley, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Commerce Twp., Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Franklin, Holly, Lake Orion, Madison Heights, Milford, Novi, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Southfield, Troy, Walled lake, Wixom, West Bloomfield, Wolverine Lake, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Merrill, Oakley, Saginaw, St. Charles, Zilwaukee, Bancroft, Byron, Corunna, Durand, Lainsburg, Lennon, Morrice, New Lothrop, Owosso, Perry, Vernon, Akron, Caro, Cass City, Fairgrove, Gagetown, Kingston, Millingston, Reese, Unionville, Vassar, Ann Arbor, Barton Hills, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Ypsilanti, Canton, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Wayne, Westland. For more areas we service visit our locations page.
Other Nuisance Wildlife We Service
Bat Removal Service
Humane Bat Removal
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera; with their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. Bats harbor more viruses than rodents and are capable of spreading disease over a wider geographic area owing to their ability to fly and their migration and roosting patterns. Bat-borne viruses are transmitted via bat bite and transfer via saliva, as well as aerosolization of saliva, feces, or urine. Bats invading human living and working spaces will normally offensively attack by biting and urinating on the victim to mark the victim's location.
Bird Control Service
Humane Bird Removal
Birds in Michigan can sometimes cause more damage than any nuisance wild animal. There nest are filled with bacteria and fungi. It has been suggested that there are over 60 other diseases that birds and their droppings can carry: Histoplasmosis, Candidiasis, Cryptococcosis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Salmonellosis and many more. The problem is especially worrisome in residential areas, as many of them are airborne and can be transferred to humans just by being around droppings. The birds we generally deal with that give problems to homeowners and industrial buildings are pigeons, chimney swifts, starlings, sparrows, and swallows and woodpeckers.
Mice Control Service
Poison Free Mice Removal
A mouse, plural mice, is a small rodent characteristically having a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail and a high breeding rate. They give birth to a litter of 3–14 young . One female can have 5 to 10 litters per year, so the mouse population can increase very quickly. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse. Mice can get inside homes to get warm and to build nests in hiding places that provides them with easy access to food. Living with mice can create several problems and make life much more uncomfortable in your home. Mice are known to carry a number of diseases that can spread to humans, such as: Leptospirosis, Hantavirus , Salmonella, Plague and many more.
Raccoon Removal Service
Humane Raccoon Trapping
The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. The raccoon is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 16 to 28 inches and a body weight of 11 to 57 lb. Raccoon's are probably the most recognized animal in the Michigan wildlife. They are great climbers and are found in dumpsters, sheds, garages, factories, chimneys and house attics. Raccoon's are primarily nocturnal scavengers in the cities looking through dumpsters and garbage cans for food. They will also eat fish and other small wildlife. Raccoon's look for areas in your attic or chimney to build their dens, often times to have their young. Raccoon's are loud walking around in attics. They destroy insulation and defecate all over the attic. They carry many disease like rabies, distemper, and their feces carries eggs of roundworm which can hatch and become harmful to humans.
Squirrel Control Service
Humane Squirrel Removal
Squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, a family that includes small or medium-size rodents. There are different types of squirrels in Michigan. Red squirrel, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, black squirrel, chipmunk, and flying squirrel. Squirrels feast on pine cones, bird seed, egg corns, walnuts, and during Halloween pumpkins. Sometimes squirrels will live in soffits and attics. They bring hazardous material into your attic and can also damage the insulation with nesting, droppings and urine. It’s very important to know that 25-30 percent of all house fires are caused by rodents chewing on the wires inside your attic and walls. Besides, they can carry many diseases communicable to humans such as: plague, Colorado tick fever, encephalitis, tularemia, and louse-borne typhus.
Skunk Removal Service
Humane Skunk Trapping
Skunks are North and South American mammals in the family Mephitidae. Skunks are recognizable with their black and white stripes. Generally skunks live under deck and porches. They dig holes and create dens underground and feast on grubs and other insects below your soil. They also get into your garbage looking for food. Skunks are near sighted animals and use their sense of smell to maneuver around. Skunks will spray an unbearable odor out their anus up to 10 feet if they feel threatened. A warning sign skunks feel threatened is by stopping their feet and raise their tail. If this happens, back away slowly. Besides, skunks will spray your dog or cat if they feel threatened. The most harmful disease they can pass to humans and pets too is rabies.
Groundhog Removal Service
Humane Groundhog Trapping
The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae . You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. Groundhogs are found living under decks, in rock walls, and in hills. They are vegetarians and eat plants, grass, flowers, and other vegetation. They dig holes under sidewalks and rock walls creating the cement and rocks to come tumbling down. Groundhogs live under decks close to homes so they are often found pestering pets. They can also carry groundhog ticks, which spread Lyme disease to humans.
Beaver Removal Service
Humane Beaver Trapping
The beaver (genus Castor) , is a large, primarily nocturnal and semiaquatic rodent. In fact they are the second-largest rodent in the world , just after the capybara. Beavers maintain and defend territories, which are areas for feeding, nesting and mating. Beavers are major nuisance animals around crops, homes, and forest. They chew down hundreds of trees and cause home owners problems to their forestry. The major problem is the damns they build. Damns will cause flooding into yards around homes and sometimes create flooding in basements which can cause major damage to the home.
Coyote Removal Service
Humane Coyote Trapping
The coyote (Canis latrans) is a canine native to North America. It is smaller than its close relative, the gray wolf. Coyotes are carnivorous and prey on rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, chickens and other small animals. Among large North American carnivores, the coyote probably carries the largest number of diseases and parasites such as: rabies, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, four strains of equine encephalitis, and oral papillomatosis. Coyotes are known to live in woods and secluded areas, but in Michigan they are found in urban areas and cities preying on house pets like dogs and cats.
Fox Removal Service
Humane Fox Trapping
Foxes are small-to-medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. Foxes are generally smaller than other members of the family Canidae such as wolves and coyotes. Fox are predators and prey on chickens, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals. The most common disease they can transmit to humans is toxocariasis from the roundworm. Two types of fox in Michigan are usually spotted, the grey and red fox. Like coyotes fox have become urbanized and prey on home owners small dogs and cats. If dog food is left out they will even eat that.
Muskrat Removal Service
Humane Muskrat Trapping
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), is a medium-sized semiaquatic rodent native to North America . They can grow up to two feet long .In Michigan muskrats live in rivers, streams, and ponds. Muskrats generally eat vegetation like weeds and cattails, but sometimes they will even eat small fish and frogs. Muskrats burrow into walls of ponds creating caving, sliding, and erosion. They also destroy vegetation in home owners ponds. We have found muskrats living in coy ponds eating fish and destroying pumps and heaters. Muskrats are known carriers of a number of diseases: Tularemia, leptospirosis, ringworm, pseudotuberculosis and many more.
Opossum Removal Service
Humane Opossum Trapping
The opossum is a marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia , endemic to the Americas. Opossums are usually solitary and nomadic, staying in one area as long as food and water are easily available. In Michigan Opossums are the only marsupial, meaning they have a pouch that they carry their young in. They have long prehensive tails which gives them another limb to use for hanging. Opossums are usually found under decks and in sheds. Opossums give off a strong odor and often times find places like your garage or under your deck to die. No one likes the smell of a decaying animal. They also get into dog food and annoy home owners pets. Opossums carry diseases such as tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments.
