Best Wildlife Removal in Michigan Ranked

Finding wild animals in your attic, under your deck, or rummaging through your trash is a common and stressful experience for Michigan homeowners. Wildlife removal is the safe, legal, and humane process of evicting nuisance animals from your property and preventing their return. Understanding Michigan's specific regulations is crucial, as rules differ greatly between common pests like raccoons and protected species like bats. This guide will help you navigate your options, from DIY prevention to knowing when to call a licensed professional.

Bed Bug Exterminator Detroit

500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

Bed Bug Exterminator Detroit provides pest control services in Detroit, MI, specializing in bed bug treatment along with cockroach, ant, rodent, bee, wasp, and wildlife removal. The company uses safe and reliable techniques to handle a wide range of pests, including carpenter ants, spiders, fleas, and centipedes. With extensive experience and a focus on discreet, effective solutions, they have served many Detroit residents over the years. Their technicians perform thorough inspections and offer humane pest control options when possible.

5.0

176 Reviews

EcoShield Pest Solutions

31557 Schoolcraft Rd Suite 100, Livonia, MI 48150

EcoShield Pest Solutions provides a range of pest control services in Detroit, MI, including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent and wildlife exclusion, termite inspection and prevention, and mosquito elimination. They offer specialized plans such as the Home Shield for general pest protection and the Exclusion Shield to keep rodents and wildlife out. EcoShield emphasizes environmentally conscious pest control methods and employs state-licensed technicians trained to apply EPA-regulated materials safely. Their services cover both residential and commercial properties with a focus on effective, less pesticide-intensive solutions.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

Solidified Pest Control

32401 W 8 Mile Rd #2-9, Livonia, MI 48152

Solidified Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Detroit, MI. They offer eco-friendly pest and wildlife control solutions tailored to homes and businesses. Their services include treatment for bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, and wildlife removal. Solidified Pest Control provides product labels and safety data sheets for all products used, ensuring transparency and safety for customers and the environment.

4.9

518 Reviews

Elite Pest Management

36358 Garfield Rd Suite 8, Clinton Township, MI 48035

Elite Pest Management is a family-owned pest control and wildlife removal company serving Detroit, MI, and the surrounding areas. Established in 2001, they offer a range of services including termite control, rodent control, and humane wildlife management. With over 23 years of experience, the company emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and provides customized solutions tailored to each client's needs. Their expertise includes effective termite inspections and control, backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

4.9

132 Reviews

Pest Pros of Michigan

3113 Hillcroft Ave SW Suite A4, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Pest Pros of Michigan is a locally owned pest control company serving Grand Rapids, MI. They offer a wide range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, termite inspections, rodent and wildlife removal, and mosquito control. Their approach includes integrated pest management techniques such as trapping, exclusion, sanitation, habitat modification, and ongoing maintenance. The company also provides home clearance letters and commercial pest control services. Pest Pros of Michigan holds multiple Associate Certified Entomologist certifications and has been recognized with the Charles Evans Memorial Award for business excellence in the pest control industry.

4.9

124 Reviews

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Understanding Michigan's Wildlife Regulations

Michigan law distinguishes between unprotected nuisance species and protected wildlife, which dictates what actions you can legally take. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) set these rules to balance property protection with conservation ^{1 2}.

Common Nuisance Animals (Often No Permit Required): Landowners can often address problems with these species on their own property without a special permit, especially when the animal is causing damage:

• Coyotes
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Woodchucks (groundhogs)
• Opossums
• Squirrels (including ground squirrels)
• Weasels
• Feral swine ^{1 2 3}

Protected Species (Permits Always Required): It is illegal to harm, trap, or kill these animals without explicit authorization from the DNR or USFWS.

• Bats (All Species): All Michigan bats are protected and cannot be lethally controlled. They require specialized exclusion techniques ^{1 4}.
• Migratory Birds: This includes Canada geese, turkeys, and many other birds. Nest destruction or lethal control requires a federal permit from the USFWS, often coordinated through the DNR ^{1 2 5}.
• Eagles: Fully protected under federal law.
• Deer & Bear: Removal outside of established hunting seasons requires a DNR-issued damage permit ^{1 5}.

Conditional Permit Situations: Some animals fall into a middle ground. For example, while beavers, muskrats, and rabbits may be considered nuisance species, a DNR permit is typically required for trapping or removal outside of specific state-defined seasons or situations ^{5 3}. Always check the most current DNR guidelines before taking action ⁶.

Common Wildlife Problems and Solutions in Michigan

Raccoons

These intelligent, dexterous animals are frequent attic invaders, attracted by accessible food (garbage, pet food) and sheltered den sites. They can cause significant damage to roofing, vents, and insulation.

Solution: Focus on exclusion by sealing all potential entry points with sturdy materials like heavy-gauge hardware cloth. Secure trash cans with locking lids. If a raccoon is trapped inside an attic, one-way doors installed by a professional allow it to leave but not return.

Squirrels

Both gray and fox squirrels commonly chew their way into attics, soffits, and wall voids. Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard.

Solution: Trim tree branches at least 6-8 feet away from the roofline. Seal entry holes with metal flashing, as squirrels can easily chew through wood, plastic, and rubber. Trapping may be permissible, but it is often more effective to exclude them after ensuring no young are left inside.

Bats

Bats are beneficial insectivores but become a nuisance when they colonize attics. A key identifier is finding piles of rice-like droppings (guano). They are legally protected, and exclusion is the only legal remedy.

Solution: Never attempt to poison or harm bats. Professional wildlife control operators perform "bat-proofing" by identifying all entry points and installing one-way exclusion devices at the right time of year (outside of maternity season, when flightless pups are present). This allows bats to exit but blocks re-entry ^{1 7}.

Skunks & Groundhogs

Skunks often dig dens under sheds, decks, and porches, while groundhogs can undermine foundations with extensive burrowing. The primary concern with skunks is, of course, their potent defensive spray.

Solution: Use fencing buried at least a foot deep and bent outward to deter digging. Encourage them to leave by making den sites inhospitable-placing light and noise in the space or loosely packing soil into burrow entrances. Live trapping can be effective but requires careful handling.

Canada Geese & Birds

Geese can degrade lawns, parks, and waterfronts with droppings and become aggressive during nesting season. Other birds like starlings or sparrows may nest in vents, creating blockages and fire hazards.

Solution: For geese, harassment techniques (like trained dogs or approved repellents) require permits. Nest egg addling or relocation permits are issued by the USFWS in severe cases ². For nuisance birds in structures, exclusion with vent covers and chimney caps is the best long-term solution.

The Wildlife Removal Process: What to Expect

Whether you attempt DIY methods or hire a professional, effective wildlife control follows a logical sequence.

1. Inspection & Identification: The first step is a thorough inspection of your property's exterior and interior (attic, crawlspace) to identify the animal, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of damage and contamination.
2. Humane Eviction/Removal: This involves using species-appropriate methods to remove the animal. This could be live trapping (where legal), the use of one-way exclusion doors, or, in the case of protected species, waiting for natural departure before sealing entries.
3. Cleanup & Sanitation: Animal droppings, urine, and nesting materials pose health risks and can attract new pests. This step involves removing contaminated insulation, disinfecting the area with enzyme cleaners, and deodorizing to eliminate animal scents that might attract others.
4. Exclusion & Repair: This is the most critical step to prevent recurrence. All identified entry points are permanently sealed with durable materials like steel mesh, chimney caps, and vent covers. Damaged wood, siding, or roofing is repaired.
5. Monitoring & Prevention: A good plan includes recommendations for ongoing property maintenance to make it less attractive to wildlife, such as securing garbage, removing brush piles, and keeping yards tidy ^{4 8}.

DIY Prevention Tips for Michigan Homeowners

Proactive measures are your first and best defense against wildlife intrusions. Implementing these steps can save you significant hassle and expense.

• Secure Food Sources: Use locking lids on garbage and compost bins. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight. Clean barbecue grills after use.
• Eliminate Shelter: Seal off openings under decks, porches, and sheds with sturdy wire mesh. Keep woodpiles elevated and away from the house. Remove dense brush and leaf piles from your property's perimeter.
• Fortify Your Home: Conduct seasonal inspections of your roof, siding, and foundation. Install chimney caps and vent covers on all attic, soffit, and dryer vents. Repair any loose siding or roof shingles promptly.
• Landscape Thoughtfully: Trim tree limbs back from the roofline. Consider installing a metal barrier (at least 18 inches tall and buried 6 inches) around garden beds to deter digging animals.

When to Hire a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While some minor issues can be handled independently, there are clear situations where calling a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) is the wisest choice.

• The animal is protected by law (bats, most birds).
• The infestation is in a hard-to-access area (high roof, inside walls).
• There is a significant amount of droppings or contamination requiring hazardous material cleanup.
• You are uncomfortable or unsure about safely handling traps or the animal.
• Previous DIY attempts have failed.
• The problem involves a potentially dangerous animal (though rare, if a animal is acting strangely, contact animal control immediately).

Licensed WCOs in Michigan understand the complex state and federal regulations, have the proper tools and insurance, and can guarantee that exclusions are done correctly and humanely ^{4 7}.

Cost Considerations for Wildlife Removal in Michigan

Costs can vary widely based on the animal, the location and extent of the problem, and the necessary repairs. Here is a general overview of what you might expect:

• Basic Inspection & Removal: For common animals like squirrels or raccoons, removal services typically range from $350 to $700, depending on the complexity of the extraction ^{9 10}.
• Exclusion & Repairs: This is often quoted separately or as part of a package. Installing basic vent covers or chimney caps may cost $75 to $300. Repairing chewed roof eaves or siding can range from $45 to $75 per repair point, plus materials ^{9 10}.
• Cleanup & Decontamination: Removing and replacing soiled insulation and sanitizing an attic space can add several hundred dollars to the total, based on the square footage affected.
• Factors Influencing Price: The size and height of your home, the steepness of the roof, the number of entry points, and whether a service warranty is included will all affect the final price ^{9 10}.

Always get a detailed, written estimate that breaks down inspection, removal, cleanup, exclusion, and repairs before work begins.

Frequently asked questions

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