Top Wildlife Removal in Grand Rapids, Michigan Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, walls, or chimney can be unsettling and damaging. Wildlife removal is the professional service of humanely and safely resolving conflicts with nuisance animals on your property. In Grand Rapids, this often involves identifying entry points, removing the animals in accordance with Michigan law, and implementing exclusion techniques to prevent their return. This guide helps you understand your options, from DIY prevention to finding a qualified local professional for humane animal control and wildlife management.

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

EcoShield Pest Solutions

4515 Broadmoor Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

EcoShield Pest Solutions is a pest control company based in Grand Rapids, MI, offering a range of services including bed bug treatment, rodent and wildlife exclusion, termite inspection and prevention, mosquito control, and commercial pest management. They provide environmentally conscious pest control solutions using EPA-regulated materials applied by state-licensed technicians. EcoShield is known for their Home Shield protection plans and specialized services such as attic and crawl space insulation to prevent pest entry. The company emphasizes safe, effective pest management and supports local communities through initiatives like Exterminate Hunger. They serve multiple states but maintain a strong presence in Grand Rapids, MI.

4.8

3.1k Reviews

Critter Control of Grand Rapids

grand rapids

Critter Control of Grand Rapids provides wildlife removal and pest control services in Grand Rapids, MI. They handle a variety of nuisance animals including raccoons, rodents, squirrels, bats, and skunks using humane removal methods, inspections, exclusion techniques, and repairs to prevent reentry. Their specialists also offer sanitation and ectoparasite treatments to address health concerns related to wildlife infestations. The company serves both residential and commercial properties, applying advanced removal and exclusion strategies to protect buildings from damage and contamination.

4.7

324 Reviews

Smitter Pest Control Co

1650 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Smitter Pest Control Co provides pest control services in Grand Rapids, MI. They handle a variety of pests including bed bugs, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and wildlife for both residential and commercial properties. The company uses environmentally friendly methods that comply with local regulations to minimize chemical impact. With a history dating back to the early 1900s, Smitter Pest Control combines extensive experience with licensed and bonded technicians to deliver effective pest management.

4.7

120 Reviews

Orkin

1310 Scribner Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Grand Rapids, MI. With over 120 years of experience, they address a wide range of pest issues including bed bugs, termites, ants, rodents, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Their termite control includes inspections and treatments such as dry foam void filler, Sentricon® bait, and liquid barriers. Orkin offers year-round pest management tailored to the seasonal pest activity in the Midwest. They also provide 24/7 pest control services to respond promptly to urgent pest problems.

4.6

2.6k Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids' mix of urban neighborhoods, wooded areas, and proximity to rivers creates ideal habitats for several species that can become problematic for homeowners. Knowing which animal you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective solution.

• Raccoons: These intelligent, dexterous mammals are notorious for tearing into soffits, vents, and roof edges to access attics, where they create dens and leave behind significant waste. They are also attracted to unsecured trash and pet food.
• Squirrels: Both gray and red squirrels commonly enter attics and wall voids, especially in fall and spring. They can chew on electrical wiring (a fire hazard), insulation, and structural wood.
• Bats: Small colonies of little brown bats or big brown bats may roost in attics or behind shutters. While beneficial for insect control, their guano (droppings) can pose health risks and create odor problems. Special care is required due to their protected status and potential for rabies.
• Mice and Rats: These rodents are year-round pests, seeking shelter and food indoors. They contaminate surfaces with urine and droppings and can chew through wires and packaging.
• Skunks & Opossums: Often found under decks, sheds, or porches, these animals are typically seeking shelter. Skunks, of course, present a unique defensive challenge.
• Birds: Species like starlings, sparrows, and woodpeckers can cause issues. Starlings and sparrows nest in vents and gutters, creating blockages, while woodpeckers drill into siding in search of insects or to establish territory, causing cosmetic and structural damage ^{1 2 3 4 5}.

Understanding Michigan Wildlife Laws and Regulations

Before taking action, it's crucial to understand the legal framework. In Michigan, all wild animals are considered public property and are managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ^{6 7}. This means you cannot simply trap and relocate an animal yourself.

• Illegal Possession and Relocation: It is generally illegal for an unlicensed individual to capture, possess, or transport live wild animals. Relocating animals often simply moves the problem to another property and can spread disease or doom the animal if placed in an unsuitable territory ^{2 8}.
• Focus on Humane Control: The DNR emphasizes that actions should be humane and focus on resolving property damage, not on harming natural wildlife populations. The goal of professional wildlife management is exclusion and prevention, not eradication ^{6 7}.
• Protected Species: Some species, like bats, have additional protections due to declining populations. Their removal is often restricted to specific times of the year and requires special techniques.

Your Options: DIY Prevention vs. Professional Help

Effective Do-It-Yourself Prevention

For minor issues or as a proactive measure, homeowners can take several effective steps to make their property less inviting.

• Seal Entry Points: This is the most critical step. Inspect your home's exterior for gaps, holes, or cracks. Remember, mice can enter through an opening as small as 1/4 inch. Use high-quality caulk, steel wool, hardware cloth, or vent covers to seal potential entryways ^{2 5}.
• Remove Attractants: Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Bring in pet food at night. Clean up fallen birdseed from feeders. Trim tree branches that overhang or touch your roof to limit access for squirrels and raccoons.
• Install Exclusion Devices: Chimney caps and vent screens are excellent investments to prevent birds, raccoons, and squirrels from entering these common access points ⁵.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

DIY methods are not always sufficient, especially if animals are already inside. Contact a licensed professional in these situations:

• You Hear Noises in Walls or Attics: This indicates an active infestation that needs to be addressed.
• You See Signs of Damage or Waste: Chewed wires, torn insulation, or droppings require professional cleanup and exclusion.
• The Animal is a Health or Safety Risk: This includes animals like bats (rabies vector), raccoons (potential for roundworm), or when a large animal like a raccoon is in a living space.
• You Need Permanent Exclusion: Professionals can identify all potential entry points and install durable, long-lasting exclusion materials like steel flashing and commercial-grade vent covers.
• The Situation is Complex: Removing a maternal animal with young, dealing with a colony of bats, or cleaning up significant biohazardous waste are jobs for experts.

How Professional Wildlife Removal Works

A reputable wildlife control operator will follow a multi-step process focused on long-term resolution.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, inside and out, to identify the species, entry points, and extent of the problem. Many companies offer free or low-cost inspections ⁹.
2. Humane Removal: Using techniques like one-way exclusion doors or live trapping (where legally permitted), the animals are removed from the structure. Poison is generally avoided as it is inhumane and can create odor issues if animals die in inaccessible areas ¹⁰.
3. Exclusion and Repair: After removal, all identified entry points are permanently sealed to prevent re-entry. This is the most important part of the process. They may also repair damage to siding, vents, or roofing.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: Professionals can safely remove contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials, and apply enzymatic cleaners and disinfectants to mitigate health risks and odors.
5. Restoration: Some companies offer services to replace damaged insulation, ensuring your home's energy efficiency is restored.

What to Expect: Services and Costs in Grand Rapids

Costs for animal removal and exclusion vary widely based on the species, the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and the extent of repairs needed. Always obtain multiple detailed quotes from licensed professionals.

• Inspection Fee: Many companies offer free inspections, while others may charge a service fee of $100-$150, which is often applied to the total cost if you hire them ^{1 11 9}.
• Emergency/After-Hours Calls: For urgent situations outside normal business hours, expect a premium, often ranging from $200 to $300 or more ^{1 12}.
• Basic Removal/Trapping: For a single animal access point (e.g., removing a raccoon from a chimney or a squirrel from an attic), costs can start around $100-$300 ^{1 11}.
• Standard Exclusion Jobs: A typical job for a common problem like excluding squirrels from an attic or installing bird prevention measures often starts around $299 and can go up significantly depending on the linear feet of roof edge or number of vents that need work ^{1 11}.
• Comprehensive Services: Full-service jobs that include removal, exclusion, attic cleanup, decontamination, and re-insulation represent a larger investment but provide a complete, long-term solution. These projects can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the attic's square footage and the level of damage ¹.

Who to Contact: Animal Control vs. Wildlife Professionals

It's important to contact the right resource for your specific situation.

• Kent County Animal Control: This agency primarily handles issues with domestic animals, such as stray dogs and cats, reports of animal neglect or abuse, and dangerous dog complaints. They typically do not respond to or remove wild animals causing property damage ¹³.
• Licensed Wildlife Removal Companies: For conflicts with wild animals on private property, you need a state-licensed nuisance wildlife control professional. Examples serving Grand Rapids include Critter Control, Michigan Wildlife Solutions, and Varmint Guard ^{3 4 14}. They are trained and legally permitted to handle the situation.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Contact the DNR for questions about wildlife regulations, hunting licenses, or issues with wildlife that are not causing specific property damage (e.g., a hawk frequently visiting your bird feeder) ^{6 7}.

Frequently asked questions

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