Top Wildlife Removal in Sterling Heights, Michigan Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, under your deck, or within your walls can be unsettling and potentially damaging. Wildlife removal is the specialized service of safely and humanely evicting nuisance animals from your property and preventing their return. This matters because local wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, and bats can cause significant structural damage, create health hazards, and disrupt your peace of mind. For Sterling Heights residents, navigating this issue involves understanding what city services are available and how to find qualified local professionals who can provide effective, legal solutions for your specific situation.

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

ProAction Pest Control

32540 Schoolcraft Rd Suite 250, Livonia, MI 48150

ProAction Pest Control is a locally owned pest control company based near Detroit, MI, serving Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. They provide residential and commercial pest and wildlife control services, handling a wide range of pests including ants, bed bugs, termites, rodents, bees, wasps, and wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels. Their capabilities include safe and licensed bee and wasp removal, as well as thorough termite inspections and treatments. With over 18 years of experience, ProAction Pest Control offers same-day service with no extra charge and emergency appointments, including evening and weekend availability.

4.8

217 Reviews

See more providers in Sterling Heights, MI

Understanding Nuisance Wildlife in Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights' blend of suburban neighborhoods and natural spaces makes it a prime habitat for various wildlife species. While seeing animals in parks is one thing, finding them taking up residence in your home is another. The city's Animal Control division has a primary focus on domestic animals, meaning residents dealing with wild intruders must often seek private animal control services ^{1 2}. Common culprits include rodents like mice and rats, which are notorious for chewing electrical wiring in attics and walls ³. Tree squirrels and flying squirrels frequently enter homes to nest, while larger mammals like raccoons and skunks seek shelter under decks, porches, and sheds, often causing property damage and messes ^{4 5}. Birds and bats can also become problematic when they roost in vents, chimneys, and eaves ⁶. Even coyotes are present in the area, though they typically pose a threat to pets rather than seeking entry into homes ⁷.

What Sterling Heights Animal Control Can and Cannot Do

Knowing where to turn first is crucial. The Sterling Heights Animal Control office is your point of contact for several specific situations, but its role in wildlife management is limited.

Services They Provide:

• Stray Domestic Animals: They will take custody of lost or found dogs and cats and work to reunite them with owners or coordinate with rescue organizations ².
• Animal Bites: If a person is bitten by any animal, you must immediately notify the Sterling Heights Police Department to initiate rabies exposure protocols ⁸.
• Dead Animals: They respond to calls for deceased animals, including those hit by vehicles on city streets ².
• General Guidance: They can offer information, but for active nuisance wildlife issues, they will typically direct you to private wildlife removal operators.

Services They Do Not Provide:

• Trapping or Removing Live Nuisance Wildlife: For animals like raccoons, squirrels, or bats inside a structure, you will need to hire a private company ¹.
• Skunk Removal: The city explicitly states that Animal Control will not pick up trapped skunks. Residents must release the skunk on their own property or hire a professional for removal ⁹.
• Free Wildlife Removal: The city does not offer removal services for most nuisance wildlife at no cost ¹.

How to Contact Animal Control:

• For urgent situations or immediate concerns, call the non-emergency police dispatch line at 586-469-5502 ².
• For general inquiries or to leave a message for an Animal Control Officer, call 586-446-2879 ^{10 2}.

Michigan DNR Regulations for Property Owners

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sets the regulations for handling nuisance wildlife. A significant recent amendment allows property owners (or someone they designate) more leeway to address certain damaging animals without a permit ^{11 12}. This is critical for Sterling Heights homeowners to understand before taking action.

• Eligible Species: The DNR's expanded list includes animals commonly found in suburban areas: beaver, coyote, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, ground squirrel, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red squirrel, skunk, weasel, and woodchuck ^{9 13}.
• The "Causing Damage" Clause: You may trap and humanely dispatch (or have a professional do so) these animals only if they are causing property damage ¹². Simply seeing them in your yard is not sufficient grounds.
• Humane Care Requirements: If you choose to trap an animal, you are legally obligated to follow strict humane care guidelines. This includes checking traps at least once every 24 hours, providing water, and protecting the animal from extreme weather to avoid animal cruelty charges ^{9 14}.
• No Live Relocation: It is generally illegal in Michigan to trap and relocate a live wild animal across a county line without a license ⁹. This means trapped animals typically must be dispatched on your property or released on-site. For this reason, many residents opt for professional wildlife control services, as licensed professionals have the permits and knowledge for legal and ethical handling.

The Professional Wildlife Removal Process

When you contact a local wildlife control company, they follow a systematic approach to resolve your issue permanently. This process is often more comprehensive than simple trapping.

1. Inspection and Assessment: A technician will perform a thorough inspection of your property to identify the animal species, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the damage and contamination. Many companies offer free inspections within their service area, though some may charge a service call fee that is later applied to the total job cost ^{4 15}.
2. Humane Removal and Trapping: Using species-appropriate techniques, the professional will remove the animals. This may involve live trapping, one-way exclusion doors that allow animals to leave but not re-enter, or other direct methods ⁵.
3. Exclusion and Prevention: This is the most critical step for a long-term solution. After removal, all entry points-from roof vents and soffits to gaps in siding-are sealed with durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth to prevent re-entry by the same or different animals ¹⁶.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: Wildlife leaves behind droppings, urine, nesting materials, and parasites. Professional cleanup involves disinfecting the affected area, removing contaminated insulation, and addressing odors to restore a safe and healthy environment ^{6 17}.
5. Repair and Restoration: Finally, any structural damage caused by the animals, such as chewed wood, torn vents, or damaged ductwork, is repaired ¹⁷.

Common Wildlife Problems and Solutions in Sterling Heights

Different animals require different strategies. Here's a breakdown of common local issues:

• Squirrels in the Attic: These agile rodents often enter through gaps near the roof line. Removal involves live trapping or exclusion, followed by sealing all potential entry points and often replacing soiled insulation ^{3 5}.
• Raccoons Under the Deck: Raccoons seek sheltered dens. Professionals will safely remove the animals and their young (if present), then install sturdy, dig-proof barriers like lattice with welded wire to exclude the space permanently ⁴.
• Bats in the Vents or Eaves: Bats are protected in Michigan and require special handling, especially during maternity season (May-August). Exclusion involves installing one-way devices at primary exit points after the bats have left for the night, allowing them to exit but not return ⁶.
• Skunks Burrowing Under Sheds: As noted, the city will not assist with skunks. Professionals use safe trapping techniques and then exclude the area with buried fencing to prevent future digging ^{9 18}.
• Mice and Rats in Walls: For ongoing rodent issues, removal involves a combination of sealing even the tiniest exterior cracks (as small as a dime), interior trapping, and sometimes modifying landscaping to remove harborage areas near the home's foundation ³.

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs

The cost for animal removal services in Sterling Heights is not fixed and can vary based on several factors ^{15 19}. The primary variables include the type of animal, the size and accessibility of the infestation, and the extent of necessary repairs and cleanup.

• Service Inspections: Many companies offer free inspections, while others may charge a trip fee ranging from $100 to $200, which is often credited toward the total service cost if you proceed ¹⁵.
• Removal and Exclusion: A standard job for removing animals like squirrels or raccoons and performing basic exclusion can range significantly. More complex jobs, such as removing a large colony of bats or multiple raccoons with babies, will be on the higher end of the scale ^{20 21}.
• Cleanup and Restoration: Decontamination services (like cleaning up droppings and urine) and attic restoration (removing and replacing insulation, repairing chewed wires) are typically additional costs that can substantially increase the total project price ^{15 17}.

It is always recommended to contact local providers like Michigan Wildlife Solutions Macomb for a specific, detailed quote tailored to your unique situation ^{4 15}.

Preventing Future Wildlife Intrusions

After your wildlife issue is resolved, proactive prevention is key. Simple steps can make your property less attractive to nuisance animals:

• Secure Trash: Use cans with tight-fitting, locking lids. Raccoons are adept at opening simple latches.
• Remove Food Sources: Keep pet food indoors, clean up fallen birdseed from feeders, and manage compost piles carefully.
• Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home's exterior, especially the roofline, vents, and foundation, for gaps or holes and seal them promptly.
• Trim Vegetation: Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6-8 feet from your roof and clear dense brush away from your home's foundation to eliminate travel pathways and hiding spots.

Frequently asked questions

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