Raccoons, Skunks, Bats and Squirrels
If wildlife has made its way into your attic, under your deck, or around your home, Abell is here to help. We provide professional, humane wildlife control in Charlottetown and across Prince Edward Island, focusing on safe removal and long-term prevention.
Charlottetown's coastal climate, mature trees, and quiet neighbourhoods make it a natural home for raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. These animals are most active in spring and fall when they go looking for warm, protected places to nest or overwinter, and attics, sheds, and crawl spaces are often the first place they find.
Even a small opening can lead to big problems. Wildlife can damage insulation and wiring, leave behind strong odours, and bring health risks into your home. Abell's team removes the animals safely, seals entry points, and helps make sure it doesn't happen again.
Common Wildlife Problems in Charlottetown
Raccoons are one of the most common wildlife concerns for homeowners in Charlottetown. Raccoons are excellent climbers and often reach roofs using nearby trees, decks, or fences. Once there, they can tear into soffits, roof vents, or shingles to access the attic. Inside, raccoons damage insulation, air ducts, and electrical wiring. Their droppings can also pose health risks. Without proper exclusion, raccoons often return to the same entry point year after year.
Skunks are frequently found under decks, sheds, and porches throughout PEI. Skunks dig for grubs in lawns and gardens and can weaken structures by burrowing. Skunks are also known carriers of rabies, and their spray can leave behind strong odours that are difficult to remove without professional help. Safe skunk removal requires experience and the right approach.
Bats are an important part of the ecosystem, but they do not belong inside homes. In Charlottetown, bats often enter through small gaps along rooflines, chimneys, and vents. Guano buildup in attics can contaminate insulation and create health concerns. Because bats are protected, removal must follow strict guidelines and timing restrictions. Abell uses safe bat exclusion methods that allow bats to leave safely and prevent them from returning.
Squirrels may look harmless, but they can cause serious damage when they get indoors. Squirrels squeeze through small openings in soffits or roof vents and build nests using insulation and wiring. Squirrels frequently chew electrical wires, increasing the risk of power issues and fires. They can also cause ongoing noise and damage if not addressed properly.
How to Reduce Wildlife Activity Around Your Home
Wildlife situations can be unpredictable, and handling animals on your own can be unsafe. Abell’s wildlife control team is trained to handle these situations the right way.
Our process includes:
Think you might have wildlife in your attic or under your deck? Call Abell today for trusted wildlife control in Charlottetown. We’re available 24/7, and every job is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have wildlife in my attic?
Scratching or thumping noises, damaged vents or soffits, droppings, strong smells, and disturbed insulation are common signs.
Why do animals keep getting into homes in Charlottetown?
Wildlife looks for warm, quiet spaces for nesting, especially in spring and fall. Attics and spaces under decks provide ideal shelter.
Is wildlife control a humane process?
Absolutely. Humane wildlife control is built around safely relocating animals and blocking future entry without causing harm. Abell relies on one-way doors, exclusion methods, and live trapping where the law allows, always in line with local regulations and ethical practices. Protecting both the homeowner and the animal is the priority.
How can I tell if an animal has moved into my attic?
Watch for scratching or thumping sounds overhead, gnawed or broken roof vents and soffits, animal droppings, strong unexplained odours, or insulation that's been disturbed or displaced.
Are raccoons a threat to my family or pets?
They can be. Raccoons are known to carry serious illnesses including rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. They can also turn aggressive when cornered or when protecting their young, making them a genuine risk to both people and household pets.
Can raccoons and squirrels cause structural damage to my home?
Yes, and the damage can be significant. Both animals are known to rip apart insulation, breach roofing and ventilation systems, and gnaw through electrical wiring, creating expensive repair bills and potential fire hazards.
Why do raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats gravitate toward attics, chimneys, and spaces under decks?
These animals are drawn to sheltered, low-traffic spaces that offer warmth and protection from predators, particularly when nesting or preparing for winter. Attics, chimneys, wall cavities, and the areas beneath decks check all those boxes. Intrusions spike in spring, when females are looking for safe places to raise litters, and again in fall as animals prepare for the cold. A surprisingly small gap in a roofline, vent, or soffit is all the access they need.
What should I do if a skunk or raccoon shows up on my property?
If a skunk or raccoon show up on your property, give it space and don't attempt to interact with it. Reach out to Abell for a professional evaluation to find out whether the animal has already found a way inside your home.
How do I stop wildlife from returning after removal?
Close off all potential entry points, add chimney caps and protective vent covers, cut back tree branches that hang over the roofline, eliminate accessible food sources, and invest in professional wildlife exclusion services for long-term protection.
Why is something digging up my lawn overnight?
Raccoons and skunks are the most likely culprits, they tear up grass hunting for grubs, insects, and larvae beneath the surface. In Charlottetown, this is especially common in neighbourhoods close to green spaces. If it's happening repeatedly, there's a good chance an animal is denning nearby, possibly under a deck or shed.
How much time does wildlife removal typically take?
It varies by species and circumstances. Straightforward situations may be resolved within a few days, while cases involving young animals or extensive entry point repairs can take considerably longer.
Can I just seal the hole myself to keep animals out?
This is strongly discouraged. Closing off an opening before confirming all animals have exited can trap them inside, leading to further damage, persistent odours, and serious health concerns. The right approach always starts with a full inspection to locate every access point and verify the space is clear before any sealing begins.
What diseases can raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats transmit?
Each of these animals carries health risks worth taking seriously. Raccoons can spread rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, and their droppings may also contain histoplasmosis. Skunks are potential carriers of rabies and leptospirosis. Squirrels can pass along leptospirosis and salmonella through droppings, urine, or bites, and may introduce fleas, mites, or ticks into your home. Waste from any of these animals can contaminate attic spaces and create significant health hazards, particularly in enclosed environments.
What should I do if I come across a sick, injured, or dead animal on my property?
Don't touch it. Sick or injured wildlife is unpredictable and may be carrying disease. Call a professional wildlife control company to assess and handle the situation safely.
My pet encountered wildlife or got sprayed by a skunk, what now?
Keep your pet away from the animal and avoid contact yourself. Skunk odour typically calls for professional deodorization treatment, and any wildlife encounter involving a pet should be followed up with a veterinarian, given the disease risks involved.
How much does wildlife control cost in Charlottetown?
Costs depend on the type of animal, the damage involved, and the work required. Abell provides on-site inspections and customized quotes.
