Raccoons, Skunks, Bats, and Squirrels
If wildlife has moved into your attic, shed, or under your deck, Abell is here to help. We provide safe, humane, and efficient wildlife removal in Duncan, protecting your home, family, and pets while preventing future problems.
Duncan’s mix of residential neighbourhoods, green spaces, and nearby forests, like Cowichan River Provincial Park, Quamichan Lake, and surrounding farmland, creates ideal conditions for raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. These animals are active in spring and fall as they search for safe places to nest or overwinter.
Common Wildlife in Duncan
Raccoonsare clever climbers and very adaptable. Raccoons often access rooftops by climbing trees, fences, or nearby structures, tearing through shingles, soffits, or vents to enter attics. Inside, they can damage insulation, chew wiring, and leave droppings carrying diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. Raccoons may also dig dens under decks or sheds, potentially weakening foundations. Humane removal and sealing all entry points are key to preventing repeat visits. Attic restoration may be necessary if damage has occurred.
Skunks are well-known for their spray, but they can also dig and burrow, often under decks, porches, and sheds, causing damage to lawns, gardens, and structures. Skunks may carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, or roundworm. Their odor can cling to surfaces and pets, requiring professional removal. Licensed wildlife experts use humane trapping and exclusion techniques to safely remove skunks and prevent them from returning.
Bats are vital for controlling insects, but roosting inside homes can cause issues. Bats enter through small gaps in rooflines, vents, soffits, or chimneys. Bat droppings (guano) can damage insulation and wood and may carry histoplasmosis. Bats can also carry rabies. Humane bat removal requires trained professionals using one-way doors and exclusion devices. A full attic inspection ensures all entry points are identified and sealed to prevent future infestations.
Squirrels may appear harmless but can cause major structural damage. They slip through tiny gaps near vents, rooflines, or soffits, gathering insulation and wiring to build nests. Chewed wiring is a fire hazard, and they can bring fleas, mites, or ticks into your home. Professional removal and repair help prevent recurring problems.
Preventing Wildlife in Duncan
Wildlife is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Attempting removal yourself puts you at risk.
Abell provides safe and lasting solutions, including:
Call Abell for humane wildlife removal in Duncan. Our local team is available 24/7, and every job is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
FAQs
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 Duncan, this is especially common in neighbourhoods close to green spaces and storm ponds. 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 removal cost in Duncan?
Costs vary by species, severity, and required services. Abell provides on-site inspections and customized quotes.
