Winnipeg Wildlife Control

Raccoons, Skunks, Bats and Squirrels

If wildlife has made its way into your attic, garage, or under your deck, Abell offers safe, humane, and effective wildlife removal in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our team protects your home, family, and pets while preventing wildlife from returning.

Winnipeg’s combination of urban neighbourhoods, riverbanks, and parklands along the Red River, Assiniboine River, and FortWhyte Alive areas creates ideal habitats for raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. Wildlife activity is most noticeable in spring and fall, when animals seek secure places to nest or overwinter in Manitoba’s seasonal climate.

Even small wildlife intrusions can lead to chewed wiring, torn insulation, and health hazards. Book a wildlife inspection with Abell today to keep your Winnipeg property safe.

Common Wildlife in Winnipeg

Raccoons are highly adaptable and often invade homes in Winnipeg.

• They climb trees, fences, and structures to access rooftops and attics.
• Inside, raccoons tear insulation, chew wiring, and damage ducts, creating fire hazards and costly repairs.
• Droppings may carry diseases like roundworm and leptospirosis.
• Raccoons may dig under decks, sheds, and porches, especially in neighbourhoods near FortWhyte Alive or Assiniboine Park, weakening foundations.
• Sealing entry points and applying humane exclusion techniques prevents re-entry.

Skunks are common around Winnipeg yards and green spaces.

• They dig in lawns and gardens in search of insects and grubs.
• Burrows beneath decks, porches, and sheds can compromise structural integrity.
• Skunks carry diseases, and their spray can cling to pets and surfaces.
• Professional skunk removal ensures safety for humans and animals.
• Installing exclusion barriers prevents skunks from returning.

Bats are essential for insect control but can create hazards inside homes.

• They enter through small gaps in chimneys, vents, rooflines, or soffits.
• Bat droppings can damage insulation, compromise structural materials, and pose respiratory hazards.
• Safe bat removal involves professional attic inspections and one-way doors.
• Chimney caps and vent cover help prevent bats from returning.

Squirrels may appear harmless but can cause significant property damage.

• They squeeze through small openings near chimneys, vents, soffits, or rooflines.
• Inside attics, squirrels build nests using insulation and chew wiring, creating fire risks.
• Squirrels can introduce fleas, mites, or ticks into the home.
• Professional removal and exclusion prevent repeat infestations.

How to Protect Your Winnipeg Home

• Inspect roofs, vents, chimneys, and soffits for gaps or damage and repair immediately.
• Install chimney caps to block raccoons, skunks, and bats.
• Trim tree branches near rooftops to prevent wildlife access.
• Keep garbage bins secured and remove outdoor pet food.
• Maintain sheds and decks to eliminate potential nesting areas.
• Consider professional wildlife exclusion systems for long-term protection.

Abell’s wildlife control services include:

• Thorough inspections to locate entry points and assess damage
• Humane exclusion using one-way doors and animal-proof sealing
• Preventive measures to stop future wildlife problems

Call Abell today for wildlife removal in Winnipeg.

FAQ

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?

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.

When is wildlife most active around Winnipeg homes?

Spring and fall are peak seasons for wildlife activity in Winnipeg. Animals enter nesting mode in spring, searching for secure spots to raise their young, while fall sends them looking for warm places to wait out winter. Attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and under-deck areas are especially vulnerable during both periods.

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 Winnipeg, 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.

What happens to wildlife once it's been removed?

Abell prioritizes exclusion over trapping whenever possible. In most cases, one-way doors are installed to let animals exit naturally, without any handling required. When trapping is necessary, it's carried out humanely and in full compliance with applicable local regulations.

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 abell 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 Winnipeg?

Costs vary depending on species, infestation severity, and required services. Contact Abell for a personalized on-site quote.