Raccoons, Skunks, Bats, and Squirrels
If wildlife has made its way into your attic, garage, or under your deck, Abell is here to help. We provide fast, safe, and humane wildlife removal in Detroit, protecting your home, family, and pets while preventing future problems.
Detroit’s mix of urban neighborhoods, parks, and waterways, like Belle Isle, Rouge Park, and the Detroit River shoreline, creates ideal conditions for raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. These animals are most active in spring and fall when they’re seeking safe, quiet spaces to nest or overwinter.
Even a small intrusion can lead to costly problems, including damaged insulation, chewed wiring, and health hazards. At Abell, we handle wildlife removal, secure your home against future intrusions, and implement long-term prevention strategies.
Common Wildlife in Detroit
Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable climbers. Raccoons can reach rooftops by scaling trees, fences, or decks and may tear through shingles, vents, or soffits to access attics. Inside, they damage insulation, chew wiring, and leave droppings that carry diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. Raccoons may also dig dens under decks or sheds, which can weaken foundations. Effective control involves humane removal and sealing all entry points to prevent repeat visits. Attic restoration may be required if damage has occurred.
Skunks are best known for their odor, but they also dig and burrow, often under decks, porches, or sheds, damaging lawns, gardens, and even foundations. Skunks may carry rabies, leptospirosis, or roundworm. Their spray can linger on surfaces or pets, often requiring professional odor removal. Licensed wildlife experts use humane trapping and exclusion methods to safely remove skunks and prevent their return.
Bats are important for controlling insects, but when they roost in your home, they can cause serious problems. Bats gain access through small openings in rooflines, soffits, chimneys, or vents. Bat droppings (guano) can damage insulation, wood, and electrical systems and may carry histoplasmosis—a respiratory fungus. Bats can also carry rabies. Humane bat removal requires trained professionals who use one-way doors and exclusion devices to allow bats to leave safely. A thorough attic inspection ensures all entry points are sealed.
Squirrels may seem harmless, but they can cause significant structural damage. Squirrels enter through tiny gaps near vents, soffits, and rooflines, then use insulation and wiring to build nests. Chewing on electrical wires creates fire hazards, and they may introduce fleas, ticks, or mites into your home. Professional removal and repairs prevent recurring infestations.
Keeping Wildlife Out
Wildlife is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Attempting to remove animals yourself puts you at risk.
Abell provides safe and lasting solutions. Our approach includes:
Call Abell for professional wildlife removal in Detroit. 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit?
Costs depend on the species, severity, and required services. Abell offers on-site inspections and customized quotes.
