Professional Wildlife Control in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Raccoons, Skunks, Bats and Squirrels

If you are dealing with unwanted wildlife in your attic, crawl space, garage, shed, or under your deck, Abell provides fast, safe, and professional wildlife removal in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our trained technicians specialize in humane wildlife control solutions that protect your home, your family, and the animals involved.

Ann Arbor’s mix of mature neighborhoods, wooded lots, river corridors, and parks along the Huron River creates ideal conditions for wildlife activity. Older homes near tree-lined streets, greenbelts, and natural areas are especially attractive to raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. These animals are most active in spring and fall as they search for warm, quiet places to nest or overwinter.

Even a small wildlife intrusion can lead to serious problems such as chewed electrical wires, damaged insulation, contaminated attic spaces, and potential health risks. Abell delivers complete wildlife control services including humane removal, sealing of entry points, and long-term prevention strategies to keep wildlife out for good. Contact Abell today to book a professional wildlife inspection in Ann Arbor.

Common Wildlife Problems in Ann Arbor

Raccoons are highly adaptable and commonly enter residential properties throughout Ann Arbor, especially near parks, ravines, and wooded areas.

Raccoons often access roofs by climbing trees, fences, or nearby structures, then tear through shingles, roof vents, or soffits to reach attic spaces

• Inside the attic, raccoons damage insulation, ductwork, and electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire and costly repairs
• Raccoon droppings can introduce parasites and diseases such as raccoon roundworm and leptospirosis
• Many raccoons also burrow under decks, porches, and sheds, which can weaken structures and cause long-term damage
• Humane wildlife exclusion and sealing all entry points is critical to prevent raccoons from returning
• Attic restoration may be required if insulation or wiring has been damaged

 

Skunks are common across Ann Arbor and surrounding Washtenaw County and frequently cause issues in residential yards.

Skunks dig up lawns and gardens while searching for grubs and insects

• They frequently burrow beneath decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces, which can compromise foundations
• Skunks can carry rabies, leptospirosis, and roundworms, posing risks to people and pets
• Skunk spray creates strong, lingering odours that often require professional deodorization
• Safe skunk removal requires licensed wildlife control professionals using humane trapping methods
• Wildlife exclusion barriers help prevent skunks from returning after removal

 

While Bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, they can cause serious issues when they enter homes.

• Bats access homes through very small gaps in rooflines, vents, chimneys, and soffits
• Bat droppings and urine contaminate insulation and attic spaces and may lead to respiratory health risks
• Accumulated guano can damage structural materials over time
• Bats may carry rabies, making professional handling essential
• Effective bat removal requires specialized bat exclusion techniques such as one-way doors
• A full attic inspection is necessary to locate roosts and seal all entry points
• Preventative bat-proofing helps ensure bats do not return

 

Squirrels are common throughout Ann Arbor and frequently enter homes, particularly during colder months.

Squirrels enter through gaps in soffits, vents, rooflines, and near chimneys

• Inside attics, they tear insulation and use wiring and debris to build nests
• Gnawing on electrical wiring can cause power outages and fire hazards
• Squirrels may damage roof vents from the inside while expanding nesting areas
• They can carry parasites and spread diseases such as salmonella and leptospirosis
• Professional squirrel removal includes animal-proof repairs and long-term exclusion solutions

 

How to Keep Wildlife Away from Your Ann Arbor Home

• Inspect rooflines regularly for damage or loose shingles
• Install chimney caps to prevent raccoons and bats from entering
• Secure attic vents, fans, and soffit openings with wildlife-proof materials
• Trim tree branches that hang close to the roof
• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors and clean up fallen birdseed or fruit
• Keep decks, sheds, and crawl spaces sealed and well maintained
• Ensure garbage bins are tightly closed
• Consider professional wildlife barriers and exclusion systems for long-term protection

Leave Wildlife Control to the Professionals

Wildlife can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Attempting to remove animals on your own may lead to injury, property damage, or legal issues. Professional wildlife control is the safest and most effective solution.

Think you may have wildlife in your attic or crawl space? Call Abell today for expert wildlife removal in Ann Arbor. Our local team provides fast, professional service backed by years of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.

FAQ

Is wildlife control humane?

Yes. Humane wildlife control focuses on safely removing animals without harm and preventing re-entry. Abell uses one-way doors, exclusion techniques, and live trapping where permitted, all while following local regulations and ethical standards. The goal is always to protect both the homeowner and the animal.

How do I know if wildlife is living in my attic?

Common signs include scratching or thumping noises, damaged roof vents or soffits, droppings, strong odours, and disturbed insulation.

Are raccoons dangerous to people or pets?

Yes. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm, and may also become aggressive if cornered or if their young are nearby, posing a risk to both humans and pets.

Can squirrels and raccoons damage my home?

Yes. Squirrels and raccoons can destroy insulation, tear through roofs and vents, and chew electrical wiring, leading to costly repairs and fire risks.

Why do raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats choose attics, chimneys, and spaces under decks as shelter?

Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats seek out quiet, enclosed spaces for warmth, safety from predators, and nesting, particularly during spring and fall. Attics, chimneys, wall voids, and spaces under decks provide ideal conditions for them to raise their young or overwinter. This is why intrusions are most common in spring, when animals are nesting and raising litters, and in fall, when they're preparing for the colder months ahead. Even a small gap in a roofline, vent, or soffit can be all the entry point they need.

What should I do if I see a skunk or raccoon on my property?

Keep your distance and avoid interaction. Contact Abell for a professional assessment to determine if wildlife has accessed your home.

How can I prevent wildlife from coming back?

Seal all entry points, install chimney caps and vent covers, trim trees near the roof, secure food sources, and use professional wildlife exclusion services.

When are raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels most active in Ann Arbor?

Wildlife activity in Ann Arbor is highest in spring and fall. Spring is nesting season, when animals look for safe places to raise their young, while fall is when they seek warm shelter to overwinter. This is when attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and areas under decks are most at risk.

Why are raccoons or skunks digging up my lawn at night?

Raccoons and skunks dig up lawns in search of grubs, insects, and larvae. This behaviour is common in Ann Arbor, especially in residential areas near green spaces and storm ponds. Repeated digging often indicates wildlife is living nearby or nesting under a deck or shed.

How long does wildlife removal take?

The timeline depends on the species and the situation. Some removals can be completed within a few days, while others may take longer if young animals are present or extensive exclusion work is required.

Can I seal an entry hole myself to keep animals out?

Sealing a hole without proper inspection can trap animals inside your home, leading to damage, odors, and health risks. Wildlife control should always begin with identifying all entry points and ensuring animals have safely exited before repairs are made.

What diseases can raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels carry?

Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats can carry a range of diseases that pose risks to people and pets. Raccoons are known carriers of rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, and their droppings can also harbor histoplasmosis. Skunks may carry rabies and leptospirosis. Squirrels can transmit leptospirosis and salmonella through their urine, droppings, or bites, and may also introduce parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks into your home. Droppings and urine from any of these animals can contaminate attic spaces and pose serious health risks, especially in enclosed areas.

What should I do if I find a sick, injured, or dead wild animal on my property?

Do not touch wildlife. Sick or injured wildlife can carry diseases and may behave unpredictably. Contact a professional wildlife control company to safely assess and handle the situation.

What should I do if my pet has been sprayed by a skunk or contacted wildlife?

Keep pets away from the animal and avoid contact with wildlife. Skunk spray often requires professional deodorization, and any contact with wildlife should be monitored by a veterinarian due to potential disease exposure.

How much does wildlife removal cost in Ann Arbor?

Costs vary depending on the animal, extent of damage, and required services such as exclusion or repairs. Contact Abell for an on-site inspection and customized estimate.