Squirrel, Raccoon, Skunk Removal MN
Here in Minnesota, the leaves have begun to turn and the temperature has begun to drop and this time of year is when Minnesota’s fine furry critters are fattening up and seeking a winter haven. Squirrels, raccoons, skunks and mice are all doing what comes naturally this time of year… looking for a warm, dry and food-filled spot to settle in for a long winter’s nap…. and that spot could very well be your attic, crawl space, or under your porch or deck.
The bad news? While the critters are not napping, they will be burrowing, eating, gnawing on wires, and, yes, pooping and peeing in their new home… er, maybe your home! That means any obscured or unnoticed opening in siding, fascia boards, window frames and foundations are an open invitation to wild animals.
They can all seem harmless enough when you casually see them running around your yard, but in your house… not so much!
Wild Animals in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Times Can:
- Damage Roof / Ceiling Supports In Your Home
- Create Undesirable Animal Odors
- Cause Water Damage In Your Home
- Gnaw On Electrical Wires / Start Fires
- Stain Ceilings & Furnishings
- Infest and Damage Insulation Requiring Costly Insurance Repairs
- Trigger Allergic Reactions
- Cause Damage To Your Lawn And Gardens
- Carry Diseases
Bats
Bats can live in attics, chimneys and basements. They are nocturnal and emerge at dusk. Some bats have a wingspan of 13 inches and live up to 19 years in the wild. They mate in October, before winter hibernation. They give birth in early June. They feast on flying insects, primarily moths and beetles. There would be an odor associated with their droppings (guano). A few bats might not be much of a problem, but if you get a colony, well, that’s noisy and dirty.
Raccoons
If they get into a house, they live primarily in attics and chimneys. They are adept when outdoors at knocking over garbage cans and stealing pet food and bird seed. Raccoons carry some very dangerous diseases, including rabies, canine distemper and roundworm. They are excellent climbers, have nimble paws and live up to more than 12 years in the wild. Some raccoons weigh as much as 40 pounds, and they mate in the winter, around December (happy holidays!). Their young are born in the spring. Raccoons are nocturnal and eat just about anything and everything.
Sure, he’s cute now. But do you really want him as a guest in your house this winter?
Squirrels
Scratch, scratch, scratch . . . sccrraaattch. That noise coming from the ceiling is probably the first sign that you have that you are now living with squirrels. The critters are mostly active in the mornings and evenings and eat nuts and seeds. They establish “home territories” and communicate with scent, chattering and flicking their fluffy tale. Squirrels can carry parasites and leave a lot of droppings that can pose health risks.
Mice
Mice? Well, that’s a tough one. Mice can squeeze through teeny-tiny spaces. They live everywhere: attics, walls, pantries, basements, closets . . . you name it. They have excellent hearing and sense of smell but poor eyesight. They often travel along the same paths that they’ve already marked with urine. They can crawl through the tiniest of holes, so in this case, prevention is the best cure. Plug up all your holes and gaps.
Skunks
Yes, they love the spaces under decks or porches. They will live there peacefully unless disturbed or scared by humans and pets, especially dogs. Skunks — which generally weigh 4 to 10 pounds and are 24 to 30 inches long — dig holes in yards and can accidentally get into homes.
This disconnected vent made a dreamy squirrel nursery!
While there are times when we can let nature take care of itself, sometimes wildlife conflicts must be resolved to prevent further damage to our homes and property. Nearly 80 percent of the calls we get are due to easy access via unsealed or crevices in homes. First, make sure no animals are holed up inside, and then to humanely and safely keep the critters out and your sanity in check, contact a Minnesota Wild Animal Removal Expert. They do this on a regular basis and have the skills and expertise to take care of the problem wildlife, and repair the damage they may have caused to your property, so you can go back to your normal life as quickly as possible.
If you live in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and have a problem with wildlife, we can help you solve it. From bats and birds to skunks and snakes, Minnesota Wild Animal Management can get them out and keep them out—and we won’t harm any animals in the process.
