How Much Damage Can a Squirrel Do?

Who would have thought such a small creature was capable of such destruction? Not only can damage by squirrels be extensive, it can also be extremely costly. In fact, in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2014, a squirrel caused more than $300,000 in damage to a community center that was about to open. The squirrel got into the building and then chewed through electrical equipment, which caused a power surge damaging the boiler room as well as the heating and air conditioning. This is just one of many stories of an unruly squirrel causing significant damage to a home or business.

How Can Squirrels Do So Much Damage?

Squirrels have front teeth that continually grow throughout their lives. In order to keep their teeth a manageable length, squirrels naturally chew (anything!) to cut them down. Squirrels naturally try to trim their teeth on things such as pine cones, acorns or other hard nuts and seeds from trees. Things can become problematic when squirrels do not have natural options available to them to chew on.

Squirrels can chew through just about anything. They have been known to chew through 4x6s, electric wire, roof shingles, outdoor patio furniture, home siding, barns, doors, grills, even parts of cars! This type of damage to your home and property can not only be extremely aggravating, but if you don’t eliminate the squirrel threat, it can continue to happen again and again. This can really add up financially.

How to Minimize Squirrel Damage

squirrel hiding Squirrels may be small and quick and sneaky, but they can be outsmarted and removed from your home. There are several options to rid your home or business of squirrels including live traps and squirrel repellent. You may also consider using welded wire that a squirrel cannot fit through to cover unsightly holes in areas like barns or sheds where immediate repair isn’t needed.

Live traps should be left to professionals. Attic Solutions employs trained professionals who can assist you by setting live traps and humanely releasing the squirrels in the wild. Contact us online or call us at 847.464.1861 the moment you notice damage and we will make it our top priority to stop your squirrel nuisance.

ALERT: White Nose Syndrome Killing Bats Across the United States

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has issued a statement cautioning Illinois residents that entire bat populations were dying throughout the Eastern United States while they hibernated in their caves and mines. It is spreading rapidly and currently four Illinois counties have confirmed cases.

Healthy Bat

Bat with White Nose Syndrome

The affliction, White Nose Syndrome, is causing bats to lose their fat reserves, which they desperately need to survive during the winter. These bats are then starving to death, and as of now, the cause of White Nose Syndrome is unknown. White Nose Syndrome was originally discovered in New York in 2006. Since then, there have been confirmed cases in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri.

The name, White Nose Syndrome, was coined due to the white fungus growing of the noses of infected bats. This previously undiscovered fungus has also been seen on some afflicted bats’ wings, ears, and tail. At this time, scientists are still unsure as to whether the fungus alone is causing the deaths, or if it is simply compromising the bats’ immune systems and allowing another pathogen to take advantage.

A University of Illinois White Nose Syndrome research team led by Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) (Steve Taylor, Andy Miller, Ed Heske, Joe Merritt, Nohra Mateus-Pinilla) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) (Anthony Yannarell) in collaboration with University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Adam Stern), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Joe Kath, Endangered Species Manager), and the US Forest Service, Shawnee National Forest (Rod McClanahan, Wildlife Biologist) are working diligently through field work and laboratory testing to learn more about this disease.

If White Nose Syndrome spreads in Illinois, it could kill tens of thousands of bats. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asks that if you spot a bat with any of the symptoms of White Nose Syndrome to document your location, attempt to take a photo if possible, and immediately contact the department at:

Joseph A. Kath
Endangered Species Manager
Illinois DNR – Division of Natural Heritage
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271
Office Phone: (217)785-8764
E-mail: Joe.Kath@illinois.gov

If bats are invading your home, they can be hazardous to you and your family’s health even if they do not have White Nose Syndrome. However, bats are a protected species and need to be removed from your home carefully. Contact the professionals at Attic Solutions is you think bats may be living in your home or attic.

Raccoon Mating Season Now

It’s that time of year again: raccoon mating season! While this is an exciting time for raccoons, it can be quite a nuisance for us humans.

We’re all familiar with having our garbage can ransacked, but not all of us have had a raccoon invasion. Raccoons are extremely adaptable and can thrive in both urban areas and the wild.

During the winter months, raccoons are not hibernating; they are entering their mating season and looking for a warm, dry den, which just might be your home!

Professional raccoon removal services.

Call (847) 464-1861

The Raccoon Mating Season

The Raccoon mating season generally falls between January and March and gestation lasts about 63 days.

Females typically begin reproducing around one year of age and give birth to two to five kits. Kits are usually born in spring and stay with their mother in their den for 8-12 weeks.

Raccoons and Winter

raccoon-83109 Just like humans, raccoons want somewhere warm and dry during the cold, snowy winter months.

Contrary to popular belief, raccoons do not hibernate in winter. This may have become conventional wisdom because during very cold days raccoons seek shelter in their warm dens and remain there.

If the weather is especially harsh, raccoons may stay in their dens for weeks living off of their fat stores.

When this may become a problem for you, is if a raccoon decides to make YOUR home their new den.

Raccoons are highly opportunistic creatures in addition to their adaptability and if you have a warm place where they can easily seek shelter, they will. Mating season increases the risk of a raccoon invasion because the animals are looking for somewhere safe to birth their babies.

Raccoon-Proofing Your Home

Raccoons are adept climbers and if there is a way in, raccoons will indeed find it. There are a number of things homeowners can do to prevent or discourage raccoons from taking up residence.

Look for any holes or cracks in your foundation
Do not leave shed or garage doors open
Cap the chimney
Check for loose shingles, and
Be sure the attic is sealed
Install outdoor, motion-activated flood lights

What to Do If Raccoons Move In

Do not try to remove raccoons on your own. Without realizing it you could endanger yourself or the animal, or even be in violation of a law or ordinance. Contact a trained professional like Attic Solutions who is familiar with humane and effective raccoon removal procedures.

For raccoon or animal removal in Chicagoland: Call (847) 464-1861

Skunks’ Winter Habits

Many people are under the impression that skunks hibernate during the winter. While skunks do typically go dormant for a month or so during the winter season, they do not truly hibernate.

skunk-46167 True hibernators have a considerably lower heart rate, have almost no respiration and only take a couple of breaths per minute. Skunks do not have these drastic drops in heart rate or respiration. Skunks do prepare for winter in similar ways as hibernating animals though. They eat large amounts so that during the long naps they do take they can survive on their fat stores.

During their long winter naps, skunks can sense a rise a temperature. This easily wakes them and they usually immediately search for food. Males are typically more active than females, so if you happen to come across a skunk during the winter months, it is likely a male.

Where do Skunks Live in the Winter?

During the winter, skunks usually live in a burrowed den underground. They usually line their dens with grass, leaves, and other foliage in order to keep warm and they have several entrances/exits to quickly escape danger. Skunks have been known to move in to an open shed or garage as well. Skunks are excellent diggers and seek the easiest point of entry. If you’re concerned about skunks moving in during the winter, keep an eye out for any holes, typically 3-4 inches, in your garden, yard, and around your home exterior. Skunks may also move in under your deck or porch and build a den there to avoid the elements. If you smell a musky odor and hear noises at night, you might have a skunk.

Skunks can do damage to your property if they decide to seek refuge there during the winter. Their burrowing for a den and digging for food are usually the most common nuisance. Your yard and garden may be damaged by a skunk searching for food or burrowing. Attic Solutions specializes in locating and sealing burrows, trapping and removing skunks, and fixing damage to your home.

As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, contact us online or call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with wild animals.

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

If you’ve ever had your garbage can ransacked, you are familiar with raccoons! These creatures are highly adaptable and thrive in both urban areas and the wild. Becoming familiar with raccoons can save you both time and money since these rascals are known to occasionally cause trouble for homeowners. And raccoons, in fact, do not hibernate during winter, contrary to popular belief.

Raccoon Characteristics

Raccoons are typically known to be loners. Males usually only spend time with females in dens during mating season. One of the only times raccoons will band together is during a particularly cold or harsh winter to help keep warm. Once it warms up, the raccoons head their separate ways.

Raccoon Diet

raccoon-358153_640 Raccoons are certainly not picky eaters; in fact they will eat just about anything. Raccoons are carnivores as well as scavengers. The mainstays of their diet include mice, crabs, fish, frogs, nuts, and seeds. They also love to get into food that humans leave behind. This is why you may find your garbage strewn about if you leave it out overnight.

Raccoon Habits

raccoon-78576_640 Perhaps one of the most unusual habits raccoons have is dunking their food in water before eating it. The raccoon’s scientific name is procyon lotor, which actually means “washing bear.” This makes sense considering their odd food-washing habit and bear-like markings. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night. Most raccoons spend the day in their dens and as soon as dusk approaches, they head out in search of food. Some places raccoons like to search include farms (crops are a big hit with them), ponds, lakes, and of course your garbage can. As sunrise approaches, raccoons typically call it a night and head back to their den to sleep.

Raccoons and Hibernation

raccoon-86615_640 Raccoons do not hibernate in winter. This myth may have started because during very cold days raccoons take refuge in their warm dens. Depending on the climate and weather, raccoons may spend weeks in their dens, living off of their fat stores, until the climate becomes somewhat more mild. When raccoons are sleeping off the cold temperatures, those fat stores keep them alive since they do not eat. This is why raccoons seem to be particularly troublesome in the spring; they’re starving and they want YOUR garbage!

If you suspect racoons may be a problem in your area, or are afraid a racoon has claimed a part of your home as its den, contact us today for a free estimate.

Our staff is trained in the most effective methods for dealing with raccoons, and will evaluate the situation, trap the pests, and repair the damage caused by their stay.

Increased Skunk Activity Chicago

There has been a marked increase of skunk activity in the local area recently. Skunks may not look very menacing, but they can do a lot of damage to homes and property as well as our health. This can be a concern for homeowners because skunks typically go dormant for a month in winter and they be looking for a warm place to nest.

How Do You Know If A Skunk Moved In?

You will probably smell a skunk before you see one. Some clues a skunk has decided to move in on your property include that strong, musky odor in areas such as under the deck or porch, or near woodpiles. Skunks are not unknown to take up residence in an open garage or shed as well. Skunks dig and burrow, so be aware of any holes, typically 3-4 inches, in your yard, garden, and around your home exterior. Skunks are nocturnal animals, so if you hear noise at night under your porch, deck, or other buildings, this may also be a good indication they moved in.

Can Skunks Do Damage To My Property?

Yes! Unfortunately, skunks can be quite a nuisance. Your yard and garden may be damaged by a skunk searching for food or burrowing. Skunks often seek shelter under porches, decks, and crawlspaces. These animals are adept diggers and look for the easiest point of entry, including a hole or crack in your foundation, which can undermine it. Once they find a comfortable spot, especially as it gets colder out, they may make a den. Attic Solutions specializes in locating and sealing burrows, trapping and removing skunks, and fixing damage to your home.

Can Skunks Do Damage To My Health?

While a skunk’s biggest threat is its smell, they are primary carriers of rabies (along with bats, foxes, and raccoons). Skunks may also carry distemper, which can be lethal to dogs and cats. If you encounter a skunk, move away slowly to avoid a smelly confrontation!

As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with skunk exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). Learn more about our skunk removal services or fill out our contact form.

Bat Hibernation

rabid bats It is that time of year again, bat hibernation!

During the winter months in the Chicago area, it is possible for bats to take up residence in your home. And where there is one bat, there is often a colony of bats.

Due to the extreme temperatures during the winter months, there are far fewer flying insects, which means a lot less food for bats.

In order to survive, bats have to hibernate and need a comfortable environment that stays around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. These intelligent creatures have learned attics are the perfect place to ride out the cold.

For professional bat removal call (847) 464-1861

How Did A Bat Get in My House?

Because bats are so small, it is not difficult for them to sneak in through a crevice, window, or chimney and move in to your attic or basement. Bats do not always end up at haunted houses! Any home with space, a place to roost, and nearby insects is at risk. If you have a bat in your home, you need a bat exclusion. Bats are a protected species and this is not something you want to do yourself.

What Is A Bat Exclusion?

Bat exclusion is the removal of bats from your home. Bats are a protected species under the Illinois wildlife code and any kind of poison or chemical use for removal is forbidden. Exclusion is a multistep process and requires trained trustworthy professionals, like our technicians at Attic Solutions, who are familiar with the laws and regulations.

What Kind Of Bats Are These?

While there are approximately 14 various species of bats in Illinois, the ones that most commonly move into your attic are Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats. Since bats are not rodents, bat removal and exclusion may even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Are Bats Dangerous?

Bats are social, intelligent creatures. While they are extremely beneficial to insect control, they can be more than a nuisance when moving into your home. Bats are not only primary carriers of rabies, a fatal disease, but a lesser-known danger is the health risk associated with their excrement. Exposure to bat droppings, or guano, may cause histoplasmosis. This disease primarily affects the lungs and if left untreated, can be fatal.

As soon as you suspect you may have a bat infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal.

We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with bat exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!).

We will remove the bats and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about bat removal services from Attic Solutions.

Watch Out for Birds Nesting in the Attic

An intrusion from a single animal can be troublesome enough within a home but the problem can become much more complicated if the animal is nesting. One of the most common animals that nests within homes is birds. Birds are always looking for nesting spots that are safe from predators and indoor spots such as vents and attics provide an appealing haven for birds to build their nests. Nesting birds can cause a range of problems within a home and it is best to have a professional such as Attic Solutions remove intrusive birds and their nests.

Nesting Birds Create a Home in your home

Birds that build nests within a home are a huge nuisance because they are establishing a home for themselves and the egg laying and hatching process could cause them to stay in the home for months. After the eggs are laid, the female bird will not leave the nest until the babies hatch which could take three to four weeks and they learn to fly which could take an additional three or four weeks. This process could cause the birds to live in the home for up to four months and possibly longer if there is a disruption in the nesting process.

Problems with Nesting Birds

There are plenty of problems that a nesting bird can bring to a household. One potential problem is disruption of the heating and cooling system that is caused when birds build their nests in vents or air ducts. Bird nests in the vents can decrease the efficiency of the heating and cooling system and cause property damage as they build their nests in these areas. The other major problems caused by nesting birds in a home are health related. Large amounts of bird feces can lead to respiratory issues and they also may have lice and mites that could spread throughout the home. Bird mites can infect personal areas such as beds and they leave behind itchy red marks with their bites.

Control Birds in Attic

Nesting birds present more of a problem than birds that have intruded alone because they actually establish a home and stay longer so that their eggs can hatch. While nesting, they can cause destruction of property and introduce a range of health problems with their feces and the lice and mites they could be carrying.

As soon as you suspect you may have a bird infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with bird exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). We will remove the birds and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about bird control and removal services from Attic Solutions.

Keep Summer Animals Out of Your Home

The summer is at its halfway point and if you have been successful in keeping pests and intrusive animals out of your house, then you have won half the battle. In the remaining days of the summer, homes are still at high risk for animal intrusions so homeowners should continue to be aware of the potential entry points and common hiding spots for animals in their homes. There are a variety of different animals in the Chicago area that seek shelter indoors and the following tips will help you prevent animal intrusions and take the right actions should one occur.

Identify What Animal Has Invaded Your Home

There are always a variety of animals looking for indoor shelter and animals such as birds, bats, and snakes are most likely to invade homes in the late summer. Many birds are laying eggs in the mid to late summer which means that they are also looking to build nests. Intrusive birds commonly nest in attics and crawlspaces so make sure to check these areas regularly for any nests. Bats and snakes may also invade these areas during the summer as they enjoy the heat and the shelter.

Find Exit/Entry Point

If you believe an animal may be going in and out of your attic or crawlspace, place a piece of cardboard over each possible entry point. The cardboard will have chew and claw marks if there is an animal coming and going but this discovery could also mean that you have trapped the animal inside. If you are positive that the animal is indeed trapped in your home, it is time to take actions to get rid of it.

Removing Animals from Your Home

The first thing you should do once you confirm that an animal is in your house is shut your interior doors to quarantine the animal in one room. Once this is done, try opening a window or door to the outside and turn off the lights so that the only light in the room is coming from the opening. Many times the animal will find their own way out in this scenario. If the animal has made itself comfortable in your home by building a nest or lodging itself into a small space such as the dryer vent, then it is best to contact a wildlife professional to trap and remove it.

As the second half of the summer season starts to wind down, make sure to stay alert and watch out for animal intrusions around your home. There are several types of animals such as birds and bats that commonly invade homes in the late summer and taking these actions can help you prevent or eliminate late summer intruders. If an animal infestation is too much for you to handle on your own, contact Attic Solutions for our live trapping and animal removal services.

As soon as you suspect you may have a animal infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with animal exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). We will remove the animal and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about animal removal services from Attic Solutions.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

For the most part, skunks are not a nuisance as they mostly keep to themselves but they are always a threat to spray a person or pet if they feel threatened. Pets are especially prone to getting “skunked” because other animals peak their curiosity and they are unaware of the possibility of getting sprayed. This spray has a pungent, unpleasant sulfur-like odor that will cling to your clothing, hair, and skin and it can be difficult to get rid of. The following is a recipe for a solution that can effectively clean the spray from you, your pet, or your clothes and remove the odor.

Myth: Tomato juice will remove skunk smell

Many people believe that bathing in tomato juice will eliminate the smell of the skunk spray but it is ineffective because it cannot break down the oils from the spray. Other remedies such as citrus juice, perfume, and air fresheners are also ineffective for getting rid of the skunk smell.

Get Rid of Skunk Smell Recipe

To create an effective solution for skunk spray, mix:

1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
¼ cup of baking soda
1 to 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid into a bucket

*Make sure this solution is mixed well before using it

How To Use The solution

This solution can be used on your body, hair, and clothes as well as your pets to eliminate the skunk odor. If your body or hair has been sprayed, give yourself a bath in the solution and rinse in the shower. You can wash your hair in the solution as well but be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes. If the skunk spray got in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes out with water. This process may have to be repeated several times to fully eliminate the skunk smell.

Skunk Removal From Clothes

If your clothes have been sprayed and have the skunk smell, they can be washed using this solution. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when washing your clothes and scrub them in a bucket but be aware that the solution can slightly bleach the fabric. This solution can also be used to remove the smell from your pet. It is best to wash your pet outside and be careful not to get the solution in its eyes as you wash. Work the solution into each section of your pet’s fur and let it soak in for several minutes. After letting the solution soak, rinse your pet with a hose and repeat the process if the smell is still lingering.

Additional Important Notes:

Make sure to keep this solution out of yours and your pet’s eyes and because this is an unstable solution, it should never be stored and must be diluted with water before getting poured down the drain.

As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with skunk exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). Click to read more about skunk removal services from Attic Solutions.