Category Archives: Animal Removal

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.

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.

Keeping Chipmunks Out of Your Home This Summer

Of all the wildlife found in the Chicago area, chipmunks are one of the most abundant animals and they can be found virtually anywhere due to their small size and burrowing abilities. For the most part, chipmunks are not a problem but they can become a problem if they invade your home or burrow too close to structural elements such as porches or patios. It is important for homeowners to keep an eye out for chipmunks on their property and make sure they stay under control.

Chipmunk Behaviors

Chipmunks are small rodents that are only 5 to 6 inches long with dark and tan stripes down its back and the sides of its face. They are known for their burrowing and often hide their burrows near objects or buildings such as tree stumps, brush piles, and houses. The entrance to chipmunk burrows has a diameter of about 2 inches with no mounds of dirt around it because chipmunks carry the dirt away from the burrow in their cheek pouches.

Chipmunks live on a diet made up of grains, nuts, berries, seeds, and insects and they will climb trees for nuts, fruits, and seeds. They spend the year gathering food to store in their burrows and by storing seeds they help promote new plant growth.

Chipmunk Control

Chipmunks typically become a problem for homeowners when they gather in large numbers on a property or make their way inside a home or garage. Too many chipmunks in your yard can cause problems with their burrowing because they like to build their burrows near other objects such as patios, decks, stairs, and retention walls which can lead to structural damage. They can also be a nuisance by eating flowers, seeds, and pet food that is not properly sealed.

In addition to causing problems in the yard, chipmunks can also cause a range of problems inside the home. Chipmunks can make their way inside wall cavities, attics, or crawlspaces where they destroy drywall and chew on wires which increases the risk of fire. They can also destroy property with fecal contamination and they give off a strong odor when they die.

The best method of chipmunk control is prevention but if an infestation does occur, the most effective way to remove them is with live trapping by a certified professional. To keep chipmunks out of your home, close off any possible entry points with hardware cloth, caulking, or steel wool. Remember that chipmunks can fit through very tiny spaces when looking for entry points.

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

Potential Health Problems Caused by Bats

The presence of bats always increases in the summer months and though they are interesting animals to see, they can cause some serious health problems in humans. The actual rate at which this occurs is usually pretty low as bats tend to keep their distance but it is a good idea to stay away from bats if you see them outside just to avoid any possible health problems. If you notice bats living in your attic or anywhere within your home, contact a wildlife professional like Attic Solutions immediately to have them removed.

The most dangerous and most common health concern brought on by bats is rabies. While rabies can be quite severe, cases of humans attracting rabies from bats is very rare. However, this does not mean that you should not take caution with bats. Stay away from large bat populations and if you get bitten by a bat, wash the area with soap and water and immediately seek medical attention for rabies treatment.

In addition to rabies, bats can also transfer histoplasmosis which is an airborne disease that spreads from bat droppings. Histoplasmosis has symptoms that are similar to the flu and in severe cases; the symptoms may resemble those of tuberculosis. Most of the time, the symptoms of histoplasmosis are not visible in humans and it takes skin and blood tests to diagnose the infection. If there are bats on your property or within your home, it is best to have a professional remove any droppings left behind to help reduce the risk of contracting histoplasmosis.

Bats are fascinating creatures and the health problems that they cause are not particularly widespread but if you notice bats in your home or property, it is still best to avoid them. Bats can spread rabies through their bites and large amounts of their droppings can contribute to the spread of histoplasmosis. If you have a bat infestation anywhere within your home, make sure to contact Attic Solutions immediately to remove the infestation and clean up their dropping to avoid any potential health problems.

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

Squirrels in Attic Are Big Problem

Thank you squirrel Squirrels are one of the most common nuisance animals that invade homes and yards and they tend to find their way into the attic of a home.

Once in the attic, they can cause damage by chewing up the wires, architectural elements, and insulation and their droppings contribute to unsanitary conditions.

It is important to remove a squirrel from your attic as soon as it is discovered to minimize the damage to your home.

The following tips are helpful for removing squirrels from the attic and preventing them from returning.

For professional squirrel removal in Chicagoland
Call 847-464-1861

Live Squirrels in Attic Trapping

Live trapping of a single nuisance animal such as a squirrel can be done by the homeowner with the right equipment. The animal traps are available from a variety of supply stores and are the most effective when baited with peanut butter and sunflower seeds or nuts.

Place the trap near where the squirrel or squirrels have been spotted in your attic and make sure to check the trap daily. If you do trap a squirrel, then put the trap in your car and drive somewhere away from your home to release the squirrel.

If the squirrel in your home is difficult to trap or if there are multiple squirrels living in your home, it is best to have a wildlife professional trap and remove them.

Wildlife control professionals like Attic Solutions specialize in humane animal trapping and will catch and release the squirrel at a safe distance. They can also remove multiple squirrels from your home if there is more than one living in your attic.

Related: Types of squirrels in Illinois

Preventing Squirrel Infestations

Once a squirrel is removed from a home, there is a high chance that it or another squirrel could return and enter the attic the same way as the previous squirrel. Taking preventative actions after the squirrel is removed is the best way to avoid a reoccurring problem.

The following are common remedies for preventing squirrel infestations in your home or attic.

Repellants: Treating potential entry points with squirrel repellants is an effective way to help prevent squirrel infestations. Fox urine is one such repellant that is available from hunting and outdoors supply stores. Treating entry points with fox urine will discourage squirrels from entering the home because they will be intimidated by the potential presence of a fox.
Ammonia: Applying ammonia to potential entry points and areas where the animal lived can help drive squirrels out and prevent them from returning. The strong smell of the ammonia is intolerable to squirrels that have a well-developed sense of smell.
Moth Balls: Mothballs are an effective remedy for squirrel control because they contain the same naphthalene flakes as squirrel repellants but are much less expensive. They are most effective when placed in holes, gaps, and other potential entry points.
Close off Attic: When a squirrel makes its home in your attic, they generally leave the attic during the day and return to it at night. While the squirrel is away, you can close off the entry point it used with mesh, vents, boards, or anything that fills the space. This will prevent the squirrel from returning to your attic.

As soon as you suspect you may have a squirrel infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with squirrel exclusion and removal, including humane

We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with squirrel exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). We will remove the squirrels and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about squirrel removal services from Attic Solutions.

Keeping Opossums Out of Your Home

Vigilant homeowners are constantly inspecting their property for unwanted animals and signs of intrusions but the biggest threats may be nocturnal. Opossums are nocturnal creatures that are a common nuisance species in the Chicago area. They can be attracted onto a property by garbage or pet food and they commonly make their homes in attics, basements, sheds, or decks. It is important for homeowners to recognize signs of an opossum intrusion because the opossums themselves are only seen at night.

Opossum Life Cycle

Opossums are marsupials that carry their young in pouches and they are the only marsupials found in North America. They can be identified by their pointed snouts, grayish black fur, and rat-like tails and they can grow to be between 10 and 14 pounds. The height of their mating time is in January and their young spend the first part of their lives in their mother’s pouch. The young opossums eventually come out of the pouch to cling to their mother’s back until they are ready to leave on their own. The average lifespan for an opossum is between 2 to 3 years.

Opossum Behavior

Opossums are omnivores that search for food at night and they will eat just about anything. They have been known to steal pet food and rummage through garbage cans but their preference is meat or carcasses. Opossums are also nomadic but tend to make a home base for themselves in man-made structures such as under decks, porches, and sheds and they can even intrude attics and basements. They become a major problem when they get between walls because they can cause property damage and create foul odors with their droppings or by dying in a hard to reach place. Opossums do not usually carry rabies but they do carry fleas and parasites and spread disease through their droppings.

Opossums are also a threat to attack pets and their 50 sharp teeth make for a pretty vicious attack. They are slow creatures and in some cases when they feel threatened, they will play dead to ward off predators.

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

Inspecting Your Home for Animals this Spring

The winter weather has finally left the Chicago area and the spring season is the ideal time for homeowners to do a thorough inspection of their homes for animals or signs of an intrusion. This winter was extremely cold with record snowfall so it is possible that a squirrel, raccoon, or other animal may have found shelter in your home to escape the conditions. By thoroughly inspecting your home inside and out, you can locate potential entry points and discover areas where animals may have been.

Inspect from the top down

The best way to inspect your home for animal intruders is to start in the attic and work down towards the basement. When performing this inspection, make sure to take your safety into account as intruding animals may bite and scratch which could spread infection or disease. It is recommended to wear protective clothing, work gloves, and steel toe boots and it may be wise to consider wearing a respirator mask and safety glasses as well. Make sure to carry a bat or something to defend yourself with in case an animal is still hidden in your home and attacks you.

Areas in your home to keep an eye out for

As you work your way through the house, inspect the floors, walls, and ceilings for small openings that may allow animals to enter from the outside. These openings should be sealed to help prevent animals from entering in the future. When you reach the basement, use plenty of light during the inspection because working in the dark may startle groups of squirrels or skunks and create a difficult situation.

Finish with an exterior inspection

Your home inspection should end with a thorough inspection of the exterior of the house to locate and repair possible entry points. Make sure to carefully inspect the gutters, roof, foundation, and siding for any openings as well as vents, air ducts, and windows. As you discover potential entry points, look for any signs to suggest that an animal has been there.

This past winter had some of the harshest weather conditions the Chicago area has seen which makes it important to inspect your home for animals that may have intruded to escape the winter weather. Follow these tips as you work your way through your home and if you do not feel comfortable searching through certain areas of the house, contact an animal control professional such as Attic Solutions for assistance. It is best to locate and remove any intruding animals now before they start breeding.