Nestled along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City offers residents a beautiful blend of nature and community living. But sharing space with the great outdoors also means occasional—and sometimes serious—encounters with wildlife. While it may be tempting to ignore the rustle in the attic or brush off signs of animal activity, delaying action can result in costly consequences. At Critter Control of Traverse City, we specialize in safe, humane, and effective wildlife removal—and we know from years of experience that when it comes to infestations, time is not on your side.
Below, we break down the very real dangers of ignoring a wildlife infestation, and why acting quickly is always the smartest—and safest—choice.
Costly and Widespread Property Damage
One of the most immediate risks of a wildlife infestation is damage to your home or business. Wild animals are opportunistic—they seek shelter, food, and warmth, and unfortunately, your attic, crawlspace, or garage is often the perfect environment.
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Rodents like mice and rats chew constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. That means your electrical wiring, insulation, and even PVC piping are all at risk.
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Raccoons are powerful animals that can tear through soffits, vents, and shingles, creating wide openings that also invite water damage and other pests.
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Squirrels may enter through small roof gaps and quickly create nests in walls or attics, bringing in leaves, debris, and nesting materials that can block ventilation or lead to fire hazards.
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Bats, though small and often unnoticed, can roost in large colonies and leave behind significant accumulations of guano (droppings), which is acidic and causes insulation and wood rot over time.
The longer these animals remain, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage becomes. Repair costs from an untreated infestation can easily climb into the thousands.
Health Hazards to You and Your Family
Beyond structural issues, wildlife infestations pose serious health concerns. Many wild animals carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, either directly or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
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Bat guano can harbor fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a lung infection that can be severe, especially for those with compromised immune systems.
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Raccoons often carry Baylisascaris, a parasitic roundworm that can infect humans through exposure to their feces.
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Rodents are associated with several diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella, all of which can be contracted through inhalation of contaminated dust or contact with droppings and urine.
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Fleas and ticks, often brought in by wildlife, can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and plague.
What’s more, these health risks aren’t limited to direct contact. Once animals are living inside walls or attics, their waste can become airborne and circulate through HVAC systems, putting your entire household or workplace at risk.
Attracting Other Pests
A single wildlife problem can trigger a chain reaction. For example:
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A dead animal inside a wall or under a deck can attract flies, maggots, and scavenger insects.
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Unsealed food sources or animal nests can attract ants, cockroaches, and other insects looking for shelter or an easy meal.
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Wildlife waste can create mold and mildew problems, which in turn attract other pests that thrive in damp, decaying environments.
These secondary infestations multiply your problems and significantly increase the time, effort, and cost needed to fully resolve the situation.
Unpleasant Odors and Noise
That scratching in the ceiling or chirping in the walls isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a red flag. Wildlife in your home creates noise pollution and odor problems that only grow over time.
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Urine and droppings seep into insulation and wood framing, creating persistent smells.
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Animals that die inside your walls emit strong odors that are extremely difficult to eliminate without locating and removing the carcass.
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Breeding wildlife, like squirrels or raccoons, often bring in nesting materials that get soiled and create lingering smells, mold growth, and respiratory hazards.
The longer these animals stay, the more deeply these odors permeate your home—and the harder they are to get rid of.
Safety Risks and Legal Implications
Some wildlife species can become aggressive if cornered or threatened, especially mothers protecting their young. Raccoons, for example, may bite or scratch if provoked, and bats may swoop at humans during roosting season. Attempting to handle or trap wild animals without proper equipment or training can put you and your pets in danger.
Additionally, wildlife management is regulated in Michigan, and many species are protected under state and federal law. Improper removal can result in legal consequences, including fines. For instance, it is illegal to disturb a bat colony during certain times of the year due to their role in the ecosystem and declining populations.
Insurance Limitations
Many homeowners' insurance policies don’t cover damage from pests or wildlife if it is considered the result of negligence. That means if you delay addressing an infestation, you could be stuck with 100% of the repair and cleanup costs. A quick response not only prevents escalating damage—it may also preserve your eligibility for coverage.
Why Choose Critter Control of Traverse City?
At Critter Control of Traverse City, we combine local expertise with nationally trusted standards to offer the most effective and humane wildlife removal services in Northern Michigan. Our trained professionals use safe, eco-friendly methods to:
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Inspect and identify the source of the infestation
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Humanely remove all animals
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Repair damage caused by wildlife
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Seal entry points to prevent future intrusions
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Clean and decontaminate affected areas
With over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of Michigan’s wildlife and environmental laws, we’re your trusted partner in protecting your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Property and Your Family Today
Ignoring a wildlife problem doesn’t make it go away—it just gives it time to grow. Whether you’ve heard noises in the attic, spotted animal droppings, or simply suspect something’s off, it’s always better to be proactive.
Protect your home before the damage becomes permanent. We're here to help—safely, humanely, and effectively. Contact Critter Control of Traverse City today!