Northern Michigan is renowned for its natural beauty, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. From deer and raccoons to squirrels and bears, the region is home to a wide variety of animals. While most wildlife in the area poses no threat to humans, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to protect their property and loved ones.
Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, understanding the wildlife that lives around you can help keep both your home and local creatures safe. Here’s what you need to know about wildlife in Northern Michigan and how to prevent wildlife conflicts.
Common Wildlife in Northern Michigan
Raccoons
Raccoons are notorious for their dexterity and curiosity. They’re excellent climbers and can get into attics, crawl spaces, or chimneys through small openings. Once inside, raccoons can cause damage by tearing up insulation, chewing through wiring, or creating dangerous conditions with their droppings.
Squirrels
Squirrels are frequent visitors to Northern Michigan homes, especially in the fall when they’re preparing for winter. They often enter attics or soffits to nest. While they’re not typically aggressive, their chewing habits can damage wires, insulation, and wood structures.
Deer
White-tailed deer are abundant in Northern Michigan and are known for wandering into suburban areas, looking for food. While deer may not enter your home, they can cause significant damage to landscaping and gardens. Deer also pose a risk to drivers, especially at night, as they tend to cross roads unpredictably.
Bears
Black bears are present in many parts of Northern Michigan. Though these creatures generally avoid human interaction, bears can become a nuisance if they discover easily accessible food sources, such as trash or bird feeders. Bears can also damage fences, sheds, or outdoor structures while foraging.
Bats
Bats are a valuable part of the ecosystem, controlling insect populations, but they can cause issues if they enter your home. Bat colonies typically roost in attics or walls, and while they’re not harmful in small numbers, their droppings (guano) can accumulate quickly, leading to potential health risks like histoplasmosis.
Snakes
While venomous snakes like the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake are rare, homeowners in rural areas may encounter non-venomous species such as garter or milk snakes. These snakes are usually harmless but can cause fear or panic if unexpectedly found in or around the home.
Signs of Wildlife Intrusion
Knowing how to recognize the signs of wildlife intrusion is crucial to preventing damage and health risks. Some common indicators that you might have unwanted guests in your home include:
- Noises in the attic or walls: Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds, especially at night, often indicate the presence of raccoons, squirrels, or bats.
- Droppings: Animal droppings in attics, basements, or around the yard are a clear sign that you have a visitor.
- Damaged insulation or wiring: Raccoons and squirrels often chew on wires and insulation to build nests or foraging.
- Nesting materials: Shredded insulation, twigs, and leaves found in attics or walls are a sign that an animal has moved in.
- Visible animal tracks: Footprints or claw marks around windows, doors, or outdoor structures may point to animals like raccoons, squirrels, or skunks.
How to Prevent Wildlife Problems
Taking preventive measures can save you the time, effort, and cost of dealing with wildlife intrusions later on. Here are some tips to help keep animals out of your home:
Seal all Entry Points
Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and openings. Seal up any holes or crevices in your roof, foundation, or around windows and doors. Use materials that wildlife can’t easily chew through, like steel mesh or caulk.
Keep Food Sources Secure
Don’t leave pet food, garbage, or birdseed outside. Store trash in animal-proof containers and remove any food that might attract wildlife, especially at night when animals are most active.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Overhanging branches can serve as bridges for animals like raccoons and squirrels to reach your roof or attic. Trim trees and shrubs near your house to eliminate potential entry points.
Install Chimney Caps
A chimney cap can keep raccoons, birds, and other animals from entering your chimney and nesting inside.
Use Repellents
Natural repellents like peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or predator urine can discourage animals from taking up residence around your home.
Secure Openings Around Vents and Exhausts
Make sure all vents, exhaust fans, and dryer vents are securely sealed and equipped with mesh or screens to prevent entry.
What to Do If You Have a Wildlife Problem
If wildlife has already made its way into your home or property, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage or health risks. While DIY solutions like traps and repellents can sometimes be effective, professional wildlife control services are the safest and most humane option.
At Critter Control of Traverse City, we specialize in humane wildlife removal and exclusion. Our trained technicians will safely remove animals from your property, repair any damage, and implement preventive measures to ensure they don’t return. We’re here to help you handle wildlife conflicts in the most effective and compassionate way.
The Importance of Humane Wildlife Control
Humane wildlife control is about more than just removing animals from your home; it’s about doing so in a way that ensures their safety and well-being. Our team follows strict ethical guidelines to handle each situation with care, using non-lethal methods to relocate animals whenever possible. We believe in protecting both homeowners and wildlife, creating a peaceful coexistence in Northern Michigan.
Living in Northern Michigan offers an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, but it also means sharing your space with a variety of wildlife. By taking proactive steps to secure your home and being aware of the signs of wildlife intrusions, you can minimize potential problems and ensure your home remains safe and secure.
If you need help dealing with wildlife, don’t hesitate to contact Critter Control of Traverse City for professional assistance. We’re here to help you live harmoniously with the wildlife around you.
Contact Critter Control of Traverse City for safe, humane, and effective wildlife control solutions.