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

Identification of Rabies and How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets

Wild animals can be troublesome to homeowners in a variety of ways from destroying property to contaminating food supplies but the health risks they pose are the biggest cause for alarm. The most common disease that homeowners fear from wild mammals is rabies. Rabies is a severe, infectious disease that attacks the central nervous system in mammals. It is possible for humans to become infected with rabies if they are bitten by an infected animal. Recognizing the symptoms in wild animals can help you avoid infected animals and keep your pets safe as well.

Rabies Identification

The vast majority of rabies cases in North America are attributed to wild mammals with the most common carriers including raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. Most animals that are infected with rabies exhibit peculiar behavior that is characteristic of the disease. Animals with rabies are easily agitated, salivate profusely, and snap or bite at nothing and they may also seem partially paralyzed or disoriented when they move. It is possible that these symptoms could be caused by another disease such as distemper, but it is still recommended to avoid any animal exhibiting this odd behavior.

How Rabies is Spread

While rabies can spread to humans, it is quite rare as there are only 28 reported fatal cases of rabies in the United States within the last 10 years. It is spread exclusively through saliva as opposed to blood, urine, or feces because the virus can only survive in saliva. In order for humans to become infected, they must be bitten by an infected animal and the bite has to break skin. The rabies virus cannot infect someone through unbroken skin. If you are bitten by a wild mammal that could have rabies and the bite has broken the skin, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

How to protect yourself from rabies

The best way to protect yourself and your pets from rabies is to avoid wild animals that may be rabid and get your pets vaccinated for the disease. If you or your pet is bitten by a wild animal, immediately flush the wound with water and use antiseptic soap to clean the area. After cleaning the wound, you should seek treatment as soon as possible from a doctor or veterinarian if your animal was bitten. In some cases of rabies, humans unknowingly contracted the disease by being bitten by a bat. If you discover that you may have come into contact with a bat, it is safer to assume that you have been bitten and act accordingly. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately after being bitten by a potentially infected animal because rabies will become fatal in people and pets if it is not treated right away.

If 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.

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.

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.

What’s that Noise? Animals could be in Your Home

What's driving you nuts? Squirrel Imagine you are in your bed, happy to be lying down after a long day but your rest is abruptly interrupted by loud scratching noises coming from your walls or attic.

If these noises persist, chances are you have an unwelcome roommate scratching around within your walls, attic, crawlspaces, or basement.

Animals that invade homes are looking for food and shelter and if they become too comfortable, they may start digging further into your home scratching through wood, drywall, or insulation.

It is best to contact a wildlife control expert such as Attic Solutions if an animal is found in your home.

For professional wildlife removal and attic restoration call: (847) 464-1861

The following are the most common noise-causing home invaders and a description of the noises they make.

Scratching Noises from Bats

Bats are most likely to invade homes in the late summer and fall seasons and they often enter through small openings in the attic. They have a tendency to get stuck in walls and respond by making scratching and squeaking noises as they try to free themselves.

Bats can also form colonies in attics if there is a significant infestation which can be very noisy and cause property damage. The scratching and scurrying noises from bats occur mostly at night because they are nocturnal animals. If you believe your home may have bats due to scratching noises, contact Attic Solutions to have a professional check it out.

Related: Bat Hibernation

Noises from Rats and Mice

Rodents such as rats and mice are among the most common home invaders and they can usually be identified by the scratching noises they make. They can be heard scratching around within walls and ceilings as they seek food and shelter within your home. Attic Solutions can help rid your home of a rat or mouse infestation and implement preventative measures to help keep rodents out of your home.

Trapped Birds

Birds typically enter homes looking for a nesting spot and their quest sometimes causes them to get stuck in walls, attics, or crawlspaces. As birds try to find a way out, they make scratching and chirping noises or cause a commotion by vigorously flapping their wings. They are most likely to be heard early in the morning as they try searching for food. Make sure to contact Attic Solutions if you suspect a bird infestation in your home.

Noises from Raccoons

Raccoons are known for invading home attics in search of shelter and making homes for themselves out of the insulation. Raccoons are nocturnal animals and can be heard scurrying in the ceiling and making scratching noises in the middle of the night. They are also among the loudest home invaders. It is best to have a professional from Attic Solutions handle a raccoon intrusion as they can be quite wily and dangerous.

Related: Raccoons in the attic

Squirrel Noises

Squirrels most commonly invade homes through the attic from tree tops and they can be heard running, jumping, and scratching in the ceiling. They are most active during the day and make the most noise when coming and going from the house to look for food. Squirrels can be quite tricky to deal with which is why you should contact Attic Solutions if you discover a squirrel in your home.

As soon as you suspect you may have an 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.

Call us at (847) 464-1861

Nesting Season for Wildlife

It has been a long winter in the Chicago area but the spring is finally here and the wildlife that inhabits the area will become more active as the temperature starts to rise. The majority of the wildlife in the Chicago area has been dormant throughout the winter and by the spring; they are looking to build nests which may cause some of them to invade your home or yard, digging up your lawn or destroying your property in the process. However, there are some preventative actions you can take to prevent animals such as rodents, birds, and others from nesting on your property. If you discover an infestation that has already taken place in your yard or home, contact Attic Solutions to have the animal removed.

Spring Animal Nesting

The main priority of most animals after they become active in the spring is to build a nest for themselves and their offspring. There are several locations in which animals may nest such as trees and shrubs as well as places where they become a nuisance such as chimneys, attics, or basements. These animals may also cause problems as they collect materials to build their nests by digging up plants in the yard or destroying insulation and drywall if they are nesting within your home. While it is natural and unavoidable for wildlife to nest in the spring season, taking certain preventative actions can reduce the possibility of an animal nesting in your home or property.

Nesting Prevention

Taking the right preventative actions is crucial when dealing with wildlife because it could save you from the property damage and headaches that an animal infestation causes. One such preventative action that will help keep animals out of your home is trimming your shrubs, bushes, and trees so that they are away from your house. Certain animals such as squirrels and birds may build their nests in trees and bushes and if the branches are close to or touching the house, it will be much easier for an animal to enter your home. Another important preventative action to take is to inspect your home for possible entry points and fixing them so that animals do not have a way in. This includes checking for torn screens, cracks, holes, or any other spaces that could act as potential entry points. It is also beneficial to keep attics, garages, and basements free of clutter so that animals do not have extra places to hide.

As the wildlife activity increases in these first few weeks of spring, take some time to inspect your yard and your home and take these preventative actions if necessary to make sure that animals stay out of your home. Most animals will be nesting in the coming weeks and even if you take the necessary preventative actions it is still possible for an infestation to occur in your home or lawn. By following these preventative actions and keeping a constant watch for potential intruders, you can avoid animal intrusions this spring.

Spring is the Mating Season for Skunks

The spring season is the beginning of new life and the mating season for many animals around the Chicago area including the skunk. As the weather starts to warm up, skunks increase their activity and begin their mating rituals in which female skunks will spray rejected male skunks and put their smell into the air. Homeowners should keep an eye out for skunks around their property because they can become a nuisance by burrowing in the yard, secreting their odors, and spreading diseases such as rabies through their bite. If a skunk has become a problem around your home, it is best to call an animal control professional to remove it.

Types of Skunks

There are four species of skunk that are found in the United States; the striped skunk, the spotted skunk, the hog-nosed skunk, and the hooded skunk. The striped skunk is the most common type found in the Chicago area as the spotted skunk is rare in some areas and the hooded and hog-nosed skunks are mostly found in the southwestern regions of the U.S. Each skunk type has stocky legs and large feet with claws that are excellent for digging.

Skunk Breeding Habits

Skunks are nocturnal creatures that tend to stay within a half a mile to a 2 mile diameter around their home area but males may wander about 4 or 5 miles during mating season. The breeding season for adult skunks begins in late February and litters are typically born in early May from older female skunks and in early June from younger female skunks. Skunks normally have one litter per year of 4 to 6 young but a skunk litter can contain anywhere from 2 to 16 young.

Damage from Skunks

Skunks can be a nuisance to homeowners with their burrowing, odor secretions, and their potential to spread diseases. The burrowing causes the most problems as skunks may dig under porches, sheds, and decks and may even enter buildings through the foundation. They also dig up lawns in search of grubs and have been known to dig through unsecured garbage. Their secretions are another potential nuisance as skunks are very defensive and may spray when they feel threatened by people or pets. If a skunk bites a human or another animal, they could spread diseases such as rabies and Leptospirosis among others.

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

Chimneys are Common Entry Points for Wildlife

The tail end of the winter is still bombarding the Chicago area with snow and freezing temperatures and as a result, certain species of wildlife are finding their way indoors through the chimney. Homeowners should routinely check their chimney stacks and fireplaces to make sure that there are no animals trying to enter their homes and if their chimneys are vulnerable to animal intrusions, they must take the proper actions to keep them secure.

Wildlife are Attracted to Chimneys

The most common home invaders this time of year are birds and squirrels that are attracted to the warm exhaust released by the chimney. These animals bask in the heat from the chimney but also inhale the carbon monoxide fumes in the exhaust which knocks them unconscious and causes them to fall down the chimney. When they hit the bottom of the chimney, the fresh air revives them and they look for a way out of the chimney either through the ash clean-out door or by climbing up the venting tube. Once they leave the chimney, they are loose in the house.

Fireplace chimneys are also quite vulnerable to animal invasions as small animals are attracted to the warm air from the fireplace dampers and often fall into the chimney. Birds and squirrels cannot climb back up the chimney flue after falling in and end up in the fireplace or inside the house. Raccoons however can climb up chimney flues rather easily and female raccoons have even been known to have litters on the smoke shelf above the dampers in fireplace chimneys. The chirping of the baby raccoons within a chimney is often mistaken as that of birds by homeowners.

Preventing Wildlife in Chimneys

If the chimney of your home is vulnerable to animal invasions, installing a chimney cap can fix the problem. Measure the chimney flue from the outside to get the right size and purchase a cap made from galvanized or stainless steel. New chimney caps can be easily installed with just a screwdriver but the installation can be more complicated if you have an oddly sized flue or if you are not comfortable working on your roof. The professionals at Attic Solutions can install chimney caps and inspect the rest of your home to locate and seal any other potential entry points. Keep an eye on your chimney for the remainder of the winter and make sure to contact Attic Solutions immediately if you discover an invasive animal in your home.