Wildlife & Pest Control FAQs

Our Story

The Early Days (2000)

When our company was founded in 2000, we started out as a general animal trapping business. While we were dedicated to the work, trapping demanded grueling hours, seven days a week. During this time, we began receiving a high volume of calls specifically for bat removal, so we added it as a supplemental service.

Becoming Michigan Bat Control

We quickly learned the ins and outs of bat control. Although the removal jobs were tough, they offered a much more manageable schedule compared to the relentless, seven-day-a-week pace of general animal trapping. Realizing this, we phased out trapping entirely to focus exclusively on bats, officially incorporating as Michigan Bat Control, Inc.

Expanding Our Services (2012)

By 2012, we noticed a recurring trend: during our routine bat inspections, we were frequently finding mice, squirrels, and birds sharing the same attic spaces. Clients began asking if we could handle these other pests along with the bats. Applying what we had learned over the years, we developed an exclusion process for rodents and birds that mirrored our highly successful bat removal techniques.

Who We Are Today

As times have changed and our company has evolved, we now specialize in commercial bird control, rodent control, attic restoration, and a variety of other wildlife tasks. Rather than changing the name and identity that built our reputation, we proudly kept Michigan Bat Control, Inc. while continuing to grow our footprint in the wildlife industry.

Our growth has been so significant that we even launched a sister company, Michigan Wildlife Solutions, to focus specifically on animal trapping and broader wildlife exclusion services.

The Bottom Line: While our name says "Bat Control," our expertise spans across the entire wildlife industry. Whether you are dealing with bats, birds, rodents, or squirrels, we have a solution for you.

No, our service is not free. We are a private company that charges for wildlife removal services.

In the past, government agencies like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or county animal control often handled nuisance wildlife problems. However, nowadays, this responsibility has largely shifted to licensed private wildlife control operators like us.

Yes, we are licensed by the D.N.R. to serve the state of Michigan as a wildlife control operator. License # RC 1019. Our pest control license for 7A (general pest control)  and 7D (small vertebrae) is 630443.

Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority: Fully Insured and Bonded

When you choose us, you're choosing a company that prioritizes safety and professionalism. We are fully insured and bonded, exceeding industry standards to provide you with complete peace of mind:

• $2 Million Liability Insurance: This extensive coverage protects you from financial responsibility in the unlikely event of property damage or injury during our services.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Our team is protected with workers' compensation insurance, ensuring their well-being and your peace of mind.
• Bond Insurance: Our bond insurance provides an additional layer of protection, guaranteeing the completion of our work and safeguarding you against potential financial loss.

We believe in operating with the highest levels of responsibility and accountability. Our comprehensive insurance coverage reflects our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and professional wildlife control services.

Yes, we accept all major credit cards and all forms of payment.

If you need financing, we offer 60-month payment plans to pay for your wildlife control project. See our financing for more details.

That's a great question! It can be a bit confusing. While you might find us listed under pest control, and we do hold a pest control license (categories 7A and 7D), we're actually a nuisance wildlife control company.

Here's the difference:

• Pest control companies primarily focus on insects and rodents, using poisons and other methods to eliminate infestations.
• Nuisance wildlife control companies like us specialize in dealing with larger animals that cause problems in homes and businesses. We use techniques like trapping, exclusion (preventing entry), and decontamination to resolve wildlife conflicts.

So, while we share some similarities with pest control companies, our focus, techniques, and licensing set us apart. We're all about humane and effective solutions for wildlife issues.

Michigan Wildlife Experts: Handling a Wide Range of Nuisance Animals

We're your local experts in handling just about any nuisance wildlife situation Michigan throws your way!

Here are some of the most common critters we deal with:

• Bats: From attic evictions to full-scale exclusions, we're bat removal specialists.
• Birds: Pigeons, starlings, sparrows, woodpeckers – we have humane and effective solutions for bird problems in residential and commercial settings.
• Squirrels: Keeping squirrels out of your attic, chimney, and walls is one of our specialties.
• Raccoons: We're experts at removing raccoons and preventing them from returning.
• Mice and Rats: We offer effective rodent control solutions to keep your home or business rodent-free.

No matter what kind of critter is causing you trouble, we have the experience and expertise to solve your wildlife problem effectively and humanely.

Humane Trapping is Our Priority

We are committed to using the most humane and effective trapping techniques possible. Here's how we approach trapping:

• Live Traps: Whenever feasible, we use live traps. These traps capture animals alive without causing injury, allowing for safe relocation.
• Exclusion Devices: We often utilize exclusion devices, which are one-way doors that allow animals to leave but prevent them from re-entering. This is a humane method for encouraging animals to vacate an area on their own.
• Snap Traps (When Necessary): In certain situations, such as for rodent control, we may use snap traps. These are employed strategically to help manage populations quickly and efficiently, minimizing the overall impact.

Why We Choose Humane Methods

We believe that wildlife control should be carried out with compassion and respect for animals. Our methods prioritize:

• Minimizing Suffering: We aim to avoid causing unnecessary pain or stress to animals.
• Effective Solutions: Humane trapping techniques are proven to be effective in resolving wildlife conflicts.
• Responsible Wildlife Management: We strive to balance the needs of humans with the well-being of wildlife.

If you have any questions about our trapping methods or specific concerns about an animal on your property, please don't hesitate to ask. We're always happy to discuss our approach in detail.

While we're experts in wildlife control, we don't handle issues with domesticated animals like dogs and cats.

Here's why:

• Different Approach: Dogs and cats are domesticated animals with specific needs and behaviors. Dealing with them often requires different techniques and expertise than handling wildlife.
• Focus on Wildlife: Our specialization lies in resolving conflicts with wild animals that intrude on homes and properties.
• Resources for Pet Owners: If you're having problems with a dog or cat, we recommend contacting your local:
  • Animal shelter
  • Humane society
  • Animal control agency

These organizations are better equipped to offer assistance with stray animals, lost pets, or behavioral issues.

We're here for your wildlife concerns. If you have a nuisance wildlife problem, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're happy to help!

Humane Wildlife Relocation- Giving Animals a Second Chance

"Trap and relocation" is a humane wildlife control method where we use live traps to capture nuisance animals. Instead of harming them, we relocate them to a safe and suitable habitat within the same county.

Here's how it works:

1. Capture: We set humane traps designed to capture the animal alive without causing injury.
2. Relocation: Once captured, we transport the animal to a pre-approved, private location that provides suitable habitat and resources. These locations are carefully chosen to minimize stress on the animal and maximize its chances of survival.

Why We Choose Relocation:

• Humane Treatment: Relocation prioritizes the well-being of the animal, avoiding lethal methods.
• Effective Solution: It removes the nuisance animal from your property while giving it a chance to thrive in a new environment.
• Reduces Conflict: By relocating the animal, we help prevent future conflicts between humans and wildlife.

We believe in ethical and responsible wildlife management. Trap and relocation allows us to resolve nuisance wildlife situations while prioritizing the humane treatment of animals.

We've been providing expert wildlife control services in Michigan for over 25 years! In that time, we've successfully completed thousands of live exclusions and animal control jobs across the state. We're proud of our long history and extensive experience in humanely resolving wildlife conflicts.

Why Call in the Wildlife Pros? The Benefits of Hiring a Specialist

While DIY solutions might seem tempting, tackling a wildlife problem on your own can often lead to more headaches and even safety risks. Here's why hiring a wildlife control specialist is the smart choice:

1. Expertise and Experience:

• Proper Identification: We accurately identify the species involved, which is crucial for effective control and ensuring legal compliance.
• Humane Techniques: We use proven methods that prioritize the humane treatment of animals, avoiding unnecessary harm.
• Safe Handling: Wildlife can carry diseases or become aggressive. We have the training and equipment to handle animals safely.

2. Effective and Long-Term Solutions:

• Targeted Approach: We develop a customized plan based on the animal's behavior and your property's unique needs.
• Exclusion and Prevention: We don't just remove the animal; we identify and seal entry points to prevent future intrusions.
• Damage Repair: We can repair any damage caused by wildlife, restoring your property to its original condition.

3. Peace of Mind and Safety:

• Reduced Risk: We minimize the risk of injury or disease transmission associated with handling wildlife.
• Professional Equipment: We use specialized tools and safety gear to ensure efficient and safe removal.
• Legal Compliance: We're knowledgeable about local wildlife regulations and ensure all operations are conducted legally and ethically.

4. Save Time and Hassle:

• Efficient Removal: We have the experience and resources to resolve wildlife problems quickly and effectively.
• Avoid DIY Mistakes: Incorrect handling can worsen the situation or even lead to legal issues.
• Focus on Your Priorities: Leave the wildlife control to the experts while you focus on what matters most.

Choosing the Right Company:

When selecting a wildlife control company, consider these factors:

• Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed and insured.
• Experience and Reputation: Look for a company with a proven track record and positive reviews.
• Humane Practices: Choose a company that prioritizes the ethical treatment of animals.

Investing in a wildlife control specialist provides peace of mind, protects your property, and ensures the humane treatment of animals.

Experts in Humane Exclusion and Wildlife Prevention

We specialize in providing long-term solutions to your wildlife problems. Our primary focus is on live exclusions and wildlife prevention, ensuring that animals are removed humanely and effectively without harming them.

Here's what makes our exclusion methods stand out:

• Humane Approach: We prioritize the well-being of animals. Our exclusion techniques allow animals to leave your home safely but prevent them from re-entering.
• Effective Solutions: We identify all potential entry points and seal them securely, preventing future intrusions.
• One-Way Door Specialists: We're experts in installing one-way doors for a variety of animals, including bats, birds, and squirrels. This allows animals to exit on their own while preventing their return.
• Comprehensive Prevention: We don't just seal up holes. We assess your property for vulnerabilities and recommend strategies to prevent future wildlife conflicts.

Our Exclusion Expertise:

• Bat Exclusions: We're highly experienced in bat removal and exclusion, ensuring these beneficial creatures are safely evicted and prevented from returning.
• Bird Exclusions: We offer effective bird control solutions for both residential and commercial properties, preventing birds from nesting and roosting in unwanted areas.
• Squirrel Exclusions: We're experts at keeping squirrels out of attics, chimneys, and other parts of your home.

By focusing on exclusion and prevention, we provide lasting solutions to your wildlife problems, protecting your property and promoting the humane treatment of animals.

Understanding Wildlife Control Costs

It's true that wildlife control can sometimes be an investment, but it's important to understand what goes into those costs. Here's why:

• Specialized Service: Wildlife control requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment. Our technicians are highly trained in animal behavior, safe capture techniques, and building construction to effectively and humanely resolve wildlife issues.
• Difficult Working Conditions: We often work in challenging environments, such as cramped attics, high roofs, and tight crawl spaces. This requires specialized safety equipment and increases the complexity of the job.
• Risk Involved: Dealing with wild animals carries inherent risks. Our technicians are trained to handle animals safely, but there's always a potential for scratches or bites.
• Varying Job Complexity: The cost of wildlife control can vary significantly depending on the type of animal, the extent of the problem, and the necessary solutions. Some jobs may be straightforward, while others require extensive repairs or exclusion work.

Transparency is Key

We believe in transparent pricing. While some jobs may be inexpensive, others can be more costly due to the factors mentioned above. To help you understand our pricing, we encourage you to:

• Request a free quote: We're happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote for your specific wildlife control needs. This allows you to understand the costs upfront and make informed decisions.

Ultimately, wildlife control is an investment in protecting your home, your health, and the well-being of the animals involved. We strive to provide fair and competitive pricing while delivering the highest quality service.

Protecting Homes Across Southeast Michigan- Our Service Areas

Primary Service Area (Full Service)- While based in Southeast Michigan, we provide our full suite of trapping, repair, and restoration services to counties, including:

We avoid poisons at all costs. We believe in humane wildlife control and avoid using poisons or rodenticides for several reasons: It's safer for everyone. Poisons can pose a risk to your family, pets, and even non-target wildlife. It's more humane: Poisons often cause a slow and painful death for animals. We prioritize humane treatment and aim to resolve wildlife conflicts without unnecessary suffering. It can create bigger problems: When animals die in inaccessible areas of your home (like walls or attics), they can create foul odors and attract insects. We focus on techniques like trapping and removal, exclusion (preventing entry), and habitat modification to solve wildlife problems effectively and humanely. 

While our focus is on nuisance wildlife, we occasionally handle insect issues related to our core services.

Here's a breakdown:

What We Do:

• Wildlife Control: Our primary expertise lies in removing and excluding nuisance wild animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds.
• Insect-Related Services: We often encounter stinging insects like bees, wasps, and yellow jackets while performing wildlife exclusions. In these cases, we can:
  • Seal entry points to prevent insects from entering your home.
  • Screen vents to keep insects out.
  • Safely remove nests.

What We Don't Do:

• General Pest Control: We are not a dedicated pest control company and typically don't handle issues like ants, roaches, or termites.

Safety First:

For safety purposes, our technicians carry organic insect spray on their trucks to address any immediate stinging insect threats they may encounter during wildlife control jobs.

Need help with insects?

If you have an insect problem, we recommend contacting a licensed pest control company specializing in those services.

Taking Flight- Effective Bird Control for Your Home or Business

Whether you're dealing with pesky pigeons on your balcony or a flock of starlings invading your storefront, effective bird control requires a targeted approach. Here's how we tackle unwanted birds:

1. Assess and Identify:

• Residential vs. Commercial: Bird control methods often differ depending on the setting. We tailor our solutions to your specific needs, whether it's your home or business.
• Pinpoint the Problem: Understanding the bird species, their behavior, and the location of the issue is key to effective control.

2. Implement Proven Solutions:

• Physical Deterrents: Create physical barriers and discomfort to discourage birds from landing or roosting:

  • Bird Spikes: Prevent perching on ledges, signs, and rooflines.
  • Shock Track: Delivers a mild electric shock, harmless but unpleasant for birds.
  • Bird Wire: Creates an unstable landing surface, deterring birds from settling.

• Visual Deterrents: Use visual cues to scare birds away:

  • Flashers: Sudden bursts of light disorient and frighten birds.
  • Shiny Objects: Reflective tape, CDs, or mirrors create an unsettling environment.
  • Predator Statues: Life-like replicas of owls, hawks, or snakes trigger a natural fear response.

• Exclusion: The most effective long-term solution is to prevent birds from accessing desirable areas:

  • Seal Entry Points: Identify and seal any gaps, cracks, or holes where birds can enter your home or building.
  • Screen Vents: Prevent birds from nesting in vents and chimneys.
  • Bird Netting: Create a physical barrier to exclude birds from specific areas like balconies, eaves, or gardens.

3. Seek Expert Advice:

For persistent bird problems or complex situations, it's best to consult with professionals. We can:

• Conduct a thorough assessment: Identify the root cause of your bird problem.
• Recommend tailored solutions: Develop a customized bird control plan that meets your specific needs.
• Provide professional installation: Ensure proper and effective implementation of bird control measures.

Want to learn more about our bird control services? Visit our Bird Control page for detailed information.

By combining these methods, we can help you achieve a bird-free environment while prioritizing humane and ethical practices.