When raccoons, squirrels, opossums, or birds move into your attic, chimney, or crawlspace, the damage adds up fast — chewed wiring that becomes a fire hazard, torn insulation, contaminated surfaces, and persistent noise and odor. Wild animals also carry real health risks, from raccoon roundworm and rabies concerns to the parasites and droppings they leave behind. Des Plaines Pest Control provides humane wildlife removal throughout Des Plaines, combining safe trapping and exclusion with the cleanup and repairs needed to make your home secure again.
Effective wildlife control is about far more than catching one animal. Our technicians inspect the roofline, vents, soffits, and foundation to map how the animal is getting in and whether a nest of babies is involved. We then remove the animals humanely using species-appropriate methods and, critically, perform exclusion — sealing entry points with durable materials so wildlife cannot return.
Once the animals are out, the work isn't finished. We clean and sanitize the affected areas, remove contaminated nesting material, and address the odors that can attract other animals to the same spot. Des Plaines Pest Control handles the full process so the problem is solved once, not repeated season after season. For humane, experienced wildlife removal in Des Plaines, IL, call (847) 449-5124 for a free inspection.
When to Call for Wildlife Removal in Des Plaines
Catching these issues early helps you avoid costly problems and protect your property. These are the signals our technicians see most often when a problem is underway:
- Scratching, scampering, or thumping sounds in the attic or walls
- Animal droppings in the attic, crawlspace, or along entry points
- Torn soffits, vents, or shingles where animals forced their way in
- Chewed wiring, insulation, or wood inside the attic
- Foul odors from urine, droppings, or a dead animal in a void
- Nesting material like leaves, twigs, or shredded insulation piling up
- Daytime sightings of raccoons, squirrels, or opossums near the roofline
Don't Wait Until It's an Infestation
Left unchecked, even a small sighting often signals a much larger population hidden nearby. If you notice any of these signs, contact Des Plaines Pest Control at (847) 449-5124 for a prompt inspection.
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Get Help: (847) 449-5124Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Removal
The Benefits of Professional Wildlife Removal
Wildlife removal is risky and frequently regulated, which makes the DIY approach a poor idea. Cornered raccoons, opossums, and squirrels bite and scratch when threatened, and they can carry rabies, raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, and parasites. Many species, particularly birds, are also legally protected, and improper handling can carry penalties. experienced technicians know the relevant Illinois regulations, use humane methods, and protect themselves and your family from disease exposure during the removal.
The bigger reason to hire a professional is that trapping alone never solves the problem — exclusion does. Homeowners who simply remove one animal almost always find another moving in through the same open entry point within weeks. Professionals identify every access point, check for hidden young so a mother is not left to die in a wall, seal openings with materials animals cannot breach, and decontaminate the mess left behind. That complete cycle of humane removal, exclusion, and cleanup is the only way to keep wildlife out for good.
Our Wildlife Removal Process
We follow a proven process to ensure every treatment is completed to the highest standards. Here's a look at each step our Des Plaines Pest Control team takes:
Inspection & Entry Point Mapping
Our technician identifies the species, inspects the roofline, vents, soffits, and foundation, and locates every entry point. We also determine whether young are present so the family can be removed together rather than left trapped inside.
Humane Trapping & Removal
We remove the animals using humane, species-appropriate methods that comply with Illinois wildlife regulations. When a mother and babies are involved, we reunite and relocate them together to avoid orphaning young inside your walls.
Exclusion & Sealing
We seal entry points with heavy-duty materials animals cannot chew or pry through, and reinforce vulnerable spots like vents, roof gaps, and soffits. Exclusion is what stops the next raccoon or squirrel from moving right back in.
Cleanup & Restoration
We remove soiled insulation and droppings, decontaminate and deodorize the attic or crawlspace, and address damage. Eliminating scent and contamination prevents disease and keeps the area from drawing wildlife back again.
Not Sure What You Need?
Our experienced technicians can assess your situation and recommend the best solution.
Call (847) 449-5124 NowWildlife Removal Prevention Tips
A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding a future infestation. Start with these practical measures our team relies on:
- Inspect your roofline, soffits, and vents yearly and repair gaps before animals exploit them
- Cap your chimney with a sturdy screen to keep raccoons, birds, and squirrels out
- Trim tree branches at least several feet back from the roof to block squirrel access
- Secure trash cans with locking lids and bring pet food indoors at night
- Cover crawlspace and foundation vents with heavy-gauge screening animals cannot chew through
- Remove brush piles, fallen fruit, and clutter that offer wildlife shelter and food
- Seal small gaps around pipes and utility lines where rodents and bats can squeeze in
Comparing DIY and Professional Wildlife Removal
While some minor pest issues can be handled by homeowners, most infestations require professional expertise, specialized products, and proper safety training. Consider the following comparison:
| Factor | DIY Approach | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Bites, scratches, and disease exposure | Trained handling that protects your family |
| Regulations | Risk of breaking protected-species laws | Compliant with state wildlife regulations |
| Hidden Young | Babies left to die and rot in walls | Young located and removed with the mother |
| Exclusion | One animal out, the next moves in | Entry points sealed so wildlife stays out |
| Cleanup | Droppings and parasites left behind | Full decontamination and deodorizing |
| Damage | Chewed wiring and insulation overlooked | Damage assessed and entry points repaired |
Talk to a Wildlife Removal Expert
Don't let pest problems get worse. Call Des Plaines Pest Control now for prompt, professional service.
Call (847) 449-5124 Now