Grand Rapids Wildlife Removal: Frequently Asked Questions

Right now

There's a bat in my bedroom. What do I do?

First, ask whether anyone could have had contact with it, including someone who was asleep in the room. If not, the Michigan DNR suggests closing the interior doors, turning off the lights and opening a window so the bat can leave. If contact is possible, don't let it go. Safely contain it (thick gloves, long sleeves, a container and cardboard) and call the Kent County Health Department at 616-632-7228. They decide whether the bat should be tested. Full steps are on our bat removal page.

I found a dead bat inside.

Don't touch it with bare hands. The DNR says to contact your local health department if someone finds a dead bat indoors or handles a bat. In Kent County, that's 616-632-7228.

My dog or cat had contact with a bat.

Call your veterinarian and the Kent County Health Department. Keeping pets' rabies vaccinations current is one of the simplest protections.

An animal is stuck in my window well.

For raccoons, skunks and squirrels, the DNR suggests placing a rough board in the well so the animal can climb out on its own. Keep your distance, especially from a skunk.

I found a baby animal and think the mother is gone.

Don't take it in. In Michigan, only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. Young skunks can't be rehabilitated or kept at all because of rabies risk.

What's that noise?

What's making noise in my attic?

The time of day is the best clue. This is a rough guide; an inspection is what confirms it.

Find the right page: bats, squirrels, raccoons.

Michigan's rules

Is it illegal to kill bats in Michigan?

Bats are protected in Michigan, and the DNR says lethal control isn't permitted except for human safety issues. The approved approach is exclusion: one-way doors, then sealing the gaps.

When can bats be removed?

The DNR advises avoiding exclusion during maternity season, typically May through mid-August, so flightless young aren't trapped inside. A professional can still inspect and plan during that window.

Can you trap a raccoon, squirrel or skunk and release it somewhere else?

No. The DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of raccoons, squirrels or skunks, except for permitted research. Be cautious with any company that promises relocation.

Do repellents and deterrents work?

The DNR says store-bought deterrents like lights and repellents tend to work only briefly. Sealing entry points and removing food sources work better.

Costs and the process

How much does wildlife removal cost in Grand Rapids?

It's quoted after an inspection. The main factors are the animal, how many entry points need sealing, how high and hard to reach they are, whether young are present, and whether attic cleanup is needed. Ask for removal, sealing and cleanup to be listed separately.

What happens after I call?

We pass your name, number and what's going on to an independent local wildlife control professional, who calls you back to set up an inspection. They set the price and do the work.

How fast will someone call me back?

That depends on the professional's schedule. If you have a possible bat exposure, don't wait on us: call the Kent County Health Department at 616-632-7228 first.

About us

Are you a wildlife control company?

No. Grand Rapids Wildlife Removal is a referral service. We connect Grand Rapids homeowners with independent local professionals. We don't perform removal work.

Will you share my information?

Only with the professional who will call you back about your request, so they can contact you.

Which areas do you cover?

Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, Rockford and nearby Kent County communities.

Still have a question? Call [616 NUMBER].

Sources: Michigan DNR: Bats · Raccoons · Squirrels · Skunks · MDHHS: Rabies · Kent County Health Department