Michigan’s Wildlife- How to Handle Them

Image via Flickr by paparutzi

In Michigan, you’ll find many species of animals ranging from squirrels, birds, and owls to bears, foxes, and bats in their diverse fauna. It’s now common to find people in this state taking up birding as a hobby. However, as wildlife habitations start to encroach into human settlements, tensions tend to arise. But in Michigan, it is against the laws to kill or harm animals, especially since they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Read on to learn how to handle Michigan’s wildlife.

So the prevention and management of these wildlife-human conflicts depend on the species and animals involved. That’s why institutions like the Department of Natural Resources and Nuisance Animal Control are mandated to give a helping hand in controlling these tensions.

Species of Wildlife in Michigan

With Michigan seeming to be a vibrant hub for different wildlife, here are the common species in the state:

• Moose
• Coyote
• White-tailed deer
• Beavers
• Piping  plovers
• Muskrats
• Gray wolf
• Woodpeckers
• Herons
• Wolverines
• Indiana bats
• Canada lynx
• Red foxes
• Groundhogs
• Bats
• Eastern cottontail
• Squirrels
• Bears
• Ducks 
• Foxes
• Mute swans
• Skunks
• Owls
• Wild turkeys
• Raccoons

This isn’t a complete list of Michigan’s wildlife. You may not come into contact with many of the wildlife, until you need wildlife removal.

How to Deal With Michigan’s Wildlife

The best way to deal with Michigan’s wildlife varies, depending on the problem you have.

Bats

Michigan bat varieties are basically insectivores and you are not allowed to kill or harm them. Bats are helpful to both farmers and landowners but could also threaten human life when not controlled as they spread diseases like rabies. When you find a dead one around your environment, have the local DNR notified. 

See that the holes in your homes are sealed since they serve as entry points for these pests. If your pet gets bitten by bats, have the pet checked and treated by the veterinarian around you. If you wait until bats hatch their young ones in your attic, removal may prove difficult. It’s best to begin removal before or after this period. Build in a single-route device and connect it to any entry points. Then leave it for some time until they are all out after which you’ll take out the device and seal off the entry points. A professional may be an important part of your bat removal process.

Woodpeckers

Michigan’s woodpeckers are also insectivores. As pests, they attack the wooden structures in homes. Birdseed and insect infestation in woods tend to be attractive to them. 

For prevention and control, treat the infestation to avoid attracting woodpeckers and cover the area with aluminum since Woodpeckers are scared of shiny metals. See that dead or weak trees are cleared from around your area. Providing a nesting box for them could also help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for wildlife services if there’s a threat of your property wreckage.

Hawks and Owls

These pests are a menace to both humans and animals. For handling, see that your poultry is well-protected and not open to attacks. And also get rid of roosts or perches close to livestock. Scarecrows and noisemakers may also serve to scare these birds but if they remain persistent, contact wildlife services. 

Got Unwanted Michigan’s Wildlife on Your Property? Get Help

Are you worried about wildlife invading your home? As a Michigan home or property owner, you are expected to handle wildlife only if you’re knowledgeable about them. Measures for the prevention and control of wildlife and how to deal with whatever damage they cause differs from species to species.  When you have wildlife in your home, limit contact with them. They are not your pets, so don’t attempt to domesticate them. Keep your distance. If you have tried to evict them without success, call in the professionals to take charge of the situation.

Solidified Pest Control offers affordable wildlife removal in Metro Detroit. Whether you need Troy pest control services, or you’re simply wondering the bat removal cost in your area, we invite you to reach out to us today.