Michigan's Woodlands and Wildlife: Keeping Critters Out of Your Home

Michigan’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets—rolling forests, sparkling lakes, and a rich variety of wildlife. From raccoons and squirrels to bats and skunks, our woodlands are teeming with life. But when the line between wild and domestic blurs, these animals can find their way into attics, basements, and crawlspaces in search of food, shelter, or a safe place to raise their young.

As wildlife becomes increasingly comfortable living near humans, homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan are more likely to encounter uninvited guests. Here’s what you need to know to help protect your home—without harming the animals that make Michigan unique.

Common Michigan Wildlife That Invade Homes

Several native species are known for causing headaches for homeowners:

Raccoons are notorious for prying open vents, roofing shingles, or chimneys to nest in attics.

Squirrels chew through soffits and siding to gain entry and may damage wiring once inside.

Bats often squeeze through gaps less than an inch wide and roost in attics, especially during maternity season.

Skunks typically burrow under decks or sheds, drawn to dark, quiet spaces.

Opossums, while less destructive, will take up residence under porches and in crawlspaces.

Why They’re Coming Inside

Most of the time, animals invade homes in search of three things: Food, shelter, and safety. Attics mimic tree canopies for squirrels and raccoons. Basements and crawlspaces feel like cozy dens for skunks or opossums. And unsecured garbage, pet food, or compost can make a yard an all-you-can-eat buffet for foraging wildlife.

Prevention Starts Outside

Protecting your home begins with making your property less attractive to wildlife:

  • Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids or animal-proof locks.

  • Trim tree branches at least 6–8 feet away from the roof to prevent access to attics.

  • Clear away debris, such as leaf piles, brush, and woodpiles that create hiding spots.

  • Seal pet food and bird seed in airtight containers kept indoors or in the garage.

Inspect and Fortify Your Home

Take time to inspect your home’s exterior at least twice a year. Look for:

  • Gaps in soffits or siding

  • Loose shingles or vent covers

  • Chimneys without caps

  • Holes or cracks around pipes and utility lines

Use heavy-duty materials like hardware cloth, steel mesh, and wildlife-grade sealants to block entry points. Installing a chimney cap and reinforcing attic vents can go a long way toward keeping animals out.

When to Call in the Pros

If you hear scratching in the attic, smell something foul near the deck, or notice insulation or droppings in your home, it’s time to bring in experts.

At Wildlife X Team SE Michigan, we specialize in humane wildlife removal and long-term prevention. Our trained technicians will safely evict the animals, identify and seal their entry points, and help repair any damage they’ve caused.

We understand the balance between protecting your home and respecting the wild creatures that surround it. That’s why we use ethical methods and follow all local regulations to keep both you and the animals safe.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Home and Michigan’s Wildlife

Living in Michigan means sharing space with nature—but that doesn’t mean sharing your house. With a proactive approach and the right prevention tactics, you can enjoy the beauty of our woodlands while keeping wildlife where it belongs: in the wild.

If critters have already moved in, don’t wait. Contact Wildlife X Team SE Michigan for fast, humane, and effective wildlife control solutions tailored to your home.