What to Do After a Wildlife Infestation: Cleanup and Repairs

Dealing with a wildlife infestation can be a stressful experience. Whether you've had raccoons nesting in your attic, squirrels scurrying through your walls, or bats taking over your chimney, the removal is only the first step. What comes next is just as important—thorough cleanup and necessary repairs. At Wildlife X Team of SE Michigan, we specialize in helping homeowners recover after an infestation by restoring safety, cleanliness, and comfort to their homes.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

After wildlife has been removed from your home, the next step is a thorough inspection to assess the damage. Different animals cause different types of destruction, and understanding the source helps guide the repair process. Some of the most common offenders in Southeast Michigan include:

  • Raccoons: Known for their strength and dexterity, raccoons often tear apart insulation, break open ductwork, and rip through soffits and roofing materials to create nesting sites. They can also damage vents and wiring while searching for food or shelter.

  • Squirrels: These agile climbers are relentless chewers. They often gnaw through wood beams, roof decking, and electrical wires, which can pose serious fire risks. Squirrels also displace insulation as they build nests.

  • Rodents (Rats and Mice): Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth in check. They can cause extensive damage by gnawing through walls, insulation, electrical wiring, and even plastic plumbing pipes. Their small size allows them to access hidden areas where their presence may go unnoticed until significant damage is done.

  • Bats: Although bats don’t typically chew or rip materials, their presence can cause serious problems due to the buildup of guano. Bat droppings are acidic and can degrade wood, insulation, and drywall. Over time, this can lead to staining, odor, and even structural weakening.

A professional inspection ensures these issues are identified and addressed before they turn into long-term problems.

Step 2: Sanitize and Decontaminate

Once the damage has been evaluated, the next priority is to sanitize and decontaminate any affected areas. Wildlife waste and nesting materials can harbor dangerous pathogens and parasites, making cleanup a health and safety necessity. Here’s what you might be dealing with:

  • Raccoons: Often create specific latrine areas, which are high-risk zones for roundworm eggs. These eggs are microscopic and can become airborne, posing serious health risks if inhaled.

  • Squirrels: Leave behind scattered droppings, urine, nesting debris, and fur. These not only create odor issues but can attract insects and spread bacteria throughout attic spaces.

  • Rodents: Constant urination and frequent droppings contaminate large areas. Rodents are carriers of diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella, making even minor infestations hazardous.

  • Bats: Their guano accumulates quickly and may contain Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that can cause a respiratory infection called histoplasmosis. This makes proper cleanup not only important but potentially life-saving.

Our team uses industrial-grade disinfectants and deodorizing agents to safely remove all waste, eliminate lingering odors, and ensure the space is sanitized. We also take steps to remove any pheromones that could attract other animals to the same location. With contamination handled professionally, your home will be safer, cleaner, and healthier for everyone inside.

Step 3: Repair and Restore

Once the space is cleaned and safe, the next step is to repair the damage caused by the infestation. Wildlife often leaves behind compromised insulation, broken or chewed materials, and damaged entry points that need attention. Our team replaces any insulation that has been contaminated or damaged, seals up entry points to prevent future access, and makes necessary repairs to roofs, soffits, vents, siding, and other structural elements. We also address any electrical damage that may have occurred from animals chewing wires. Our goal is to not only restore your home to its pre-infestation condition but also to reinforce it so you're protected in the long run.

Step 4: Wildlife-Proofing Your Property

Preventing another infestation is just as important as cleaning up the last one. That’s why we offer wildlife exclusion services designed to seal your home against future intrusions. This may include installing chimney caps and vent covers, sealing gaps or cracks in the roofline and foundation, and trimming tree branches that could give animals easy access to your roof. We also provide guidance on best practices for storing food and trash to avoid attracting wildlife. By taking these preventive steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of facing another unwanted animal encounter.

Why Trust Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan?

At Wildlife X Team of SE Michigan, we’re more than just removal specialists—we’re your neighbors, and we care about keeping your home safe and comfortable. We understand the unique challenges that come with wildlife in Southeast Michigan and are committed to providing fast, humane, and comprehensive solutions. From inspection to cleanup to repairs and prevention, we’re with you every step of the way. When wildlife disrupts your home, we help you take it back—safely, completely, and with confidence.

If you've experienced a wildlife infestation, don’t wait to address the damage. Contact us today to schedule your complete cleanup and repair service.