Wildlife Services

As communities in Indiana grow larger and move into agricultural land, the number of conflicts between humans and animals has increased.  People find skunks under their shed or raccoons in their attic. Trapping and exclusion of this wildlife are two ways of dealing with them.  

At Pest Detective, L.L.C. we are licensed by the state to deal with the removal of wild animals.  The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requires professional trappers to be trained, licensed, and obtain continuing education hours. 
                                               
We pride ourselves in providing professional, humane, and targeted trapping.  We are one of the few trapping companies in Indiana who are actually insured.  At Pest Detective, L.L.C. we also provide emergency hours for those late night encounters.  Give us a call or contact us through our web page for help with your problem.

We are members of several well known trapping organizations which promote humane and ethical behavior.

Fur Takers of America

 
National Trappers Association

Indiana State Trappers Association

One of the key steps to trapping is identification of the pest.  Below are some of Pest Detective’s “Most Wanted Animals” which often enter into homes and neighborhoods uninvited.

Pest Detective L.L.C.’s
Most Wanted Animals

Raccoon

Raccoons have masked faces and ringed tails.  They are commonly seen at parks during twilight as they come out to find scraps on the picnic tables. In suburbian ares sometimes raccoons can be found in attics.  Once inside, raccoons can be quite destructive tearing into heating ducts, insulation, and wiring.  One additional hazard of these animals is that they often are carriers of the common roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).  The roundworms release eggs into the animal’s feces.  It is very important to avoid contact with raccoon feces and to avoid encouraging raccoons to visit homes or yards for food.

Opossum

The opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) has an elongated snout, hairless tail, and whitish-gray fur.   The average weight for a male is 6 to 7 pounds.  The opossum is a marsupial and has a pouch on her abdomen for carrying and nourishing her young.  Opossum can have between 10 to 20 young at one time.  These creatures are omnivores and scavengers often eating food rejected or discarded by other animals.  Opossum do not hibernate and will search for food at night.  They can be found in dens under buildings or in attics.
 
Beaver

The beaver (Castor Canadensis) is the largest rodent found in North America.  Adults weigh between 30 and 70 pounds and are about four feet in length.  Beavers have front teeth that constantly grow.  Their hind feet are fully webbed and used for swimming.  They have a broad flat tail used for swimming, balance, and signaling danger.  Beavers cut brush, trees, and saplings for food and to build their lodges or bank burrows.

Muskrat

Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are often known as ’rats or “water rats”.  These aquatic rodents are found in ditches, wetlands, retention ponds or rivers throughout Indiana.  They weigh about 3 pounds and are well suited to their aquatic habitat due to their waterproof fur, large hind feet, and rudder-like tail.  Muskrats are vegetarians but if unable to obtain enough plants they will feed on fish or frog carcasses.  Muskrats do not store food for the winter thus must dig roots beneath the ice.

Squirrel

Several squirrels are found in areas cohabited by humans.  The common names for the urban squirrels in Indiana are the fox squirrel, the gray squirrel, and the red squirrel.  They are often known to raid bird feeders.  Common native foods include nuts, wild berries, and fruits.  Squirrels do not hibernate.  These interesting creatures are a joy to observe until they start looking for a place to live in your home.  Once in an attic they can damage your home. 

Chipmunk

Coyote

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are native to the original prairies of Indiana.  Coyotes are similar to a small collie dogs in size and shape, but they carry their tails below their backs.  The average weight of a coyote in Indiana is 30 pounds;  males are often heavier.  The main diet of coyotes consists of small mammals, however they can have a varied diet including birds and wild fruit. 

Skunk

The Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) can be a nuisance due to it’s essence.  This animal in its natural habitat is non-aggressive but rarely runs from a threat.  It is often found in forest and agricultural edges.  The essence the skunk emits, n-butyl mercaptan, can cause temporary blindness with a direct hit.  A near miss can cause gagging and nausea.  Removal of skunks can be tricky due to their natural defense. 
 
Rabbit

The eastern cottontail rabbit is found throughout Indiana from suburbia to the woodlands.  Rabbits have favorite foods such as apple, willow and dogwood though they will eat almost any plant.  Your encounter with a rabbit may have been as it attacks a newly planted crabapple or vegetable garden.  One good way to protect your garden is to install a rabbit fence around your plants.

Groundhog

Mouse

Rat

Snake