A common creature found across Illinois is the vole. Many people may be unfamiliar with this animal and often mistake them for mice or moles. This is because, like moles, voles burrow underground and will leave holes throughout your yard. These animals are also mixed up with mice due to the way they look at first sight. Both animals are small rodents with short legs, furred ears, and tails. Most voles can be distinguished by their stocky shape and short tails. Voles usually range from 4.25 to 7 inches in length and 25 to 50 grams based on their species. Many also have reddish-brown fur. These animals may be small but can still do a great deal of damage if found in your yard or home. To get voles removed from either area call Guardian Wildlife Services. We will take care of the critters before they can cause any more trouble.

Skunks are common in Illinois, and are often found in rural areas. These animals tend to live in areas with an abundance of vegetation. A permanent source of water may also attract skunks to the location. If you live near farmlands, forests, grassy fields, or any small bodies of water you are likely to find skunks near your home. Skunks often burrow into homes seeking shelter and may even make it a permanent residence for their families. It is best to remove the animals as soon as possible to avoid any contact, spread of disease, or foul smelling odors from circulating through your home. However, we do not recommend removing skunks yourselves since it is likely that they will spray if threatened. Once removed from the home the skunks may also return if all entry points are not resealed. If you find skunks living in your home call Guardian Wildlife Services. We will take care of the issue for you and make sure the animals will not be able to renter the home.

Animals of the rodent family, weasel family, and other small mammals are all at risk of contracting distemper. Distemper is characterized by discharge from the mouth, ears, eyes, and nose; along with strange behavioral changes. This disease is often confused with rabies due to the similar symptoms. The difference between the two is that rabies can only be contracted through bites, while distemper can be transferred through the air. While humans can contract rabies from infected animals we are not in danger of contracting distemper. 

Bats are nocturnal animals and it is normal to see one flying around at night. If you spot a bat in the daytime though, there may be cause for concern. This is out of the ordinary behavior for these animals and the bay may be dangerous; so avoid contact at all costs. Bats found in your home should be avoided too along with any room they may occupy. Bats come with many threats including rabies and histoplasmosis. Rabid bats may not show any signs of having rabies. Therefore, contact with all bats should be avoided if possible. The rooms these bats occupy are likely to have traces of urine or guano. Since contact with either of these substances can cause the contraction of histoplasmosis, it is suggested that you and other members of your home stay out of these areas until a specialist is called. If you find bats or bat droppings in your home call Guardian Wildlife Services. We have trained technicians who will take care of the issue and make sure the space is safe to renter.

Other than squirrels, there is another animal known for their love of nuts. These are chipmunks! Chipmunks have  various colors of fur, but they are most recognizable by the white or black stripes on their backs. These animals are always looking for cover and often end up in homes. Again, similarly to squirrels these animals can cause great damage to the structure of your home. Chipmunks also burrow underground to store food or find shelter. This can cause damage to your home and your yard depending on where they choose to dig. If you find yourself with a chipmunk problem call Guardian Wildlife Services! We will help remove them before any more damage is done.

One of the many rodents found in Illinois is the Norway rat. These rats have brown fur with lighter undersides yet almost no fur on their ears. They range from 12 to 18 inches in length and about 10 to 16 ounces. Like most animals of the rodent family, rats are nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. Due to this, if there is an infestation in your home you are more likely to see or hear them at night. If you hear clawing, squeaking, or gnawing do not ignore it. If you do have rats they can do a ton of damage to your home and put you at risk of contracting various diseases. To prevent any of this give Guardian Wildlife Services a call! Our rodent program will take care of the rats in your home along with reduce the population in the area.