Best animal removal specialists near Downs, IL

Q: What animal is running on my roof at night?

• <div><p>Identifying the specific animal running on your roof at night can be challenging without direct observation. Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise. Rats can make scratching or gnawing sounds. To determine the culprit, look for signs like footprints, droppings, or damaged areas near the roof. For accurate identification, consult a pest control professional or set up wildlife cameras near potential entry points.</p></div>

Q: Can I handle pest control myself?

• <div><p>DIY treatments may help minor issues, but professionals provide long-term solutions and prevent recurrence.</p></div>

Q: What do foxes hate the most?

• <div><p>Foxes hate strong scents and sudden disturbances. They dislike the smell of ammonia, vinegar, garlic, chili peppers, and predator urine, which can make an area less appealing. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers also unsettle them, as foxes prefer to avoid sudden movements and bright lights. Additionally, they are wary of loud noises and unexpected sounds.</p></div>

Q: What should I do if I get sprayed by a skunk?

• <div><p>Whether you, your dog, or your cat has been sprayed, <a href="https://www.poison.org/articles/what-happens-if-a-skunk-sprays-me-213">Poison Control</a> recommends using a solution of 1 quart of 3% (household strength) hydrogen peroxide, &frac14; cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoonful of liquid dish detergent mixed together and immediately applied to the sprayed fur or skin <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-get-rid-skunk-smell-your-home.htm">to get rid of skunk smell</a>. After leaving it on for five minutes, rinse with water. If your eyes get sprayed, rinse for at least 15 minutes with room-temperature water.</p></div>

Q: Do possums carry diseases?

• <div><p>While possums don&rsquo;t typically carry rabies, they can have lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. According to the <a href="http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74123.html">University of California&rsquo;s Pest Management Program</a>, possums can also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and fevers. Possums are also the carriers of a parasite that can pass to horses and cats called <a href="https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-protozoal-myeloencephalitis-epm">Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)</a>.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Animal Removal pros in Downs, IL

*The Angi rating for Animal Removal companies in Downs, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Animal Removal companies in Downs, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

Last update on March 25, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
When disaster struck our house, Robert and Right Way Tree and Outdoor Services was there when we needed them most. Within an hour his crew was there, removed the tree from our home, and had us patched up. They even helped us through the claim process to get it approved through our insurance....
Right Way Tree & Outdoor Services
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Reviewed in December 2025
The snow removal and deicing job was done quickly and efficiently. They called the next day to make sure that all was done to my satisfaction. I highly recommend VT Developments.
VT Developments
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Reviewed in November 2025
They just finished removing my tree and the stump. They did a really great job. Everywhere is so clean! They are nice and courteous. It was a pleasant experience. They are local, family run. it’s already so late! One can see they work so hard. wish them all the best in future! And their price...
Central Arbor Tree Care
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Reviewed in May 2025
Very professional, very personal, awesome clean-up job. They will be back at a later date to remove the stump. A neighbor is hiring Arborist LLC to take out a couple of trees soon!
Arborist LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
After an in-home consultation with Danny and learning their product is manufactured in the USA and produced in Libertyville Il, we decided to replace our old tub/shower with a walk-in shower. It was suggested in our design to remove a soffit and a section of wall tile. The day of installation...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in March 2024
We had Dale remove several trees & bushes from our property early this month. He did a great job. We would call him again.
Recreational Lumberjack, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
This project was the removal of a tree stump. The owner came to the project in a timely manner. His employees came to the project in a timely manner, ground out the stump, and cleaned up the area. The time on the site was about 30 minutes. Great job!
AJC Home Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
Richard and Eric did a fantastic job and they did it in 1 day! The job was 640 sq ft and had multiple tack strip removals. We were able to walk on the floors the same night and place furniture the next day!! They also refinish doors and cabinets!
Refinish-Pros
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Top-Rated Animal removal specialists in Downs - Updated Nov 2026

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Pointe Pest Control technicians have always been polite. The technicians are thorough and knowledgeable in their application of insecticide and removal of spider webs. In the past, I have had to call the office to request additional support due to a wasp nest in the ground. The office workers were also polite and knowledgeable and had help out to me right away. Highly recommend Pointe Pest Control if you are having issues with pests around your home."

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Did a greta job with inspecting the house."

55 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Small Animals

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Since 1932, Presto-X has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

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Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, Inc.

4.4(

)

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1929

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were conscientious, on time and very respectful. I would recommend the to anybody thar needs Pest Control."

Response time1 day

Response rate90%

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Pest Control - Small Animals

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Offers commercial services

"Did a great job. Eliminated the pests quickly and efficiently. Would call him again if problem comes up again. Highly recommended."

Response time8 hrs

Response rate95%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Terminix provides excellent pest extermination and mosquito control services. They investigate and give comprehensive treatment services. I highly recommend their services."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Quik Kill

New to Angi

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - Rodents

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Mission of Excellence \nHiring extraordinary people, \n \nproviding them with excellent training, \n \nto accomplish Total Pest Elimination \n \nthrough superior service, \n \nthereby exceeding client expectations, \n \nwhile remaining environmentally \n \nresponsible. \n \n \n \n

Response time6 days

Response rate100%

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Animal Removal FAQs, answered by experts

Identifying the specific animal running on your roof at night can be challenging without direct observation. Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise. Rats can make scratching or gnawing sounds. To determine the culprit, look for signs like footprints, droppings, or damaged areas near the roof. For accurate identification, consult a pest control professional or set up wildlife cameras near potential entry points.

DIY treatments may help minor issues, but professionals provide long-term solutions and prevent recurrence.

Foxes hate strong scents and sudden disturbances. They dislike the smell of ammonia, vinegar, garlic, chili peppers, and predator urine, which can make an area less appealing. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers also unsettle them, as foxes prefer to avoid sudden movements and bright lights. Additionally, they are wary of loud noises and unexpected sounds.

Whether you, your dog, or your cat has been sprayed, Poison Control recommends using a solution of 1 quart of 3% (household strength) hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoonful of liquid dish detergent mixed together and immediately applied to the sprayed fur or skin to get rid of skunk smell. After leaving it on for five minutes, rinse with water. If your eyes get sprayed, rinse for at least 15 minutes with room-temperature water.

While possums don’t typically carry rabies, they can have lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. According to the University of California’s Pest Management Program, possums can also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and fevers. Possums are also the carriers of a parasite that can pass to horses and cats called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

The Downs, IL homeowners’ guide to animal removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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