How can I tell what kind of animal is in my attic?

• <div><p>It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:</p><ul><li><p><b>Sounds</b>: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.</p></li><li><p><b>Droppings</b>: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.</p></li></ul><p>When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.</p></div>

How do you get rid of raccoons fast?

• <div><p>You can get rid of raccoons quickly by making your home an undesirable place to live. Here are the best ways to get rid of raccoons fast:</p><ul><li><p>Repair broken vents and screens leading to your home.</p></li><li><p>Seal open access points into your home. Many raccoons sneak in through the attic, roof, or chimney.</p></li><li><p>Trim trees and branches so raccoons don’t have easy access to your roof and chimney. </p></li><li><p>Thoroughly clean out garbage cans, remove all trash, and secure the bins.</p></li><li><p>Don’t keep food or water outside.</p></li><li><p>Add raccoon guards to outdoor bird feeders. </p></li><li><p>Clean up brush around your home—raccoons like to gather loose yard materials for bedding.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top animal removal specialists in Downs, IL

Q: How do you attract a possum to a trap?

• <div><p>Besides using the best bait for an opossum trap, other things that can attract them to enter include covering the base with soil or leaf litter and placing it along their path of travel near the denning spot. Leave the trap out overnight, as opossums are nocturnal animals, and check the trap daily.</p></div>

Q: What do you do if a wild animal is in your yard?

• <div><p>If a wild animal enters your yard, prioritize safety for yourself and the animal. Remember to avoid direct contact and always keep a safe distance. Contact local authorities or a wildlife rehabilitation center if the animal is hurt or in distress. Both sources should be able to guide you on how to proceed and send help if needed. Please wait for the animal to leave naturally for non-threatening situations, as many will. To deter future visits, implement measures like securing trash cans, sealing entry points, and removing potential food sources.</p></div>

Q: Do coffee grounds keep chipmunks away?

• <div><p>Anecdotal evidence suggests coffee grounds can keep chipmunks away. Sprinkle them throughout your garden, yard, and plants to help deter them. As an added bonus, coffee grounds can help keep the slugs away, and they&rsquo;re great for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your animal removal project in Downs, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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.
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2020
Exceptional service. Removed every last spot and stain. Make Gem's your next carpet cleaner!
Gem's Carpet Cleaning Plus
Request a quote

Find Animal removal specialists in Downs

Nothing Tame

3.9(

)

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

Request Quote

Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Serving Downs, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Since 1932, Presto-X (formerly Anderson Pest Solutions) 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.

Request Quote

Animal Removal questions, answered by experts

It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.
Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

Besides using the best bait for an opossum trap, other things that can attract them to enter include covering the base with soil or leaf litter and placing it along their path of travel near the denning spot. Leave the trap out overnight, as opossums are nocturnal animals, and check the trap daily.

If a wild animal enters your yard, prioritize safety for yourself and the animal. Remember to avoid direct contact and always keep a safe distance. Contact local authorities or a wildlife rehabilitation center if the animal is hurt or in distress. Both sources should be able to guide you on how to proceed and send help if needed. Please wait for the animal to leave naturally for non-threatening situations, as many will. To deter future visits, implement measures like securing trash cans, sealing entry points, and removing potential food sources.

Anecdotal evidence suggests coffee grounds can keep chipmunks away. Sprinkle them throughout your garden, yard, and plants to help deter them. As an added bonus, coffee grounds can help keep the slugs away, and they’re great for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons.

You can get rid of raccoons quickly by making your home an undesirable place to live. Here are the best ways to get rid of raccoons fast:

Repair broken vents and screens leading to your home.
Seal open access points into your home. Many raccoons sneak in through the attic, roof, or chimney.
Trim trees and branches so raccoons don’t have easy access to your roof and chimney.
Thoroughly clean out garbage cans, remove all trash, and secure the bins.
Don’t keep food or water outside.
Add raccoon guards to outdoor bird feeders.
Clean up brush around your home—raccoons like to gather loose yard materials for bedding.

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.

See all articles

Lyle Hendriks
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Groundhog Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
The cost to remove a groundhog can vary depending on where you live and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. We’ll help you figure out the true cost of groundhog removal, along with strategies for humane trapping and release.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Possum Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
When budgeting for possum removal costs, consider number of animals, location, method of removal, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Becca Lewis
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Armadillo Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
Find out how much it costs to remove armadillos and stop them from coming back. Know how much to budget to humanely remove these pesky critters from your yard.
Haniya Rae
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
How to Keep Bobcats Away From Your Home
You don’t need to be a wildlife expert to know how to keep bobcats away. We’ve broken down the methods that could save your pet’s life.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Should You Call If There’s an Animal in Your Air Vent?
If there’s an animal in your vent, who do you call?. Here’s what to do if a critter gets loose in your HVAC system vents.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Keep Animals Off the Roof: 7 Tips to Keep Critters Away
Animals on your roof can lead to damage and even disease. Here are a few tips to get them off your roof and keep them away for good.