Wildlife conflicts are one of the most common and stressful problems homeowners face in the Chicago suburbs. Whether squirrels are chewing into your attic, raccoons are tearing apart your soffit, or skunks are denning under your porch, each species creates distinct problems that require a targeted approach. In addition, opossums leaving droppings in your crawl space and chipmunks undermining your patio present their own challenges. Quick Kill Exterminating Co. has been resolving these wildlife conflicts across the North Shore and northwest suburbs since 1990, combining professional trapping with permanent exclusion to solve these problems for good.
Our service area stretches from lakefront communities like Winnetka, Glencoe, and Lake Forest through established suburbs like Glenview, Northbrook, and Arlington Heights. We also serve northwest communities like Barrington, Palatine, and Schaumburg. As a result, we understand how local conditions — including forest preserves, river corridors, and mature tree canopy — drive the specific wildlife problems in your neighborhood.
Wildlife conflicts are fundamentally different from insect pest problems because the animals involved are intelligent, persistent, and physically powerful. For example, a raccoon can tear through a soffit panel in minutes. Similarly, a squirrel can chew through fascia board in a single afternoon — while a skunk can quietly establish a den under your porch without you realizing it until the smell hits. As a result, these are not problems that resolve on their own.
Furthermore, DIY approaches almost always fail because they address the symptom without solving the underlying vulnerability. Professional wildlife control involves three components that work together to deliver lasting results.
First, a thorough inspection identifies the species, entry points, and extent of the problem. Second, professional trapping removes the animals humanely and efficiently. Third, exclusion seals every entry point with materials that wildlife cannot defeat. Without all three working together, you are only buying time before the next animal moves in.
Every job begins with a detailed inspection of your home’s exterior and interior. Specifically, we check rooflines, soffits, fascia, gable vents, attic louvers, chimney connections, foundation perimeters, porches, decks, and outbuildings. During this inspection, we identify the species involved, locate every current and potential entry point, assess any damage or contamination, and evaluate the environmental factors driving wildlife to your property. Based on these findings, we develop a targeted plan that addresses your specific situation.
Next, we place trap sets in the most effective locations determined during inspection. A licensed technician returns each day to check traps, reinspect, and remove any non-domestic animals caught. Of course, any domestic animal accidentally caught is released immediately. For attic-dwelling species like squirrels and raccoons, we also use one-way exclusion doors that allow animals to exit but prevent re-entry. This approach is particularly important during nesting season when young may be present inside.
Once animals are removed, we seal every identified entry point using heavy-gauge galvanized steel mesh, metal flashing, and commercial-grade construction materials that wildlife cannot chew, pry, or tear through. Consequently, our exclusion work comes with a two-year warranty covering the materials, installation, and any trapping services needed in the areas we have sealed.
Wildlife infestations leave behind more than just the animals themselves. For instance, contaminated insulation, droppings, nesting material, and damaged wiring or ductwork all need to be addressed after removal. In particular, raccoon latrines pose a serious health concern due to the potential presence of Baylisascaris roundworm. Additionally, squirrel-damaged insulation reduces your attic’s thermal performance and increases energy costs. For these reasons, we assess the damage during every job and provide cleanup, sanitation, and insulation replacement services as needed.
Squirrels are the most common attic invader in our service area. They chew through fascia boards, soffit panels, and gable vents to access attics, where they nest in insulation and gnaw on electrical wiring — creating serious fire hazards.
Raccoons are powerful animals that tear open soffit panels, rip off roof vents, and pry apart fascia. Inside attics, they create contaminated latrines, destroy insulation, and crush ductwork.
Skunks den beneath porches, decks, sheds, and low-clearance structures. They also dig conical holes across lawns while foraging for grubs and create serious odor problems when they spray near doorways.
Opossums shelter under porches, in garages, inside sheds, and occasionally in crawl spaces. As a result, their droppings attract fleas and ticks. Moreover, they sometimes die in wall voids — creating severe odor issues.
Chipmunks burrow along foundations, under walkways, patios, and retaining walls. Over time, their tunnel systems undermine hardscape, cause settling and cracking, and can direct water toward foundations.
How quickly can Quick Kill respond to a wildlife emergency?
We understand that wildlife in your living space is urgent. Therefore, we schedule inspections as quickly as possible, often within 24 to 48 hours of your call. For active animal intrusions inside living spaces, we prioritize same-day or next-morning response.
Do you offer free inspections?
Yes. We provide free wildlife inspections and estimates for all residential properties in our service area. During the visit, our technician will identify the species, locate entry points, assess damage, and provide a detailed quote before any work begins.
What is the difference between trapping and exclusion?
Trapping removes the animals currently on or in your property, while exclusion seals the entry points they used so that new animals cannot get in. Both are necessary for a lasting solution. Without exclusion, trapping is only a temporary fix because new animals from nearby forest preserves, river corridors, and mature tree canopy will find the same openings within days or weeks.
Is your wildlife work guaranteed?
Yes. Our exclusion work comes with a two-year warranty covering the materials, installation, and any trapping services needed in the areas we have sealed. If an animal breaches our exclusion work during the warranty period, we return at no additional cost.
Do you handle birds and bats?
We handle nuisance birds including pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and woodpeckers. Specifically, we install professional vent covers, screening, and deterrent systems. However, we do not provide bat removal or exclusion services, as bat work requires specialized licensing. That said, many homeowners who think they have bats actually have squirrels or birds — call us and we will help identify what you are dealing with.
Are your methods humane?
Yes. We use professional live traps and follow all Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulations for wildlife removal. In addition, any domestic animal accidentally caught in our traps is released immediately.
How much does wildlife removal cost?
Cost depends on the species involved, the number of entry points, the extent of damage, and whether cleanup or insulation replacement is needed. For this reason, we provide a free inspection and detailed quote so you know the full scope before any work begins. Call (847) 724-1511 for your free estimate.
Call Quick Kill Exterminating at (847) 724-1511 or request a free quote online. We provide free inspections and estimates for all wildlife services across Chicago’s North Shore and northwest suburbs.
