Protect Your Pond From Muskrat Damage
If you’re noticing holes near your pond, sinking shoreline areas, or damage around the water, muskrats may already be burrowing on your property.
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, our muskrat removal service helps homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa safely remove muskrats in Iowa before the damage gets worse.
1. Stop Pond and Shoreline Damage
Muskrats dig tunnels that weaken pond banks and shorelines over time. Early muskrat removal helps prevent collapsing edges, soft ground, and erosion problems.
2. Avoid Bigger Property Problems
Their burrows can spread under lawns, retaining walls, docks, and water features, leading to leaks, drainage issues, and costly repairs.
3. Protect Your Outdoor Space
Muskrats damage aquatic plants and continue digging if left untreated. Professional muskrat trapping service helps protect your pond and reduce repeat activity.
If you’ve noticed fresh holes, muddy slides, muskrat droppings, or signs of muskrat activity around your pond, schedule service today before the damage spreads.
Muskrat Removal Services
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we provide professional muskrat removal services for homeowners dealing with pond damage, shoreline erosion, and burrowing around the water.
Our muskrat control uses safe and effective methods to remove muskrats in Iowa and help prevent the damage from coming back.
Our Muskrat Removal Process
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, our muskrat removal service helps homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa protect their ponds, shorelines, and outdoor spaces from ongoing muskrat damage.
Dealing With Other Pest or Wildlife Problems?
Muskrat activity around ponds and shorelines is often just one part of a larger wildlife or pest problem.
If you’re also hearing noises in the attic, finding droppings around the property, or noticing signs of unwanted pests, our team can help.
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we help people in Des Moines and Central Iowa get rid of pests and animals from their homes.
How to Spot Muskrat Activity
Muskrats are most active around dusk and nighttime, so many homeowners do not notice them until damage starts appearing near the water.
Spotting the signs early can help prevent larger shoreline and pond problems.
1. Holes Near the Water
One of the most common signs of muskrats is holes or burrow openings along pond banks, shorelines, or nearby slopes. These openings are often hidden close to the waterline.
2. Sinking Ground or Shoreline Damage
Muskrat tunnels can weaken the soil underneath pond edges and shoreline areas. You may notice soft ground, collapsing edges, erosion, or damaged landscaping near the water.
3. Tracks, Droppings, or Muddy Paths
Small tracks, muskrat droppings, and worn muddy paths near ponds or creeks can all point to active muskrat movement around the property.
MAIN ISSUES
Why Choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Control
Knowledgeable, careful, and insightful-I had the opportunity to meet with Nicole Spaulding from Bobcat Wildlife and Pest Management to learn more of what she does and to ask questions about their industry, fearing it affected my own (outdoor aquatic stock growth).She took the time to share with me the ins-and-outs of her industry, genuinely caring for my concerns, resolving them completely in the end.
Highly recommend using this company for any pest control needs and or wildlife issues.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management came to my house to deal with a serious bat problem. I have had no issues with bats since they came, and the guy who did the work on my house was thorough and took obvious pride in his work. They are knowledgeable and thorough and don’t take the easy way out. It was clear that they really cared about solving my bat issue and I highly recommend them to anyone with a bat problem.
What a great experience Ronnie Hayes came to our place he came to our place assessed that we had a few raccoons in our attic. He even put a trap on the roof and for them out the same day then the relocated them. For a very responsible place.
Jared was super helpful, set up traps, and we are looking forward to a raccoon free attic.
Thank you so much! We debated calling for a long time. When I finally did Blake came the very next day and trapped the squirrel who was the culprit of the damage. He fixed the damage too! We are so happy we finally called, wish we would have done it sooner! Thanks Blake!
They do an amazing job with our pest control and keeping all the mosquitos at bay. I really appreciate how caring & respective Gene is towards these animals and rodents…
Highly recommend this group!!! Within 24 hours of my “something stinks” panic call, one of the techs, Ronnie, was at our place taking care of the animals that found their final resting place in our vents… and patched it up so we wouldn’t have this happen again. On time, efficient, and very knowledgeable!!
Muskrat Removal FAQs for Des Moines Homeowners
Why choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management for muskrat removal?
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we help homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa safely remove muskrats before shoreline and pond damage gets worse.
Our muskrat removal service focuses on long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.
How quickly can you remove muskrats?
In many cases, we can schedule a muskrat inspection within 1–2 business days depending on the season and current service demand.
Fall and early winter are common times for muskrat activity in Iowa, so early action helps reduce further burrowing and shoreline damage.
How do you get rid of muskrats?
We use safe and professional muskrat trapping service methods to remove muskrats from ponds, shorelines, and nearby burrows.
Our process is designed to stop the damage while helping reduce future muskrat activity around the property.
Is muskrat removal safe for families and pets?
Yes. Our muskrat removal service uses safe methods designed to protect families, pets, and nearby outdoor areas.
We also explain the process clearly so homeowners know what to expect during service.
How can I stop muskrats from coming back?
Reducing thick vegetation, repairing damaged shoreline areas, and limiting access to burrowing spots can help discourage future muskrat activity.
After removal, we provide recommendations based on your pond, shoreline, or water feature layout.
Why are muskrats on my property?
Muskrats are attracted to ponds, creeks, retention areas, and slow-moving water where they can dig burrows and feed on aquatic plants.
Many homeowners in Iowa first notice muskrats after seeing holes near the shoreline or damage around the water.
Can muskrats damage my property?
Yes. Muskrats dig tunnels that can weaken pond banks, shorelines, retaining walls, and nearby landscaping.
They can also leave muskrat droppings near the water and create ongoing erosion problems if left untreated.
What are signs of muskrat activity?
Common signs include holes near the water, sinking shoreline areas, muddy paths, damaged pond edges, muskrat droppings, and chewed aquatic plants.
A muskrat inspection can help confirm how active the problem is.
Can I remove muskrats myself?
DIY muskrat removal is usually difficult and can lead to ongoing burrowing problems if the active areas are missed.
Professional muskrat trapping service helps ensure the muskrats are removed safely and effectively.
Do you remove muskrats year-round?
Yes. Muskrats stay active throughout the year, although activity is often easier to spot during fall and winter in Central Iowa.
Our muskrat removal service is available year-round to help prevent ongoing shoreline and pond damage.
How long does muskrat removal take?
The timeline depends on the size of the property, the number of active burrows, and how easy the shoreline areas are to access.
Many muskrat removal cases can be resolved within a few days after the inspection.
What kind of damage can muskrats cause?
Muskrats can damage pond banks, shorelines, retaining walls, docks, and nearby landscaping through constant digging and burrowing.
Over time, this may lead to erosion, soft ground, drainage issues, or collapsing shoreline areas.
Is muskrat removal covered by homeowners insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific homeowners insurance policy.
Some providers may cover certain types of wildlife damage, while others may not.
We can provide documentation or inspection details if needed for your claim.
What time of year are muskrats most active in Iowa?
Muskrats stay active year-round, but many homeowners notice increased activity during fall and early winter as muskrats prepare burrows for colder weather.
This is often the best time to address the problem before shoreline damage spreads further.
Do you offer ongoing wildlife protection services?
Yes. In addition to muskrat removal, Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management provides wildlife removal and pest control services across Des Moines and Central Iowa to help homeowners manage ongoing pest and animal problems year-round.
