Muskrat in a lawn - Muskrat Removal

Why Control Muskrats?

Muskrats may look harmless, but their burrowing and nesting habits can cause serious issues around ponds, shorelines, and water features.

Their tunnels weaken banks, drain ponds, and spread bacteria or parasites through droppings left near water.

Professional muskrat removal helps protect your property, prevent erosion, and reduce health risks for your family and pets.

1. Prevent Shoreline and Bank Damage

Muskrats dig deep tunnels that erode pond edges and levees over time. Early removal stops soil collapse, protects nearby structures, and keeps your shoreline stable.

2. Avoid Structural and Flooding Risks

Their burrows can extend under lawns, retaining walls, and decorative water features, causing soft spots or leaks. Addressing activity quickly prevents costly repairs and drainage issues.

3. Preserve Water Features and Plants

Muskrats feed heavily on aquatic plants, stripping away vegetation that stabilizes soil and keeps ponds healthy. Removing them restores balance and helps prevent repeat damage.

Muskrat activity peaks during fall in Central Iowa as they prepare dens for colder weather. If you’ve noticed new holes, slides, or sinking soil near your pond,

Schedule Service today to protect your property before the damage spreads.

Muskrat Removal Services

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we use proven, humane methods to control muskrat activity and protect your property from further damage. Each service is built around safe, effective practices that preserve local wildlife and restore balance around ponds and shorelines.

  • Humane Muskrat Control Methods

    We remove muskrats using humane, exclusion-based techniques that resolve the problem without harm. Our process protects both the animals and your property, following Iowa’s wildlife standards.

  • Comprehensive Site Inspections

    Every service begins with a full shoreline inspection. We look for reed piles, tunnels, holes, and soil disturbances along water banks to pinpoint active burrows and assess the level of activity.

  • Effective Preventive Measures

    After removal, we install wire barriers or screens around vulnerable areas to discourage future digging. Barriers are placed about three feet high with a one-foot gap around tree trunks to prevent gnawing or tunneling.

  • Eco-Friendly Techniques

    Our methods are safe for families, pets, and nearby habitats. We use environmentally responsible practices that control muskrats while maintaining the natural balance of your landscape.

  • Tailored Muskrat Management Plans

    Every property is different, so our approach is customized. We design a plan based on your shoreline layout, water depth, and activity level to ensure long-lasting results.

Our Muskrat Removal Process

Evaluation

We begin by confirming muskrat activity through a detailed inspection of reed piles, tunnels, and soil disturbances along the water’s edge. This helps us plan a focused and effective removal strategy.

Intervention

Our team uses humane, low-stress methods to remove muskrats safely while keeping your family and property protected. Every step follows professional standards and local wildlife regulations.

Proactive Measures

After removal, we provide guidance on preventing new burrows and protecting vulnerable areas. These proactive steps help ensure long-term protection from future muskrat activity.

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we handle muskrat problems through a proven process that combines careful inspection, humane removal, and long-term prevention. Every step is performed with precision to protect your shoreline and prevent future damage.

Dealing with More Than Just Muskrats?

Hearing noises, finding droppings, or seeing signs of other pests around your home? Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management handles a full range of wildlife and pest concerns with safe, humane, and long-lasting solutions.

  • All-Inclusive Wildlife Management

    From raccoons digging through trash to squirrels nesting in attics, we resolve all types of wildlife issues. Our team uses humane relocation methods that safely remove animals and prevent them from returning.

  • Advanced Insect Control

    Whether you’re dealing with ants, spiders, or termites, our insect control treatments target infestations at the source. We focus on prevention as much as elimination to keep your home pest-free.

  • Comprehensive Rodent Control

    If mice or rats have found their way inside, we locate entry points, remove the pests, and seal openings to stop future problems. Our process keeps your home clean, safe, and rodent-free year-round.

Whatever the issue, you can rely on Bobcat for fast, professional help. Schedule Service today and restore comfort and safety to your home.

How to Spot Muskrat Activity

Muskrat hanging around a small pond near a lawn

Muskrats are mostly nocturnal, making them hard to notice until damage appears. Learning to recognize early signs helps prevent burrowing, erosion, and vegetation loss around your pond or shoreline.

1. Distinctive Behaviors

Muskrats are most active at night or around dusk and dawn. You might see them swimming in calm water or chewing vegetation near the edge of your pond or creek.

2. Signs of Damage

Burrows, tunnels, and small mounds of reeds along pond banks are telltale signs of muskrat activity. Soft or collapsing soil near the water’s edge may also indicate an active den below.

3. Tracks and Droppings

Look for small webbed tracks and scattered droppings near feeding spots or den entrances. These markings help identify where muskrats are nesting and traveling most often.

MAIN ISSUES

  • Damage of Property

  • Water Backup

  • Tree Damage

  • Man-Made Dam Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management specializes in humane muskrat removal that protects both your property and local wildlife.

Our technicians use proven methods tailored to your shoreline or pond layout to prevent further damage. Each service includes inspection, removal, and long-term prevention for lasting results.

We typically schedule inspections within 1–2 business days, depending on the season and workload.

Fall and early winter are peak times for muskrat activity in Iowa, so scheduling early helps prevent new burrows and shoreline erosion.

We use humane live-trapping and exclusion methods that safely guide muskrats out of your property.

Our approach avoids poisons and harsh chemicals, focusing instead on long-term control and habitat modification to prevent re-entry.

Yes. Our muskrat removal techniques are completely family- and pet-safe.

We use non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions and always explain each step before beginning service for your peace of mind.

Prevention starts with managing vegetation and blocking access to burrowing sites.

We recommend installing barriers around valuable trees, maintaining pond edges, and removing debris that could attract muskrats. After removal, our technicians provide tailored prevention tips for your property.

Muskrats are drawn to ponds, creeks, and slow-moving water where they can feed on vegetation and dig burrows.

They often move closer to homes during fall as temperatures drop. Sealing access points and reducing food sources helps keep them away.

Muskrats aren’t aggressive but can spread bacteria or parasites through droppings near water sources.

Their burrows can also weaken pond banks or cause small sinkholes. Professional removal ensures safety for your family, pets, and property.

Look for fresh burrows or holes near pond edges, mounds of reeds, and chewed aquatic plants.

You might also notice soft ground or waterline erosion. A professional inspection confirms activity before the problem spreads.

DIY removal is not recommended.

Muskrats are protected wildlife, and improper trapping can be illegal or ineffective. A licensed professional ensures the process is safe, humane, and compliant with Iowa’s regulations.

Yes. Muskrats remain active throughout the year, but they’re most visible during fall and winter.

Our removal services are available in every season to help prevent damage whenever activity begins.

Most cases are resolved within a few days, depending on burrow locations and water access.

Larger properties or multiple den sites may take longer. We provide a clear plan and timeline after inspection.

Muskrats dig tunnels that weaken pond banks, levees, and retaining walls.

Over time, this can lead to erosion, flooding, or collapsed soil near water features. Early removal helps prevent long-term property damage.

Coverage depends on your specific policy. Some insurers include wildlife damage, while others exclude it.

We can provide inspection reports and documentation if your provider requests proof of activity or repairs.

Muskrats are active all year but most visible in fall and early winter when they build dens to prepare for colder months.

This is the best time to schedule inspection and removal before damage worsens.

Yes. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management offers long-term prevention and inspection services across Central Iowa.

Schedule Service anytime to keep your shoreline or pond protected year-round.

Why Choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Control

Proven Expertise

Our team’s accumulated experience in pest management equips us to deliver dependable solutions tailored to resolve your distinct challenges effectively.

Tailored Treatments

Understanding that no two pest issues are alike, we adapt our strategies to align with your particular situation, aiming for precise and successful outcomes.

Commitment to Quality

Quality is more than a standard for us; it’s a pledge. We use top-of-the-line products and cutting-edge techniques to deliver unparalleled results you can trust.

Exceptional Customer Care

Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. From your initial inquiry to the final treatment, we’re committed to making your experience seamless and satisfactory.

Take Care Of Your Pest Problem Today

We service the entire Des Moines, IA metro area. Contact us today for the safe and efficient removal of your pest problem.

Service Pages Form

If you are looking for someone who does a great job, is thorough, is dedicated to making your home a priority-Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management is you’re only source for pest management. Best of the Best!

Laura M., via Google

Bobcat Wildlife and Pest installed Incide PC™ insulation in our attic space. They were quick, quiet, and did a great job. Our home is warmer and more comfortable now. Well worth it!

Matt C., via Facebook
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest were very helpful. They were prompt and went over and above in their service to us. We will definitely recommend them to our family and friends.
Krista B., via Facebook

I just wanted to email and let someone know how nice of a job Jared does when he comes out to treat the house. He always asks how things are and if I have any concerns. He checks things thoroughly each visit and addresses issues that need taken care of. He is very pleasant and professional.

Lindsay K., via Email

We had a pest problem and the entire team was very responsive! From the phone staff to Ronnie coming out to the property. He was very helpful in explaining our issue and how we were going to treat it. Thank you!

Nicholas D., via Google

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!!

Kayla L., via Facebook

Our office is next to a restaurant so pest control is a constant battle. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management were discreet and efficient. We have not seen any pests since working with them.

MW, via Yelp