STEP 1
Pest Control Inspection
Our inspection process identifies the critters in your home. Our thorough process finds all the entry points both current and potential and cataloguing the damage done to your home.
The banks of the Rock River attracted settlers back in 1834, and the Rock and Kishwaukee Rivers create attractive habitats for various wild animals, such as coyotes, raccoons, bats, squirrels, foxes, snakes, and birds. During the spring and summer, critters look for safe places inside your house or business to give birth. These animals will escape the freezing winter weather in attics, crawlspaces, and garages.
Wildlife becomes a nuisance when it destroys your property, poses a threat to your family, or disrupts your daily life. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommends hiring a wildlife control company to ensure safety for both you and the animal. Each animal has different regulations on removal and relocation, some requiring permits.
Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process
Critter Control is here for you every step of the way in the wildlife removal process. From inspection to removal—and even exclusion and repair—we have the services you need to get rid of raccoons, rodents, and other nuisances fast. First, we identify the animal on the property, then use humane methods to remove the animal and secure weak points where more could enter. If damage has been done, we can make those repairs for a complete restoration. Contact Critter Control near you today.
STEP 2
Animal Removal & Control
Depending on the animal in your house will determine the best animal removal process. We have an integrated approach which includes traps, habitat modifications, exclusions, and repellents.
STEP 3
Exclusion Repairs
Exclusions are the most effective means for wildlife control. We stop the animal from entering your home by installing barriers. It is non-toxic wildlife control that works immediately.
STEP 4
Restoration and Remediation
Animals can contaminate your home. We apply sanitation agents to clean up feces and urine. Mammals can host pests like fleas, ticks, and mites. Ectoparasite treatments exterminate those pests so you don’t become their next host. We can replace your soil insulation and install energy efficient insulation.
Raccoon Removal Near You
Raccoons in Illinois are nocturnal thieves. These masked bandits climb trees, chimneys, and spouting, leaving filthy, greasy smudges behind.
Raccoons have hands like humans, allowing them to turn doorknobs, open trash bins, and dig sod to search for bugs. Raccoons eat just about anything, including junk food, pet food, garden crops, insects, and live chickens.
To enter your home, they will force their way into attic vents or under decks and porches. They will stroll through a pet door if it is left open. Once inside, raccoons will tear drywall, rip insulation, scratch on wood, and leave piles of stinky feces and urine. Because feces can grow mold spores and some raccoons carry diseases, you must call a Chicago wildlife expert for removal.
Inspection
During the inspection, we determine the severity of the raccoon infestation. We find where the raccoons are nesting, how they got inside, and what damage to fix.
Raccoon Trapping
Live trapping is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of a raccoon. Depending on the situation, a one-way door or excluder valve can be installed. An excluder valve works by allowing the raccoon to leave but blocks its reentry. The choice of device is largely dependent on the season and location of the raccoons on your property. Direct capture is not commonly used because raccoons are a rabies vector species. If we must trap, we place traps strategically to safely catch the raccoons and we check traps frequently, based on state laws.
Exclusions
Our whole home exclusions guarantee to keep the raccoons out. After identify all current and potential raccoon entry points, we seal them. Exclusions can include repairing broken vents and installing chimney caps. It is essential to apply sanitization agents and ectoparasite treatments on areas inhabited by raccoons.
Squirrel Removal
Tree squirrels in Rockford can jump up to 10 feet. This could be from the ground to your roof. They are abundant and are always active, gathering and storing food and nest materials. They need a place to store their finds. Often, squirrels will dig holes in your yard and bury items. Other times one will find its way into your attic, crawlspace, chimney or basement.
Squirrels prefer nuts, fruits, bird eggs, leaves, grass, bark, pinecones, grains and seeds. If you have a birdfeeder that stays stocked, you have happy squirrels. Squirrels will chew through siding, wood and drywall to get into your home. But if they can enter through already-made holes, they will take the easier route.
If you suspect squirrels are invading your space, call us right away so we can get rid of your rodent problem.
Inspection
We identify the location of the squirrel nest, all current and potential entry spots, and any damage caused by the squirrels.
Squirrel Trapping
We create a custom squirrel removal strategy based on the thorough inspection. We use a cage trap or a way one door for squirrel removal near you.
Squirrel Exclusion
Once the critters are safely removed, we blocked their entrance to keep squirrels out. Our exclusion services provide chemical-free squirrel pest control that works immediately.
Bat Removal Near You
Did you know bats can eat their body weight in insects every night? And they are the only mammal capable of flight. We need bats in Chicago, but we don’t need them taking up residency in our attics or barns.
There are 13 species of bats in Illinois, including the big and little brown bat, hoary bats, and silver-haired bats. They are nocturnal creatures, roosting upside down in dark, dry locations during the day.
Bats are protected species because their existence is being threatened by diseases, like the white-nose syndrome. Bats have significant events that take place throughout the year, limiting removal time. The mating season happens in late winter and early spring. Maternity season runs from May to August. The best time to remove bats is between October and March.
When roosting in your attic or other building, bat guano piles up and can seep through cracks in the floor into your home. It gives off a strong smell and stains walls. It can also grow mold spores.
Remember, bat extermination in Chicago is illegal. We can remove bats for you.
Inspection
We perform a full interior and exterior inspection and search for signs such as rub marks, guano, a strong scent of ammonia, and small openings. The most common sign is the accumulation of guano (feces).
Bat Removal
The most effective and humane way to remove bats is by utilizing a bat valve in conjunction with a full home exclusion. A bat valve allows for bats to exit your home but not re-enter. We follow all local ordinances for humane bat removal. We will never abandon flightless pups in your attic.
Bat Exclusion
After removing the bat valves, we seal the entrance hole(s) so bats can no longer enter your home. If there is substantial guano in your attic, you should consider taking advantage of our attic remediation services to remove the soiled insulation and replace it.
Rodent Pest Control
Illinois has six native mice and two native rats. It’s the non-native species that become nuisance wildlife, the house mouse and the Norway rat. These two create building infestations, contaminate food, and are a health concern for the public due to the diseases they carry.
You may wonder how rodents get into your home. It’s not complicated. Mice can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. Rats can also fit through holes much smaller than their bodies, and they can burrow.
Rats and mice spend a lot of time chewing on flooring, furniture, baseboards, cabinets, food boxes, walls, ductwork, and pipes. They chew every type of material, including metals and electrical wiring. They gather a wide array of items to make nests, which are often found in ducts, vents, and chimneys, creating fire hazards.
They also reproduce multiple times throughout the year, having numerous babies per litter. An infestation can quickly occur if not dealt with early on. As soon as you suspect a rat or mouse problem, call us.
Inspection
During a rodent inspection, we thoroughly inspect your attic and provide a complete exterior home inspection. The most common signs of rodent activity are gnaw marks, feces, rub marks, nesting material, runs in insulation material, and small entry points.
Trapping and Removal
A Critter Control wildlife specialist will create a strategic trapping plan to remove the rodents found in your home. Critter Control specialists may use snap traps and live traps to capture and remove mice and rats. Rodent trapping can usually takes between five to fourteen days.
Repairs
The best way to reduce the possibility of letting unwanted rodents into homes is to seal possible entrances. Exclusion methods include caulking cracks in foundations, capping chimneys, and installing mesh covers over vents and crawl space entrances. We also strongly recommend a maintenance service. Rodents have front teeth that continuously grow, which means they can gnaw a new way back into your home.
Skunk Control
It may be rare you run into a skunk in Chicago, but they are out there, rooting through debris for insects, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds and more. While they are most active at night, you may occasionally catch them traveling alone or with their kits during the day. The nests for those kits may be under your home.
If a skunk feels threatened, it will release a foul-smelling spray. If it sprays in an area under your home, the fumes can travel into your home, lasting for 10 days or longer. If your pet gets sprayed, they can bring it into your home also. If you’ve ever smelled skunk spray, then you know it’s not something you ever want to smell again.
Skunks carry diseases, so if you need to remove skunks, call the experts.
Inspection
In addition to noting any pungent odors that signal the presence of a skunk, we will inspect the condition of your landscaping, as skunks are known for tearing-up lawns and shredding grass while hunting for grubs and insects. We will also inspect the perimeter of your building’s foundations and under decks, to locate burrows.
Trapping and Removal
Never try to remove a skunk from your property yourself. Getting sprayed is a very unpleasant experience. Furthermore, these animals may carry diseases that can spread to humans and pets, such as rabies. Our specialists will use live traps to capture and remove skunks for you, or they’ll use a one-way exclusion device to evict skunks from their harborage areas. The most effective ways to control a skunk problem is exclusion and habitat modification.
Skunk Control
The most effective ways to control a skunk problem is exclusion and habitat modification. Methods like sealing foundation gaps, replacing and screening broken foundation vents and installing hardware cloth (rat walls) around unprotected sheds and decks are the most effective and permanent ways to keep skunks out.
Bird Control
Despite the tall buildings and urban bustle, Chicago, IL, harbors plenty of wildlife. One of the most common pest animals is the rock pigeon, which roosts on manmade structures. The pest bird visit yards and patios in large flocks looking for food or a place to rest.
Wherever these birds gather, residents will notice an excessive amount of droppings. Pigeon poop can kill plants and ruin paint on vehicles and buildings. Their waste also spreads diseases such as toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, and histoplasmosis.
Inspection
We thoroughly inspect the area for things that attract birds, like harborage and loafing areas, as well as food and water sources. Also, we look for where birds may be entering your home or business. We also inspect for damage caused by birds, whether it’s by nesting, or by droppings.
Trapping & Removal
After identifying the bird species, we may start by physically removing the species in question. In rescue situations, such as chimneys or basements, birds can be released on-site if the entrance has been secured properly. Occasionally, live traps will be used, especially if flocks of birds are involved. For persistent birds and larger flocks, several advanced techniques may be applied simultaneously including netting, spikes, ledge products, scare tactics, misting and more. The most effective method of bird control is prevention and exclusion.
Repairs & Prevention
We can repair the damage that is allowing birds entry to your home, like broken siding, weakened gutters, rotted soffits and fascia. We can also install protective screens on chimneys and vents. We can also remove nesting materials and accumulated droppings, then clean surface stains. We can use netting over fruit and vegetable crops and water basins. Netting can also be used in car ports, building overhangs and food courts. We also install a large number of different types of roof ledge barriers too.
The Critter Control Difference
Trained Specialists
Animal removal is a highly sophisticated job. As such, we vet and train our team members to ensure they have the knowledge and skill to remove any pest from your building. Our wildlife experts utilize advanced removal and exclusion techniques and damage repair.
Guaranteed Work
Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Critter Control® takes great pride in providing quality workmanship resulting in customer satisfaction.
Residential and Commerical
Invading nuisance wildlife can wreak havoc on property. If left unattended wildlife and pests can cause costly property damage. Whether a residential property, apartment buildings, retail stores, office buildings, industrial plants, medical facilities, or warehouses, our trained professionals can handle any wildlife removal problem.
Financing Available
Critter Control offers in-house financing. Both standard and 90-day same as cash financing options have 12-,18-,24-, or 36-month options. Some projects might qualify for a budgeted plan up to 60 months.
Critter Control Guarantee
Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. We provide reliable prevention from future intrusions. Resolving a nuisance wildlife issue calls for more than trapping and removing the critter. Our exclusion services offer immediate and long-term wildlife solutions.
Q&A with Critter Control
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in Rockford?
We have the most problems with rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums.
How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in Illinois?
Each season affects animal behavior. During the spring, people notice noises in their attics because animals like squirrels and raccoons are giving birth. Most animals leave an attic during the hot summers except for bats, which are most active during the summer. As the weather cools in the fall, critters start preparing for winter. Skunks and raccoons tear up yards looking for food. Finally, the cold weather usually slows animal activity down except for rodents. Rats and mice are active all year long.
What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?
Noises in the home, runways or tunnels through attic insulation, holes in the ground or sod being rolled, visual footprints on downspouts, damage to the outside of the house, droppings around the house.
Any prevention tips for residents in your area?
Keep the property in good condition. Dilapidated properties tend to have more animal entry points. Keeping trash and clutter cleaned out is essential to prevent animal shelters from gathering nesting material.
When should homeowners call you?
Homeowners should call Critter Control when animal issues are suspected or for simple peace of mind, as inspections are free.
What types of critters does Critter Control handle?
We happily help with a wide range of critters, including raccoons, squirrels, bats, rats, mice, opossums, skunks, birds, and more. If it’s causing you trouble, just give us a call and we’ll take care of it!
How soon can you come to my property?
We know how important it is to solve critter issues quickly, so we offer prompt same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible. Just reach out and we’ll work together to find the fastest solution for you!
Do you offer attic cleanup and insulation replacement?
Our attic restoration service includes removing soiled insulation, applying sanitization agents, and replacing it with fresh, energy-efficient material. This leaves behind a space that’s cleaner, healthier, and protected against future wildlife intrusions.
Can you prevent critters from coming back?
Prevention is at the heart of what we do. After removal, we install exclusion repairs to keep animals out. We strengthen vulnerable entry points, seal gaps, and install barriers—ending the cycle of unwanted visits and letting you enjoy your home with confidence and relief.
Who can I call for dead animal removal?
If a non-domesticated animal dies in your house, we can safely remove it, apply sanitization agents, and install exclusions. If a carcass from a domesticated animal, livestock, or large animal is dead on your property, refer to the state regulations on carcass removal.
Need insect pest control? Visit our sister brand Fox Pest Control.