About the size of a domestic cat, skunks are recognizable for their black fur with white markings down their backs. Skunks may also appear black with white spots and striping, depending on the species. The animal has a small, triangular-shaped head with short ears and black eyes. Skunks have short, stout legs and five-toed feet used for digging holes.

Skunks are an easy nuisance animal to identify. Their unique characteristics, a white stripe down the back of their black fur and notorious stinky smell, are undeniable. Skunks are nocturnal, so it would not be unusual to smell their unique odor without seeing them. However, if that smell lingers daily, you might have a resident skunk in your yard that requires skunk removal.

You may also identify skunks by their noises, which can be annoying. These noises include hissing, chirping, squealing, and lip-smacking.

The mammal is found in wooded areas, open fields, pastures, and lands bordering forested regions. Primarily active at night, skunks typically use burrows abandoned by other animals to build dens but will also use hollow logs, piles of brush, and culverts to avoid detection.

There are 13 skunk species, including the striped skunk, which is found in southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. The hog-nosed skunk also lives in these places but can be found in Central America and the Caribbean.

Skunks in residential neighborhoods look for hiding spots that are safe from predators, warm, and have enough space to give birth to young—under decks and porches, crawlspaces and basements, tree hollows, logs, rock, or brush piles. Skunks may den under sheds or other structures with openings between the ground and the building. This can include pipe openings, clutter piles in your yard, broken-down cars or equipment, and trenches.

Skunks will enter yards in search of new food sources or suitable dens. It is rare for a skunk to actually enter your house.

They feed on insects, earthworms, small rodents, snakes, frogs, berries, and fruit. Once near human habitation, they may expand their diet to include garbage, unattended pet food, and garden plants.

They will enter your yard if your yard offers access to any of their preferred foods. Skunks avoid human contact. However, leaving pet food unsecured in a garage or on the other side of a pet door may entice them to enter your home. Skunks are known to enter basements for safe, warm denning spots.

They do not often enter homes. Still, they are dangerous, and here’s why. They can host disease-causing parasites such as fleas, mites, ticks, and tapeworms.

While skunks are an essential source of insect control, most human-skunk interactions are negative. Skunks carry various diseases harmful to humans and domesticated animals, such as rabies, a virus that sometimes causes fatal symptoms. They also carry tularemia, a painful disease that affects lymph nodes, eyes, throat, lungs, and intestines. Distemper, another virus transmitted by skunks to pets, infects the lungs, eyes, airways, and nose.

Skunks can shoot their defensive spray up to twenty feet when threatened or cornered. This mode of defense has been known to cause nausea and even intense pain, especially when shot directly in the eyes.

The best way to reduce the chances of incurring a skunk infestation is to modify your home and yard. Secure trash cans, remove pet food from outdoor areas, and carefully monitor the amount of moisture around the home, as skunks eat insects and grubs that thrive in moist settings. Homeowners should also attempt to close off possible denning sites, such as under porches or sheds. Keeping pets indoors at night helps prevent accidental spraying.

Do You Need Skunk Control Services?
The idea of controlling skunks seems an unpleasant one to most people. The thought of getting sprayed alone is enough to call a skunk professional for skunk control services. The truth is that it takes an expert with years of experience who knows how to control skunks to limit the amount of skunk damage these animals can do. Controlling skunk problems is something we at Critter Control pride ourselves on.

Why Is Skunk Control Important?
When a skunk gets into your home, they can cause structural damage to the home, not to mention your insulation and ventilation. You should also consider skunk control services if you fear a nearby skunk may cause odor problems for you or your pets. If you suspect this has happened to you, call Critter Control today for skunk control services. We have been controlling skunks and the damage they cause since 1983 and know how to control skunks in the most effective way possible.

How does Critter Control Get Rid of Skunks?
Critter Control implements the most effective and safest methods of skunk control when working to get rid of skunks around homes. Trapping has proven to be the best skunk control solution. Our professionals also recommend cleaning up areas of the property, like woodpiles and food sources, to help keep the skunks away and to prevent future skunk control problems.

Never handle a skunk without help from a trained expert. Use safety equipment to avoid the harsh consequences of being sprayed by a skunk. Trapping a skunk safely requires special training and gear. In addition, you don’t want to risk breaking local laws and receiving a fine or punishment. Calling in a wildlife specialist is imperative for proper skunk removal, as professional specialists possess the knowledge, tools, and training to resolve skunk problems humanely and effectively.

The best way to eliminate a skunk is to call a professional skunk removal services company, like Critter Control. They have the proper licenses, certifications, education, and training to handle skunk removals. They also have safe and humane equipment and the correct baits for removal.

Professionals use a comprehensive inspection, removal, repair, and exclusion process to eliminate your skunk and prevent future skunk problems.

The best way to get rid of a raccoon is a trap.

Place traps in an area where raccoons frequent. Place the trap on concrete or dirt if possible. Because you need to check a trap regularly, it needs to be placed in a somewhat accessible location.

Keep 12 inches around the trap clear. Raccoons have extremely dexterous front paws with five long, tapered fingers and long nails. Raccoons destroy everything they can get their hands on when trapped.

The lawn underneath the trap and close-by flowers or shrubbery will likely be damaged if accessible. If not, place the trap in a space that is invaluable and does not have any valuable surroundings within arm’s reach.

There are a number of factors that determine pricing; location of the raccoon (i.e. – chimney, attic, crawl, wall void, living area), condition of the raccoon (i.e. – sick, aggressive, dead), location and condition of the property and time of year (i.e. – weather condition, offspring present?).

Generally speaking, pricing will vary by location for just the raccoon removal and that pricing usually does not include the entry repair.

Raccoons are usually gray with black and white markings. The most common way that raccoons are identified are by their bushy, striped tails and mask-like band of black fur under their eyes. Raccoons look somewhat like small bears due to their stout bodies, short legs, and flat feet. They can be distinguished from similar backyard pests, such as opossums and skunks, by their broad heads, pointy noses, and rounded ears.

Yards containing easily accessible sources of food, such as outdoor pet food containers, vegetable gardens, unsecured trash bags, and compost heaps, often attract raccoons into residential areas. If a raccoon is fed or becomes comfortable living around humans, it may attempt bold moves such as entering homes through pet doors to raid kitchens for food.

Raccoons like to live in woodland areas near water sources such as streams, marshes, and rivers. Much of their food supplies comes from aquatic invertebrates such as clams, crayfish, turtles, and snails. The masked creatures also eat a large variety of plant-based foods, such as acorns, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and corn.

Urban areas, farms, and suburbs likewise make good homes for raccoons, who have adapted to city life by learning to scavenge from garbage cans, gardens, and crop fields.

The most common areas for a raccoon in your house are in the attic, inside walls, on the roof, under porches or decks, and crawlspaces.

Where do raccoons nest?
Wild raccoons typically nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, underground burrows, and the abandoned dens of other animals, such as muskrat lodges. In suburban areas, raccoons tend to use insultation in attics for nests or attics as denning sites.
What do raccoons eat?
Their regular meals depend largely on where they live. For raccoons that live in residential areas, that means foraging for food in trash cans, gardens, and even inside homes and other buildings. The animals are notorious for picking through garbage bins and landfills, making messes and earning their status as pests.

What time of year do racoons have babies?
Generally born in late spring, most litters of raccoons contain two to five offspring, known as kits. Young raccoons are at high risk of starvation because they have little time to build up fat reserves before winter. Female raccoons frequently choose chimneys or attics as denning sites.

Do raccoons hibernate?
While raccoons do not hibernate, the pests enter a state of rest throughout the colder months of the year, taking shelter as soon as temperatures drop below their comfort level. Raccoons often den under decks, in attics, or inside chimneys and fireplace flues during this time.

Are raccoons known to enter homes?
Female raccoons, known as sows, may build nests in empty buildings, attics, garages, sheds, and chimneys to raise young kits during the spring. If a raccoon is fed or becomes comfortable living around humans, it may attempt bold moves such as entering homes through pet doors to raid kitchens for food.
How small of a hole can a raccoon get through?
Raccoons are skilled in finding access points to homes, including cracks, crevices, and holes in building exteriors, screens, roofs, and siding. It is very common for raccoons to occupy attics through small holes in the construction of roofs in homes and businesses. Common basement entry points include gaps where utility cables and pipes run into homes, holes near building foundations, open vents, and furnace chimneys.

What do raccoon tracks look like?
Forepaw tracks resemble tiny human handprints with five fingers extending from the palm. Hind paw tracks are similar but show elongated heels that sink deep into the ground. Raccoons have unusual gaits, carrying the majority of their weight on their back ends. This puts the fore and hind paw tracks side by side or slightly offset from each other.

What do raccoons sound like?

Homeowners will mostly hear raccoon noises at night. This is when the pests are most active in their search for food.  Even when raccoons are quiet vocally, they still make noise. The sound of an animal rustling or scurrying about the attic or in the chimney is a common sign that a raccoon has moved in.

Typical raccoon sounds also occur when the pests walk across rooftops, construct their dens, or attempt to gain entry through holes or other small openings that lead to attractive denning sites. People tend to hear raccoon sounds most frequently at night due to the nocturnal behavior of the pests.

Do raccoons hiss or growl?

Raccoon sounds range from the vocalizations the animals use to communicate with each other, to the noises they make as a result of their rustling, scurrying, and other activity. Known to be extremely vocal creatures, raccoons interact by using more than 200 different sounds, which include purring, chittering, growling, snarling, hissing, whimpering, and even screeching like owls. Baby raccoon sounds include mewing, crying, and whining.

What does raccoon poop look like?
Raccoon droppings are tubular in shape, have blunted ends, and are usually dark in color, though coloration is subject to change depending on what the animal has recently consumed.

What damage can a raccoon cause in my home?
​Raccoon damage to yards, roofs, and houses costs homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs every year. These pests are smart and constantly on the hunt for both food and shelter. Their agile paws allow them to tear into materials that would deter other animals, resulting in harm to property.

The most expensive problems occur when raccoons take shelter in houses. The pests are strong enough to pull shingles and boards from roofs to climb into attics. Raccoons on roofs can cause significant damage to your property. Females are known to destroy soffits, fascia boards, shingles, vents, and insulation to establish denning sites. Once a raccoon creates or enlarges a hole in the rooftop, it becomes an easy pathway to the attic.

When raccoons nest in houses, their accumulated waste quickly destroys insulation and saturates woodwork. Their feces spread raccoon roundworm, which is a serious health hazard for residents repairing raccoon damage to homes. In addition, fleas and ticks in raccoon fur can transfer to people or pets.

Can a raccoon damage my yard or garden?
In residential yards, stalks of vegetable plants may be broken and fruits or vegetables stripped by raccoons overnight.

Corn farms may experience widespread destruction as the mammal enjoys eating sweet corn off the cob and other grains. Raccoons have also been known to dig through watermelon plants and scoop out the fruit with their paws. Chicken coops often face danger in the wake of raccoon presence, as hungry raccoons capable of opening fence latches can find their way inside and destroy birds, nests, and eggs.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover the cost of damage?
Some homeowner’s insurance may help pay for the repairs to the structure of your property. If any of your personal items are damaged, insurance generally will not cover that. Additionally, insurance generally does not cover the cost to remove an animal. Your best course of action is to review your policy and deductible information with your insurance agent.

Even after a wildlife technician removes raccoons currently in the yard or house, it’s important to limit the factors that allow new pests to move in. Prevent raccoons by installing chimney caps, pruning trees, fencing the garden, removing food, securing the garbage, and keeping pets secure.

Raccoons have the same three basic needs for survival: food, water, and shelter. Your home provides many opportunities for each. Removing or limiting access to food, water, and shelter can help deter a raccoon infestation.

Using scare tactics with raccoons will sometimes drive them away, but these methods don’t work when the animals become familiar with humans.

The most effective method for raccoon control is exclusion.

• Place guards on top of chimney openings and seal any gaps along the exteriors of attic walls also serves to keep raccoons from gaining entry to homes.
• Secure gardens tall, outward-leaning fences.
• Eliminate food sources that draw them near. Trash bags should be placed in secure bins with tight-fitting lids, and pet food should not be left outside overnight. Cleaning up after barbecues and grills will also help to eliminate the enticing scents of meat.

About the same size or larger than a house cat, raccoons are strong and stocky. They will use their sharp claws and teeth to attack a person or pet if they feel threatened. Avoid leaving dogs and cats unattended outside in an area with suspected raccoon activity.

When upset or moody, raccoons can act like hormonal teenagers. These selfish critters can turn vengeful, aggressive, and territorial in an instant all to assert their dominance.

A cage trap is the most effective and humane raccoon trap. Keep 12 inches around the trap clear. Raccoons have extremely dexterous front paws with five long, tapered fingers and long nails. Raccoons destroy everything they can get their hands on when trapped.

Place your live trap in areas where you see signs of raccoon activity. Inside your home look for signs of tracks or paw prints and raccoon droppings. Outside of your home, look for raccoon droppings, dens, or animal runways. Setting multiple traps in different locations along their pathways can yield better results.

Secure the trap and protect the animal. If you set a trap on the roof, make sure it is secure! Unless the trap can be stabilized, it is not safe for a raccoon to be in a trap on a pitched roof. You should use a trap that has some covering to protect the animal from the elements.

Bait the trap with sweet items to reduce non-target captures. You can purchase sweet pasts. Fruits like cherries or grapes, marshmallows or jelly work effectively as raccoon bait.

Direct capture is not commonly used because raccoons are a rabies vector species. If legal, a healthy trapped raccoon will be relocated with written permission. When babies are removed from an attic, our wildlife specialists seek help from a local wildlife rehabilitation center.

Raccoons are protected animals and receive additional legal protections as game animals in most states. Live trapping and relocation may not be an option, since it is illegal in some states to transfer and release captive animals in locations other than the original capture site. Only certified wildlife specialists and licensed trappers may remove and dispose of problem raccoons outside of specified seasons.

Fairly easy to identify, American badgers have a triangular face with a distinctive black and white pattern, which includes a black patch on each cheek and a characteristic white stripe that extends from the nose to the back of the head. Their bodies are flat and stocky, supported by four black feet, and covered with shaggy, silver-gray fur. Badgers can weigh up to 30 pounds (13.5 kg) but average about 19 pounds (8.6 kg) for males and 14 pounds (6.3 kg) for females.

More about what a badger looks like.

Difference between racoons and badgers.

Widely distributed in the contiguous United States, American badgers are found from the Great Lakes states to the Ohio Valley and westward through the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast. They live at elevations of up to 12,000 feet (3,600 m) and have steadily expanded their range eastward over the past century or so. Badgers prefer to live in open areas with light to moderate cover, such as pastures, rangelands, deserts, alpine meadows and woodland edges inhabited by burrowing rodents. Conversely, they are seldom found in areas with many trees.

Are badgers known to enter homes or yards?
While badgers are not usually known to enter homes, they will burrow in yards and gardens in search of food and shelter. Their burrowing habits can cause significant damage to lawns and even result in the erosion of structural supports. Badgers also have a history of raiding poultry barns.

Do badgers harm people or property?
Most badger damage occurs as the pests dig in pursuit of prey. The open burrows they leave behind create a hazard to livestock and horseback riders. Badgers digging in crop fields may also slow harvesting or cause damage to farm equipment. Furthermore, their digging and burrowing can have an adverse effect on earthen dams or dikes and irrigation canals, which results in flooding and the loss of irrigation water. When badgers dig on the shoulder of the road, it can lead to erosion and the collapse of the street surface.

Badgers are not typically dangerous, though they have a reputation for defending themselves aggressively and fearlessly against predators. If a badger infestation occurs on your property or near your home, contact your local Critter Control office to set up a service appointment. Before the pest control technician arrives, walk around the exterior of the home and try to locate the entry or exit holes of the badger burrows, as this will be helpful for removal.

Critter Control technicians are Certified Wildlife Specialists, with the knowledge and tools to get rid of your badger problem. Our technicians practice humane badger removal techniques that ensure the safe capture and release of the pests. Critter Control badger specialists are trained in badger identification, badger removal, badger trapping, badger control, and badger prevention.

On average, the nine-banded armadillo weighs 12 pounds (5.4 kg), is 15 inches (38 cm) long, and has a tail about as long as its body. With a name meaning “little armored one,” armadillos are recognizable thanks to their flexible bone structures, which act as armor in defense against predators. The nine-banded armadillo is named for the increased amount of neutrally colored segmented bone plates that run across its back.

Read more about what what armadillos look like.

While they live throughout South America and stretch across Mexico, the nine-banded armadillo only inhabits the states of Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Unable to stand cold weather and extremely dry climate conditions due to the lack of fat tissue and poor water retention capabilities, the animals only live in climates guaranteed to consistently produce warm and somewhat humid weather.

The most glaring sign of an armadillo intruder is small burrows sometimes as deep as a couple feet. Spotting the small creatures can be difficult due to the fact that they are nocturnal, though they become active at dusk. Areas with high concentrations of grubs, insects, and other popular food sources can attract the animals in number.

What do armadillo tracks look like?

Armadillo damage arises from their proclivity to dig holes. Their food-seeking process creates small holes about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 cm) deep and 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) wide. Additional damage is done when the animal strays too close to driveways or sidewalks, as well as low hanging house structures that suffer scratch damage from the hardened shell. Although rare, armadillos can transmit Hansen’s disease, more commonly known as Leprosy, to humans. Armadillos are the only known animal susceptible to the disease besides humans.

More information on damage caused by armadillos.

Armadillo scat.

Unlike some wild animals, armadillos present little danger to people. However, controlling the animal can protect expensive landscaping and the integrity of surrounding property such as driveways and decks. One way to keep armadillos away is to build a fence that feeds a few feet into the ground. Adding unfavorable scents to the yard can deter the nuisance, as well, since they possess acute senses of smell.

Trapping and removal can be tricky. Calling a certified professional to manage the procedure is the best way to ensure the safety of the animal and to make sure armadillos cannot find their way back to the property. Handling armadillos without proper protection can lead to scratches and increases the risk of contracting unwanted disease.

Armadillo trap in Destin, FL from Robert Ard.

Ranging in size from 5 to 8 inches, moles have either gray or brown fur. Their most notable feature is their large front feet with long claws, which allow the animal to dig with ease. Broad necks and strong shoulders also aid the mammal in excavation. Moles have long snouts, no outer ears, and light-sensitive eyes that are difficult to see at first glance, as they are covered by fur.

Moles can be found in various habitats like woodlands, grasslands, farmlands, and both urban and suburban areas. They create long, intricate tunnel systems with relative ease thanks to their efficient claws. Entrances to these tunnels are readily identifiable due to the mounds of dirt that appear above them, which are commonly called mole hills. Some species of moles are also semi-aquatic and search bodies of water for food while still living on land.

Are moles known to enter homes or yards?
The small animal is notorious for entering yards and gardens and digging tunnel systems in search of food, areas to breed, and secure locations in which to sleep. Moles prefer loose, moist soil, are active year round, and spend most of their time underground, which makes complete elimination a difficult task.

Do moles harm people or property?
Primarily carnivores that feast on earthworms, grubs, and other dangerous insect invaders, moles are generally beneficial, though their tunneling activities may become problematic. Their tunnels cause damage to lawns, gardens, golf courses, and pastures. Though more an irritation than fiscally taxing, mole activity can turn grasses unsightly shades of brown and even prevent planted vegetation from becoming securely rooted into place. Moles may bite when handled by humans.

Homeowners have many options when dealing with moles, as the pests are not protected under any law. From trapping to baiting, each method of mole control is best suited to particular sets of circumstances. For example, traps and baits can be effective but depend on placement.

Given the elusive nature of moles, trapping is a difficult and tedious process better left to professionals. The wildlife specialists at Critter Control possess the proper tools, skills, and knowledge to combat mole problems efficiently and humanely.

Opossums are about the size of a cat. They have a pointed face with a narrow snout, small eyes, and a long, hairless, prehensile tail that acts as a fifth limb, allowing them to climb well. Covered in grayish-white fur, the opossum has more teeth than any other mammal in the U.S.

Opossums are relatively small, measuring about 15 to 20 inches long and weighing between four and twelve pounds.

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. Their natural habitat is in woodland areas, along streams, marshes, or ponds. As these types of habitats are dwindling, opossums have become successful living wherever food, water, and shelter exist, including suburban environments.

Opossums have a relatively short life span in contrast to other mammals of their size. They usually live only one to two years in the wild. Mother opossums give birth to litters of tiny opossum babies the size of honeybees, known as joeys, which crawl inside the mother’s pouch and continue to grow. Once the joeys become too large for the pouch, they ride upon the mother’s back while she scavenges for food.

Although opossums prefer to build their nests in tree cavities or the abandoned dens of other animals, they often enter yards and homes, making their nests in attics, under porches and decks, and in sheds and crawl spaces. They construct nests of twigs, cloth scraps, grass, and other materials in dark, secluded places where opossums sleep during the day.

Opossums can be identified by some distinct signs that include:

• Tracks that look much like a human hand.
• Varied Vocalizations, such as hissing, growling, and clicking.
• Droppings that are cylindrical but curl up at the ends.

Opossums are not the most destructive critter and will generally avoid people instead of attack, they are a nuisance and can make a mess.

Even though opossums have an unappealing, rat-like appearance, they do not attack humans. To avoid confrontation, opossums play dead so predators leave them alone.

The danger they pose is that they carry diseases such as tuberculosis, spotted fever, and other neurological and respiratory illnesses. Opossums eat and carry ticks. Other parasites they carry include mites and lice.

Opossums harm property. If within a home or shed, they will gnaw wood and electrical wires, causing instability and the risk of fire. In the yard, they will help themselves to fruit and vegetables. They will also eat unsecured pet food left outside overnight and rummage through garbage cans or compost heaps to find bits and scraps to eat. Opossums have also been known to enter chicken coops and destroy birds, nests, and eggs.

Opossum control is the process of habitat modification that makes a yard and home less attractive to opossums.

These activities include sealing gaps to limit an opossum’s ability to get into walls, trimming branches that overhang the house so opossums can’t access the roof, and tightly sealing trash cans.

Though they are not prone to aggression, opossums are still wild animals. As such, any attempts at opossum trapping should be done by a trained professional. Critter Control specialists are educated in opossum behavior and can effectively and safely trap an opossum. Untrained individuals do not have the knowledge, resources, and certifications to safely and properly handle the marsupials as professionals do.

If you need an opossum removal service, call Critter Control at 1-800-Critter. Schedule a free inspection and let an opossum animal control expert at Critter Control create a plan for opossum removal, exclusion, and repair that will not only get rid of opossums but lessen the chance of future infestations.

Otters have streamlined bodies with rounded heads and thick, tapered tails. Sea otters can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh in excess of 60 pounds while river otters are usually around 4 feet lengthwise and weigh up to 30 pounds. Both species have brown to reddish-brown coats, webbed feet, and dense fur that helps them swim and stay warm. The thick whiskers of the animal aid in foraging for food, as do their retractable claws.

More information on what an otter looks like.

Otters are often confused with beavers.

Found wherever there is access to water, otters often live in marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes. River otters tolerate various climates and environments, making homes in both warm and cold locations as well as at differing elevations. Their dens typically have underwater entrances and tunnels leading to nests. Sea otters spend the majority of their time in the water, only occasionally coming ashore to rest. They may shelter in abandoned beaver dams, but they do not build dams.

Are otters known to enter homes or yards?
Typically, otters will not enter homes or yards unless they are in close proximity to the animal’s natural habitats. Nevertheless, as is the case with any wild animal, it is possible for otters to find their way into areas inhabited by humans when in search of food.

• Tracks
• Sounds

Do otters harm people or property?
Major damage is caused when otters take up residence in ponds or fisheries as these locations provide the animal with constant access to food. Their feeding may create imbalance in pond ecosystems or cost owners of fisheries significant sums of money in losses. The animal is also dangerous as they bite and claw at humans when they feel threatened or cornered. Additionally, otters can contract certain diseases that are transmittable to cats and dogs. River otters may also carry parasites like nematodes, roundworms, and tapeworms, as well as bacterial diseases such as salmonellosis and tuberculosis.

In order to keep otters out of private ponds and fisheries, property owners may construct wire fences. Additionally, building walls along the shore makes it difficult for otters to exit bodies of water, which effectively traps the animal until removal is possible. Barring entry to potential den sites under porches, sheds, and homes can also keep otters away from human lodgings. Avoid contact, because like many wild animals, they can transmit rabies.

As otters are wild animals, attempts to trap or employ lethal control methods are considerably dangerous. Instead of recklessly handling problems without aid, contact Critter Control technicians. Wildlife removal specialists have the proper training, knowledge, and equipment to remove and humanely relocate otters that become nuisance pests.

Female rabbits are larger than males and jackrabbits are typically larger than cottontails. These animals range in size from 1 to 7 pounds (up to 3 kg) and grow between 12 to 21 inches (30 to 53 cm) long. Many species of rabbits have different coats during winter than they do during summer for camouflage purposes, and fur coloration can be brown and white, gray and white, brown and gray, and entirely white. All rabbits have long ears and strong hind legs suitable for hopping.

More info about what rabbits look like.

Rabbits are found in various habitats and at many different elevations throughout Canada, the United States, and some parts of Mexico. The mammals show preference for nesting in meadows, orchards, farmlands, bushes, and open forests but are also found in swamps, riverside thickets, bogs, and deserts.

Are rabbits known to enter homes or yards?
The diets of rabbits often lead them into residential areas such as lawns and gardens. As they prey on beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, apples, various berries, citrus trees, plums, cilantro, parsley, flowering plants, shrubs, trees, and turf, rabbits are frequently found on farms, in lawns, and other places where human activities offer them access to vegetation. Though they do not typically enter homes unless kept as domestic pets, rabbits will burrow under porches, decks, and barns if suitable openings are present.

Rabbits in garage

What noises do they make?

Do rabbits harm people or property?
Though they are not the most immediate disease-carrying threat to humans, rabbits can spread tularemia, or rabbit fever, to people who handle infected rabbits with bare hands or eat underprepared rabbit meat. Additionally, rabbits can host fleas and ticks and contribute to the spread of Lyme disease.

The bulk of rabbit destruction, however, is consequence of their feeding habits. Rabbits nibble on a number of plants and crops that would otherwise be harvested for human consumption. Depending on the size of rabbit infestations, their consumption of vegetation may remain harmless and innocuous. Where infestations become too large in size, rabbits can devastate the health of trees, plants, and turf.

Modifying yards to make them less favorable to rabbits both in terms of food and shelter is a fairly effective form of population control. Fencing in gardens, orchards, and similarly tempting landscapes is a long-term solution that proves particularly effective, though individuals must make sure fencing extends far enough into the ground to prevent rabbits from digging their way under. Holes in the foundation of sheds, barns, porches, decks, and patios should be sealed to prevent rabbits from nesting, as well.

What to do if you find a dead rabbit.

If rabbit infestations get out of hand, landowners should call Critter Control specialists to deal with the problem. Since rabbits are wild animals who may bite or scratch when they feel threatened, approaching them without the proper training is dangerous. The professionals at Critter Control have knowledge of rabbit behavior, abundant tools, and certifications that allow them to deal with infestations humanely and safely.

The coat of the shrew is dense and velvety to the touch. Shrews have small eyes, ears covered almost entirely by fur, long snouts, and five toes on every foot. As one of the smallest mammals, some species of shrew only grow a couple inches in length and weigh around 2 to 3 grams.

More information on what shrews look like.

Shrews vs Moles

Shrews are found throughout the United States in various habitats. Nesting under logs and rocks, shrews can build tunnel systems through nearly any substance, including snow, dirt, and leaves. The insectivore lives in marshes, open fields, woodlands, and anywhere vegetation provides ample coverage.

Are shrews known to enter homes or yards?
It is possible for shrews to end up in garages, barns, cellars, and sheds, especially once the weather begins to cool. While they can enter homes, it is less likely to occur. Both flower and vegetable gardens become susceptible to shrew activity once populations thrive in surrounding areas, as the animal digs and tunnels while in search for its next meal. Shrews also take up residence in the ruts between fence posts, as the area usually provides excellent cover. Thankfully, they are usually not abundant enough to become perpetual pests.

• Holes in yards
• What noises do they make?
• Tracks
• Droppings

Do shrews harm people or property?
Since some shrew bites are venomous, people should never attempt to handle the tiny mammals. Though not lethal, shrew bites can trigger minor allergic reactions. Since the animal is generally solitary, shrew damage to gardens, lawns, and fields typically remains minimal.

As is the case for other tunneling animals, shrew populations can be kept out of homes and yards through methods of exclusion. Burying wire in the ground to keep shrews from tunneling into gardens can be effective, as is putting up fencing since most species of shrews are not good climbers. Also, shrews may harbor ticks.

Cats and other natural predators may help control populations of the tiny mammal by killing shrews. However, they typically do not eat shrews, as they have a musky odor. The only way to ensure shrews are removed properly is to call a trained wildlife specialist when they enter homes or manmade structures. Critter Control professionals possess the knowledge, skills, and training to trap and remove shrews both humanely and effectively.

Weasels have slender, snake-like bodies ranging from about 7 inches (18 cm) to almost 9 inches (23 cm) in length. Short legs, a long neck, sharp teeth and claws, and a small head make up their other distinguishing characteristics. Long-tailed weasels and stoat weasels have black-tipped tails, with the latter species also featuring white feet. Least weasels also have white feet, but their tails lack a black tip. During the winter, weasels produce white fur coats to help camouflage themselves in the snow.

With the exception of Antarctica and Australia, weasels are commonly found around the globe. Long-tailed weasels are found throughout the U.S., excluding the desert, as well as in southwestern Canada. Stoats live throughout most of Canada and the northwestern United States, including Alaska. The least weasel also inhabits much of Canada and Alaska, with a range that extends down through Minnesota, the Great Lakes region, and parts of New York. Most weasels prefer to live close to water sources and occupy holes and burrows left behind by prey.

Are weasels known to enter homes or yards?
As opportunistic feeders, weasels continually search for food. Though seldom seen in buildings, weasels are curious by nature, which can lead them inside on rare occasions. Properties with dense rodent populations, such as farms, are especially attractive to the predators. Additionally, chicken coops are tantalizing sources of meals for weasels, as both the eggs and fowl are easy prey in these contained environments.

Do weasels harm people or property?
Despite their small stature, weasels are known to attack and capture prey at least twice their size. Weasels can be dangerous to humans, as the predatory animals possess sharp claws and teeth. However, they typically flee when faced with threats and emit a pungent odor to dissuade predators. Weasels often go undiscovered on farms until chickens are disturbed. When weasels attack chickens, they damage the area where the birds are contained and cause the loss of eggs and/or poultry.

Exclude weasels by closing off potential entry points larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Buildings in which animals are housed, like barns and chicken coops, should receive the most attention regarding weasel control and exclusion. Weasels are considered nuisances only when it comes to poultry, as the pests otherwise keep small rodent populations in check.

Various forms of trapping and weasel removal can deter the pests from invading. Critter Control wildlife specialists are well equipped to handle weasel trapping and removal, as well as develop a comprehensive plan of action that effectively keeps the nuisance animals at bay.

Since ring-tailed cats have brown fur and bushy, banded tails, residents sometimes mistake them for raccoons. However, the pests are closer in shape to small foxes or large squirrels. They have proportionally larger ears and eyes than raccoons, and their long tails often exceed their body length.

While ring-tailed cats may look cute, residents should never approach one. Like any wild animal, these pests will defend themselves. A bristled tail and high-pitched call may signal that a ring-tailed cat feels threatened. To limit exposure to harmful parasites and viruses from these animals, bring pets inside at night and caution children to avoid touching a ring-tailed cat.

Do ring-tailed cats harm people or property?
A ring-tailed cat is more likely to live near humans if it is hungry. The animals often mark their territory with urine and foul-smelling secretions, which can attract other wildlife pests. Though they will usually run away from people, an infected ring-tailed cat can spread the rabies virus through bites or scratches.

Are ring-tailed cats known to enter homes or yards?
Due to their size and agility, ring-tailed cats can squeeze through holes in foundations or gaps in roofs. Chimneys, broken windows, and loose floorboards are other possible entry points. A ring-tailed cat sees trash cans, gardens, and bird nests as steady sources of food, so these factors can lead to ongoing conflicts with homeowners.

Ring-tailed cats prefer hot, dry climates and rocky, desert terrain, making them common in the U.S. Southwest. Using their tails for balance, these strong climbers can reach a variety of areas high off the ground. A ring-tailed cat will typically den in rock crevices, hollow logs, or debris on lawns, though attics and sheds are not off limits.

When ring-tailed cats enter houses or frequent lawns, it is generally to find food. Securing garbage bins, removing rodents from yards, and repairing openings in homes can help to deter an infestation. Contact the experts at Critter Control to safely and effectively address a ring-tailed cat problem.

Mountain beavers are small and stocky, ranging between 10 to 14 inches in length and weighing around two pounds. Despite their name, these rodents look more similar to woodchucks than beavers. The mountain beaver has a short and stubby tail, long claws for digging, and dark brown fur with a lighter underbelly.

The most effective method for regulating mountain beavers is trapping. However, these rodents have a keen sense of smell, making them wary of anything humans touch.

Do mountain beavers harm people or property?
While it is rare to see a mountain beaver, their distinctive dens give them away. Points of entry and exit leave large holes in yards, and there can be as many as 10 to 30 entrances per burrow. Collapsed tunnels may create unappealing ruts in the grass or even mudslides and sinkholes in wet areas.

Mountain beavers also feed on plants and seedlings, which causes costly damage to gardens, landscaping, and trees. Bark stripped from trunks and young trees chewed down to the ground may be signs of a problem with these pests.

Are mountain beavers known to enter homes or yards?
Although they do not typically infest human structures, mountain beavers may move into neighborhoods in wooded areas. Damp slopes with plenty of shade are most likely to attract the pests. Lawns with tall grass or debris, like woodpiles and fallen trees, are also susceptible to infestation.

These animals prefer to live in forests with ample brush and ground-level vegetation. The mountain beaver stays underground except when it surfaces to eat, preferring to live in an extensive burrow system full of multiple chambers and exits.

Because of their elusive and solitary nature, mountain beavers can be tough to get rid of without professional help. Consult the experts at Critter Control for a quality inspection, safe removal, and reliable prevention.