Critter Control of Central Michigan (Tri-Cities)

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Wildlife Control in Central Michigan

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Central Michigan has many beautiful natural and residential areas. Known for its seasonal changes and cold winters, Central Michigan hosts many animals familiar to the American Midwest. In areas like Central Michigan, where human and wildlife habitats meet and intertwine, there can be problems with wildlife attempting to inhabit your space, especially in the cold months of winter. Although there are many wildlife concerns for residents of Central Michigan, we can handle them all!

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 a Critter Control office near you today.

STEP 1

Wildlife Inspection

During the inspection we try to ascertain how many animals there are, where they are located, and how they got in. Based on what you have seen, heard and smelled, we start the inspection where you have noticed signs of animal activity. Evidence of animals inside your home include nests, dens, feces, and animal tracks. We investigate the exterior of your home looking for possible entry points, any evidence of animal damage, tracks, fur, animal waste, or rub marks.

STEP 2

Trapping and Removal

We use several methods to humanely remove the animal from your home. Depending on the species, the number of animals, and the condition of your property, we develop a custom wildlife removal plan. Humane wildlife removal strategies include animal traps, one-way doors, and repellents. Once we guarantee all animals are gone, we implement exclusion techniques. Exclusion techniques provide a safe, long-term solution to nuisance wildlife in your home. We create barriers to prevent animals from getting to resources. We only apply exclusions once we are sure all animals are gone from your home.

STEP 3

Exclusion for Wildlife Control

Wildlife will damage your home. Exclusion techniques repair any damage the animal causes getting into your home. Inside your home, animals build nests and dens out of readily available material. They will create runs through the insulation. Rodents will gnaw on anything including electrical wires and pipes. Animals can also spread diseases. 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.

Raccoon Removal in Central Michigan

Raccoons are common in Central Michigan, and we know what to do when they become a problem for you or your home. These animals are very smart and can get into many areas around your home in their search for food and shelter. Raccoons love to get into garden sheds, houses, and outdoor areas around the home. It may be tempting to get excited when you see a raccoon as they look cute. However, these animals can harbor parasites and diseases and should not be approached

Inspection

Inspection

During the inspection, we determine the severity of the raccoon infestation. We look for physical evidence like footprints in or around the home, stains from raccoon feces and urine. On the exterior of the house, we look for damage like scratches on boards, broken vents and screens, ripped apart shingles, destroyed soffits, and every possible entry point.

Trapping and Removal

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.

Repairs

Exclusions for Raccoon Control

We provide a wide range of repair and restoration services. We can repair raccoon damage like broken screens on vents and chimneys and broken boards on decks and porches. It is essential to apply cleaning agents and ectoparasite treatments on areas inhabited by raccoons.

Bat Removal

Michigan is home to nine bat species. Big brown and little brown bats are the most common and can be found in buildings. Although bats can be a nuisance for home and business owners throughout the Greater Midland and Saginaw Bay area, they are protected by law and may not be harmed. We do not trap or catch bats. A one-way valve harmlessly gets rid of the bats and protects your home.

Call for a two year bat guarantee for customers in Greater Midland and Saginaw Bay. 

Inspection

Inspection

A bat hole can be as small as 3/8 of an inch. Most bat entry points cannot be seen from the ground. We start in the attic to look for signs of bats including guano, mold, and leaks. From there we inspect the exterior of the roof and house to identify all bat entry points.

Trapping and Removal

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.

Repairs

Bat Exclusions

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.

Squirrel Removal

Squirrels are very common in Central Michigan and can cause quite a bit of damage to your property. They search for warm places to live—often during the cold winter and early spring—to have their babies.

Inspection

Inspection

Wildlife specialists look for signs such as chewing on, in, or around your home, small openings leading to the attic or the crawl space, droppings, and debris like nuts or nesting material. Beams, wires, pipes, and insulation may all show signs of damage from squirrels.

Trapping and Removal

Squirrel Trapping

Live trapping or one-way doors are the most effective and humane ways to get rid of squirrels. One-way doors should never be used during birthing seasons (Spring & Fall), so our specialists will decide which is the best tool for the job. If we have to trap, we place traps strategically to safely catch the squirrels and check those according to state laws.

Repairs

Repairs

We can restore your home or office by squirrel proofing all entry points after we have removed the offenders. We can also clean-up the nesting sites and remove any debris, food, feces and soiled insulation.

Rat and Mice Pest Control

Rodents of all shapes and sizes can be found in Central Michigan. They love to make their home in small, dry places where they can raise their young and have access to a food supply. Rodents can do a lot of damage to your home, so it is important to call us as soon as you suspect a problem.

Inspection

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

Rodent Trapping

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.

Repairs

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

Skunks in Central Michigan dig holes in yards while searching for grubs and other insects to eat. They are active at night, so homeowners often get an unpleasant surprise when they see their ruined lawn in the morning.

Treating the yard for grubs is not enough to get rid of skunks, as the pests eat several types of insects and worms that live just beneath the topsoil. To make matters worse, skunks spray if startled and have no problem targeting both humans and pets.

Inspection

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

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.

Repairs

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.
We recommend keeping pet food inside and securing any trash bins.

Bird Control

Birds are very prevalent in Central Michigan and can cause problems for your home year-round. This area is home to many different types of birds, some of which can create trouble in or around your property. It is never a good idea to try to remove a bird yourself, as some birds are even protected by law.

Inspection

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 and Removal

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

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
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 Local Franchisee Curt Baker

Can you please describe the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in the Midland area?

Bats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, moles, skunks and opossums.

Bats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, moles, skunks and opossums.

It’s very seasonal in Central Michigan and the Midland area. Bats are active from Easter through Halloween. Raccoons are more active in the spring with babies, and mice are almost the only thing active in the winter months. Moles are active from May through October and skunks are most active during the breeding season, around February. Squirrels and opossums are active almost any time of year.

What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?

Bat droppings, mice trails and tunnels, feed leftovers from squirrels. Outside is where the entry points are found on the house. Also look for holes in ground, under a deck or shed.

Any prevention or exclusion tips for residents in your area?

Keep all junk and debris away from the house and call Critter Control.

When should homeowners call you?

When they hear noises in the house, notice mouse droppings or see animals in the yard.

This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Baker Nuisance Wildlife of Midland, LLC, dba Critter Control of Central Michigan.