Wildlife species thrive in parts of Springfield, MO, where food and shelter are available. This is especially true in densely populated areas, such as neighborhoods. It is not unusual for homeowners to find animals living in yards, attics, and garages.
A common nuisance in Springfield, opossums search backyards for food. They often get into bird feeders or garbage near houses. Another outdoor pest, groundhogs, can scale fencing to reach gardens and ornamentals. Mole burrows also create a tripping hazard in Missouri lawns.
Cory is the President/Owner of Critter Control of SWMO and has been with Critter Control since 2017. Cory is originally from Aurora, Missouri, where he grew up. He has obtained his NWCOA Bat certification and Certified Commercial Operators License from the Missouri Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program.
Cory’s favorite type of work at Critter Control would be with raccoons. The process of investigating the access points and determining the intellect they use to enter the home requires a lot of thought and a great deal of consideration. He enjoys taking on the challenge of ensuring the raccoons are removed and are no longer allowed access for the customer.
Cory currently resides in Ozark with his wife Sonnie and three dogs, Zoey, Wilde, and Whiskey. They’ve been together since 2018. When Cory isn’t working, he loves spending time at Table Rock Lake and Flat Creek, especially during the summer. He also likes most kinds of racing, extreme sports, CrossFit, and watching baseball.
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in your area? We tend to primarily deal with mice, squirrels, raccoons, and bats in attic spaces. Crawl space and ground pests include moles, skunks, woodchucks, opossums, raccoons, and armadillos.
How do the seasons affect wildlife activity around Springfield-Branson? During the spring, most wildlife have their young, therefore we receive a lot of calls pertaining to an increase of noise in attic spaces. During the summer months, we stay busy with bats accessing the living spaces of residential homes and commercial buildings. During the winter months, most of our calls are for squirrels and raccoons in the attic (they are seeking shelter from the elements).
Any prevention tips for residents in your area? Animals generally access homes through louver vents, soffit roof interface, soffit gaps, roof vents, power fan vents, general foundation construction gaps, foundation vents, and open chimney flues. Make sure any related issues are addressed promptly.
When should homeowners call Critter Control of Springfield-Branson? When a customer has any concerns of unusual noises or odors coming from their attic or crawl space, notices any unusual activity in or around the yard and landscaping that might be caused by a “critter,” or if a homeowner just wants an inspection by a trained professional to give them peace of mind that their home is secured and animal-free.