Critter Control in Salt Lake City

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Salt Lake City, sandwiched between the southern end of the Great Salt Lake and the snow-capped Wasatch Mountain Range, is the most populous city in Utah. The city and its surroundings have their share of wildlife, ranging from small birds to huge bison. Urban growth, seasonal climate changes and food scarcity, and easy access to human food and shelter are causing more and more wildlife to wander into communities, putting the safety of residents, tourists, pets, and our homes in jeopardy.

Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process

Critter Control is here for you every step of the way in the wildlife removal process. We understand the importance of protecting your loved ones from nuisance wildlife in Salt Lake City, ensuring a safe environment for your family and pets. We also care about wildlife, always eradicating wildlife humanely and according to all legal and environmental requirements.

We know how to handle any type of nuisance wildlife in Salt Lake City. First, we identify the animal on the property, then use humane methods to trap and remove the pests and then secure weak points where more could enter. If damage has been done, we can make those repairs for a complete restoration.

STEP 1

Pest Control Inspection

During the inspection, we aim to confirm what animal is in your home or on your property, how many 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 noticed signs of animal activity. Evidence of animals inside your home includes 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

Animal Trapping and Pest 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 that all animals are safely removed, we implement exclusion techniques. Exclusion techniques provide a safe, long-term solution to nuisance wildlife in your home by creating barriers that prevent future infestations.

STEP 3

Exclusion and Remediation

Wildlife damages your home, risks your health, and makes your home feel less like your haven. Our skilled professionals use exclusion techniques to repair any damage the animal causes when getting into your home, as well as the damage they create inside, such as gnawing through beams and wires, defecating and urinating, and spreading parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Ectoparasite treatments exterminate those pests so you don’t become their next host.

Raccoon Removal in Salt Lake City

Raccoons have adapted well to the Salt Lake City urban lifestyle. They prefer making a nest in a cozy place, like your attic, chimney, basement, or garage. They use insulation, papers, carpeting, and any other items they can find. You can hear them growling, squealing, and whining while scavenging.

Raccoons can become aggressive when cornered, especially if they have kits. For your safety, let an experienced Critter Control specialist humanely remove these creatures using the proper equipment. Our process involves:

Inspection

Inspection

During the inspection, we determine the severity of the raccoon infestation. We place traps strategically to safely catch the raccoons, checking traps frequently to ensure their safety as well as to adhere to state laws.  Direct capture is not commonly used because raccoons are a rabies vector species.

Trapping and Removal

Raccoon Trapping

A cage trap is the most effective raccoon removal near you. 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

Raccoon Control

The most effective raccoon control is to employ Critter Control exclusions. We provide a wide range of repair and restoration services, including repairing broken screens on vents and chimneys and broken boards on decks and porches. Indoors, we restore insulation, clean up nests, and apply cleaning agents and ectoparasite treatments on areas inhabited by raccoons.

Rodent Removal

Salt Lake City and its immediate surroundings are home to a wonderfully diverse amount of wildlife, large and small, including migratory birds, deer, wildcats, bison, rabbits, and yes, rats and mice. Rodents seem to flourish everywhere because of how fast they reach sexual maturity and begin to reproduce. This makes controlling them a challenge. One family of rodents can quickly turn into an infestation.

The cold winter climate makes warm residential homes the perfect environment for seeking food, shelter, and water. The most common rodents trying to cohabitate with you are Norway rats, house mice, white-footed mice, and harvest mice.

Rats and mice gain entry through the tiniest of openings. They can climb anything vertically and jump up to 18 inches. They will gnaw on and chew through wood, window screens, shingles, and siding. Rats burrow in the ground beneath your home, trees, and gardens.

Rat and mouse feces and urine can grow molds that may be dangerous to humans. Let Critter Control do the dirty work of getting rid of all your rodent problems.

Inspection

Inspection

During a rodent inspection, we thoroughly probe your home and 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

A Critter Control wildlife specialist will create a strategic, humane 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 take between five to fourteen days.

Repairs

Exclusions for Rodent Control

The best rodent control service for your house is to stop them from entering. Rat and mice exclusions seal the entry points used by rodents. Exclusion methods include caulking cracks in foundations, capping chimneys, and installing mesh covers over vents and crawl space entrances. Our maintenance services control populations in the yard.

Squirrel Removal in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, like thousands of cities across the country, is home to many species of squirrels, both native and invasive. They eat garden crops, nuts, fruit, seeds, grains, bark, and leaves. They spend much of their time collecting foods and nesting items for the winter months, which they store in holes that they dig in your yard or your walls or attic.

Squirrels chew through shingles, siding, and screens to get into your home. They will hurry down chimneys, up spouting, and across gutters. Once indoors, squirrels will gather insulation, drywall, and other items to make a cozy den. Some squirrels may build nests in places that can create a fire hazard, like ducts and chimneys.

Other ways squirrels become nuisance wildlife include:

  • Chewing on power lines
  • Urinating and defecating on your floors and walls
  • Destroying trees by stripping bark
  • Preventing you from sleeping with their chatter
Inspection

Inspection

Critter Control 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 near you. 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

Exclusion for Squirrel Control

Exclusions are the most effective form of squirrel control. By sealing current entry points and strengthening potential ones, we keep squirrels out. We can restore your home or office after a squirrel infestation. Critter Control can also clean up the nesting sites and remove any debris, food, feces, and soiled insulation.

Bat Removal in Salt Lake City

Utah is home to 18 bat species. Bats are remarkable creatures that are beneficial to our environment because of the insects they eat and the plants they pollinate. Bats can eat a thousand insects in an hour, ridding your property of mosquitoes and other flying pests.

All species of bats are protected in Utah because they are endangered or facing extinction due to diseases. If you have bats living in your attic, barn, shed, or trees, then you have a source of insects for the bats to eat. Stagnant water, manure, fountains, ponds, and pole lights attract insects.

Bats are nocturnal, so while you’re sleeping, they are working. Even if you don’t see bats, you can tell you have a bat problem if you have stains on your buildings caused by bat guano. It can also have an awful smell. Bat guano can grow mold, and if you inhale mold spores, it may cause respiratory problems.

Critter Control experts provide many services to remove and exclude bats, such as installing a bat valve or a one-way door that allows bats to fly out but not re-enter. We also seal all gaps where bats are entering your home and sanitize the areas where they were living. Our specialists are fully trained in how to treat a bat infestation humanely. Because they are federally protected and cannot be harmed, it’s especially important to know when to remove them.

Inspection

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).

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 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. We will also remove all the guano, sanitize the area, and recommend installing a fan in the attic, which lowers the attic temperature, acting as a deterrence.

Skunk Control

We have two species of skunks in Salt Lake City, the western spotted and the striped, which is the larger of the two. Spotted and striped skunks have different removal laws set by the state. Everyone knows skunks by their spray, which contains sulfur and is ejected from glands near the rectum. Skunks are like all other nuisance wildlife: They are searching for food, water, and shelter.

They raid bird feeders, trash cans, and pet feed. While they don’t climb well, they can dig and will dig to get food. Skunks will eat squirrels, rabbits, moles, eggs, rats, and mice.

The good news is that you won’t likely find a skunk in your attic. The bad news is that you may find one in your crawlspace, basement, garage, and under decks and porches. They also like to hide in any piles of debris, logs, or rocks around your property. They burrow and tunnel under structures and foundations, putting your safety at risk.

If you have a skunk on your property, let Critter Control take the risks that go with getting rid of a skunk.

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 foundation and under decks to locate burrows.

Trapping and Removal

Skunk Trapping

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 humane 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.

Repairs

Skunk Control

The most effective ways to control a skunk problem are exclusion and habitat modification. Critter Control uses methods such as sealing foundation gaps, replacing and screening broken foundation vents, and installing hardware cloth (rat walls) around unprotected sheds and decks as the most effective and permanent ways to keep skunks out.

In addition, we recommend that homeowners bring pet food inside, secure the lids on trash bins, and clean up yard debris such as leaves and branches to eliminate places where skunks can hide.

Bird Control Services

Few people think of birds as a nuisance. They are beautiful in their diversity of colors and songs. But some species, when they descend in large numbers, can cause extensive damage and create an unhealthy environment.

In Utah, mud swallows like to build mud nests on man-made structures. Pigeons are known for roosting on buildings and for their highly corrosive excrement that damages many surfaces it comes in contact with. European starlings are an invasive species that travel in large flocks. They can damage crops, and their waste not only spreads invasive seeds but can transit disease. House sparrows are also invasive and congregate in flocks to feed on the ground and to roost on buildings.

All of these species create unsanitary conditions when roosting around buildings and produce a loud chatter that is quite annoying. In addition, they harbor parasites such as fleas, lice, and mites.

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 and 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.

Chipmunk Removal

Chipmunks are part of the squirrel family, although there are some significant differences. Smaller than squirrels, chipmunks primarily live on the ground and in long burrows, whereas squirrels live primarily in trees.

Chipmunk tunnels run about two feet underground and then can continue on parallel to the surface for up to thirty feet. These tunnels can cause structural damage when burrowed under patios, outdoor stairs, foundations, and retaining walls. Around your yard, they eat seedlings and flower bulbs, ruining gardens and flower beds. Since chipmunks don’t hibernate, they will occasionally enter homes in an especially cold winter.

Urban chipmunks have developed a few traits that differentiate them from their rural relatives. They have been documented to have a lower level of curiosity about their surroundings and so are less active and have less interest in grooming. The ready availability of food has left less need for them to explore their environment. What this means for homeowners is that chipmunks in your yard are less likely to leave on their own accord. Their lack of grooming makes it more likely that they are bringing more parasites into your home.

 

Inspection

Inspection

The clearest sign of a chipmunk infestation is the damage in your yard. Chipmunks create extensive burrows. Their holes are only two to three inches wide but can stretch 20 to 30 feet. Other signs of chipmunks include eaten seedlings, dug up planted seeds, gnaw marks on tree bark, and destroyed flowers, stems, fruits, and vegetables. Chipmunks rarely enter homes, so the signs of a chipmunk infestation will be in your yard. While it is unlikely a chipmunk is in your house, we will still look for any potential entry points.

Trapping and Removal

Chipmunk Trapping

Chipmunk trapping typically takes 10–14 days; however, this may vary depending on the extent of the chipmunk intrusion. Cage traps with fine mesh can be effective with peanut butter as the bait. Additionally, fruit, nuts, or seeds can bait the trap. Live traps and snare traps can be effective tools to remove chipmunks from your property.

One of the most effective ways Critter Control prevents chipmunk damage is to create exclusions around your home. Buried hardware cloth is a useful option to keep chipmunks out of gardens and flower beds. Additionally, you can use wire mesh to prevent chipmunks from entering your home. The wire mesh should be secured to any openings that a chipmunk may be able to squeeze through.

Repairs

Control & Remediation

Once a chipmunk is removed, the hole can be filled in, and you can rebuild your garden bed. A chipmunk will not move into the removed chipmunk’s burrow. They each dig their own. However, a small burrow left open can become home to other pests, such as yellow jackets, so filling in the hole is recommended.

Chipmunks can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, and foundations. If a chipmunk enters a home, it typically uses a downspout or gutter. Critter Control will install gutter guards to prevent that from happening.

Snake Removal

Utah is home to 31 snake species. In the Salt Lake City area, only the Great Basin rattlesnake is venomous. Although snakes are beneficial animals to our ecosystem because they love to eat rodents, they are opportunists and usually only enter a home or other building if they are on the hunt for rodents.

They do not have the physical means to create an opening and so can only seek out available cracks in a foundation, gaps around doors and windows, or even an open door. The most likely spot for snakes to hide is under a porch or crawl space. Snakes depend on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When it is too hot outside, they like the cool of the underside of a porch. In colder weather, they seek out warmer places, and the combination of warmth and rodents in a house provides both temperature control and a meal.

Inspection

Inspection

Snakes are excellent at avoiding detection. They make little noise, are always on the move, and like dark, seldomly used spaces. We inspect your home for potential entry points and look for signs like snake skin and feces. Because a snake typically enters a home hunting for food, our wildlife inspector also looks for signs of a rodent infestation.

Trapping and Removal

Removal & Control

Depending on the location, we can set a live trap or direct capture, always employing humane methods. Exclusion is the most effective way to keep snakes out of your home. If rodents are present, it is essential to exterminate the rodent infestation. Their presence will continue to attract snakes.

Repairs

Exclusions for Snake Control

In addition to dealing with any possible rodent problem that is attracting snakes to your property, a Critter Control specialist will assist with sealing possible entry points and also encourage you to remove any debris where snakes can easily take up residence.

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The Critter Control Difference

Guaranteed Work Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Critter Control® takes great pride in providing quality workmanship resulting in customer satisfaction.
Financing Available Critter Contorl offers in-home financing through Rollins Acceptance Company (RAC).
One Year Warranty All whole hoome exclusions come with a one year warranty. If they target pests gets back inside your house through our exclusion, we remove the animal, no questions asked.
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
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.