Image of a Muskrat

Muskrats or Nutria?

Nutria and muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that cause issues for property owners. Large numbers of the pests can damage natural habitats as well as costly landscaping.

Spotting the difference between muskrat and nutria damage can be difficult. Both animals harm water control structures and burrow into banks, levees, and dikes. This activity may lead to erosion and flooding. Nutria also damage wetlands when they overgraze plants.

Muskrat vs. Nutria Identification

Although the pests have similar effects on property, some differences between muskrats and nutria identify these animals. Residents who catch a glimpse of the pest itself or its home will find it easier to pinpoint the cause of their problem.

Size

There is a clear difference in muskrat vs. nutria size. Muskrats weigh about three to four pounds, while nutria range from 11 to 22 pounds.

Tail

When trying to decide whether an animal is a muskrat or a nutria, check the pest's tail. Muskrats have thin, scaly tails that are flat on the sides. On the other hand, nutria tails are rounded, hairy, and rat-like.

Den

Nutria use foliage to make beds and dig volleyball-sized dens in ditches and river banks. Muskrats build mounds of plants and mud with underground entrances.

Control

Many methods for recognizing muskrats vs. nutria rely on visual cues. Since both pests are nocturnal, it may be tough to spot either one. For reliable identification and removal, the best bet is to contact a local Critter Control office.

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Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
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10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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