Category: Blog

When dealing with a rodent infestation, the fastest way to resolve the problem is to know which rodent is causing it. With residential homes in the Dallas, TX area, the usual suspects of a rodent infestation are mice and rats. Here are a few easy ways you can identify the different characteristics between a mouse and a rat and put an end to your rodent issue before it spreads out of control.

Differences Between a Mouse and a Rat

1. Rats have smaller ears than mice
2. Mice have thin, long, hairy tails and rats have thick, scaly, hairless, pink tails
3. Mice leave more droppings than rats
4. Rat droppings are rounded, and mice droppings are shaped like grains of rice
5. Mice chew clear cut holes the size of a dime, while a rat’s chew hole is the size of a quarter with torn edges

Dangers and Damages of a Rodent Infestation

Understanding the differences between a mouse and a rat can help you to quickly identify the pests in your home and put an end to the infestation before expensive damages can occur. Some of the many property damages and risks caused by a rodent infestation include:

1. Chewed through drywall, doors, molding, and furniture
2. Frayed wires and cables resulting in electrical power outages and fire hazards
3. Foul and toxic odors due to rodent feces and urine saturation
4. Contaminated surfaces, food, and air quality
5. The spread of contagious diseases through direct contact with rodent droppings or bites and scratches

Once you suspect a rodent infestation exists, it is important to act fast and hire the professional rodent removal specialists at Critter Control® of Dallas before the damages get worse or the health of your family and pets is compromised.

Professional Steps for Rodent Removal

During the first step of the rodent removal process, our qualified rodent removal technician will inspect your house to identify the pests, assess the damage, discover their entry points, and locate their hiding spots. Then, our licensed wildlife experts will strategize a plan to completely remove all rodents using safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly methods. Once your house is rodent free, any damages caused by the infestation will be cleaned and repaired and all entry points will be blocked off to prevent rodents from returning.

Mice and Rat Removal Experts in Dallas, TX

At Critter Control® of Dallas, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to removing unwanted rodents from inside your home. If you are dealing with a rodent infestation in the Greater Dallas area, call us today at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our safe and effective rodent removal services.

Rats pose a huge problem when they infest your home. Recognizing a rat infestation is extremely important in order to resolve the problem as fast as possible. Rats can be found digging under your home, living in your garbage cans, or building nests in your attic and walls. Choosing a proper removal method is essential to effectively rid your property of the problem and prevent any future infestations from occurring.

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Knowing the signs of a rat infestation will help to stop the problem as soon as it starts. Look and listen out for:

1. 1. Droppings – Rats will leave a trail of unpleasant and smelly feces and urine all over your home.
   2. Noises – Rats are known to make scratching, squeaking, and scurrying sounds overhead at night.
   3. Holes and nests – Rats often chew their way inside to nest in attics and darker spaces in homes.
   4. Stains and footprints – Rats will leave dark stains and trail marks on floors and around openings.

Dangers and Damages of Rats

When rats infest your home and property, they can create a number of problems.

1. Rats can pass diseases and infections to you and your pets. This includes, but is not limited to, salmonella, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. 
2. Rats can chew through wires in your electrical system causing power outages and fire hazards.
3. Rats create holes in your drywall, flooring, and under roof shingles to make nests in your home.

Dealing with rats can be a nuisance, but it is important that you immediately take action once a rat problem is discovered. 

Get Rid of Rats Efficiently 

Getting rid of rats can be difficult but avoiding the problem can be dangerous to your health. If a rat infestation is suspected, make sure to seal any gaps in your home and foundation, clean any cluttered spaces, and remove any garbage or potential food sources around your home , and property. Once you take these necessary steps, make sure to contact a reliable rat removal service in your area.

Best Rat Removal Services in Dallas

At Critter Control® of Dallas, we make sure to take the necessary steps in order to put an end to your rat problem effectively and efficiently. Rats can outsmart typical store-bought traps and methods, which can only create more of a problem. If you are dealing with a rat, rodent, or pest infestation in the Dallas area, give us a call at 817-222-1101 for a free estimate.

As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” However, that quote can be extended to its diverse population of invasive wildlife. In the Dallas area, residents often complain about nuisance critters getting into residential homes and commercial businesses and causing damage and destruction. If you are dealing with an animal infestation, hiring a wildlife removal service is a top priority to prevent severe damage to your home. 

Here are some of the wild animals that often invade Dallas properties and what you can expert wildlife removal services to do about it. 

6 Common Invasive Wildlife in Dallas, TX

The following are common nuisance wildlife animals Dallas residents encounter in their homes:

1. Armadillos
2. Birds
3. Mice
4. Raccoons
5. Rats
6. Snakes 

Signs of a Wildlife Infestation

Sometimes you don’t have to see an animal in your home to know that you have a wildlife issue. Aside from causing severe property damage, here are other common signs you have a wildlife infestation:

• Foul or strange odors
• Droppings, urine puddles, and brown stains on your floors or ceilings
• Bite marks or scratches on the walls or electrical wiring
• Trash littered around your property and knocked over garbage cans
• Squeaking, scratching, or scurrying noises coming from your walls or the attic, that are usually louder at night

Safe and Effective Wildlife Removal Service

Although each animal requires its own removal process, the wildlife experts at Critter Control® of Dallas have the experience and tools to quickly resolve the invasive wildlife infestation in your commercial or residential property. Our wildlife removal service follows our safe and efficient four-step CritterSafe® method to remove all nuisance critters. Our wildlife removal process includes:

1. Inspection – A wildlife expert will start by thoroughly inspecting your house to locate the critter, determine the size of the infestation, and find possible entry points.
2. Removal – Next, the wildlife removal expert will create a personalized plan to extract the pests from your home using our safe and eco-friendly CritterSafe® process. 
3. Prevention – Then, our team will clean and repair any property damage caused by the animals.
4. Restoration – Our last step is to seal all entry points to keep wildlife away from your home permanently. 

Professional Wildlife Removal Service in Dallas, TX

Critter Control® of Dallas has over 20 years of experience in wildlife removal service. We pride ourselves on using eco-friendly and humane removal methods when it comes to removing unwanted critters from inside your Greater Dallas area home or workplace. Whether you have an existing pest infestation or want to prevent one from ever starting, we’re here to resolve all of your wildlife issues with our expert removal and prevention methods. 

To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our wildlife removal services, call us at 817-222-1101 today.

 

Has something been tampering with your trash lately? If you live in the Greater Dallas area, your prime suspect should be a raccoon. Raccoons, while cute and curious creatures, can be incredibly troublesome when they decide to invade your property. Here are some of the best ways to keep raccoons away and off your Dallas, TX property.

Why Raccoons Are on Your Property

Very simply, raccoons are attracted to food, and residential properties tend to be an abundant food source in the eyes of these animals. In particular, raccoons love to rummage through outdoor trash cans that hold food remains or near grilling stations, especially when they haven’t been cleaned thoroughly.

Signs of a Raccoon Infestation 

There are many signs of a raccoon infestation that are easy to spot. One of the most obvious signs is if your outdoor trash can has been tampered with. Raccoons are rather dexterous, so even if you keep a lid on the trash can, raccoons are known to be able to lift the lid to enter and exit the receptacle with ease. Another obvious sign of raccoon activity is if you notice small paw prints around your property or scratch marks on your floors and baseboards. Although claw marks could indicate any number of animals, these two signs in combination clearly point towards the existence of a raccoon infestation.

The Dangers of Raccoons

There are several reasons why you don’t want raccoons near or on your property. Other than being a tremendous nuisance, raccoons can carry a number of dangerous diseases, particularly rabies, and can easily transfer them to you, your family, or your pets if you come into contact with them. Furthermore, trash-rummaging raccoons will also leave behind food remains that will attract other animals to your property, which only adds to your overall headache.

Preventing Raccoon Infestations

There are a number of ways to prevent racoon infestations in Dallas, TX, such as:

1. Putting a lock on your outdoor trash can
2. Keeping outdoor cooking stations, like grills, clean
3. Installing fences around your outdoor gardens and composting areas
4. Calling a wildlife removal expert to install raccoon prevention measures on your property

If you need professional raccoon removal or prevention services in Dallas, TX, look no further than the efficient and effective services offered by the licensed wildlife experts at Critter Control® of Dallas.

Experienced Raccoon Removal in Dallas, TX

At Critter Control® of Dallas, we handle every wildlife removal service with the most care possible through our humane CritterSafe® removal methods. These methods prioritize the safety of the animal and your property by only using eco-friendly and non-toxic wildlife removal tools and procedures.

For more information on our fast raccoon removal and prevention services or to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate, give Critter Control® of Dallas a call today at 817-222-1101.

 

As a Dallas-area resident, catching snakes slithering into your home, hiding in your garage, or lurking around your property isn’t an uncommon occurrence. During the summer you’ll often find snakes out and about in your yard, but in the colder winter months, snakes may prefer taking shelter inside your home.

Whether you’re dealing with rattlesnakes or black racers, if you’ve noticed snake activity at your home or business, inside or out, then try these expert-recommended tips for getting them off your Dallas property.

Ways to Get Rid of Snakes 

The following methods can help prevent and discourage snakes from living on your property.

• Clean up to deter snakes. If your house is an uncomfortable place for a snake to live, they won’t want to stay there long. Be sure to keep your lawn manicured and hedges trimmed to prevent hiding spots in the yard. Snakes can also sneak into your home through cracks, holes, or gaps in the foundation and walls, so double check to make sure there are no exposures they can access.
• Get rid of their food sources. When snakes set up camp in your yard or in your home, they are probably hanging around because there is a food source nearby. Check the area for signs of small prey, like rats and mice, that snakes might like to snack on.
• Try using snake traps. At home snake removal isn’t easy—even with a trap. While snake trapping can be effective, you run the risk of accidentally luring in the wrong critters. If you do manage to capture a snake in your trap, take great care during the removal process as many snakes in Dallas are venomous.
• Contact snake removal professionals. The fastest, safest, and most effective way to get rid of nuisance snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, is to call local wildlife removal experts who are experienced and equipped to handle invasive snakes.

Rely on Your Local Snake Removal Experts

If you encounter a snake on your Dallas/Ft. Worth property, keep a safe distance and call the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control® of Dallas. Our licensed and trained wildlife professionals use eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to getting rid of unwanted critters inside your home or workplace.

If you are dealing with a snake infestation, give us a call at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free snake removal estimate.

When it comes to pest infestations in the Dallas area, rodents are one of the most common culprits. If you suspect there are mice or rats in your Dallas home, then here are five common signs of a mouse or rat infestation to help you identify the pests and take the appropriate actions to eliminate the invasive critters.

Common Signs of a Mouse or Rat Infestation

1. Droppings

   When inspecting your home, the amount of droppings you find will give you a rough estimate of how small or large your rodent infestation has become. Where the droppings are will also tell you where to lay traps or bait. If the droppings are small and pointed on both ends, then you are dealing with a mouse infestation. However, if the droppings are a half inch or larger, then it is a rat infestation.

2. Gnawed materials

   Rats and mice must gnaw to keep their teeth in check; this means chewing through wires, cables, plastic piping, cardboard, drywall, and wooden support beams to dull their teeth. If you discover such costly and annoying damages, then you likely have a rodent infestation. However, the size of their gnawed holes will indicate whether you are dealing with rats or mice. For instance, if the gnawed holes are about the size of a dime and clear cut, you have a mouse infestation. If the gnawed holes are about the size of a quarter with torn edges, you have a rat infestation.

3. Nests

   Rat and mouse nests differ in location and material. If you find a nest that is made up of shredded paper, string, and other flexible materials, it is likely due to a mouse infestation. If the nest is in the attic insulation or outside burrowed in deep vegetation, it is likely a rat infestation.

4. Scampering noises

   Rodents are nocturnal. Therefore, if you hear scratching noises at night you may be in the midst of a rodent infestation. When you get up to inspect, look out for the physical characteristics of the rodents to determine which critter is infesting your property as rats and mice differ in size and appearance. Mice are six to seven inches long, have large ears, tiny black eyes, and black, grey or brown fur. Meanwhile, rats are 11 to 19 inches long, have coarse red, brown, grey or black fur, and a long scaly tail.

5. Your pet is behaving strangely

   Pets are always on red alert to protect their home. If they are acting skittish, bark for no apparent reason, or start to paw at small spaces under the refrigerator, stove, or furniture, then you should take it as evidence of an infestation and call a rodent removal expert to determine the species you are dealing with and swiftly remove them.

Expert Dallas Mouse and Rat Infestation Removal

At Critter Control® of Dallas, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to unwanted critters inside your home or workplace. If you are dealing with a rodent infestation, rely on our licensed and trained mice and rat removal experts to help with all of your wildlife control and prevention needs. Give us a call today at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate.

With their sharp claws and ability to dig and scratch into your home through gaps in your roof soffits and ventilation ducts, raccoons can be a damaging problem to your property and your health. In their search for food and shelter, these nocturnal and mischievous critters are known to shred everything from your trash bags and screen doors to your attic insulation and electrical wiring. When left to their own devices, a raccoon infestation can lead to electrical fires, water damage, and frustrating messes. 

The following expert raccoon prevention tips will help keep your home safe and snuff out any raccoon problems before they arise.

How to Stop a Raccoon Infestation Before It Starts

• Fence in your property

  Although raccoons are skillful climbers and diggers, fences can be effective at keeping them from making their way into your home or business. A tall fence with a fair amount of length buried underground can go a long way in deterring these sneaky creatures from crawling in. 

• Patch up holes

  Sealing up entry points around your home is an extremely useful raccoon prevention tip and is essential in keeping unwanted critters out. Raccoons can squeeze their way through tight spaces, so be sure to check thoroughly for small cracks and holes. Raccoons are also known to crawl in through chimneys, so be sure to install a chimney cap to keep your flue free of pests.

• Keep your food locked away

  Raccoons are always looking for a quick, easy meal. Food left out or even fallen fruit in your yard can attract raccoons onto your property. Clean up any leftover foods, lock away pet food after your four-legged friends are finished, and keep bird feeders strung up where raccoons cannot reach them. 

• Secure your trash cans

  A smelly, full trash can is like a buffet to a raccoon. Be sure to always secure trash can lids and keep garbage tightly tucked away. If your lid doesn’t lock into place, raccoons may be able to lift it and get the goodies inside. If problems persist, add a little extra security by placing a heavy object on top of the lid or tying it down with bungee cords. 

• Wall off decorative ponds

  Even if your decorative pond isn’t stocked with fish, ponds and pools look like potential fishing holes to raccoons. Hoping for a snack, raccoons will be attracted to any body of water. Tossing a cover over your pond or pool when no one is home is a great raccoon prevention tip to keep curious critters from wandering near.

   

While there are a lot of DIY raccoon prevention methods that can be practiced at home, the only sure-fire way to take care of a raccoon issue is to seek help from your local wildlife prevention and removal professionals. 

Professional Raccoon Prevention Tips and Removal Experts

At Critter Control® of Dallas, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to unwanted critters inside your home or workplace. If you are dealing with a raccoon infestation or need assistance with wildlife prevention, know that we’re here to help out with all of your wildlife needs. 

To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our wildlife services, give us a call today at 817-222-1101.

Bat removal can be a tricky process. If bats are not properly removed from your house, you can risk a widespread infestation or severe legal ramifications. If you discover bats living in your Dallas residence, they must be dealt with quickly before they can spread unpleasant odors, toxic waste, and cause structural problems to your home.

Why Bats Enter Residential Homes

While a bat infestation in your home may be uncomfortable, chances are the bats did not intentionally enter your house to irritate you. Bats commonly set up camp in preparation of maternity season, which annually occurs between spring and late summer. During this time, bats will enter residential homes looking for a safe, stable, and comfortable environment to raise their newborn pups until they are able to fly and collect food without the help of their mother. 

Common Access Point Used by Bats

A few common entry points that bats may use to access your home include:

• Open windows
• Faulty framing
• Chimneys
• Vents
• Damaged roofing

Is It Illegal to Remove Bats From Your House?

Texas state laws and federal regulations are in place to require protection and safe removal of bats. These statutes restrict unauthorized people from attempting to get rid of bats, which may result in an unfortunate situation that brings harm to the animal. These laws also regulate how bats may be removed from a building. Using any type of chemical, such as insecticides and disinfectants, in an endeavor to get rid of bats is a violation of federal law. In addition to this, no one is permitted to hunt or sell any member of a bat whether it is dead or alive, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code.

How to Get Rid of Bats During Maternity Season

In compliance with Texas state laws, you must contact a licensed professional that knows how to get rid of bats safely and legally. Therefore, if you discover bats living in your house within the months of May and August, you will need to wait until maternity season has ended to schedule a removal. Otherwise, removing the maternal bats will leave their pups orphaned. Because certain bat species are protected, bat removal during bat maternity season can result in steep legal penalties as newborn bats cannot survive without their mother. 

The best time to contact someone who knows how to get rid of bats is between September and April. This way, you can avoid fines resulting from the displacement of the critters and their babies. 

Permanently Get Rid of Bats With Critter Control® of Dallas

The licensed and trained professionals at Critter Control® of Dallas know how to get rid of bats from your property legally, safely, and permanently. A few ways our experts ensure a successful bat removal include: 

1. Inspecting your property to find out what species is inhabiting your house
2. Identifying all points of entry and areas the bats are roosting in
3. Sealing off any other potential entrances and exits with one-way exits that exclude bats from returning

When it comes to removing unwanted critters inside your home or workplace, we only use eco-friendly and humane methods. If you are dealing with a bat infestation or any other wildlife issue, rely on the professionals at Critter Control® of Dallas for all of your wildlife removal and prevention needs. To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate, call us today at 817-222-1101.

Squirrels are known for damaging residential gardens since they provide easy access to low-hanging food such as seedlings, fruits, berries, flowers, vegetables, leaves, and tree buds. If you have noticed half-eaten crops, chewed produce on the ground, or small, shallow holes in your garden soil, then you may have a squirrel infestation on your hands. Fortunately, there are simple methods to help keep squirrels from ravaging your garden and professional services that you can enlist to keep your squirrel problem from getting out of control.

Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

The following methods can prevent squirrels from ruining your gardens or lurking around your property.

• Hide Their Food

  Keep an eye out for nuts, acorns, and berries that fall to the ground. You can gather these foods and relocate them to the corner of your yard to keep them away from the actual garden. Try to keep the lid closed on your trash can to hinder any rummaging that can occur as well.

• Use Your Pets

  Dogs love chasing squirrels that come near your home, so let your pet act as your own personal squirrel patrol to keep the nuisance critters at bay.

• Repel With Scents

  Squirrels and deer are offended by similar scents, so using deer repellents helps deter them away. Coffee grounds and dog hair can also act as repellents if your put these around or under your plants. Planting mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, or mustard around your more desired crops can also drive squirrels away due to their strong smells.

• Startle Them

  Use motion-activated technology to spray water or air at squirrels. This tactic will scare away any unwanted garden intruder.

• Build a Fence

  Protect your crops by reinforcing your garden with a deep wire fence or enclose it in a greenhouse.

• Designate Food for Them

  You can make squirrels their own feeding ground and place it a good distance away from your garden. This way they can still eat, but not ruin your garden in the process. You can also use a squirrel feeder to distribute sunflower seeds, peanuts, corn and water so they stay hydrated. However, this tactic may attract more squirrels to your property as a consequence, so it may be a risky thing to do.

If the above methods fail to keep squirrels out of your garden, then try relying on wildlife control professionals who are equipped in the humane and efficient removal of unwelcome squirrels.

Professional Squirrel Removal With Critter Control® of Dallas

Although squirrels do not pose a direct threats to humans, their presence on your Dallas property can be a destructive annoyance if left unresolved. If you have squirrels digging around, chewing up, and messing with the hard work that you put into your garden, we recommend contacting the professionals at Critter Control® of Dallas to permanently resolve your issue.

At Critter Control® of Dallas we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods to remove unwanted nuisance critters from your home or workplace. If you are dealing with a squirrel infestation, give us a call today at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our squirrel removal and rodent-prevention services.