Hibernation Habits
When the chill of winter hits, many animals enter a period of rest called hibernation. People dealing with rodent problems often wonder if these pests do as well. Certain types of rodents do hibernate, including some species of these animals:
When Do Rodents Hibernate?
Like other animals, rodents hibernate during winter. The specific length depends on the species, as dormancy can span from five to eight months.
Rodent hibernation usually starts in late September or October and ends between March and May.
Prairie Dogs
White-tailed prairie dogs are hibernating rodents. Black-tailed prairie dogs are never fully dormant, as they emerge from cover to find food on warmer days. Prairie dog activity can disturb gardens, and the pests may carry fleas.
Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels are also hibernating rodents. The young of certain species, like the California ground squirrel, might remain somewhat active in regions that aren't as cold.
On the other hand, Richardson's ground squirrels hibernate most of the year. Ground squirrels burrow in lawns, harm plants, and spread disease.
Chipmunks
The hibernation period for chipmunks is more variable than other rodents. They rely on stored food to get them through the winter. Chipmunks tear up yards and gardens and may attempt to get into homes for shelter.
Meadow Jumping Mice
These hibernating rodents survive on stored fat during periods of inactivity. If they haven't eaten enough, they will die or attempt to emerge from hibernation sooner. The pests often feed on grain or garden crops.
Hibernating Rodent Problems
Rodents that do hibernate dig burrows in lawns to wait out the winter. In most cases, the pests continue to cause issues in the spring.
While prevention methods help, sometimes homeowners need extra assistance. Critter Control pest specialists have the expertise needed to deal with any concerns caused by rodents that hibernate.
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Best Bat Removal
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!
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!
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
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!
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Bat Removal
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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