Greenville, SC, is one of the largest cities in the state. Urban expansion has made local wildlife adapt to neighborhoods rather than their natural habitats. These animals scavenge meals from homes as well as yards and can cause damage or spread disease. Humid summers and short winters create a welcome environment for the pests all year long.
Critter Control of Greenville specializes in wildlife pest control. After a thorough home inspection, we create a custom wildlife control strategy to humanely remove the nuisance animal from your home and ensure the animal cannot return.
Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process
Critter Control is here for you every step of the way in the wildlife removal process. From inspection to removal—and even exclusion and repair—we have the services you need to get rid of raccoons, rodents, and other nuisances fast. First, we identify the animal on the property, then use humane methods to remove the animal and secure weak points where more could enter. If damage has been done, we can make those repairs for a complete restoration. Contact a Critter Control office near you today.
Wildlife Inspection
During the inspection we try to ascertain how many animals 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 have noticed signs of animal activity. Evidence of animals inside your home include 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.
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 all animals are gone, we implement exclusion techniques. Exclusion techniques provide a safe, long-term solution to nuisance wildlife in your home. We create barriers to prevent animals from getting to resources. We only apply exclusions once we are sure all animals are gone from your home.
Exclusion and Repair
Wildlife will damage your home. Exclusion techniques repair any damage the animal causes getting into your home. Inside your home, animals build nests and dens out of readily available material. They will create runs through the insulation. Rodents will gnaw on anything including electrical wires and pipes.
Animals can also spread diseases. We apply sanitation agents to clean up feces and urine. Mammals can host pests like fleas, ticks, and mites. Ectoparasite treatments exterminate those pests so you don’t become their next host.
These nocturnal animals forage for meals in yards and gardens, creating messes for Greenville homeowners to deal with in the morning. Trash cans and dumpsters are also food sources for the pests. A raccoon can create substantial damage when it dens in your attic.
Inspection
During the inspection, we determine the severity of the raccoon infestation. We look for physical evidence like footprints in or around the home, stains from raccoon feces and urine. On the exterior of the house, we look for damage like scratches on boards, broken vents and screens, ripped apart shingles, destroyed soffits, and every possible entry point.
Raccoon Trapping
Live trapping is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of a raccoon. 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
We provide a wide range of repair and restoration services. We can repair raccoon damage like broken screens on vents and chimneys and broken boards on decks and porches. It is essential to apply cleaning agents and ectoparasite treatments on areas inhabited by raccoons.
There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The heat and humidity in Greenville make it an ideal home for snakes. Property owners encounter both venomous and nonvenomous snakes in their yards or basements; in particular, they should be aware of venomous species such as copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes.
Inspection
Snakes are excellent at avoiding detection. 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.
Removal & Control
Depending on the location, we can set a live trap or direct capture. 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
In addition to dealing with any possible rodent problem drawing snakes to your property, a specialist will assist with sealing possible entry points and also encourage you to remove any debris where snakes can easily take up residence.
Because of their size,
rats can gain access to your home through small holes in your roof or other means. They can pose a threat to your home by ripping out insulation, ruining walls, and chewing up belongings. They also may pose a health threat to your family.
Inspection
During a rodent inspection, we thoroughly inspect your 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.
Rodent Trapping
A Critter Control wildlife specialist will create a strategic 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 takes between five to fourteen days.
Repairs
The best way to reduce the possibility of letting unwanted rodents into homes is to seal possible entrances. Exclusion methods include caulking cracks in foundations, capping chimneys, and installing mesh covers over vents and crawl space entrances. We also strongly recommend a maintenance service. Rodents have front teeth that continuously grow, which means they can gnaw a new way back into your home.
South Carolina residents frequently spot
squirrels burying seeds and nuts in their lawns. The pests create serious problems by nesting in chimneys or invading attics and wall voids. In addition, a squirrel can carry fleas and ticks, which may spread to humans.
Inspection
Wildlife 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.
Squirrel Trapping
Live trapping or one-way doors are the most effective and humane ways to get rid of squirrels. 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
We can restore your home or office by squirrel proofing all entry points after we have removed the offenders. We can also clean-up the nesting sites and remove any debris, food, feces and soiled insulation.
Because bats feed at night, South Carolina residents rarely see them. However, bats can be dangerous when roosting in homes or outbuildings. Homeowners should avoid exposure to bat guano, since their droppings may develop fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis.
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).
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 for 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
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.
While these pests may hiss and seem threatening if cornered, they are unlikely to cause any harm.
Opossum problems in South Carolina often stem from unsecured garbage, which lures the animals near homes. Fleas and
ticks from opossums can transmit diseases to pets.
Inspection
Opossums can be found inside attics and basements or outside under decks and sheds. Common signs include unique paw prints and feces. Opossums are docile and usually easy to spot.
Trapping & Removal
Opossums can be lured into cages for live capture. If it is maternity season, we follow all guidelines for removing mother and newborn opossums. We will seal entryways into the building to prevent opossums from reentering in the future. Opossums can be kept from getting under sheds and decks by installing fencing around the bottom edges and burying the fence underground.
Repairs
Broken screens on chimney and roof vents are replaced with sturdier materials, and we properly seal all entry points, including crawlspaces. We clean and deodorize areas of opossum activity. Exclusion may include eliminating sources that attract bugs, like nighttime lighting, stagnant water, and livestock poop.
Q & A with your local Critter Control franchisee Matt Stambaugh
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in your area?
- Squirrels - The pests create serious problems by nesting in chimneys or invading attics and wall voids. In addition, a squirrel can carry fleas and ticks, which may spread to humans and domesticated animals. A squirrel nesting in an attic will gnaw on beams or wires, which can lead to costly repairs or fire hazards.
- Raccoons- Active year around, these nocturnal animals can cause serious damage to yards and gardens and often create dens beneath a porch or worse yet, inside your crawl space.
- Bats - Because bats feed at night, South Carolina residents rarely see them. However, these pests are dangerous when roosting in attics, chimneys, walls, or outbuildings. Homeowners should avoid exposure to bat waste, since their droppings may develop fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis. Bats inside your living space should be handled only by professionals because bats can carry rabies and will bite or scratch when they're handled.
- Rats/Mice – Because of their size, rats can gain access to your home through small holes in your roof or other means. They can pose a threat to your home by ripping out insulation, ruining walls, and chewing up belongings. They also may pose a health threat to your family.
How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in Greenville, SC?
Squirrels are more active in fall and winter. Raccoons are active year-round. Bats are active in the summer months. Opossums are active year-round and snakes are typically more active in the summer.
What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?
Exterior damage to your home. Noises in walls, attic, or crawlspace, typically louder at night. Damage to your yard/garden beds. Stains on ceiling or in walls. Strange odor(s) in the home.
Any prevention or exclusion tips for residents in your area?
Inspect your home regularly. Nuisance wildlife can enter through existing holes or create their own entry. Early detection is the key to limiting damage to the home. A Critter Control professional will perform a thorough inspection of your home or building and provide a solution to extract the nuisance wildlife. Once removed, Critter Control of Greenville guarantees all repair work.
When should homeowners call you?
You should call us at the first sign of suspected wildlife intrusion/damage. A trusted, experienced professional will perform a thorough inspection of your property and suggest legal and humane solutions to your nuisance wildlife problem.
The Critter Control Difference
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 repair.
Guaranteed Work
Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Critter Control® takes great pride in providing quality workmanship resulting in customer satisfaction.
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.
Critter Control Guarantee
Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. We provide reliable prevention from future intrusions. Resolving a nuisance wildlife issue calls for more than trapping and removing the critter. Our exclusion services offer immediate and long-term wildlife solutions.
Other Common Wildlife Issues
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Pest Solutions, LLC, dba Critter Control of Greenville-Rock Hill, SC.