Critter Control of Eastern New York

WE CAN HELP YOU GET RID OF NUISANCE WILDLIFE PROBLEMS

Q&A with Local Branch Manager

What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in your area?
Squirrels, flying squirrels, bats, raccoons, skunks, woodpeckers, opossums, chipmunks, moles/voles, snakes, groundhogs, rats, and mice are commonly found throughout the Hudson River Valley.

How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in your area?
Fluctuations in temperature can greatly affect the wildlife activity in any given area. Contrary to popular belief, not all animals hibernate in the wintertime, which is important to note for the bitter cold winters experienced in the Hudson River Valley. Animals that are still active during the winter are grey squirrels, flying squirrels, woodpeckers, raccoons, rats, mice, moles, and voles, just to name a few. As temperatures increase from winter to spring, these among other animals become more active and more likely to bring attention to themselves while in your home.

What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?
Chewing/gnawing damage above or around the gutter line. Dips or burrows underneath fences, decks, and sheds. Irregular noises in the ceiling and walls during dawn and dusk (i.e. scratching, squeaking, growling, and footsteps). Holes chewed into cardboard or paper food containers in pantries and basements. Disturbed insulation with trails or droppings dispersed throughout.

Any prevention tips for residents in your area?
An inspection and/or trapping by a professionally licensed New York NWCO (Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator) is always recommended before sealing up any entry points to ensure no animals are unlawfully sealed inside the home with no exit.

When should homeowners call Critter Control?
Ideally, one should call and have exclusion done before there is a problem. If you have a neighbor that recently has had an animal problem, now is the time to get the work done before the critters decide to move into your home once they've been sealed out of theirs. Otherwise, at the first sign of any animal being inside the home, you should call Critter Control and set up an inspection. The longer you wait the more damage an animal can do and the more expensive the solution may become.

Hudson Valley Wildlife Problems

Known for its lush vineyards and farms, Hudson Valley, NY, is the perfect habitat for a variety of animals. Some common nuisances are bats, squirrels, and raccoons. Many of these pests overwinter in or near New York homes when temperatures drop.

Bats in Eastern New York

Every fall, bats either migrate or hibernate to survive the cold climate. If suitable places to roost are scarce, the animals may use attics. Signs of infestation include brown, insect-riddled feces and dark stains around vents and other entry points. Bat guano poses health risks to people, as it can spread disease.

Squirrels in Homes and Yards

Squirrels that live in trees often enter attics and sheds to rear their young. Once indoors, they gnaw on building supports, chew on wiring, and transmit parasites. A ground squirrel can also burrow into New York lawns, creating turf damage and tripping hazards.

Raccoons Looking for Food

Raccoons thrive in Hudson Valley neighborhoods where they have access to garbage. The pests easily open trash cans to forage for meals. Raccoons aren't hostile, but they do carry rabies as well as fleas and ticks that affect both people and pets.

Additional Pest Concerns in New York

Residents of Hudson Valley may come into contact with skunks and snakes. A skunk may den under decks and porches, causing structural issues and leaving behind its telltale odor. While most snake species shy away from humans, they are capable of striking with a painful bite when threatened.

Serving the following locations:

By County: Albany County, Columbia County, Dutchess County, Fulton County, Greene County, Herkimer County, Montgomery County, Orange County, Putnam County, Rensselaer County, Rockland County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Schoharie County, Warren County, Washington County, Westchester County