Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process
Not only can wild animals be extremely noisy and emit strong odors, but nuisance wildlife can also damage your house and introduce health risks to you and your family.
Critter Control provides professional wildlife control services in Miami. Our team of skilled professionals is trained to identify and handle a wide range of critters like raccoons, squirrels, bats, rats, mice, snakes, and birds.
Our wildlife experts provide safe and humane removal of all nuisance wildlife from residential and commercial properties. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients by employing humane and environmentally friendly techniques to address wildlife issues. Our long term animal control solutions include animal trapping, removal, exclusion, and repairs.
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.
Nuisaince Wildlife in Miami
Miami is known throughout the world for its scenery and sandy beaches. With a tropical climate and population of more than 2.7 million people in Miami-Dade County, it’s no surprise that the area has its share of nuisance wildlife issues. Residents and visitors alike should not be surprised to encounter local wildlife, including raccoons, bats, snakes, and skunks, to name just a few animals that thrive throughout South Florida.
Both urban and suburban Miami residents are quite familiar with these intelligent, dexterous animals who love to seek food in trash cans. Some residents may even enjoy helping these critters fill their bellies by feeding them. Please keep in mind that in the state of Florida,
intentional feeding of raccoons is illegal. Raccoons are rabies vectors and are therefore very dangerous to both humans and pets. In fact, raccoons in Miami have
tested positive for rabies in recent years. If you come across one or more raccoons on your property, please contact your Miami-based Critter Control office. We will be happy to remove all raccoons for you.
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.
All big cities with millions of residents have plenty of rodents, and Miami is no exception. Both mice and rats are drawn to homes and businesses in search of food and water. In South Florida, the most abundant species is roof rats, also known as black, citrus, or fruit rats. Found in trees and other elevated areas, they can easily gain access to roofs and then homes. If you notice signs of a rodent infestation on your property, please be sure to call Critter Control as soon as possible as rodents can not only damage property and contaminate food but also spread disease.
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.
Squirrels are a common sight throughout Miami’s urban and suburban neighborhoods. Residents and visitors alike most likely cross paths with squirrels every day in parks and yards. While harmless, squirrels can become quite a nuisance if they gain access to your property. These animals are excellent climbers and can access roofs and make their way inside a home where they may bring in debris and establish nests. While these animals
can be hunted in the state of Florida, trying to remove one yourself is not always the best option.
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.
There are
13 bat species in the state of Florida; two of the resident species, the Florida bonneted bat and the gray myotis, are listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It’s important to know that bats in Florida are
protected year-round, and therefore it is illegal to harm or kill them. If you find one or more bats inside your home, please contact your Miami-based Critter Control office to remove them humanely.
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.
Although Miami-Dade County is quite developed, residents may still encounter snakes. It’s essential to be aware that there are
four major species of venomous snakes in Miami—pygmy rattlesnakes, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. Please also be aware that you are most likely to cross paths with a rattlesnake during the
summer and fall breeding season. If you happen to find a snake on your property, allow one of our specialists to handle it for you rather than attempt to remove it yourself.
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.
Pigeons and sparrows are some of the most common pest birds in Miami-Dade county.
Typically, sparrow damage is done to farmlands and crops. These birds are known for pecking at flowers, buds, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They usually travel in large groups and feed, so damage can occur over a large area. In homes, sparrows typically cause damage because of their feathers and droppings. They can even cause unsanitary and potentially hazardous conditions if not taken care of, especially in areas where they roost.
It can be difficult control pigeons from infiltrating a home or business. If pigeons nest on your property, it means they feel they can live safely there. They mostly look for flat surfaces to nest on, like roofs or garages. To keep them from nesting at your home or business, block those flat spaces with wood or metal sheathing, bird wires, or netting.
Inspection
We thoroughly inspect the area for things that attract birds, like harborage and loafing areas, as well as food and water sources. Also, we look for where birds may be entering your home or business. We also inspect for damage caused by birds, whether it's by nesting, or by droppings.
Trapping & Removal
After identifying the bird species, we may start by physically removing the species in question. In rescue situations, such as chimneys or basements, birds can be released on-site if the entrance has been secured properly. Occasionally, live traps will be used, especially if flocks of birds are involved. For persistent birds and larger flocks, several advanced techniques may be applied simultaneously including netting, spikes, ledge products, scare tactics, misting and more. The most effective method of bird control is prevention and exclusion.
Repairs & Prevention
We can repair the damage that is allowing birds entry to your home, like broken siding, weakened gutters, rotted soffits and fascia. We can also install protective screens on chimneys and vents. We can also remove nesting materials and accumulated droppings, then clean surface stains. We can use netting over fruit and vegetable crops and water basins. Netting can also be used in car ports, building overhangs and food courts. We also install a large number of different types of roof ledge barriers too.
The
green iguana population in Miami is a problem. Their abundance is causing problems for home and business owners. Because they primarily feed on crickets, worms, leaves, and flowers, they can destroy landscapes looking for a meal. Digging underground can accidentally destroy piping, water supplies, and electricity systems. They like to dig under foundations and pavement, making structures, driveways, and roads unstable.
At an average of thirty pounds and three to four feet long, their presence cannot be ignored, especially if they decide to explore the interior of your home. Trying to remove an iguana poses some problems, like their tails falling off when grabbed since it can regrow later.
There is some good news. They don’t usually travel in packs, and Critter Control can help get rid of iguanas in your home.
The Critter Control Difference
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.
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.
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.
Financing Available
Critter Control offers in-house financing. Both standard and 90-day same as cash financing options have 12-,18-,24-, or 36-month options. Some projects might qualify for a budgeted plan up to 60 months.
FAQ Miami Wildlife
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in Miami?
Rodents, raccoons, bats and squirrels.
How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in South Florida?
Wildlife is most active in homes during fall and winter in Miami. Business dips in the heat of the summer months, June, July, and August.
What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?
Hearing noises in attics. Finding droppings, or hearing scratching noises in the home.
Any prevention tips for residents in your area?
Trim trees away from home and have a professional inspect your property for wildlife activity.
When should homeowners call Critter Control?
When you first hear noises, see the damage, notice droppings, or smell odors in your home or business.
Other Common Wildlife Issues