Myrtle Beach is one of a string of vacation resort beaches along the Atlantic Coast. Like in all beach towns, local wildlife is abundant. Every day you encounter birds that are both native and migrating, squirrels, and other rodents. You may not always see some wildlife but recognize their activity, like raccoons, opossums, bats, rats, mice, groundhogs, frogs, and lizards.
Most of the time, wildlife is harmless and cute to watch. Other times, they can be a nuisance. South Carolina defines nuisance wildlife as an animal that causes damage to your property, threatens you or the public, or is so annoying they make it hard for you to enjoy your home or property.
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.
Because raccoons eat just about everything, Myrtle Beach neighborhoods provide plenty of food sources; like bird feeders, pet food and trash cans with loose-fitting lids. Attics, chimneys and crawlspaces are frequently targeted by female raccoons to give birth and raise their young. You may mistake the sounds the newborn pups make for birds, but don't make the mistake of handling them yourself. Mother raccoons are extremely protective of their young.
Call Critter Control of Myrtle Beach to assist you with any raccoon problems you may be experiencing.
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.
When squirrels in Myrtle Beach get too close to home, they can become a nuisance. They often chew threw fascia boards and builder's gaps on homes, or they will push through weak attic vent screens and enter attics to give birth to their young. Once inside a home, squirrels are a potential fire hazard, as they like to chew on wiring. If you are experiencing a squirrel problem on your property, it’s best to leave removal to a trained specialist who will humanely trap and remove squirrels.
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
14 types of bats found in South Carolina. Bats are insectivores and can consume more than one-half their body weight in insects each night. Most bats roost during the day in places other than your home, but when they roost in your attic, soffit or walls, it's time for them to go!
Let Critter Control of Myrtle Beach humanely evict any tiny visitors that may be in your home. We will not do any bat evictions during the birthing season, as this is detrimental to bat populations. Please call us to see when we can assist you with bat removal and exclusion.
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.
There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous. In most cases, the worst that a snake will do is give you a scare. Not only is the thought of having a snake in your home an unpleasant one, but also a snake can be a sign of another pest problem, as they're finding food sources around your home like mice and rats.
Call Critter Control of Myrtle Beach, so we can identify why the snakes are there and help to safely remove them.
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.
Other Common Wildlife Issues
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.
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.
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.
Q & A with local franchisees Todd and Amy Metz
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in Myrtle Beach?
Raccoon, Squirrels, Rodents and Snakes.
How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in your area?
Colder months bring animals inside.
What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?
Gnawing, Droppings, Noises.
Any prevention tips for residents in your area?
Call for tips and professional help.
Can I DIY my nuisance wildlife problem?
You can’t always resolve the problem yourself. There are numerous laws in Myrtle Beach regarding nuisance wildlife.
A few laws include:
- You are not allowed to discharge firearms in a neighborhood.
- You are not allowed to relocate or transfer an animal due to the potential of spreading the disease.
- You are not allowed to create a nuisance situation by feeding or trying to tame an animal.
- You must follow license and permit laws that vary by animal.
When should homeowners call Critter Control?
Immediately upon finding evidence or suspecting animal intrusion.
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Metz Wildlife Removal, LLC, dba Critter Control of Florence-Myrtle Beach, SC.