Critter Control of Provo

Raccoons are one of the most prevalent nuisance animals in the U.S. They are smart, strong, and determined creatures that are relatively unafraid of humans. Their ability to forage for food in trash cans and backyard gardens is one of the main reasons residential attics and chimneys have become a favorite place to set down roots.

Raccoons have learned that yards, garden trash cans, compost bins, and pet food often provide the perfect forage environment for themselves and their young. Because of the easy access to a steady supply of food, these raccoons choose to build their dens in the attics, chimneys, and basements close at hand. The damage raccoons cause to homes and commercial spaces is significant. They are smart and powerful and can rip holes in roofs, soffits, and vent covers to gain entry. In addition to causing damage to insulation and wiring, raccoons carry parasites and other diseases.

Because of Provo’s snowy winters, rodents such as mice and rats will look for a warm and cozy place indoors to live. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces become ideal as they are also close to our food sources. Rodents’ teeth grow throughout their lives, and they are notorious for chewing through electric wires, walls, and floors to create pathways to pantries and kitchen counters. Reproducing profusely, they bring disease and contamination, making it important to get rid of them quickly.

Unlike other rodents like mice and rats, squirrels are active during the daytime and can be quite noisy when living above our heads in the attic. And, like mice and rats, they like to gnaw on wood and wires to help them keep their ever-growing teeth at a manageable length.

Squirrel infestations have increased in Provo as a new invasive species, the fox squirrel is now in the region and reproducing rapidly. Fox squirrels have supposedly spread over trees and power lines to the western regions of the U.S.

Barns, sheds, attics, and window shutters are the usual spots bats choose to roost. Beneficial to our environment because of the vast amount of insects they consume, the 18 bat species in Utah are all protected. Common bats in the region include the big free-tailed bat, which has a wingspan of 17 inches but weighs less than 1 ounce, and the western pipistrelle, which is the smallest bat and weighs one-tenth of an ounce.

Bat guano and urine can grow a mold that can cause a respiratory infection called Histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is a common problem in the central and eastern regions of the country but is rarely found in Utah because of the dry climate.

Bats are best removed in the fall, which is when their young have matured enough to fly and capture insects on their own.

Unlike squirrels, who are tree-dwellers, chipmunks make their burrows underground. They mate twice a year, giving birth to up to five babies. The female will raise the young on her own and wean them when they are six weeks old. At one year of age, chipmunks are able to breed and have litters of their own. Even though they are small and cute, chipmunks are notorious for causing structural damage to patios, foundations, and retaining walls, as well as for eating seedlings and flower bulbs.

Utah is home to 31 snake species, with only seven of them being venomous. The remaining species are mostly harmless and nocturnal. Even if the snake is harmless, it is the last thing you want to see slithering inside your home or office. When snakes venture indoors, it is for one of two reasons, they are either looking for relief from the heat or cold or are on the hunt for rodents.

If a snake is on-premise, a wildlife specialist such as Critter Control will inspect the property for rodents as well and provide a plan for getting rid of them if an infestation is discovered.