Critter Control of Santa Fe

Wildlife Control Services in Santa Fe

A warm climate and thriving tourism industry increases the likelihood of animal intrusions in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These intrusions can cause significant damage to residential and commercial property, and more importantly, threaten the safety and health of Santa Fe residents.  

Wildlife Removal

Safe, humane removal of nuisance animals and pests from your home or property.

Wildlife Pest Control
Reliable prevention from future animal intrusions in your home.  

Animal Damage Repairs 

Professional and permanent repairs to entry points, insulation, and damage from animal urine or feces.
 

Common Wildlife Problems in Santa Fe, NM 

Rodent Pest Control

Squirrel Removal 

Rat Pest Control 

Snake Removal

The warm weather in Santa Fe, NM, makes the city an ideal home for nearly 50 types of snakes. Snakes can often be found outdoors in the following places:

• Stacks of firewood
• Thick underbrush
• Untrimmed shrubs
• Mulched flowerbeds 

Snakes may also enter holes in walls to access attics, especially if rodents are inside.
 
Since a snake relies on outside factors to regulate its temperature, the pests are often spotted basking in the sun or retreating into shady burrows.
 
A snake will naturally try to avoid people, but they can become hostile when scared or cornered.
 
There are two venomous species in New Mexico: the coral snake, which stays to the southwest, and rattlesnakes, which live across the state.

Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes in Santa Fe. A rattlesnake doesn't look for trouble, but if threatened, it will strike in self-defense. The venom in a rattlesnake bite can be fatal without medical attention. The noisy rattle on their tails serves as a warning for predators and gives away their presence long before they become visible. Area residents should be sure to listen for this telltale hissing noise when walking in tall grasses or brush.

Raccoon Removal

Raccoons naturally fear people, however, offering food to these pests or leaving garbage cans uncovered teaches them to approach New Mexico homes looking for a handout. This increases the chance of a dangerous raccoon encounter. Fish-stocked ponds may also attract raccoons because they provide an easy food source.

Bat Removal

In Santa Fe, many bats still live in natural shelters. However, some have learned to make use of the warmth and safety offered by buildings. Attics and wall voids also make good homes for bats. The sound bats make by crawling around and squeaking can disturb residents. The pests also bring odor problems and health risks.

Skunk Control 

Skunks are another common pest found in Santa Fe yards. Skunks dig holes in lawns looking for insects and access to backyard chicken coops to feed on poultry or eggs. 

If a skunk feels threatened, it will try to deter those who get too close with a sticky, foul-smelling spray. The liquid is tough to wash away and can irritate the skin. In New Mexico, these pests are common rabies carriers. To avoid a skunk’s spray rely on professional handling and skunk trapping. Removing food supplies is one of the most effective ways to prevent a skunk from entering your property.

Pocket Gopher Control

You probably won’t see a gopher or encounter one in your home. A gopher is identified by their burrow and large mound of dirt that sits above the tunnel. Their preferred diet is pieces of plants accessible underground.

Gopher control is most effective during spring and fall when gophers are most active near the surface. Activity is usually indicated by fresh mounds of soil. Time, energy and resources can be wasted by trying to control gophers in an unoccupied burrow. Baiting and trapping are the two most practical and efficient methods. 

Centipedes

The dry climate and sparse rainfall mean homeowners deal with plenty of centipedes in Santa Fe, NM. A centipede prefers damp conditions away from the sun and will often rest under a rock or log. Centipedes also seek out moist areas in homes. Residents may find centipedes in their bathrooms and kitchens or under rocks in yards. Desert centipedes in Santa Fe have painful bites that cause swelling and redness. Fortunately, bites from these pests, or from the smaller, more common house centipede, rarely require medical care.

Q&A with Critter Control of Santa Fe

What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in your area?:
Mice, pack rats, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, pocket gopher, bats and pigeons. 

How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in your area?: 
During the winter season, wildlife activity slows down, but mice and rat activity does not. 

What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?: 
Odors, droppings and property damage. 

Any prevention tips for residents in your area?: 
Clean up debris spilled by feeding birds. If you have compost piles, they encourage animal activity. 

When should homeowners call Critter Control?:
When they're unable to manage animal issues, or are concerned with family, investments and health. 

Critter Control of Santa Fe

Critter Control is the leading wildlife control company, specializing in the humane removal of animals native to the Santa Fe area. We understand the danger that comes with wild animal infestation and the urgency it requires. That's why we use a variety of professional techniques to neutralize and remove wild animals, remove dead animals, and repair animal damage in residential and commercial properties as quickly as possible.

Serving the following locations:

By County: Santa Fe, San Miguel, Taos, Rio Arriba