Meet the Critter Control of Central Missouri Team

Critter Control of Central Mo has been in business since 2005 and locally owned and operated by Peter Riney and his family since 2009. Bringing over 17 years of wildlife management experience in this industry and the support and knowledge of a national company that has over 40 years’ experience and hundreds of certified pest, bird, and wildlife management specialists on staff, Critter Control has the personnel, experience, and knowledge to resolve your wildlife issue no matter how large or small.

Peter Riney earned a bachelor of science in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2004 and started with Critter Control of St. Louis in January 2005. Six months later, he was tasked with moving back to Columbia, Mo to become the franchise manager of the Central Missouri branch. In September 2009 Peter and his wife, Kristin, purchased the franchise from Gene and Beth Jezek of Critter Control St. Louis.

Peter Riney, Owner

Employment start date: January 2005
Education: B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife from the University of Missouri- Columbia
Family includes wife Kristin and three children, Emmalee, Cole, and Lilli
Hobbies include nature/wildlife photography, hiking, gardening

From an early age, Peter knew he wanted to work with animals. Having an affinity for reptiles since he can remember made his choice of critter particularly unusual to some. Whether it’s snakes, bats, or skunks, a career working closely with animals and the public keeps Peter excited and engaged in his work on a daily basis.

Peter says, “I didn’t know there was anything like this (Critter Control) out there when I was going to school. I just knew I wanted to work with animals in some capacity and assumed I would get a job with the Conservation Department or US Fish and Wildlife. After I graduated college in December of 2004, my wife and I got married and moved to the St. Louis area (for her job) where I answered an ad for a ‘wildlife biologist needed’ in the newspaper. I started with the St. Louis CC franchise in January of 2005, and in July of that same year was tasked with being the franchise manager of the Central Missouri branch. With much apprehension, but more intrigue and excitement, my wife left her job and she and I left the St. Louis area to move back to Columbia to start this journey and haven’t looked back since! I really can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Dustin Fashing, Lead Pest Management Specialist

Education:
- Associate's Degree in Business Administration from MACC
- B.S. in Business Administration from Columbia College
Hobbies include: custom call maker, bow and rifling hunting

Dustin is our lead Pest Management Specialist, with certifications in Bat Standards, Wildlife Control Operations, and Rodent Standards through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. He is constantly working to gain knowledge in this industry and takes care of most of our pest control. Our customers appreciate his respectful and polite nature, and his interest in this field lends itself well in showing them that “these guys care”. Dustin’s honest and friendly personality are untrainable attributes that make for an incredible service technician that we are very fortunate to have!

Katelyn McWethy, Wildlife Technician
Employment Start Date: March, 2022

Education:
- B.S in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana
Hobbies include: Hiking with her dogs, and spending time with her animals

Katelyn is from northern Illinois and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs and discovering her new state of Missouri.

Brandon Reine, Wildlife Technician
Employment Start Date: April, 2022

Education:
- Engineering studies at the Missouri University of Science and Technology
Hobbies include: Camping, hiking, hunting, and especially fishing

Brandon's mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities, coupled with his engineering experience, bring a skill set that is highly sought-after in the wildlife management industry. Originally from Sedalia, he enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.

Jacob Fritz, Wildlife Technician

Employment Start Date: May, 2022

Education:
- B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Environmental Science, Biology, and Criminal Justice) from Central Methodist University
Hobbie include: Hunting, fishing, woodworking, and basketball

Jacob is also from Missouri and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Central Methodist University. He has previously worked seven seasons for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and another season with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Heidi DeMuth, Office Manager

Employment State Date August 16, 2018
Education: B.A. in International Business Administration and French Language from William Jewell College
Family includes her husband Donnie and their three children Isaac, Isabelle, and Naomi
Hobbies include working on her hobby farm, spending time in nature, and cooking.

When she is not working, you may find her at the baseball field watching her kiddos practice or working on her hobby farm. After having homeschooled her children for seven years, Heidi brings with her a tremendous amount of multitasking, organizational, and problem solving skills. The experience she has garnered through those years and the challenges pursuant to educating three separate grade levels and vastly different curricula has given her an appreciation for challenges, and she is eager to help you solve your wildlife issues!