How to Identify a Muskrat
Muskrats are semi-aquatic and live near waterways, building their dens along the banks. These rodents are approximately two feet long, with tails that range in length from 8 to 12 inches, and weigh two to four pounds. Their fur is typically dark brown, though it can vary from black to almost white. The pests' heads are broad and feature small eyes and short, rounded ears. The name muskrat comes from their resemblance to rats and the musky odor produced by their scent glands. Though they are often mistaken for beavers and nutrias, muskrats are smaller than both.
Denning and Feeding Habits
Due to their need for ready access to bodies of water, muskrats are usually found in wetlands, swamps, and coastal areas with abundant vegetation. They frequently travel up to 200 yards from their dens for food, which includes a wide variety of plant life and crops. Muskrats use their sharp front claws to excavate dens by burrowing into the banks of streams. These burrows have chambers that remain dry, as well as ramps to underwater tunnels and hidden ventilation holes at ground-level obscured by vegetation.
Problems Caused by Muskrats
Their denning and feeding habitats are the main causes of conflict between muskrats and humans. They sometimes dig into dams or dikes, weakening the structures and disrupting carefully planned water flow patterns. Large populations are capable of defoliating aquatic vegetation, which reduces habitats for other wildlife and causes ecological problems. They will also eat crops from gardens near their homes. Additionally, muskrats carry the bacterial disease tularemia and are among the few animals that defecate in water, which can cause illness in people who drink from streams. To safely identify and control muskrat infestations, property owners can contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Control.
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Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
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Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
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