Turtle Appearance
Although they vary in size and color, all turtles are reptiles with hard shells used for protection. They may prefer fresh water or saltwater and be passive or aggressive. One of the most common land-dwelling varieties is the Eastern box turtle. Found in almost every part of the country, these nuisance pests have dark shells with yellow or orange patterns and striped or spotted skin. They prefer forests and feed on fruit, grasses, and insects. On the other hand, snapping turtles, also found nationwide, can be quite dangerous. These large, freshwater pests are identified by their brown or green ridged shells and muscular build. Snapping turtles hunt small fish, birds, frogs, and snakes.
Dangers Posed by Turtles
While many species of turtles look alike, identifying snapping turtles is important because they are known to be aggressive. With their powerful, beak-like jaws, the pests are able to bite off fingers and toes. Turtle species that lack forceful bites have no defense besides retracting into their shells. This makes docile varieties popular pets, though they are not without some health risks. Wild and domestic turtles can pass along Salmonella bacteria, which causes illness. Children and the elderly are the most likely to get sick from contact with a turtle, suffering symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and nausea.
Exclusion & Prevention
Turtles are not quick, nor are they proficient climbers or diggers. Simply erecting a sturdy fence should keep them out of yards, though avoiding the addition of water features and ponds when landscaping can prevent attracting them in the first place. Freshly turned soil may also draw turtles into yards, as they use gardens and flowerbeds for laying eggs. Removal should not be undertaken lightly. Some species are protected by law, while snapping turtles can prove dangerous if threatened. The safest approach to identifying and managing turtles in the yard is to call the professionals at Critter Control.
Get them out.
Keep them out.®
Experience wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.
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!
Service:
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!