Identifying Otters

Though there are many species of otters in the wild, the one most likely to be found in residential areas is the river otter. These mammals are from the weasel family and have long, sleek bodies with dense, glossy brown fur from head to toe. Otters vary in size, ranging from 38 to 44 inches in length and weighing from 10 to 30 pounds. They have short legs, webbed toes, and tapered, muscular tails that aid in swimming. In fact, they can stay underwater for up to eight minutes because of their closeable nostrils and ears.

image of an otterWhere to Find Otters

These playful pests are mostly seen in ponds, lakes, rivers, and other aquatic areas. They den in yards and homes near water sources, typically living under porches and decks. Occasionally, an otter will retreat into a beaver dam, which may lead homeowners to mistake the two. Although both animals swim, it is easy to tell them apart. Beavers have wide, flat, hairless tails and are rounder in shape than otters, which typically look sleek and athletic.

Damage & Dangers

Although they may look adorable, otters can be dangerous around humans, pets, and children. Like most wild animals, they are known to attack if threatened. The pests are also susceptible to tick, flea, and lice infestations that can be transmitted to people. Additionally, otters that live near homes leave behind droppings and the remains of prey, causing a terrible odor. When these clever pests den in yards, it is best to let the professionals at Critter Control identify and manage the problem.

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Anett B.
5/8/2023
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!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
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!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
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
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
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
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
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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