Owl Appearance
Of the 19 species of owls in the U.S., barn and great horned owls cause the most problems for property owners. These birds vary in size and appearance, though all owls can be identified by their unusual adaptations. Since their large eyes cannot rotate to follow moving objects, owls are able to turn their heads up to 270 degrees. Designed for stealth and power, they have wide wings, lightweight bodies, and sharp talons. Differences in plumage help to identify species. With fuzzy ear tufts and dappled brown feathers, the great horned owl is easy to distinguish from the buff-colored barn owl and their white, heart-shaped faces.
Habitat & Identification
Fields, yards, and outbuildings infested with rodents are attractive to owls. Most varieties nest in trees or rock ledges, though barn owls often choose haylofts, sheds, or unused attics. These nocturnal birds tend to stick to their roosts most of the day, so similar-looking birds seen flying regularly during the daytime are most likely hawks. Using only a carcass as evidence, it can be difficult to tell an owl's kill from a coyote's or raccoon's. Since owls and hawks cannot fully digest their prey, finding small pellets of compacted bones, fur, and teeth is a good sign that birds of prey are hunting in the area.
Problems & Damage
Attracting insects and creating odors with the carcasses, pellets, and feces they leave behind, owls can be unwelcome guests around homes and yards. While they provide a natural alternative to chemical rodent control, their tendency to aggressively defend their nests and prey on small household pets, livestock, and poultry can make them more trouble than they're worth. As all owls are federally protected, residents who attempt to remove these birds themselves risk more than just injury. For safe and humane solutions to owl problems, turn to the licensed 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!
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!
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