Critter Control of San Antonio

Locally owned and operated in San Antonio and surrounding areas for over 28 years!

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Squirrels, bats, raccoons, snakes, lizards, rats, mice, minks, voles, armadillos, opossums and rabbits are a few of the Texas wildlife you can see roaming Bexar county. Some may be in your yard daily. While fun to watch, the wildlife is not there for entertainment purposes. They are in search of food, water and shelter. Depending on the season, they may be preparing for winter or preparing to give birth.

Wildlife can quickly become nuisance wildlife when they start damaging your property, annoying you and your family, or posing a threat to humans. Calling a wildlife removal company can help you avoid risks, like being bitten by a potentially diseased animal, further damage to your property and fines due to broken laws. 

At Critter Control, we know the local and state laws and have the best safety equipment and extensive wildlife training. Our three-step process of inspection, removal and repair effectively gets rid of unwanted wildlife from your property quickly. Below are some examples.

Raccoon Control

Raccoons are furbearers. Many hunt them in the woods with a permit. In San Antonio, raccoons are urbanized nuisances. With their cute masks and fuzzy banded tails, they seem harmless. But as soon as the sun goes down, they go on the prowl for food and water, leaving destruction in their paths. They eat insects, bird eggs, frogs, rodents, fish, pet feed, garden crops and table scraps. They will dig holes in your yard, dumpster dive, raid gardens, scatter garbage and open feed containers looking for a snack.

Raccoons create nests in hollowed trees, chimneys and attics. Raccoons will force their way into your home by breaking screens and boards. Or they will walk right through the pet door if it is left open. Raccoons can destroy your attic, chewing wires and shredding insulation. Blocking vents and chimneys create fire hazards. They are excellent climbers but destroy siding and shingles and leave greasy smudge marks wherever they go. Calling an expert to remove a raccoon is best. They understand the laws and know if nuisance raccoons need to be documented and turned in for disease testing.

Inspection

Inspection

During the inspection, we determine the severity of the raccoon infestation. We look for physical evidence like footprints in or around the home, stains from raccoon feces and urine. On the exterior of the house, we look for damage like scratches on boards, broken vents and screens, ripped apart shingles, destroyed soffits, and every possible entry point.

Trapping and Removal

Raccoon Trapping

Live trapping is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of a raccoon. Depending on the situation, a one-way door or excluder valve can be installed. An excluder valve works by allowing the raccoon to leave but blocks its reentry. The choice of device is largely dependent on the season and location of the raccoons on your property. Direct capture is not commonly used because raccoons are a rabies vector species. If we must trap, we place traps strategically to safely catch the raccoons and we check traps frequently, based on state laws.
Repairs

Repairs

We provide a wide range of repair and restoration services. We can repair raccoon damage like broken screens on vents and chimneys and broken boards on decks and porches. It is essential to apply cleaning agents and ectoparasite treatments on areas inhabited by raccoons.

Rat and Mice Pest Control

There are up to 50 species of rats and mice in San Antonio and across Texas. Outside, the Norway and roof rats are chewing holes in siding, electrical wiring, shingles and screens. They burrow underground, sometimes under trees, sheds or your home. This can make foundations unstable. The house mouse and its relatives are chewing holes in walls, baseboards, pantry cabinets and food containers inside your home.

Both rats and mice leave trails of feces and urine as they travel around your home. Because rats and mice can carry several transmittable diseases, don’t risk getting bitten by removing them yourself. We can help get rid of your rat and mouse problem. Because rodents multiply quickly, the sooner you call, the better.

Inspection

Inspection

During a rodent inspection, we thoroughly inspect your attic and provide a complete exterior home inspection. The most common signs of rodent activity are gnaw marks, feces, rub marks, nesting material, runs in insulation material, and small entry points.

Trapping and Removal

Rodent Trapping

A Critter Control wildlife specialist will create a strategic trapping plan to remove the rodents found in your home. Critter Control specialists may use snap traps and live traps to capture and remove mice and rats. Rodent trapping can usually takes between five to fourteen days.
Repairs

Repairs

The best way to reduce the possibility of letting unwanted rodents into homes is to seal possible entrances. Exclusion methods include caulking cracks in foundations, capping chimneys, and installing mesh covers over vents and crawl space entrances. We also strongly recommend a maintenance service. Rodents have front teeth that continuously grow, which means they can gnaw a new way back into your home.

Squirrel Removal

Texas squirrels you may see on your San Antonio property include the gray, fox and flying species. Squirrels enjoy fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, bird eggs, garden crops and even bark when times are hard.

Squirrels’ teeth are constantly growing. To prevent overgrowth, they gnaw on hard objects. If squirrels are in your yard or home, hard objects can mean walls, floors, rails, pipes, furniture, electrical wires and more. Squirrels are collectors, gathering items and storing them for later. They accumulate their foods and nest items in ducts and vents, creating a fire hazard. They tear insulation for their nests, causing a rise in your electric bill. They even leave their feces and urine behind.

Outside they damage siding, fascia, shingles and your yard. They love to dig holes in your yard to store food. While squirrels are cute and fun to watch, they can also carry diseases. If you try to remove them, they may feel threatened and bite or scratch you. Our process works for eliminating squirrels.

Inspection

Inspection

Wildlife specialists look for signs such as chewing on, in, or around your home, small openings leading to the attic or the crawl space, droppings, and debris like nuts or nesting material. Beams, wires, pipes, and insulation may all show signs of damage from squirrels.

Trapping and Removal

Squirrel Trapping

Live trapping or one-way doors are the most effective and humane ways to get rid of squirrels. One-way doors should never be used during birthing seasons (Spring & Fall), so our specialists will decide which is the best tool for the job. If we have to trap, we place traps strategically to safely catch the squirrels and check those according to state laws.
Repairs

Repairs

We can restore your home or office by squirrel proofing all entry points after we have removed the offenders. We can also clean-up the nesting sites and remove any debris, food, feces and soiled insulation.

Bat Removal

San Antonio bats are beneficial to the environment and are protected species. They eat thousands of insects every night, which is why they are an essential factor in our ecosystem. Also, they are excellent pollinators, and their guano is a great fertilizer. There are species of bats that live in colonies and species that are solitary.

There are over 30 species of bats in Texas. Eleven of those can live near humans and transmit diseases. Six of these species are colonies, while the others are solitary. Because bats are creatures of habit, it’s important to do what you can to bat-proof your home, barn or other structures. Otherwise, you will have a bat nuisance problem every year.

If you’re not using bat guano for fertilizer, it will become a problem. It will stain floors and walls, and it is so acidic it can erode metals and wood. Trying to get rid of bats yourself puts you at risk for contact with their guano, which can carry mold spores. Also, they may bite you and transmit disease. Let our experts do the dirty work.

Inspection

Inspection

We perform a full interior and exterior inspection and search for signs such as rub marks, guano, a strong scent of ammonia, and small openings. The most common sign is the accumulation of guano (feces).

Trapping and Removal

Bat Removal

The most effective and humane way to remove bats is by utilizing a bat valve in conjunction with a full home exclusion. A bat valve allows for bats to exit your home but not re-enter. We follow all local ordinances for humane bat removal. We will never abandon flightless pups in your attic.
Repairs

Repairs

After removing the bat valves, we seal the entrance hole(s) so bats can no longer enter your home. If there is substantial guano in your attic, you should consider taking advantage of our attic remediation services to remove the soiled insulation and replace it.

Armadillo Control

The nine-banded armadillo is our state’s official small mammal. The armadillo has great qualities, like its armor, protecting it from predators. When startled, it shoots straight up in the air, shocking its predator and giving it time to hide. It has claws for digging, which is what it does all the time. It digs only to search for food like insects and grubs.

Digging can also become a nuisance, however, when the roots of trees are destroyed, killing the tree that may fall on your home. Or, if they dig under driveways, gardens or livestock fences, damages can follow. Because they live in burrows underground, it is crucial to make sure their holes are not interfering with the structure of your home or buildings.

We take care in removing armadillos from your property. They can carry leprosy, so it’s important that you don’t handle them yourself. If you have an armadillo destroying your yard, give us a call.

Inspection

Inspection

Our experts understand the habits and habitats of armadillos. We can assess if damages were caused by their burrows or digging.

Trapping and Removal

Armadillo Removal

We have tools and equipment to properly remove armadillos, like safe and humane traps to capture the animal. Every armadillo removal is different and may require different safety techniques, from live traps to fumigations and repellents.

Repairs

Armadillo Repair

Exclusion efforts include clearing debris, brush, and piles of wood or rocks. These are spots armadillos like to hide. We also cover burrows so an armadillo cannot return.

Wildlife Removal Services

Critter Control is here for you every step of the way in the wildlife removal process. From inspection to removal—and even exclusion and repair—we have the services you need to get rid of raccoons, rodents, and other nuisances fast. First, we identify the animal on the property, then use humane methods to remove the animal and secure weak points where more could enter. If damage has been done, we can make those repairs for a complete restoration. Contact a Critter Control office near you today.

STEP 1

Wildlife Inspection

During the inspection we try to ascertain how many animals there are, where they are located, and how they got in. Based on what you have seen, heard and smelled, we start the inspection where you have noticed signs of animal activity. Evidence of animals inside your home include nests, dens, feces, and animal tracks. We investigate the exterior of your home looking for possible entry points, any evidence of animal damage, tracks, fur, animal waste, or rub marks.
STEP 2

Removal

We use several methods to humanely remove the animal from your home. Depending on the species, the number of animals, and the condition of your property, we develop a custom wildlife removal plan. Humane wildlife removal strategies include animal traps, one-way doors, and repellents. Once we guarantee all animals are gone, we implement exclusion techniques. Exclusion techniques provide a safe, long-term solution to nuisance wildlife in your home. We create barriers to prevent animals from getting to resources. We only apply exclusions once we are sure all animals are gone from your home.
STEP 3

Exclusion and Repair

Wildlife will damage your home. Exclusion techniques repair any damage the animal causes getting into your home. Inside your home, animals build nests and dens out of readily available material. They will create runs through the insulation. Rodents will gnaw on anything including electrical wires and pipes. Animals can also spread diseases. We apply sanitation agents to clean up feces and urine. Mammals can host pests like fleas, ticks, and mites. Ectoparasite treatments exterminate those pests so you don’t become their next host.

The Critter Control Difference

Trained Specialists Animal removal is a highly sophisticated job. As such, we vet and train our team members to ensure they have the knowledge and skill to remove any pest from your building. Our wildlife experts utilize advanced removal and exclusion techniques and damage repair.
Guaranteed Work Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Critter Control® takes great pride in providing quality workmanship resulting in customer satisfaction.
Residential and Commerical Invading nuisance wildlife can wreak havoc on property. If left unattended wildlife and pests can cause costly property damage. Whether a residential property, apartment buildings, retail stores, office buildings, industrial plants, medical facilities, or warehouses, our trained professionals can handle any wildlife removal problem.
Locally Owned and Operated Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. We provide reliable prevention from future intrusions. Resolving a nuisance wildlife issue calls for more than trapping and removing the critter. Our exclusion services offer immediate and long-term wildlife solutions.

Q&A with Critter Control of San Antonio

What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in San Antonio?

Raccoons, squirrels, opossums, rats and bats in attics, between floors, in chimneys or vents. Noises between floors, in walls or the attic. Skunks and armadillos digging in yards, flower beds or gardens. Bees in the attic, wall or chimney.

How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in your area?

Hotter seasons generally have less animal activity in the attic. Rodents can be found year-round in the attic. Skunks and armadillos are very active with digging in the yard/flower beds in the summer season. Fall and spring bring baby season, and there is an increase in wildlife moving into attics.

What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?

Digging in the yard or flower beds. Noises and scratching in the attic and walls. Finding droppings, chewed wires in the attic, or torn insulation. Smelling odors inside the house. Vents screens are pulled away or missing from the vent.

Any prevention tips for residents in the your area?

Don’t feed wildlife. Keep your pet food in animal-proof containers (not plastic) and don’t leave your pet food unattended outside. Make sure garage doors are closed in the evening. Keep trees and bushes trimmed around your house. Remove any brush or wood piles. Don’t feed the birds. Make sure there are no open holes where an animal can get inside your attic. Call Critter Control to inspect your home for animal entry and have us seal every hole or entry point.

When should homeowners call Critter Control?

As soon as they hear a noise or scratching in the attic, walls or between floors. Also, as soon as they see any droppings inside the house or attic, or if insulation has been removed.

This franchise is independently licensed and operated by RJ Van Hellen, Inc, dba Critter Control of San Antonio.