Columbia, Missouri, is a growing metropolitan area with an economy rooted in education, health care, life sciences, and manufacturing. Founded by settlers moving westward from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, its pioneers were attracted to the region’s rolling foothills and wide-open prairies overlooking the Missouri River. Today, Columbia, Missouri, characterizes itself as a live/work/play destination, a depiction that works as well for people as it does for its wildlife. Columbia’s cold winters, rainy springs, and hot, humid summers drive wildlife to residential areas, where they can find shelter and steady food sources. While wildlife generally enriches the lives of Columbia’s residents in many ways, it can sometimes become a nuisance.
Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process
We solve your current wildlife problems and make sure to prevent future issues down the road.
Many of the nuisance wildlife issues we see in the Central Missouri area could have been avoided with some reasonable prevention to vulnerable areas on homes and businesses that we commonly see critters exploit and enter. Part of every inspection where the animal(s) are entering a structure includes addressing these common entry points.
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.
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 back into your home. We only apply exclusions once we are sure all animals are gone from your home. Animals damage inside your home too. 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.
Raccoons are abundant in Columbia as they are in almost all regions of the country. These opportunistic animals favor attics for their residence because of the continuous exposure to food from residential trash and local chicken coops.
Raccoons have a permanent mask and banded tail. They would be cute if they weren’t so destructive. They will do what they can to get into parts of your house they see fit to sleep and give birth to pups. If they must rip, tear, or break something to get to that spot, they will. Raccoons make lots of noises, like whimpers, growls, and screams. They leave feces and urine nearby their shelter.
Before trying to remove a raccoon from your home by yourself, remember they can carry diseases, and if threatened, they may bite. Calling nuisance wildlife animal control experts is recommended. Critter Control’s three-step process works well for raccoon removal.
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.
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
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.
Squirrel Removal
The eastern grey and fox squirrels are the most popular species in Columbia, Missouri. Tree squirrels and flying squirrels have been known to enter unsecured attic spaces to nest, and will commonly gnaw a hole to enter the structure.
All squirrels are rodents, and they can wreak havoc in a short amount of time. Taking advantage of any available food sources, squirrels damage yards and fields by digging for nuts and insects. Flying squirrels and tree squirrels damage homes by gnawing or tearing at insulation and electrical wires on roofs and in attics. Tree squirrels chew on many different materials and can cause significant damage due to their nature of chewing to keep their incisors from getting too long. They can also cause outages when they run across power lines.
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.
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
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.
Rodent Removal
Rats and mice are found in every urban area throughout the world and have unfortunately become quite comfortable living among people. They scurry around in your walls and kitchen at night, looking for food to eat and take back to their nest. If you see rodents in your home or office during the daytime, it is because the population has become large.
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.
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
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.
Bat Removal
The Missouri Department of Conservation recognizes fifteen species of bats in Missouri, some of which live in Columbia year-round while others are migratory.
Little and Big Brown bats are the most common species we have seen adapted to living in attics and buildings in the Central Missouri area. Bats are commonly found in attics and barns, as the mammals enjoy safe, dark places. Hollow trees and bat boxes are ideal places for the creatures to use as a summer roost, as well.
For the most part, bats and humans peacefully coexist. One of the largest problems associated with bat populations is the droppings that accumulate. bat droppings (guano) can make people sick. Less than half of one percent of bats actually carry the rabies. Nevertheless, bats should never be picked up or grabbed.
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).
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
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.
Skunk Control
Skunks are a common nuisance animal in Central Missouri from January to June. These animals are known for foraging for food in trash bins and pet food bowls. They’re also profound and efficient diggers, and can mutilate an entire yard in a single night searching for grubs. They’re distinctive black and white fur, and their pungent odor that can linger for days, are unmistakeable. If you happen to cross paths with a skunk, do not try to scare it away.
Please also remember that skunks can carry rabies; therefore, it’s best to let a professional handle removal for you.
Inspection
In addition to noting any pungent odors that signal the presence of a skunk, we will inspect the condition of your landscaping, as skunks are known for tearing-up lawns and shredding grass while hunting for grubs and insects. We will also inspect the perimeter of your building’s foundations and under decks, to locate burrows.
Trapping and Removal
Never try to remove a skunk from your property yourself. Getting sprayed is a very unpleasant experience. Furthermore, these animals may carry diseases that can spread to humans and pets, such as rabies. Our specialists will use live traps to capture and remove skunks for you, or they’ll use a one-way exclusion device to evict skunks from their harborage areas. The most effective ways to control a skunk problem is exclusion and habitat modification.
Skunk Control
The most effective ways to control a skunk problem is exclusion and habitat modification. Methods like sealing foundation gaps, replacing and screening broken foundation vents and installing hardware cloth (rat walls) around unprotected sheds and decks are the most effective and permanent ways to keep skunks out.
We recommend keeping pet food inside and securing any trash bins.
Snake Removal from House
Missouri’s wide range of habitats supports 49 species and subspecies of snakes, but only six are venomous. While alarming to find, most snakes are harmless to people as long as they are left along.
Snakes enter homes for one of two reasons — to escape from the elements and to hunt. Snakes ambush their prey so they must be present where their food is. So, if you find a snake in your house, you likely have a small rodent problem too.
During our inspection, we will look for signs of snakes, rats, and mice.
Inspection
Snakes are excellent at avoiding detection. We inspect your home for potential entry points and look for signs like snake skin and feces. Because a snake typically enters a home hunting for food, our wildlife inspector also looks for signs of a rodent infestation.
Removal & Control
Depending on the location, we can set a live trap or direct capture. Exclusion is the most effective way to keep snakes out of your home. If rodents are present, it is essential to exterminate the rodent infestation. Their presence will continue to attract snakes.
Repairs
In addition to dealing with any possible rodent problem drawing snakes to your property, a specialist will assist with sealing possible entry points and also encourage you to remove any debris where snakes can easily take up residence.
Bird Control
In Central Missouri, we encounter birds in vents from April to July. Common places birds enter include vents on the side of the house, kitchen and bathroom exhaust vents, or others. Vents are attractive locations for birds to build nests as they are off the ground, away from predators, and enclosed for protection from the elements. However, vents do come with their own set of dangers for young birds, which sometimes fall into the vent exhaust pipe, where they’re unable to escape.
Even adult birds with full flying capabilities fall into the same trap. Birds are initially attracted to the warmth of the vents, which is why they are commonly found in dryer vents and kitchen exhaust vents. This becomes a fire hazard when birds nest in these locations. Furthermore, nests in vents are dangerous because humidity and steam can spread disease, including histoplasmosis, which is found in bird droppings.
When any of these cases occur, it’s important to call professionals with the proper equipment and expertise to minimize the stress of the animal. After a bird is removed from the vent or exhaust, a guard can be installed to prevent further recurrence.
We thoroughly inspect the area for things that attract birds, like harborage and loafing areas, as well as food and water sources. Also, we look for where birds may be entering your home or business. We also inspect for damage caused by birds, whether it’s by nesting, or by droppings.
Trapping & Removal
After identifying the bird species, we may start by physically removing the species in question. In rescue situations, such as chimneys or basements, birds can be released on-site if the entrance has been secured properly. Occasionally, live traps will be used, especially if flocks of birds are involved. For persistent birds and larger flocks, several advanced techniques may be applied simultaneously including netting, spikes, ledge products, scare tactics, misting and more. The most effective method of bird control is prevention and exclusion.
Repairs & Prevention
We can repair the damage that is allowing birds entry to your home, like broken siding, weakened gutters, rotted soffits and fascia. We can also install protective screens on chimneys and vents. We can also remove nesting materials and accumulated droppings, then clean surface stains. We can use netting over fruit and vegetable crops and water basins. Netting can also be used in car ports, building overhangs and food courts. We also install a large number of different types of roof ledge barriers too.
Moles and Groundhogs
Moles and groundhogs are two burrowing animals that plague people’s properties in Central Missouri. Both critters create extensive burrow systems that can damage landscaping and pose risks to animals and equipment.
Moles are most active from March until November. Groundhogs hiberbate starting in September. Moles stay underground, but during the spring groundhogs will leave their burrows in the mornings and afternoons. Correctly identifying their holes is one of the best ways to differentiate them.
Molehills appear volcano-shaped in profile, with a hard-to-spot hole situated in the middle. These mole mounds are typically 2 inches in diameter. Their burrows feature one main entrance hole and up to four other exits, usually located near trees, walls, or fences. Each opening is between 10 and 12 inches in diameter.
Both animals rarely enter homes. Exclusion methods are effective methods to protect specifc parts of your property. Trapping and removal can be time consuming and expensive without proper experience and training to identify the appropriate burrow runs.
Groundhog nesting isn’t hard to spot. Being the largest member of the squirrel family, they have a rather large entrance hole to their nesting spots and they leave a great amount of dirt at their front door.
Groundhog Removal
Once we’ve identified all burrow entrances, the next step is deciding what will work best for the situation at hand. Woodchucks may be excluded from denning under structures with one-way doors, if the structure they’re living under can be sealed with a rat wall. If the area can’t be sealed, then trapping and removing the animal is the best option.
Groundhog Repairs
We can install rat walls to keep groundhogs out of crawl spaces and from entering under decks, sheds, patios and many other locations. Please call us to discuss how this process is completed.
Armadillo Holes in Yard
Homeowners in Columbia, MO are increasingly seeing problems with armadillos duing the warmer summer months. Armadillos do not have much insulation so they cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. They are more active in the southern part of the state, but armadillos in Columbia, MO are becoming a more common nuisance.
Armadillos exhibit nuisance behaviors that can result in damage to homeowners’ properties. Their preferred diet consists of insects and bugs, which often leads them to tear up yards in search of food. This can create unsightly and destructive patches in the grass, causing frustration for homeowners. If you have an armadillo on your property, avoid trying to remove it on your own.
Inspection
Our experts understand the habits and habitats of armadillos. We can assess if damages were caused by their burrows or digging.
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.
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.
Chipmunk Control
These small mammals are known for their burrowing behavior, which can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Chipmunks dig extensive tunnel systems underground, creating holes and mounds in the process. This can make the ground uneven and pose a tripping hazard. Moreover, chipmunks are proficient climbers and may also enter homes through small openings, causing further issues.
Chipmunks are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even small insects. They are notorious for raiding bird feeders and gardens, causing damage to plants and stealing seeds or fruits. Their activity can lead to frustration and financial losses for homeowners who invest time and effort into maintaining their outdoor spaces.
To address chipmunk problems, homeowners in Columbia, MO can take several measures. One option is to install physical barriers like fences or netting around susceptible areas to prevent chipmunks from accessing them. Another approach is to remove potential food sources, such as fallen fruits or spilled birdseed, to discourage their presence.
Inspection
The clearest sign of a chipmunk infestation is the damage in your yard. Chipmunks create extensive burrows. Their holes are only 2-3 inches wide but can stretch 20 to 30 feet. Other signs of chimpunks include dug planted seeds, gnaw marks on tree bark, and destroyed flowers, stems, fruits, and vegetables. Chipmunks rarely enter homes so the signs of a chipmunk infestation will be in your yard. While it is unlikely a chipmunk is in your house, we will still look for any potential entry points.
Chipmunk Trapping
One of the most effective ways to prevent chipmunk damage is to create exclusions around your home. Buried hardware cloth is a useful option to keep chipmunks out of gardens and flower beds. Additionally, you can use wire mesh to prevent chipmunks from entering your home. The wire mesh should be secured to any openings that a chipmunk may be able to squeeze through.
Chipmunk trapping typically takes 10-14 days; however, this may vary depending on the extent of the chipmunk intrusion. Cage traps with fine mesh can be effective with peanut butter as the bait. Additionally, you may use fruit, nuts, or seed to bait the trap. Live traps and snare traps can be an effective tools to remove chipmunks from your property.
Repairs
Filling a chipmunk hole before a control strategy is not effective. Chipmunks will be able to dig the hole again.
Chipmunks can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, and foundations. If a chipmunk enters a home, it typically uses a downsport or gutter. Critter Control will install gutter guards to prevent that from happening.
When should homeowners call Critter Control of Central Missouri?
They should call 573-441-0060 as soon as they think there may be an unwanted critter in the structure or on the property. Addressing the issue early will limit the damage and (hopefully!) make the solution less costly.
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in Central Missouri?
Our most common issues are bats, squirrels, and raccoons in the attic. Birds in vents. Moles in the yard.
What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?
Running, walking, or scratching noises in the attic or walls. Small droppings that accumulate in a localized area in the spring and summer and continue to accumulate after they are cleaned up.
How do the seasons affect wildlife activity around Columbia, MO?
Many animals (like bats, groundhogs, and snakes) hibernate in our area, making winter a much slower season for us.
How much does wildlife removal cost?
There are a number of factors that determine pricing; location of the animal (i.e. – chimney, attic, crawl, wall void, living area), condition of the animal (i.e. – sick, aggressive, dead), location and condition of the property and time of year (i.e. – weather condition, offspring present?). Generally speaking, pricing will vary by location and species for just the animal removal and that pricing usually does not include the entry repair.
The Critter Control Difference
Trained SpecialistsAnimal 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 WorkYour satisfaction is always guaranteed. Critter Control® takes great pride in providing quality workmanship resulting in customer satisfaction.
Residential and CommericalInvading 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 OperatedCritter Control of Central Missouri has been in business since 2005 and locally owned and operated by Peter Riney and his family since 2009.
About Critter Control of Central Missouri
Critter Control of Central Missouri has been in business since 2005 and locally owned and operated by Peter Riney and his family since 2009. Critter Control is a national franchise system with many individual local owner/operators like Peter. It is the largest company in the nation specializing in nuisance wildlife management, as opposed to insect pests.
Bringing over 17 years of wildlife management experience in this industry and the support and knowledge of a national company that has over 40 years’ experience and hundreds of certified pest, bird, and wildlife management specialists on staff, Critter Control has the personnel, experience, and knowledge to resolve your wildlife issue no matter how large or small.
