Squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, skunks, snakes, opossums, bats, rats, and mice are some of the most common household pests in Portland. Discovering one of these critters in your house is alarming. They disrupt your life, damage your house, and spread diseases.
Squirrel Removal in Portland
There are four native tree squirrels in Oregon: the Western gray, Douglas, Northern flying, and American red squirrels. There are also invasive nonnative species like the Eastern fox and gray squirrels. They are listed as predatory animals.
Squirrels can find every crack and hole to enter your home. The squirrel entry gap ranges from golf ball to softball size. While they are fun to watch, pest squirrels will cause damage to your property.
From March to September, squirrels give birth in a nest they created, possibly in your attic or chimney. Squirrels’ teeth or constantly growing, and if they get too big, they are painful. Squirrels chew on anything hard, including metals, wood, siding, shingles, pipes, ducts, and drywall, to keep them small.
Never try to catch a squirrel. They can carry diseases and will bite or scratch if they are cornered.
According to Oregon laws, squirrels cannot be relocated unless it is on the same property. Trapping and transporting a squirrel to a facility that will take in the rodent requires a special permit. Hunting permits may be required for certain species during particular seasons. Rather than going through these processes, contact Critter Control.
Raccoon Removal in Portland
Raccoons are active at night. While you sleep, they are out scavenging for food. There are plenty of sources in Portland. Raccoons eat just about anything, from restaurant scraps and pet food to garden crops and chickens. Their hands resemble human hands and allow them to turn doorknobs, open storage bins, and climb trees, chimneys, and poles.
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.
In Portland, bats are everywhere. Big and little brown bats, hoary bats, and silver-haired bats are frequent flyers in our area.
Bats need food and water for survival. They consume thousands of insects every night, making them essential for the ecosystem. But if you have a source on your property that attracts thousands of insects, you won’t find them so necessary. They will be annoying. Wherever they find food and water, they will find shelter nearby, whether in your home or another structure on your property.
If you already have a bat problem, then you know they can be loud, and their waste is smelly and toxic. Bat guano contains uric acid and can corrode wood and metals. It can also stain the side of your home permanently.
Because bats carry diseases, it is never a good idea to try and remove bats by yourself. Instead, call our professionals. We know how to remove bats properly. We also understand the laws regarding mating and maternity season, which are times when removing bats and their babies is illegal due to their federal and state protections.
Skunks are a common animal in Portland during their breeding seasons. They’re distinctive black and white fur, and their pungent odor that can linger for days, are unmistakeable. Stripped skunks breed from February through March. Spotted skunks breed in September and October.
During breeding season, skunks will look for convienent denning sites. Skunks will create dens under elevated sheds, under porches, and inside crawlspaces.
These pests 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. 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.
Pigeons are a common sight in Portland. We commonly encounter the rock pigeon and the band-tailed pigeon. They perch on rooftops, office buildings, statues, trees, electrical wires, and anywhere else they want.
Pigeons scavenge for food in the mornings, eating grains, seeds, and human garbage. They aren’t very picky. Pigeons pose a threat due to their toxic droppings, which can host numerous diseases. Because their feces is so acidic, it can damage buildings and homes. Never try to catch a pigeon. They carry parasites, fleas, ticks, lice, and more. Let Critter Control get rid of the pigeons on your property.
What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in Portland? Squirrels, raccoons, bats and birds are the most common. We also handle mice and rats. We typically find nuisance wildlife in people’s attics and crawlspaces.
How do the seasons in Northwest Oregon affect wildlife activity? In the fall and early winter, it’s mostly squirrels and rodents in homes. The rest of the year it is everything else.
Any pest prevention tips for residents in your area? Keep pet food sealed, remove bird/squirrel feeders, and call Critter Control to take preventative measures so wildlife does not enter your home.
What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity? Strange sounds and smells are usually the first sign of nuisance wildlife. People tend to notice rodent droppings in their kitchen if they have a rat or mouse infestation.
When should homeowners call Critter Control? Whenever they suspect they may have a wildlife issue. If they want to prevent themselves from having a wildlife issue and the associated cost. If they want to replace/increase their insulation in their homes.
