Critter Control in Rock Hill, SC

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South Carolina has natural beauty and plenty of waterways, but the same features that make it so beautiful also encourage a lot of wildlife to flourish. The same pond you add to your Rockhill, South Carolina, yard for aesthetic reasons can become a habitat for venomous snakes.

Designing your landscaping with care and installing exclusionary measures on your home are just some ways you’ll need to adapt for better wildlife control. The warm climate and mild winters can allow some animals to breed year-round. This means they might see parts of your home as ideal nesting grounds at any time.

When your efforts to get along with animals like raccoons or bats run into a problem, call Critter Control. We’re equipped to help you with all the wildlife removal challenges common to this part of the state.

Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process

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.

Squirrel Removal

Squirrels aren’t just pests at the backyard bird feeder. They’re also known for entering wall and attic spaces when temperatures cool off. They normally nest in the hollows of trees that have begun to rot, but they’ll find every little opening in your home’s exterior instead if they can. The gnawing efforts of these rodents can damage your rafters, wiring, plumbing, and more. They also tend to displace insulation and leave droppings behind that grow mold and fungi on them. Even if you think squirrels are cute, it’s not possible to share your home with them.

The trick to get rid of squirrels in a humane way is similar to the method used for bats. One-way cages are used, or one-way flaps that allow the squirrel to leave but not return. Often, a cage is placed to verify the animal causing the infestation. Then, the exclusion devices are added so the other squirrels don’t need manual removal. We’ll follow up by sealing off the former openings with materials like hardware cloth so they can’t gnaw their way back in.

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.

Raccoon Removal

Raccoons are some of the largest pest animals you’ll deal with in the area. They may look cute, but don’t underestimate their capacity for damage. Raccoons often target garbage cans and similar storage units first. They’ll make a mess of your trash, spreading it around and attracting other animals in the area. If they stay out in the trees and hassle your trash cans, that’s a fairly mild issue. The bigger problems begin when raccoons get in attic or crawlspace. They can transfer diseases, chew wires, and access other parts of your home to spread the damage.

Hot summers tend to limit their interest in the attic to the wintertime, but cool crawlspaces are attractive all year round. You’ll often have to start under the home to get rid of raccoons in a permanent way. Unfortunately, homes in the Rockhill area tend to feature small crawlspaces rather than full-sized basements due to the high water table. That means it’s tricky to work in a limited space with a hissing wild animal. Relying on professional wildlife removal services from Critter Control is always a good idea in this case

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.

Rodent Control

A drop in temperatures can send mice and rats scurrying for cover in your vehicles and home. More than a few area residents have called for rat removal after discovering chewed wires in their car or under the hood. It’s also important to keep up your rat-controlling measures to prevent serious disease risks. Hantavirus is a major reason you need professional mouse removal rather than trying to tackle the issue on your own with some traps.

You’ll rarely see the rodents themselves. It’s often necessary to check for tiny details like the size of droppings and the spacing of teeth marks to determine what we’re dealing with. The key is setting up your home so that future rats and mice can’t get in. These rodents are dedicated chewers who will create new openings to access food sources, water, and shelter. Reinforcements like hardware cloth stop them from getting in even if they’ve returned in the past.

South Carolina is home to over a dozen species of mice and rats. Most need a similar approach, but we’ll identify the rodents you’re dealing with and make sure to tailor our approach for the best results.

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.

Snake Removal

There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The heat and humidity in Spartanburg make it an ideal home for snakes. Property owners encounter both venomous and nonvenomous snakes in their yards or basements; in particular, they should be aware of venomous species such as copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes.

Inspection

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.

Trapping and Removal

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

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.

Bat Removal

You can host quite a large colony of bats in your attic and not even know they’re present. Unfortunately, bat guano hosts a fungus that can cause a serious lung disease known as histoplasmosis. Even cleaning up the guano requires special protection equipment, such as a respirator and gloves, and sanitation measures.

You may suspect you need to get rid of bats if you notice a musty smell in your attic or see dark smudges around vents or other entry points on the outside of the house. Soft rustling or squeaking sounds at night may indicate nesting, but don’t go up to your attic yourself to check. Let a professional handle the inspection since direct contact with bats isn’t a good idea without protective equipment. They’re also a protected species in South Carolina, so trying to handle them yourself could lead to trouble.

Once a bat or colony is identified, it’s usually allowed to leave on its own. Most bats you’ll find inside the attic or walls are mothers trying to raise their pups. Critter Control uses one-way exclusion bat valves so the bats can easily leave when they’re old enough to venture out, but they can’t get back in to nest again. They’ll find somewhere else to live and leave you free to clean up your home.

Home attics are usually too hot to host bats through the summer in South Carolina. It’s more common to experience nesting issues in this area in the fall or spring instead. Winter nesting is rare, but it can occur if there is enough space for an entire colony.

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.

Opossum Control

While these pests may hiss and seem threatening if cornered, they are unlikely to cause any harm. Opossum problems in South Carolina often stem from unsecured garbage, which lures the animals near homes. Fleas and ticks from opossums can transmit diseases to pets

Inspection

Groundhog Inspection

Opossums can be found inside attics and basements or outside under decks and sheds. Common signs include unique paw prints and feces. Opossums are docile and usually easy to spot.

Trapping and Removal

Groundhog Removal

Opossums can be lured into cages for live capture. If it is maternity season, we follow all guidelines for removing mother and newborn opossums. We will seal entryways into the building to prevent opossums from reentering in the future. Opossums can be kept from getting under sheds and decks by installing fencing around the bottom edges and burying the fence underground.

Repairs

Groundhog Repairs

Broken screens on chimney and roof vents are replaced with sturdier materials, and we properly seal all entry points, including crawlspaces. We clean and deodorize areas of opossum activity. Exclusion may include eliminating sources that attract bugs, like nighttime lighting, stagnant water, and livestock poop.

Call to Schedule an Inspection

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.
Critter Control Guarantee 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 your local Critter Control franchisee Matt Stambaugh

What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in your area?

a. Squirrels – The pests create serious problems by nesting in chimneys or invading attics and wall voids. In addition, a squirrel can carry fleas and ticks, which may spread to humans and domesticated animals. A squirrel nesting in an attic will gnaw on beams or wires, which can lead to costly repairs or fire hazards.
b. Raccoons– Active year around, these nocturnal animals can cause serious damage to yards and gardens and often create dens beneath a porch or worse yet, inside your crawl space.
c. Bats – Because bats feed at night, South Carolina residents rarely see them. However, these pests are dangerous when roosting in attics, chimneys, walls, or outbuildings. Homeowners should avoid exposure to bat waste, since their droppings may develop fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis. Bats inside your living space should be handled only by professionals because bats can carry rabies and will bite or scratch when they’re handled.
d. Rats/Mice – Because of their size, rats can gain access to your home through small holes in your roof or other means.  They can pose a threat to your home by ripping out insulation, ruining walls, and chewing up belongings. They also may pose a health threat to your family. 


How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in Rock Hill, SC?

Squirrels are more active in fall and winter. Raccoons are active year-round. Bats are active in the summer months. Opossums are active year-round and snakes are typically more active in the summer.

What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?

Exterior damage to your home. Noises in walls, attic, or crawlspace, typically louder at night. Damage to your yard/garden beds. Stains on ceiling or in walls. Strange odor(s) in the home.

Any prevention or exclusion tips for residents in your area?

Inspect your home regularly. Nuisance wildlife can enter through existing holes or create their own entry.  Early detection is the key to limiting damage to the home.  A Critter Control professional will perform a thorough inspection of your home or building and provide a solution to extract the nuisance wildlife.  Once removed, Critter Control of Greenville guarantees all repair work.

When should homeowners call you?

You should call us at the first sign of suspected wildlife intrusion/damage. A trusted, experienced professional will perform a thorough inspection of your property and suggest legal and humane solutions to your nuisance wildlife problem.

This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Pest Solutions, LLC, dba Critter Control of Greenville-Rock Hill, SC.