Critter Control of Memphis

There are sixteen species of bats in Tennessee, the Little Brown Bat is the most common. Bat guano is the surest sign you have bats and the greatest risk to your health. A large accumulation of guano can lead to structural issues and spread two fungal diseases.

Only a handful of bat species are likely to enter your attic to roost, but they could form large maternity colonies during the summer. Tennessee regulates bat removal. From May 1st to August 1st you cannot remove a colony with flightless pups. Bat extermination is illegal.

Rodent infestations are common in most cities across the United States and Memphis is no exception. Because they can slip through an opening the size of a dime, most homes and businesses are susceptible to rodents looking for a cozy residence in which to breed with easy access to food and water.

The two most common rodents in the metro Memphis area are house mice, roof rats, and brown rats. Rodents are active breeders year-round, but fall is their peak time for breeding. And, as the weather turns cooler, these rodents will find their way indoors.

Rodents are harmful to both your house and health and should be eradicated by a professional to ensure they are fully gone. Rodents’ teeth grow throughout their lives, and they are notorious for chewing through electric wires, walls, and floors to create pathways to pantries and restaurant storage areas. Rats and mice will contaminate food in pantries, and they also carry diseases, including hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis.

If you see signs of a rodent infestation, such as gnaw marks and feces, Critter Control will expertly conduct rat control or mouse control to eliminate the entire population.

Squirrels are actively looking for a safe place to shelter in the fall. Squirrels generally breed twice a year and often move into Tennessee homes to give birth to young. Breeding typically happens December-February and May-June.

There are five species of squirrels in Tennessee but the most common to be in your home in West Tennesee is the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the Eastern Fox Squirrel or the Southern Flying Squirrels.

The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in the Memphis area, and they can be quite noisy and destructive when living above us in the attic. Like mice and rats, they like to gnaw on wood and wires to help them keep their ever-growing teeth at a manageable length so that they can create quite a bit of damage.

One of the most noticeable differences between tree squirrels and flying squirrels are when they are active. Tree squirrels are active during the day while flying squirrels are nocturnal. If you hear chittering in the morning or at night would be a sign what type of squirrel is in your attic.

A squirrel in your home requires professional assistance as it will use attic insulation and other materials to build its nest and will create a mess with the nuts and seeds they bring in. In addition, they harbor parasites such as fleas as well as spread illnesses like leptospirosis. Live trapping and one-way doors are used to rid your home or office of squirrels.

Even though raccoons are native to North America and live just about everywhere in the United States except in the Rockies, the raccoon is the official wild animal of Tennessee!

Raccoons do not hibernate. When it gets especially cold, raccoons will retreat to their dens. A raccoon denning in your attic could lead to a long, noisy winter.

The peak of breeding season in in February in Tennesee. Females will seek out shelter to give birth in March and April. There are usually 3-4 kits (baby raccoons) in a litter. If you see a raccoon during the day in the spring, you might have a raccoon family.

Raccoons are smart and destructive animals that will rip a hole through your roof or soffits to gain entry. Once inside, they will damage insulation and wires and contaminate the area with their feces. Because they can become quite aggressive, a wildlife specialist such as Critter Control is needed to effectively and humanely get rid of them using live trapping or one-way doors.

Opossums are prevalent around Memphis. If you see an opossum in your yard, it is best to ignore it. They usually move on from a location within a few days. In the meantime, they will probably eat pests like ticks or rodents.

If you’ve got an opossum in your home, you know it’s there. They are noisy animals. They scream, hiss, thump and bump. They can truly be annoying at any time during the day or night.Opossums will also leave feces and urine wherever they go. If you have a nuisance opossum in your house or under a deck, call us to evict opossums early.

Birds are prevalent in Nashville. Sparrows, starlings, and pigeons are the only ones not protected by state and federal laws simply because they are not native to our state. All birds can become nuisance birds. They perch on roof ledges, poop on cars and windows, and build nests in eaves and attics. Their poop is acidic and causes corrosion. It carries many toxins that can lead to respiratory diseases in humans.

Birds like to find small spaces to call home, like ventilation ducts, gutters, and soffits. When it rains, water that is supposed to flow away from your home doesn’t. Water is not the only issue, however. The nesting materials they use can clog vents, creating fire hazards.

Skunks typically invade Memphis yards in search for food and a safe place to burrow. Sheds, porches, and foundations make ideal burrowing locations which can lead to structural damage. To avoid a skunk’s spray, rely on professional handling and skunk trapping. Removing food supplies is one of the most effective ways to prevent a skunk from entering your property.

Skunk mating season starts in February. Males wander in search for females in heat.Males typically spray during fights over females. A minor skunk problem can quickly magnify during breeding season.