Blog | Critter Control Fort Worth

What Does Bat Feces Look Like?

What Does Bat Feces Look Like?It’s important to identify a bat infestation on your property as soon as possible to avoid serious damage and contamination. If you suspect you have bats living in your Fort Worth home, knowing what their feces looks like can help you quickly confirm their presence. Here are some facts about invasive bats and their toxic droppings.

Facts About Bat Feces 

Also known as guano, bat feces is:

  1. Small and dark in coloration
  2. About 1-3 cm in length or the size of a staple
  3. Mushy and soft when fresh
  4. Very crumbly and dusty white when dry

The Dangers and Damages of Bat Feces

Allowing bat feces to linger in your home can be dangerous not only to your home, but to your family’s health as well. Dried bat droppings can cause respiratory problems from the growth of histoplasmosis fungus. If ingested or inhaled, bat feces can be fatal. Roundworm is another health issue transmitted directly from bat feces. Bats are also common carriers of the rabies virus. 

With all of the dangers that bats and their feces can pose to your safety, it is important to act fast and contact Critter Control® of Fort Worth for all your bat removal needs.

Our Legal Bat Removal Process

Many species of bat are protected by law in the United States, especially during bat maternity season; therefore, their removal must only be handled by wildlife professionals. At Critter Control® of Fort Worth, our licensed and trained bat removal technicians can ensure a safe and effective removal process that is in compliance with all state and federal wildlife exclusion laws. Our four-step bat exclusion method can effectively get bats out of your home and keep them out. Our process includes:

  1. Inspection – We begin by inspecting your property to identify the location and scale of your bat infestation.
  2. Exclusion – Our trained professionals will develop a plan to remove all unwanted bats from your home using one-way exclusion devices.
  3. Restoration – Once the bats have exited your property, our team of professionals will repair any damages left behind and sanitize any areas that were contaminated.
  4. Prevention – The final step is to ensure all entry points are sealed to keep bats from re-entering your home.

Effective Bat Removal Services Near You

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to unwanted pests inside your home or workplace. If you are dealing with a bat infestation, give us a call today at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free bat removal estimate.

 

How to Get Rid of Mice in the Attic

If you are hearing squeaky noises, scratching, or little footsteps coming from your attic, then you most likely are dealing with a mice infestation. It is important to act quickly to get rid of mice because, even though they are tiny little rodents, they can cause harmful and expensive damages to your Ft. Worth home. 

Common Entry Points Mice Use to Access Your Attic

Mice can crawl through holes in exterior walls as small as the width of a nickel to get into your attic. Common entry points mice may use to enter your home include ventilation ducts, gaps in siding, ventilation and plumbing pipes, or chimneys.

Damages of Having Mice in the Attic

Many homeowners are surprised that a critter so small can create such large, and costly, property damages. Mice-related destruction to look out for includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Soiled attic floors due to the accumulation of mice droppings and urine
  2. Shredded boxes and damaged items stored in your attic
  3. Risk of electrical fires due to chewed through wires 
  4. Higher electrical bills due to destroyed attic insulation 
  5. Foul smell throughout the home

On top of damage, mice can also affect your health by contaminating the food you eat and the air you breathe with their waste. 

Ways You Can Get Rid of Mice in the Attic

  1. Trim Overhanging Tree Limbs – The first step toward getting rid of mice starts outside by trimming back trees and shrubs near your home. This eliminates mice hiding spots and their ability to climb onto your roof and access entry points into your attic. 
  2. Seal Up Mice Entry Points – Examine your attic for holes and exposures that mice can squeeze through to access your attic. Use a rodent proof sealant to close all entry points preventing the mice from entering your home. 
  3. Try Using Baited Mouse TrapsLay out traps strategically by placing them in areas of high mice activity. However, make sure they are out of reach of pets and children. Also check on your traps regularly to remove any dead mice and reset them, if needed.
  4. Remove Mice Food Sources – If mice are in your attic, then they are likely elsewhere in your home. Make sure all food and trash is properly stored and sealed. Do not leave any food out in the open and clean up any crumbs or food stains around the house. 

If you’re struggling to get rid of mice in your attic, contact the mice removal experts at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth. 

Contact Your Local Mice Removal Professionals 

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to unwanted rodents inside your home. If you are dealing with a mice infestation, give us a call at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free mice removal estimate.

How to Get Rid of Rodents in My Garage

Rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels regularly invade the garages of residential Ft. Worth homes in search of food, water, and safe shelter from predators and harsh weather. Once inside your garage, rodents will quickly establish a nest and begin to breed. Unfortunately, their presence usually goes undetected until they have grown into a widespread infestation. Therefore, it is essential to deal with these invasive animals as soon as you notice signs of a rodent infestation

Rodent Removal and Prevention Tips

Here are a few ways to get rid of rodents in your garage.

  1. Seal off any possible entry points. Secure any spaces or gaps between your garage door threshold and the ground. Rodents can easily squeeze view these types of areas as safe spaces to stay warm and to enter inside your garage.
  2. Properly store food and seeds. Keep any stored pet food, bird seed, and grass seed tightly sealed while in your garage. Rodents are instinctively attracted to the smell of food and can easily chew through cloth or plastic bags.
  3. Keep your garage clean, clutter-free, and organized. Rodents enjoy small, warm spaces, and will conceal themselves within your clutter.
  4. Maintain your yard vegetation. Trim back any bushes, tree branches, or shrubs that rodents can use to access your home or hide within outside your garage.
  5. Keep your trash cans locked. To keep rodents out of your garbage, invest in trash cans with lockable lids and store them outside versus in the garage.
  6. Store firewood away from your garage. Rodents like to hide and nest in debris piles, so stack your fireplace logs outside and far from your home.

The Dangers of a Rodent Infestation

Rodents can infect you and your family with fatal diseases, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. The pests can also cause structural issues within your garage and home. However, dealing with rodents can be an extremely risky task to attempt on your own, which is why it’s best to leave their removal to licensed and trained wildlife removal experts. To protect your home and maintain a rodent-free garage, rely on professional rodent removal and prevention services.

Get Rid of Rodents with Critter Control® Ft. Worth

At Critter Control® Ft. Worth, our team of experienced rodent removal technicians will act fast to effectively rid your property of rodents. We also use eco-friendly and non-toxic rodent removal methods that are safe for humans and pets. To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our rodent removal services, call us today at 817-222-1101.

How Do I Get Rid of an Armadillo?

While they aren’t typically aggressive toward humans, armadillos are still capable of considerable damage to your yard. If you are dealing with nuisance armadillos on your Texas property, here are some helpful armadillo removal tips to get rid of them.

How to Go About Armadillo Removal

  • Get Rid of Their Hiding Spots

Although they have a tough outer shell, armadillos still like a little extra coverage. Bushes, shrubs, and other debris in your yard could be the perfect shelter for an armadillo. Trim your bushes short and clear any fallen leaves or branches from the ground to keep them from getting cozy.

  • Remove Their Food Sources

Your yard could be an all-you-can-eat buffet for hungry armadillos. Typical garden insects, such as worms and termites, are an easy and delicious meal for an armadillo. While getting rid of all insects in your yard wouldn’t be productive, you could use insecticides to curb your yard’s bug population. 

  • Install In-Ground Fencing

If removing the armadillo’s resources doesn’t do the trick, you may need to install a physical barrier. In-ground fences can deter digging armadillos from getting into your yard. If they see they can’t reach the food they’re trying to get, chances are they’ll move on to a different yard. 

  • Hire an Armadillo Removal Professional

Most of the time, these DIY hacks to get rid of an armadillo on your property end up resulting in wasted time and money. The easiest option to deal with a pesky armadillo, and the best use of your cash, is to hire a professional to remove the animal safely and humanely. 

Ft. Worth’s Armadillo Removal Experts

Armadillo removal doesn’t have to be such a chore, so let it be our job. Here at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, our team of licensed and trained technicians are committed to helping you and your property steer clear of an armadillo infestation. We use non-toxic, eco-friendly, and humane methods of removal that keep the safety and best interests of both you and the animal in mind.

If you’re having an armadillo problem, know that Critter Control® of Ft. Worth has the solution. To schedule an inspection and receive a free armadillo removal estimate, give us a call today at 817-222-1101.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in the Garbage

Raccoons are scavengers that will eat anything they can find—including your trash. Here are a few ways to keep them out of your garbage and away from your home. 

Tricks and Tips to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Trash Cans

  • Scare Them Off

While they may seem brave, raccoons are skittish and will run away from human contact. Trick them into thinking you’re there by planting a noise maker or playing a radio near your garbage can. Sudden movements and bright light also keep raccoons away. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can scare them off as well. 

  • Change the Scent

Smell is one of a raccoon’s strongest senses, and it uses its nose to find your garbage. An easy way to mask the attractive odor of your garbage is by double-bagging your trash. If you want to change the smell, ammonia and mothballs are also unpleasant to raccoons. Sprinkle a small amount of ammonia around your garbage, or spread mothballs around the outside of the can. 

  • Take Away Their Food Source

Homes are an easy target for raccoons because they provide convenient access to food and water sources. An improperly sealed garbage can is easy for raccoons to use, and birdbaths, pet dishes, and leaky hoses all provide a water source. Make sure your trash can lid is tightly sealed, and consider adding a lock to make it more difficult for raccoons to open. Empty out birdbaths and pet bowls when they’re not in use, and tighten up any leaks around your home. 

  • Hire a Raccoon Removal Professional

The best and most effective way to keep raccoons out of your garbage is by hiring a pest control expert to remove them. Wildlife removal professionals will use are safe and effective methods to get rid of the animal quickly and efficiently. 

Fortunately, Critter Control® of Ft. Worth is here to help. Our four-step CritterSafe® method includes inspection, removal, prevention, and property restoration that permanently rids your property of nuisance raccoons while keeping the health of you, your property, and the animal in mind.

Ft. Worth’s Raccoon Removal Experts

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods to remove unwanted critters from inside your home or workplace. To schedule a property inspection and receive a free raccoon removal estimate, give us a call today at 817-222-110.

The Danger of DIY Snake Trapping

Finding a snake on your property is not uncommon in Texas. With over 105 native species and subspecies, knowing what to look for and whom to call is vital. While only 15 species of snakes in Texas are potentially dangerous to humans, non-venomous snakes can also pose a threat with their bites. Although trying to trap a nuisance snake yourself may seem tempting, the danger of doing so can harm you and your family.

Dangers of DIY Snake Removal

Attempting a snake removal on your own can cause many challenges. Snakes, when left alone, will not actively prey on humans. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, most snake bites result from people taking unnecessary risks when encountering a snake. If you spot a snake on your land or in the wild, slowly move away—as not to startle it—and retreat to a safe place. Approaching any animal in the wild is not recommended and should be avoided at all costs. However, knowing what to look for is equally as important.

Signs You May Have a Snake Infestation

If you’re not sure if a snake is trespassing on your land, keep an eye out for these common signs:

  • Slither tracks in the dust or dirt
  • Shed snakeskins on your property
  • Snake droppings
  • Snake holes in the dirt
  • Strange smells

Instead of attempting to capture a snake on your property, try these simple, yet effective prevention techniques.

Snake Prevention Techniques

1. Keep your property maintained.

  • Snakes love to find hiding places, commonly under a rock, in thick brush, or in overgrown vegetation. By eliminating these preferred spots, you reduce the risk of a snake making your yard their home.
  • Snakes are commonly attracted to cluttered areas. Tidy up your garage and surrounding property of debris or areas where snakes can inhabit.

2. Remove snake attractants from your property.

  • Rodents are a snake’s preferred prey. Taking care of any rodents in your yard and around your property will help reduce the risk of a snake encounter.

3. Use snake repellants.

  • Distribute snake repellant in areas that you suspect a snake is nesting
  • If you have pets or kids, make sure to read the labels and select the best option for your family

Professional Snake Removal Services in Ft. Worth

If an unwanted snake has taken over your property, it’s crossed the line! Call our experts at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth to remove nuisance snakes quickly and humanely from your property. Our knowledgeable staff will safely remove the invasive snake and install safeguards to reduce the risks of another snake making its home on your property. Schedule an inspection with one of our snake removal experts by calling 817-222-1101 today.

How to Deal with an Invasive Snake

Encountering a snake on your property can be an alarming experience, but seeing one inside your home can send you into a panic. If a snake has made its way onto your Ft. Worth property, here are some tips to keep the invasive reptile from slithering into your home.

3 Ways to Deal with Invasive Snakes

There are three different strategies commonly used to deal with snakes that are invading your Ft. Worth-area property:

  1. Deterring Snakes

    Cleaning up your yard is the one of the best things you can do to prevent snakes from approaching your property. Snakes love places with overgrown bushes and debris for them to hide in. Therefore, you might have to do a little bit of landscaping and clearing if you want snakes to stay away.

  2. Repelling Snakes

    Most store-bought snake repellants are ineffective; however, there are some online communities who swear by natural snake repellants. Mongoose urine and kingsnake musk are two common types of natural snake repellents that are popular remedies for deterring snakes.

  3. Trapping Snakes

    If you place a snake trap outside, you will likely catch everything but a snake. However, snakes are not used to indoor environments and no other animal would trigger a snake trap indoors, which is why you should only use snake traps inside.

At the end of the day, snake repellents and traps are not a permanent solution for snakes on your property. For successful snake removal in Ft. Worth, TX, call your local wildlife removal expert at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth.

Professional Snake Removal Services

If your Ft. Worth, TX property has been overrun with invasive snakes, keep a safe distance and rely on the snake removal experts at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth. Our licensed and trained technicians are experienced and equipped to safely and permanently remove any nuisance snakes that are disturbing your Texas property. To schedule an appointment and receive a free quote for our fast and effective snake removal services, call us today at 817-222-1101.

How to Catch a Rat in the House

From incessant chewing and scratching to spreading infectious diseases and contamination, rats are invasive critters that can cause severe damage to your property and health. Once rats have infested your home, they will quickly nest and breed, so it is imperative to quickly catch a rat in the house to keep property damages to a minimum.

5 Tips to Catch Rats in the House

If you suspect there are rats on your Ft. Worth, TX property, here are a couple of tips to help you catch and get rid of them.

  1. Seal off entry points – Rats are agile critters that can fit through even the smallest cracks and holes. Using a caulk gun, you can seal small openings around windows, doors, walls, and floors. Doing so can help prevent new rats from coming into your home .
  2. Use safe rat bait – Bait is a rodenticide with two primary ingredients, the attractant and active ingredient (anticoagulant). Natural bait pellets are non-target poisoning traps that are safe to use around children and pets. Natural bait “tricks” the rat’s brain into thinking it’s fully hydrated, making it stop drinking water and die from dehydration.
  3. Maintain a clean home – To keep rats away, make sure to keep a tight lid on the garbage bin and all food containers. Vacuum frequently indoors and mow your yard regularly. Rats are less attracted to clean yards with minimal debris because it leaves them with no place to nest or hide.
  4. Use traps – Four of the most commonly used rat traps include: glue traps, snap traps, live traps, and electric shock traps. Snap traps are recognized as old-fashioned wooden rat traps. For best results, place the trigger side of the trap perpendicular to the wall and make sure to select the best bait, such as peanut butter or prunes.
  5. Contact the professionals – Instead of wasting your money and time on attempting different rat removal methods on your own, rely on the rat catching professionals at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth.

Effective Methods to Get Rid of Rats

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth,  our rat removal experts have the tools and experience to take care of your Texas-sized rat problem with ease. We use a proven method that is effective, humane, and eco-friendly. Our CritterSafe® program includes the following four steps:

  1. Inspection – One of our expert technicians will examine your property to assess the severity of the infestation and strategize a personalized rat treatment plan.
  2. Removal – We isolate and remove all nuisance rats from your home using humane and eco-friendly trapping techniques.
  3. Restoration – We repair and clean and damage or contamination caused by the nuisance rats.
  4. Exclusion – We seal all entry points with caulking and copper wire mesh to prevent future rat infestations in your home.

Professional Rat Removal Services in Ft. Worth, Texas

If you have a rat problem in your house, keep a safe distance from the pests and contact the rat removal experts at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth. Our licensed and trained technicians use eco-friendly and humane removal methods when it comes to removing unwanted critters inside your home or workplace. To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our rat removal services, call us today at 817-222-1101.

How to Get Raccoons Out of Your House

Located west of Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas is a flourishing city that houses a large population of residents, both human and animal. To avoid the harsh elements and natural predators, such wildlife may try to invade local homes for safe shelter and food.

If you discover raccoons have infested your house, the best way to remove them is by calling raccoon removal experts as they can get rid of raccoons quickly, efficiently, and safely without hassle. However, you may try the following DIY raccoon removal methods to scare off nuisance raccoons while you wait for the professionals to arrive.

4 Steps to Get Rid of Raccoons

  1. Seal your space shut. Ensure you are closing your garage door and doggie doors at night. You may also need to do a walkthrough of your home to see if there are any other access points the raccoons are using to enter your home.
  2. Hide food and water sources. Take any food or water you have outside and bring it inside. This includes dog bowls, bird feeders and trash cans. By taking away what attracts the raccoons, you may deem your space as an inhabitable shelter for the raccoons.
  3. Create noise or shine a light. Raccoons are stealthy creatures but they are also extremely sheepish. If you shine a light on their den or play soft music from a radio, they will become frightened and leave the space.

The Importance of Contacting Raccoon Removal Professionals


While DIY raccoon removal methods may work in a pinch, they are temporary measures and not long term solutions to a raccoon infestation. Furthermore, raccoons are not always kind critters to deal with. Attempting to remove these animals from your home without the help of an expert may become detrimental to the health and wellbeing of you, your house, and your loved ones. To get rid of invasive raccoons and prevent them from invading your space again, call the raccoon removal professionals at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth.

Your Fort Worth Raccoon Removal Experts

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods when it comes to removing unwanted critters from inside your home or workplace. If you are dealing with a raccoon infestation, know that we’re here to help with all of your wildlife removal and pest-prevention needs. To schedule an in-home inspection and receive a free estimate for our raccoon removal services, give us a call at 817-222-1101 today.

4 Squirrel Prevention Tips

Squirrels are known for rooting up landscaping, nibbling away at gardens, damaging roofs, and digging their way into attics. Once inside, squirrels can cause extensive damage by making messy nests, ripping away at insulation, and gnawing on your home’s important wooden structures and electric wiring. The best way to fend off these pesky critters and their destructive tendencies is to take preventative measures before they make their way inside your home. 

Expert Tips for Squirrel Prevention

Here are four expert squirrel prevention tips that can help keep squirrels at bay and reduce your chance of an infestation.

    1. Don’t let your yard become a snack shack.
      Their tireless search for something to nibble on can lead squirrels to all kinds of places, including your yard, attic, and interior crawl spaces. Bird feeders, fruit from your prosperous garden, or even rotting food in a compost pile can attract these unwanted pests. Purchasing a squirrel baffle for your bird feeders or making a cover for your garden and compost pile can help prevent these critters from entering your yard. 
    2. Block entrances to your home.
      If there are holes, gaps, or rotten wood on the exterior of your home, squirrels may be able to squeeze or scratch their way inside. Scan your home and take note of spots that need repair. Even holes that serve a purpose, like attic vents or chimneys, can act as an entry point for a sneaky squirrel. So make sure to cover vents with mesh and get a chimney cap to block uninvited creatures from wandering in.
    3. Use squirrel repellant.
      Although squirrel repellant doesn’t always get the job done, it can be a good extra line of defense to keep these critters away. Liquid or granular repellent will need to be applied to your yard regularly to continually prevent squirrels from hanging out on your property.
    4. Make your attic less squirrel friendly.
      Does your attic look like a nice place to build a nest and hide away? If you’re worried about squirrels letting themselves inside, the best thing to do is make the inside a little less cozy. Give your attic and crawl spaces a good clean, clearing out clutter. Chances are, if a squirrel does wander in, it won’t stay long if the space doesn’t feel safe.

While these tips can be somewhat effective in deterring squirrels away from your home, your best defense in keeping unwanted critters from wreaking havoc on your home or yard is hiring professional help.

Call the Experts for Professional Squirrel Prevention

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, our licensed and trained wildlife removal experts are on hand to help rid your property of squirrels or any other unwelcome nuisance. We pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to pests inside your home or workplace. 

If you are dealing with a squirrel infestation, know that we’re here for all of your wildlife removal and prevention needs. To schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate, give us a call today at 817-222-1101.

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