Blog | Critter Control Fort Worth

Do Mothballs Deter Rats?

A Ft. Worth rat infestation can be incredibly frustrating, so it’s understandable if Texas homeowners who are dealing with rats decide to turn to the internet in search of a quick solution. However, they must be careful as there are lots of myths and old wives’ tales online about DIY rodent control that are not entirely accurate. One such myth is about mothballs being an effective rat deterrent. Contrary to popular internet belief, mothballs are not very good at eliminating any kind of rodent. On top of that, mothballs can be harmful to you, your family, and your pets.

To set the record straight, we are busting some of the common myths and misconceptions regarding whether mothballs deter rats.

Myth No. 1: Rats Can’t Stand the Smell of Mothballs

The reason many people think that rats hate the smell of mothballs is because mothballs contain naphthalene. Many consider this chemical to be a strong deterrent of rats and other rodents that possess a heightened sense of smell. However, the amount of naphthalene in mothballs is not enough to deter a rodent that gets a whiff of the food in your pantry. Mothballs will, however, make your clothes and home smell very strange and musky.

Myth No. 2: Mothballs Are Safe Indoor Repellents

Mothballs are actually incredibly dangerous to place around the home because they can be mistaken by pets or small children for food or other non-toxic items. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that mothballs’ aforementioned chemical ingredient, naphthalene, can cause nasal cancer among other illnesses. By introducing mothballs to your residence, suddenly, rats are the least of your worries.

Myth No. 3: Mothballs Can Repel Rats Outdoors

Rats are cunning varmints that are able to invade your home quickly and easily, so they are likely smart enough to stay away from something that has a strong, potentially harmful odor like mothballs. Additionally, exterior mothballs can contaminate your garden soil and the plants and vegetation that are growing in it. Outdoor mothball chemicals could even seep into and contaminate your water supply if you are not careful with them.

Mothballs are a Temporary Rat Solution

At the end of the day, mothballs are never going to be a permanent solution to your growing rat problem. Even if mothballs or other deterrents are mildly effective, rats and rodents are tenacious critters. You can only deter them for so long until they get through your ineffective temporary defenses and nest and breed within your home. If you want to get rid of rats and keep them out for good, then you’ll need the professional rat removal services of Critter Control® of Ft. Worth.

Rely on Professional Rat Removal

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, we not only use humane methods to eliminate your rat problem, but our technicians also use non-toxic, eco-friendly methods that will not cause any sort of harm to you, your family, or your pets. In business for over 20 years, we are licensed, trained, and equipped to handle any sort of rodent infestation.

If you would like to schedule your free inspection and estimate, then call us today at 817-222-1101.

The Dangers of Rats in Your Attic

The Dangers of Rats in Your Attic If you hear scurrying in your walls as you lay down to sleep at night or smell a foul odor indoors during the heat of the day, there is a good chance you have rats in your Ft. Worth home. Ignoring such early warning signs of rats in your residence can allow them an opportunity to reproduce and grow into an even larger infestation. Being aware of the warning signs and acting quickly is the best way to prevent the rats from causing costly damage to your attic, home, and health.

Signs of Rats in Your Attic

Rats will seek residence in your home for a number of reasons. Your attic and walls provide protection from outdoor predators and an escape from the Texas heat and rain. Your home also creates easy access to food, water, and nesting materials for their young. Signs that point toward a growing rat problem include:

Tiny, black droppings near windows and attic openings
Urine stains in the corners of your walls
Foul ammonia-like smell thought the home
Scurrying or scratching noises at night
Chew marks on wires and wooden structures
Nests made out of cardboard and attic insulation

Why Rats in Your Attic Is Harmful

Rats may be small critters, but they can wreak havoc on your home and health. Ignoring the signs of an infestation is dangerous. The longer you allow these mammals to inhabit your home, the longer they have to cause more damage. The biggest concerns with rats in your attic are:

Health Risks

Being bit or scratched by a rat can transmit their bacteria and diseases, but there are also health concerns that rats can cause without ever coming into direct contact with you. Rats’ fecal matter is full of toxins that can trigger allergic responses in the residents of your home. Not only can their feces trigger allergic reactions, the toxins can be spread through contamination. Rats are scroungers and will make themselves welcome in your panty, trash, and on your countertops. Any saliva or fecal matter that makes its way onto your food can lead to diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and tularemia.
Safety Concerns

Besides health concerns, rats can cause great damage to your home and safety. Because rats’ teeth are ever-growing, they continuously gnaw to wear them down. They often gnaw on wires which can cause a safety hazard and spark fires in your home. Rats also tear through insulation, cardboard, and wood structuring to make nests for their young, which can cause structural damage to your home.

Leave Rat Removal to the Professionals

Because of the dangers that attic rats can pose to an entire household, it is important to avoid contact with them or attempt any DIY removal methods. Calling the experts at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth is the best way to handle a rat infestation. Our licensed and trained technicians will humanely and efficiently remove all rats from your home and repair any damages they may have made. If you have any questions about our removal techniques or are interested in a free home inspection, give us a call today at 817-222-1101.

The Real Risks of a Bat Infestation

The Real Risks of a Bat Infestation The small, furry creatures flying through the night may be fascinating to watch when the sun starts to set; however, bats can cause great damage if they decide to invade your home and form nests in places like your attic. Because bats are nocturnal animals, they primarily sleep during the day and spend their time searching for food when you are asleep at night. Therefore, it may be difficult to locate and remove them without the help of expert animal control specialists.

Signs of a Bat Infestation

There are several signs that can point to an infestation of bats occurring in your home.

Disturbing sounds – Scratching noises, the flapping of wings, or rustling bumps may indicate the presence of bats. The flying mammals also emit high-pitched squeaks that allow them to communicate with other bats and navigate throughout the night.
Messy dark stains and droppings – The appearance of bat guano is an evident sign of a bat infestation. You may see these droppings outside your home or near entry points. Grease marks on walls can also signal a growing bat problem. Bats have a dirty and greasy film on their coats that can rub off as they enter and exit your home. After repeatedly coming and going, bats will build up a layer of grease near their entry points that will be hard to miss.
Toxic smells – Another sign of a bat infestation is the strong ammonia scent released by their waste. Bat urine smells similar to a cat’s litter box, which can create a less-than-pleasant odor in your home. Other smells can come from a bat dying in your home, which may also attract insects.

Dangers of a Bat Infestation

A bat infestation in your home can also be a health risk to you and your loved ones. Humans can get diseases such as Histoplasmosis or rabies from bats. Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of bat guano, while rabies is a viral disease caused by a bat bite or contact with bat fur.

Another danger of a bat infestation includes bacterial growth in the attic. When bat guano breaks down into a powder, it releases airborne pathogens that can cause strong smells and respiratory issues.

Bats can also cause structural damage to your home. Guano can contaminate the roof or insulation of your home and add excessive weight which can weaken the structure or cause it to sag or collapse.

Effective and Safe Removal

Turn to the animal control specialists at Critter Control® of Fort Worth to effectively and humanely remove bats from your home. After all, bat infestations and the damage that comes with it are frustrating to deal with. With our eco-friendly pest control techniques, we will return your home to a safe environment and prevent future infestations. Call us for a free estimate today at 817-222-1101.

Does Clutter Attract Raccoons?

Does Clutter Attract Raccoons? When you think of raccoons, you probably picture torn garbage and tipped trashcans. It’s common to assume that food is the main draw for these wild animals, but there are actually a lot of other factors that could contribute to your raccoon problem. To keep your property raccoon-free and your family safe, take a closer look at the clutter that raccoons typically cling to.

Why Are Raccoons Dangerous?

As common carriers of rabies, raccoons are a significant threat to everyone on your property. Although they are naturally shy critters, raccoons will quickly become comfortable with your home if there is easy access to food, water, and shelter. As soon as they feel threatened, however, they’ll turn to scratching or biting in self-defense. And while inside your home, raccoons may cause even more trouble by damaging insulation, ventilation, and even the electrical wiring that runs through your attic.

What Type of Clutter Attracts Raccoons?

Unfortunately, clutter both inside and outside your home can attract raccoons. Around your yard, debris can build up if you fall behind on weekly lawn care. Piles of leaves, fallen fruits from your garden, and branches hanging over the top of your roof all serve a purpose to raccoons looking for food and shelter. However, when it comes to the inside of your home, raccoons are typically attracted to food-specific clutter, such as pet food, grains, fruits, and anything else left out on the counter or hastily stored in the pantry.

How Can You Keep Raccoons Away?

Essentially, the best way to prevent a raccoon infestation is by keeping your home clean and clear of clutter. Here are some tips to help you tidy up your property — inside and out.

Outdoors

Mow your yard at least every other week to maintain grass and remove fallen debris.
Secure trashcans with bungee cords and empty them out weekly.
Store your woodpiles far away from your home.

Indoors

Seal pet food in airtight containers and keep them off the ground.
Annually inspect your attic and clear out empty boxes and newspapers as necessary.
Store any of your leftovers in the fridge or durable, airtight containers.

Ft. Worth’s Raccoon Experts

If you’re not sure what is attracting raccoons to your home or property, trust the licensed animal experts at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth to figure it out. Our dedicated wildlife prevention team provides complete animal control, wildlife removal, and property repair solutions for your home or business. Call us today at 817-222-1101 for a free inspection.

Reasons to Have Your Attic Inspected

Reasons to Have Your Attic Inspected Since you rarely pay a visit to your attic, it tends to stay out of sight — and out of mind. However, having an annual attic inspection is a necessary routine for sustaining the longevity of your home. If you haven’t crossed this year’s inspection off your checklist, here are the reasons to examine your attic sooner rather than later.

Checking for Signs of Leakage

Your attic is a usual suspect when it comes to water damage in your home. Fortunately, having an attic inspection allows professionals to spot signs of mold or leaks before they become an issue. Common signs of water damage include:

Stained wood
Condensation around pipes
Furnace rust

When left unattended, moisture can seep into your home’s walls and eventually develop mold — potentially causing severe health problems. Therefore, you must have a professional immediately treat mold if you find it inside your attic.

Checking for Structural Issues

Just because your roof looks stable on top, it doesn’t mean the attic is actually stable underneath. An attic inspection is a perfect opportunity to check for sagging beams, broken rafters, or even stress cracks. Because the attic framing is an overall part of a home’s roof system, it’s vital that this structure is firm and up to building codes. Any structural deficiency that can impair the stability of your roof is worth checking for and promptly repairing, because they can open up holes, gaps, and cracks that wildlife could use for entry.

Checking for Insulation Efficiency

It’s always important to know that your insulation will keep your home cool, and it’s especially important during the scorching seasons. If your recent energy bill is higher than normal, however, it could be the result of damaged insulation. Furthermore, if your AC and furnace are constantly running even after you turn your unit off, your insulation might be to blame.

Checking for Wildlife Damage

Have you recently heard scratching, clawing, or scurrying from above your home? If so, it’s likely that rodents are wreaking havoc in your attic. Rodents like squirrels, rats, and mice are drawn to your attic because it’s a dark and quiet place to make a home. If these critters aren’t quickly removed, they will damage your insulation, chew up wiring, and even cause an infestation.

Need an Attic Inspection?

If you are suspicious that a rodent is causing any damage to your attic, calling for professional help is always the most effective option. Our Critter Control® of Fort Worth technicians will thoroughly inspect your attic, humanely remove any animals, and restore damaged insulation. Most importantly, they’ll seal entry points to keep rodent issues from happening again. For more information on attic insulation and restoration, call 469-805-6267.

How Do Rats Get on the Roof?

How Do Rats Get on the Roof? Despite their small size, rats can pose a significant risk to your home or business when they access your roof or attic. They are prone to damaging insulation, leaving behind feces, and transmitting disease. But how do rats get on the roof in the first place? Rats are actually expert climbers that can dig their claws into almost any textured surface. These rodents can even fall from heights of up to 50 feet with little to no injury. Since they are climbers by trade, rats will scamper up areas near your home in multiple ways.

Climbing Trees

Because they like to nest above ground, you’ll often find rats nuzzled up in the comfort of a tree. This means rats can just as easily scurry up branches and onto your rooftop. But, they’re more likely to make the journey when a tree is overlooking a building or when branches are hanging over the roof. The best way to stop this in advance is to regularly trim your branches. However, there is no simple formula for how often to trim them, because trees grow differently depending on their age and species. Once a tree touches your property, however, it’s definitely a good time to take action.

Climbing Powerlines

Unless your neighborhood has no power lines, it can be hard to keep rats from climbing on them. Rats spend most of their life at least four feet above the ground, which means their favorite kind of travel is also above ground. Power lines give rats an easy (and elevated) mode of transportation from one roof to the next. Therefore, one of the most effective forms of protection against a rat invasion is entry point sealant.

Climbing Surfaces of Your Home

As previously mentioned, rats can climb almost any textured surface. This includes brick, stone, and even concrete. If rats are scurrying up your walls, confront them with their weakness: smooth surfaces. Do this by installing a single-sheet plastic surface or a single-sheet laminate to the base of the walls. This tactic only works indoors, however, which means you’ll have to stop rats entering from the outside by patching up the holes and entry points around your entire property.

Climbing Garbage Cans

Rats will use any means necessary to get above ground — including garbage cans. This makes it even easier for them to hop onto a building’s surface and scurry up to the roof, and it’s the main reason many people consider roof rats to be nature’s acrobats. Keep garbage cans away from the walls by storing them in the garage, instead. This goes for anything that can aid a climbing rat such as woodpiles, rafters, or even debris.

Are Rats Getting on Your Roof?

Rats are a common nuisance that, without proper action, can cause serious damage to your roof. Here at Critter Control® of Fort Worth, we can remove rodents from your roof and keep your home or business safe. For a free estimate of our services, schedule a personal consultation or call us at 817-222-1101. With years of experience, our wildlife technicians can safely rid your home of all its pests.

6 Wildlife Prevention Tips for the Winter Season

Wildlife Prevention Tips for the Winter With winter approaching, many Fort Worth critters are preparing for hibernation. Unfortunately, there are some that would rather find warmth in the comfort of your home than try to sift through scarce space in the wild. To keep wildlife from entering your residence this winter, follow these pest prevention tips.

Inspect Your Attic

It’s easier to find entryways in your walls than entryways in your attic. However, certain spots on the roof, like shingles, soffits, and vents, are some of the most common ones that critters use. Before the cold weather hits, inspect your attic to discover any damage. If you find holes made by an animal, it’s best to hire a professional to remove the critter before sealing them up.

Keep Hedges Away From Your Home

Do you wonder how animals keep sneaking into your attic? It most likely happens when trees or large hedges are too close to the house. This gives squirrels and other critters a direct bridge to the top of your home. Once the temperature drops, animals will be looking for any way to escape the cold. Therefore, it’s best to trim your hedges 12 inches away from your roof and make sure no branches are hanging over the edge.

Secure Trash Containers

The holiday season is notorious for one thing: really good food. Your home will be hosting some holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and glazed ham. Unfortunately, the wildlife in your backyard has the same appetite for hearty helpings. Because most wild animals are omnivores, they’ll eat just about anything you don’t finish. To keep nearby wildlife from cleaning up your scraps, avoid overfilling your trashcans. Instead, tightly secure the lids and wash your bins to prevent waste from piling up.

Clear Your Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters does much more than drain your roof. By regularly checking them, you can keep a close eye on wildlife nests forming inside. The gutter tends to be a common area for animals to builds nests, which can cause your gutters to leak and even break over time. This is especially true for bird nests. If they are established, you won’t be able to move them until the babies are fully-grown.

Patch Any Holes in the Wall

Never underestimate the spaces a critter can fit through. Even small cracks and holes should be patched up to safely protect your building from persistent wildlife. Common areas that usually have holes are baseboards, window frames, and front doors. Smaller openings can be sealed with caulking material, while larger openings can typically be handled with caps, screens, or vents.

Prevent Wildlife This Winter Season

Don’t let unwanted company join you for the holidays. The experienced wildlife removal technicians at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth will quickly and safely remove pests, so you can get back to winter festivities. To schedule your free consultation, call 817-222-1101 today.

7 Food Storage Tips to Keep Rodents Out

Food Storage Tips to Keep Rodents Out Hosting guests for dinner is a commonplace tradition in many households, but there are some guests that will try to take advantage of your hospitality without an invitation. If you’re tired of unwanted rats, mice, raccoons, or squirrels making themselves comfortable in your pantry, here are seven food storage tips to keep them out.

Keep Things Clean

To truly keep pests out of your pantry, stay on top of keeping it clean. Regular maintenance and spot treatments are essential, but you should also deep clean your pantry every few months using the following steps.

Remove all food from the pantry.
Vacuum the pantry floor, shelves, and ceiling.
Remove and clean or replace any shelf liners.
Clean shelves with a soap and water solution.
Reload food once the shelves are dry.

Buy a Bread Box

If you want to keep your bread fresh and all to yourself, start storing your loaves in a breadbox. These containers are designed to keep in enough air and moisture to preserve your bread while keeping local wildlife out. And, you can choose from a range of colors, materials, and styles to match your kitchen.

Clean Your Trashcan

To reduce odors that attract wildlife, you should always keep a tight lid over the garbage inside and outside of your home. However, you can maximize your trashcan routine by giving them an occasional cleaning as well. If you notice any spills, stains, or slick marks down the side of your trashcan, clean it up with a sanitized paper towel or a soap and water solution.

Ditch Old Tupperware

Durable plastic containers are great for storing dry ingredients like rice, beans, and pastas, but they can also hold stains and smells that attract rodents. Switch to airtight metal or glass containers to protect your food from rodents and keep every ingredient fresh; just don’t forget to record the expiration date.

Tuck Produce Away

Leaving fresh fruits and vegetables on the counter can attract wildlife and cause your food to spoil quickly. If you want to preserve your produce and keep rodents at bay, store your fruits and vegetables in the fridge. And, if you have any fruits or vegetables that you don’t think you’ll be able to finish in time, you can still safely store them for even longer in the freezer.

Add a Bay Leaf

You can also prevent rodents from shortening the shelf life of your food by adding bay leaves to your storage containers. This ingredient will naturally repel rodents without tampering with the quality or taste of your dried goods. Simply slip a leaf into the container of your choice, close the lid, and remove it before cooking or eating any ingredients.

Call Critter Control®

If you’re ready to stop rodents from sneaking into your pantry, partner with the wildlife professionals at Critter Control® of Fort Worth. Our team of technicians can inspect your home to understand how pests enter your kitchen and create a plan to professionally keep them out. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at 817-222-1101.

Common Pest Control Mistakes People Make

Common Pest Control Mistakes Getting a pest problem under control can take a toll on anyone. Hastily buying pest sprays to quickly solve the problem might seem like the only solution, but these types of tactics can easily end up making the situation worse. If you’re struggling to remove pests and effectively prevent them from returning, then you may be guilty of these common pest control mistakes.

Flooding Homes with Chemicals

Although bombarding your home with pest sprays and chemical solutions can seem like a fast way to contain the issue, it can quickly put your entire family at risk as well. Because, the chemicals designed to fatally injure invasive pests contain chemicals that can also fatally injure humans.

And, if you have any children or pets living in the house, they can be even more sensitive to the compounds in pest sprays. These chemicals can even leech into your food, seep into the fabrics of your clothes, and leave residue on your everyday furniture, which is why you should always get expert advice before pursuing a pest problem on your own.

Ignoring State Wildlife Laws

There are certain times of the year when states issue seasonal wildlife laws to protect endangered species and preserve newborn wildlife. For example, if you find a bat nesting in your home during the months of bat maternity season, you cannot legally exclude the pest until the season passes.

If you ignore wildlife laws and attempt to exclude endangered species or federally protected pests, you can face a series of fines or potential legal sentences. To avoid legal issues and protect yourself from harm, contact pest professionals that can guide you to a safe solution.

Hesitating to Fully Commit

Pest control is a process, not a quick fix. Unless you’re ready to fully commit and take charge of your surroundings, you won’t be able to completely solve your underlying issue. By simply spot treating the issue and neglecting to clean up your home and yard, you end up perpetuating the problem and spending more money in the long run.

If you want to truly solve your situation, you need to seriously dedicate some time to understanding the source of your issue and making the right adjustments. For example, if you’ve discovered that ants are entering your pantry and getting into your supply, you need to reconsider your food storage methods, find the source of the entry, and sanitize your surroundings.

Partnering with the Wrong Provider

Perhaps the most detrimental mistake you can make in the pest control process is partnering with the wrong provider. Inexperienced pest technicians provide inaccurate advice and subpar services, which can end up costing you more money and leaving you with unsolved issues.

If you want both expert advice and exceptional service, contact the pest professionals at Critter Control® of FT Worth. Our team of wildlife technicians can put a stop to any pest problem and help you understand how to prevent it from happening again. For more information or to schedule your free consultation, call us today at 817-222-1101

Tips for Removing a Dead Animal on Your Property

Removing Dead Animal on your Property Discovering a pest scurrying around your property is not a situation you want to be in. When that pest dies on your land, things get undoubtedly worse. Not only is the stench unbearable and abhorrent, but a dead animal can also bring serious health concerns that can transform your home into a hazardous environment. Professional help is often the best route to go, but here is some good information to know in the event that a rodent dies on your property.

Find the Carcass

The first step if you think an animal has died is to locate the body. Since the body will produce strong odors, this is the best way to find the creature. Sniff around your home and determine where the pest is. Common places you will find them are in the attic, underneath your house, or inside your walls. Once you have found the body, it is imperative that you do not touch it. Diseases and other health concerns are prevalent, so using heavy-duty gloves and even a facemask are good ideas.

Remove the Body

Once you have found the rodent, you will have to get rid of it. Smaller animals can be placed in a normal outdoor garbage can and put out on the street, while larger creatures might need to be buried or even burned. Be wary of the consequences of your decision, as your neighbors might not appreciate the resulting smell.

Health Concerns

If you have a dead animal on your property, the impending health issues require that you take action as soon as possible. The odor that comes off of the carcass will be revolting and can also cause nausea and sickness. Another concern is contamination. Depending on its location, the dead animal can contaminate your water or air supply, resulting in serious illness.

Pest Removal in Ft. Worth

A dead animal in your house is a nightmare for many homeowners. While you might think that removing the pest might be a simple operation, the health hazards and tricky locations make this a task best suited to professionals. At Critter Control© of Ft. Worth, we have highly trained experts who can quickly and efficiently remove any pests on your property, dead or alive. We have the equipment and knowledge to make this situation smooth and painless for you. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you at 817-222-1101.