Blog | Critter Control Fort Worth

Signs of Rats in the Attic

Signs of Rats in the Attic No one wants to find out that rats have infested their house and taken residence under their roof. Unfortunately, this is a common reality that can plague any family, and it can go unnoticed for weeks and months on end causing incredible amounts of damage. While one might begin rooting through their attic looking to find the rodents themselves, rats are primarily nocturnal creatures and will often evade the grasp of humans without professional help. To confirm that you do indeed have a rat infestation, check for these telltale signs.

Rodent Waste

Rats, like all other living animals, will leave plenty of waste in the places they inhabit. If you suspect that there are rodents residing in your attic, check for droppings or dried urine spots around the space especially towards sides and dark corners, where rats are most likely to be living and hiding. Avoid touching any of the excrement or contaminated areas, as they may have different viruses and bacteria that are not desirable to contract.

Nocturnal Noises

Since rats are nocturnal creatures, there will often be little to no activity occurring during the daylight hours, leading homeowners to think that their attic is safe from the rodents. However, rats will be far more active at night, so if you hear any sort of scurrying or clawing sounds once the night has come, there is a good chance that you might have some rats.

Chew Marks

Rats also have a tendency to chew through various types of materials and substances, often leaving quite a mess after their sharp teeth have gone to work. If you find any insulation, wood, cardboard, or any other type of material that has been eaten through and gnawed on, this is another clue that could inform you of the presence of rats.

Fort Worth Rat Removal Experts

Rats are a common nuisance that, without proper attention and action taken, can cause some serious damage to your house. Here at Critter Control® of Fort Worth, we can help you rid your attic of these pests and keep your home safe. For a free estimate on our services, schedule a personal consultation or call us at 817-222-1101, and with our professionally-trained staff and workers we can rid your home of all of its pests.

How to Keep Critters from Living Under Your Porch

Keeping critters from invading the inside of your home is simple, but what about the outer parts of your house? While there is a lot of discussion on steps you can take to prevent animals from getting inside and infesting your home, there isn’t quite as much about outdoor spaces like porches and decks. The truth is, they are just as much at risk as your walls and attics. Here are a couple of different tips to keep critters from taking up residence under your porch.

Create a Barrier

The first option is to create a barrier. If your porch contains openings, holes, or cracks, it might be time to do some repairs and close it off. Chicken wire and mesh fencing can go a long way when installed properly. Using bricks and digging a trench is also an effective barrier. Before taking this step, however, it is important to make certain an animal has not already taken to living under your porch. Accidentally trapping an animal under your porch or deck is counterproductive, as it will likely die down there and will need to be removed.

Air it Out

If creating a barrier isn’t quite what you’re looking to do, the exact opposite method can also prove effective. Letting in more sunlight and air is a deterrent for most animals. It will make the underside of your porch feel airier and more exposed, which will offer any prospective critters less protection. Animals tend to look for places that are dark, cozy, and quiet. Creating an environment that does not offer any of those things will keep critters from scoping it out in the first place.

Install Floodlights

Much like the previous tip, installing floodlights that shine under your porch will make the space beneath it unpleasant for critters. Animals that look to nest under porches like the protection that comes with dark spaces. Adding light thus acts as an effective deterrent.

For more help preventing animals from living under your porch, or if a critter has already moved in, contact Critter Control® of Ft. Worth. Our animal control experts offer reliable and friendly service and can assist with all critter-related issues. Call 817-222-1101 to schedule your appointment today.

Types of Armadillos in Texas

Types of Armadillos found in Texas The most commonly found species of armadillo in Texas is the North American nine-banded armadillo. While the other 20 species of this particular mammal are secluded to South and Central America, the nine-banded armadillo has migrated far beyond the Rio Grande and can now be found living as far east as Florida.

Nine-Banded Armadillo Facts

Growing to the size of a small dog, the nine-banded armadillo have large claws that help them dig and borough into the ground to nest and find grubs, their main food source. In spring, these armadillos give birth to four identical pups in each litter. Largely nocturnal, the nine-banded armadillo has weaker vision during the day. They can also be susceptible to drought and cold and therefore cannot live full-time in any northern states because of the freezing temperatures.

History of Armadillos in Texas

Armadillos have become very popular in Texas for more than a century now.

Late 1800s – From baskets to lamps and various other souvenir trinkets that were made from their shells, armadillos became quite favorable to hunt in Texas.
1970s – Although armadillo racing events became popular in San Angelo, Texas, the state legislature voted against petitions to make armadillos the official state mammal.
1981 – The armadillo was declared the official state mascot by executive decree.

Dangers of Texas Armadillos

Despite their popularity and docile nature, armadillos should not be played with in the wild. Armadillos are known for carrying Hansen’s Disease — more commonly known as leprosy — and have transmitted it to people in Texas and Florida. Armadillos can also carry rabies, salmonella, and tapeworms. Because of these diseases, it’s best to let professionals remove them from your property.

Professional Armadillo Removal

If you have an armadillo problem, the pest and wildlife professionals at Critter Control® of Ft. Worth are knowledgeable and experienced in armadillo control and can create a plan for removal that will work for you. Give us a call today for a fast estimate and consultation at 469-805-6267.

The Differences Between Rats and Mice

Difference Between Rats and Mice Rats and mice are one in the same for many people. And though the two types of rodents share some similar characteristics, they each have their own unique features that set them apart from each other. While having either rodent in your home is never something you’d welcome, it helps to know exactly the type of critter you’ve got on your hands.

These are some of the primary differences between rats and mice.

Characteristics of Rats

Rats are larger than mice, and can grow up to nine inches long. They typically have thicker coats than mice and are black, gray, or brown in color. Rats are more closely associated with disease and filth than mice, partially because of their greasy look, larger size, and unsightly tails. They breed less often, but their litters are twice the size of mice litters. Rats tend to be more cautious than mice, lending to their ability to avoid traps.

Characteristics of Mice

As opposed to rats, mice are on the smaller end of the spectrum, with large ears and long, thin tails. Mice are gentler in nature than rats, and some people even keep them as pets because of their social nature. They may seem adorable, but they can still be very destructive to your home. They often contaminate food, chew on nearly anything in sight, and can birth up to eight litters of babies annually.

Similarities Between Rats and Mice

In addition to reproducing alarmingly quickly, rats and mice are both nocturnal and have a propensity for chewing on things. Rats and mice both have constantly-growing teeth that need to be dulled, so they chew on anything they can to keep them in check.

Let Us Help

If you suspect rats or mice have taken up residence in your home, the team of professionals here at Critter Control® of Fort Worth can help. Our licensed experts have the tools and training necessary to resolve your rat or mice issues quickly and permanently. Call us today at 817-222-1101 for more information, or to schedule a consultation and free estimate.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Attic Rodent Damage?

Your home is your safe place — where you’re supposed to be able to go at the end of the day to rest and recharge your batteries; which is the last place you want to run into wild rodents or the damage they can cause.

There are few things more unnerving than seeing or hearing rodents in your home — especially as they scurry around the attic above your head. Once an infestation becomes apparent, it can be hard to focus on anything else until it’s taken care of.

Aside from being an annoyance, rodents can cause all sorts of issues in the attic of a house, from smells and damage caused by piles of droppings, to structural damage, and even damage to electrical systems.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover rodent damage or removal. Infestations and the resulting damage are typically categorized as home maintenance issues, leaving the homeowner responsible for any expenses associated with removal or repair.

If any damage caused by a rodent infestation leads to other damage — such as chewed-up wiring short-circuiting and leading to a fire — your homeowners insurance may kick-in to pay for those damages.

There are always exceptions, so be sure to speak with your homeowners insurance provider about the specific types of coverage your policy provides.

When you have rodents in your attic, calling for professional help is always the most effective option. The team of technicians here at Critter Control® of Fort Worth is equipped to handle any rodent infestation. This allows us to keep you and your family from being exposed to any potential health hazards, and our experienced staff can have your home looking and feeling like new in no time.

For more information about our rodent removal services, contact us today at 469-805-6267.

Rodent Control Prevention Tips

Rodent control prevention tips Mice, rats, and squirrels are common rodents that don’t belong in your home but may end up there anyway if you don’t take sufficient precautions. Contrary to what many people may believe – these vermin will invade clean homes. When they’re looking for food and shelter, they don’t discriminate.

Preventative measures are the smart option in dealing with rodents. Keep them from getting in, and you’ve dealt with the issue before it even becomes a problem. Here are some effective measures for rodent control.

Don’t Put Out the Welcome Mat

Ensure your property isn’t a haven for rodents. Remove clutter from your yard. Don’t forget to check under your porch or deck. Take care of weeds and other plant growth that may offer rodents desirable hiding or nesting spots. Don’t put your trash out until collection day or the night before, and when you do, be sure to use heavy-lidded plastic or metal trash cans that minimize access.

Keeping Rodents Out

These critters are canny, and they can enter your home through a variety of means. Mice are especially good at this. Since they have no collarbones, they can squeeze through the tiniest of openings. In older homes, it may be nearly impossible to find and seal every vulnerable spot, but you can still minimize the potential problem.

Walk around your home inside and out looking for any vulnerabilities. Seal openings with foam or mesh and add door trim and metal weather stripping for top-notch rodent-proofing. Plus, keep in mind, while having a rodent problem doesn’t mean you keep a messy home, leaving food out can be enticing. Clean it up and store human and pet food in glass, metal or hard plastic containers.

What if They’re Already Here?

If rodents have already invaded your home, consider calling in pros rather than attempting to take care of the infestation on your own. At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, our team of wildlife removal experts is fully licensed in Texas. We know rodent habits, tendencies, and preferred habitats. Our technicians are skilled and experienced in removal and control measures. We even provide attic and crawl space restoration services to repair the damage these critters can do. Call on us at 469-805-6267 to take care of your rodent problem quickly and efficiently.

5 Things That Attract Wild Animals to Your Yard

While birds and butterflies can be enjoyable to watch in your yard and that occasional squirrel can be adorable, you don’t want to have wild (and perhaps diseased) wild animals like raccoons, opossums, bats and an overabundance of squirrels set up residence in your yard. However, some of the things you put in your yard can be inadvertently encouraging wild animals to frequent your property.

Things that attract wild animals to your yard

Bowls of pet food. Putting dry food out for stray cats can be an open invitation to wild animals, like skunks, raccoons and opossums. Better to just feed such cats when you see them and take the food back in when the cats leave.
Water features. Water is another big draw for wild animals. Birdbaths, fountains and ponds could also be attracting unwanted wildlife.
Fruit trees. It’s a rare homeowner that can keep up with the fruit from pear, apple or peach trees when that fruit starts to ripen. Fruit on the ground and on low branches can be another big enticement for wild animals.
That compost pile. While compost can be beneficial to your garden, rotting produce and other composting elements can seem like a banquet to wild animals. Better to use a tumbler or other closed container for your compost.
Bird feeders. Bird seed is also enticing to wild life, especially those like squirrels that can climb the posts and easily get to the food.

Ridding your Fort Worth property of unwanted wild animals

If you find that you have wild animals living in your yard, you don’t want to try to get try of them on your own. This is a job best left to the professionals. Critter Control® of Fort Worth, Texas has been helping homeowners just like you get rid of unwanted animals that can threaten pets and tear up your yard for more than 30 years. Call us at 469-805-6267 to schedule a free consultation.

Getting Rid of Rats Without Killing Them

The presence of an unwelcome pest in your home can elicit a range of emotional responses anywhere from mildly annoyed to terrified. And while wild animals such as rats scurrying across your attic can indeed be a nuisance, you may just want them out and not necessarily dead. Fortunately, there are humane rat removal methods that can give you the best of both worlds.

Harmful Rat Removal Methods

Occasionally, a rat infestation is so severe that extermination efforts are attempted. Not only are these rat control methods inhumane but they can also be dangerous to humans. Harmful methods include:

Physical removal– Rats should not be handled without the proper equipment or experience. Personally attempting to remove rats can result in serious harm to you and the animal.
Rat traps– Rats are cautious and intelligent creatures that can quickly learn how to avoid and navigate around traps.
Rat poison– Store-bought chemicals and poisons are often overkill for a rat infestation. They can also be powerfully toxic and harmful to pets and children.

Safe Rat Removal Methods

There are a few humane methods on the market that claim to repel rats. However, alternative methods such as ultrasonic devices and non-toxic sprays that contain a mixture of natural oils and scents only offer temporary relief and are ultimately ineffective at providing a permanent solution to a rat infestation.

CritterSafe Solutions

At Critter Control® of Fort Worth, we are determined to limit damage to all parties involved: you, the animal, and your property. That’s why we endorse CritterSafe removal practices — the most humane, safe, and eco-friendly rat removal methods possible.

Our CritterSafe program minimizes danger to wildlife by using:

Non-lethal techniques
Live catch traps and
On-site release
Eco-friendly sprays with non-toxic ingredients that are not harmful to pets and children

Once all the rats are removed from your property, our experienced technicians will repair any damage they caused and seal off access points with one-way doors to keep them from returning.

At Critter Control® of Fort Worth, extermination is our last resort. If you suspect you have a rat infestation in your home or around your property, our expert technicians will use humane measures to solve your rat problem permanently. To get a free estimate, or for more information regarding our pest control services, please call us today at 469-805-6267.

5 Ways Bees are Beneficial to the Environment

Thanks to the strong work ethics of bees, we get to enjoy lots of things that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for them. Honeybees and other pollinators like certain birds, bats, and insects play a vital role in flowering plant reproduction as well as the production of many fruits and vegetables.

So, while your first instinct may be to knock a hive down you see on your property, we recommend calling us to remove it. Bee populations are in steady decline, and should we lose bees, we will also lose some of our favorite foods such as apples, blueberries, cherries, squash, almonds, chocolate, and coffee.

Keep reading to learn about why bees are such amazing creatures.

Pollination – Bees intentionally collect and move the pollen from one species of flower to another species. The transfer of pollen is especially crucial for flowers that rely solely on animals or insects to move the pollen from the male part of the flower (anther) to the female part (stigma). Without plant reproduction, we would lose nearly one-third of our staples we’ve depended on for so long.

Wildlife – Not only do farm-grown fruits and vegetables rely on pollination, but so do many wild plant species. Bees are also responsible for the nuts, seeds, berries, and fruits that grow in the wild, which are a significant food source for a lot of different wildlife.

Food Source – Humans aren’t the only ones who love the sweet taste of honey. During the cold winter months, bees feed on it when they are unable to forage. Other species like birds, raccoons, opossums, and insects also ransack beehives to eat both the honey and bee larvae. Bees themselves also make a tasty treat for some birds, spiders, and insects like dragonflies and praying mantises.

Habitat – Because bees pollinate plants, forests and woodlands are able to thrive, giving homes and providing food to many wild animals from birds and squirrels to raccoons and insects. If specific plants were to disappear, then eventually so would the wildlife that depends on them for nourishment and shelter.

Biodiversity – Bees contribute to every aspect of our planet’s complex ecosystem, allowing many plant and animal species to co-exist.

As you can see, without the help of bees, our world would be a much different place. And, while we recognize the importance of these buzzing insects, we also understand our customer’s concerns when having to deal with bees near their home or on their property. If you have issues with bees, rely on the professional removal services provided by Critter Control® of Fort Worth. For more information, or to schedule your consultation, call us today at 469-805-6267.

Are You Inviting Snakes into Your Yard?

There are 68 species of snakes in Texas. However, that doesn’t have to mean that you and your family have to share your home with these slithering copperheads, rattlers and common garden snakes. While the majority of Texas snakes are harmless, it still can be startling to come across one under a rock or curled up in your bathroom.

How to prevent snakes from living on your property

While few homeowners welcome snakes on their property, many do things that inadvertently invite these critters to make a nest near or in your home. Just a few of these include:

Cluttering up your yard. Snakes love to live underneath things. If your yard looks more like a scrap yard than a park, you’re providing a welcoming haven for snakes.
Planting a lot of low-growing shrubs and plants. Again, snakes like to hide and stay cool during the mid-day Texas heat. Low-growing plants provide welcome shelter.
Forgetting to patch those holes. Holes in your home or garage’s foundation makes it easy for snakes to come and go easily.
Watering your lawn too often. Snakes also like water and how cool the grass feels when it’s been freshly watered. Watering your lawn frequently is an invitation to snakes.

Signs snakes have moved into your home

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, snakes will invade your property. Below are just a few signs of such an invasion:

Snakeskins. If you see snake skins, this is a sign that you have at least one snake that has just left hibernation. It’s time to call a pest control company.
Curly-looking trails in the dirt outside your home. Another sure sign that snakes are living on your property is seeing winding trails in the dirt around your home.
You spot a nest. Snakes generally make a nest during the late summer or early fall. It’s not a good idea to remove the nest yourself. This is best left to a professional.

Getting rid of snakes in your home

Getting rid of the snakes in your home and property is not a good DIY project and requires special training and equipment. To best tackle your snake problem, contact Critter Control of Fort Worth. We’ve been helping Texas homeowners like you with their animal and insect problems for more than 30 years.