Critter Control of Des Moines

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Serving the Des Moines Area

(515) 287-0419

Critter Control provides outstanding wildlife control service in Des Moines, Iowa. That's because we're uniquely dedicated to the safe and humane removal of all nuisance animals from residential and commercial property. Our licensed specialists are highly trained in the most advanced techniques in the industry, including the identification and removal of squirrels, bats, raccoons, and more. We also specialize in future prevention of infestation as well as damage repair. 

With more than 30 years of experience in handling wild animals, we understand the urgency and danger that these animals pose to the residents and businesses of Des Moines. Our first priority is to protect our customers by accurately assessing the infestation problem and acting in accordance with our high standards of service. If you have a wildlife problem in the Des Moines area, contact our experts at Critter Control as soon as possible. 

Squirrel Removal

Tree squirrels are one of the most common animals in Iowa. They are often found in all environments, including backyards and any open spaces. They're known for digging holes in lawns to store food. While squirrels are usually found outside, they can cause significant damage to the inside of homes, where they can panic and act aggressively. The presence of squirrels in or around a home or business may be identified by ripped shingles, torn vents, or shredded insulation.  
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.

Squirrel Trapping

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

Another frequent visitor to Des Moines yards, raccoons are notorious for knocking over trash bins and eating out of pet bowls. Raccoons are primary carriers of the rabies virus, as well as raccoon roundworm and canine distemper. Iowa residents who suspect raccoon activity in a crawl space or under the deck should seek expert aid to remove the pest. 

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.

Rodent Trapping

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.

Bat Removal

Bats are common home invaders in the Des Moines area. Colonies may take up residence in attics and even window curtains and blinds. These infestations can be especially terrifying for homeowners when the bats become active at night. In addition to making themselves at home in your residence, bats can cause significant damage with their piles of droppings. These droppings are capable of developing mold spores that, if inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis. 
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).

Bat 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.
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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.

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.
Financing Available Critter Control offers in-house financing. Both standard and 90-day same as cash financing options have 12-,18-,24-, or 36-month options. Some projects might qualify for a budgeted plan up to 60 months.
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 Critter Control of Des Moines

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

We have problems with the following critters in the Des Moines area; raccoons, woodchucks, opossums, bats, moles, mice, and birds. 

How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in your area?

The warmth of the summers causes bats to seek attic spaces to birth and rear their young.  Cold winters force wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, mice and rats to seek shelter in homes. These different seasons have their different challenges. 

What are some common signs of nuisance wildlife activity?

Chewing, scratching, squeaking, chirping, mounds of dirt and holes in the siding, soffit, or roof. Footprints and animal feces are also dead giveaways. 

Any prevention or exclusion tips for residents in your area?

Eliminate any food sources on your property and alter any habitat that may provide cover for unwanted wildlife. 

When should homeowners call you?

At the first sign of animal activity on your property. 
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Ship Enterprises, Inc., dba Critter Control of Des Moines.
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