Animal Facts

ANIMAL Fun Facts

BEE PROBLEMS

Bees are one of the oldest living species. In addition to providing humans with beeswax and honey, they pollinate about 1/3 of all crops eaten in the U.S. However, since the pests also construct nests in homes, barns, and sheds, homeowners find their presence frustrating.

Critter Control bee removal can get rid of bees nest and bee problems through effective bee control and bee removal solutions. Our experts know how to get rid of bees and eliminate bee problems.

Critter Control can get rid of beehives, nests and other bee problems through effective control and removal solutions. Call today for professional bee control! 

ANT PROBLEMS

Bug and Animal Removal

Because of their colony living structures, it can be difficult to kill the ants invading your home.
Argentine ants, or black ants, can have satellite colonies in nearby yards or homes.

Fire ants, or any other type of ants that can live outdoors and indoors, must be treated differently depending on the location of their mound and what season it is.

 If it seems like a lot to learn, don't take it on alone. It’s always easier to bring in a Critter Control of Central Mississippi when you've got an infestation on your hands.


ARMADILLO PROBLEMS

Animal and Wildlife Removal

Widely known for their unique appearance and hole-digging habits, armadillos populate much of South America and are prominent as far north as the Southeastern United States.

The only species known to inhabit the U.S., the nine-banded armadillo eats fire ants and termites among other potentially harmful insects, such as grubs and spiders.

Problems arise when the armored animals wander onto land owned by people as they dig holes to search for food and create shelter, which can be costly to repair.

Armadillo scat, meat, and skin may carry the bacteria that spreads leprosy. To reduce the risk of illness, people should avoid contact with the pests or their waste. Do not dig in gardens with unidentified animal poop, and stay away from armadillos in the yard.

BAT PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Over 40 bat species exist in the United States alone, and nearly 1,000 different species live around the world. They have a bad reputation and are often thought of as flying rats. Although bats are capable of spreading disease, much like rats, their existence is beneficial to humans and the environment in a way rats are not.

While some bat species feed on nectar, other small mammals, fish, or, like the notorious vampire bats of South America, blood, the vast majority of bat species are insectivores and maintain a diet of night-flying insects like mosquitoes, beetles, and moths. As these insects are often pests themselves, controlled populations of bats around homes can be considered favorable.

Individuals with bat problems should contact professional wildlife control specialists to remove the creatures as soon as possible. Removing nuisance bats from the home also eliminates the risk of contracting rabies, Hantavirus, parasites, and incurring home damage caused by droppings. Once the bats are successfully removed, animal control experts help residents take steps to prevent 

BIRD PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Birds become nuisances when their feeding activities lead them into residential neighborhoods. When they roost near houses, they foul areas with their droppings, create fire hazards with their nests, and damage gardens, crops, ornamental trees, and lawns. Avoiding bird problems usually involves removing the food sources bringing them near in the first place. By taking down birdfeeders, covering gardens with nets, and ridding lawns of grub infestations, residents can greatly reduce the possibility of birds searching for food in their lawns. When in doubt, contact the wildlife control experts at Critter Control who get rid of problematic birds in the most effective and humane way possible.

Bird droppings spread various diseases and parasites. Two of the most dangerous diseases transferred by avian excrement are Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis. Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease that affects the respiratory system and produces flu-like symptoms. Cryptococcosis can either develop as a lung infection spreading to the nervous system or as a skin irritation characterized by lesions and ulcers.

CHIMNEY SWIFT PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Chimney swifts are migratory birds found throughout North, South, and Central America. The bird's common name comes from its habit of nesting in chimneys. They travel in flocks of thousands and migrate in the late summer and early spring. Chimney swifts become problematic when their nests interfere with the use of chimneys.

BEAVER PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Beavers, North America's largest rodent, are second only to humans in their ability to engineer and alter landscapes. The wetland ecosystems beavers create benefit surrounding areas by raising water tables, replenishing aquifers, and creating environments where many different species thrive. Beavers mate for life and raise their young, known as kits, in their underwater lodges.

People residing near water often notice signs of beavers on their property. Beaver tracks clearly indicate that these rodents are close by. The pests' prints sometimes appear in muddy areas next to rivers, streams, and marshes. 

Residents can reduce populations of beavers by planting foliage incompatible with the animal's diet. Traps are an option, but some types are dangerous and require experience to set properly. Contact Critter Control for help identifying beaver tracks and removing nuisance wildlife.

COYOTE PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Resembling domesticated dogs, coyotes are carnivorous wild canines found throughout North America. Larger than foxes but smaller than wolves, they adapt well to a variety of environments, mostly due to humans encroaching on their habitat. Prevalent in grasslands, arid deserts, and even suburban environments, the coyote can be a nuisance. Additionally, the pest can be dangerous to humans and pets alike.
Since coyotes use the placement of their excrement to mark territory and communicate with others, finding coyote droppings typically means a small group has taken up residence nearby. Coyotes tend to avoid human contact, but they still cause several issues, such as preying on pets, when they live in close proximity to people. Furthermore, the presence of coyote scat contributes to the spread of diseases like distemper and parvo, and coyotes can carry fleas, mites, fluke worms, tapeworms, and heartworms.

FOX PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Relatives of domestic dogs, foxes live throughout the world on every continent except Antarctica. They are traditionally noted for being resourceful, intelligent, and cunning, qualities that also contribute to their status as nuisance pests. Foxes can adapt to most types of habitats found within their range, and they frequently live in areas where human activity results in the high availability of food, water, and shelter. The most common species in the United States are the red fox and the gray fox.

While unpleasant, one of the best indicators of a wildlife pest is the droppings it leaves behind. Since foxes are nocturnal and avoid people, homeowners often find fox poop long before catching a glimpse of the animal itself. Fox scat can look similar to that of other pests, so proper identification is important.

Foxes are gifted diggers. They can create foundation issues when they dig holes and burrow under homes. As predators, the animals may also cause problems for farmers and pet owners. To avoid serious damage to yards, contact Critter Control after any fox track sightings.

FLYING SQUIRREL PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Flying squirrels are small, nocturnal tree squirrels that possess the ability to glide from perch to perch using webbed flaps of skin, which extend along the sides of their bellies between their hands and feet. The omnivorous rodents live in trees and sometimes eat bird eggs and small bugs like moths and beetles in addition to their regular diet of nuts, berries, and fruit.

Flying squirrel droppings look like little pellets. They are typically brown or black in color and may be moist if fresh. Since flying squirrel droppings are linked to the spread of typhus, which causes headaches, fevers, and rashes, individuals should be very cautious when they find the pests' fecal matter. Additionally, the feces stain walls, floors, and personal belongings.

Typically, when property owners find flying squirrel droppings in or around homes, infestations of the pest are present. Flying squirrels often move into attics or wall voids to raise their young and cause several issues by spreading diseases, gnawing on electrical wiring, making sounds throughout the night, and letting their droppings accumulate. Once individuals suspect flying squirrels are present, they should contact Critter Control. Our technicians remove infestations as quickly as possible.

SQUIRREL PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Squirrels can live in almost any environment and climate, which is why they are one of the most common critters around. Being such adaptable creatures, squirrels will make their homes anywhere they can find warmth and store food. They may seem cute when you see them outside, but if squirrels get in to your home, they can become a real nuisance.

If trapped in a building, squirrels may be aggressive, especially if they are nesting with their offspring. These rodents are destructive and can transfer diseases such as leptospirosis. Residents who find squirrel footprints in the attic or on the roof near access points should contact the experts at Critter Control.

Squirrels in the attic? Squirrels in your crawl space or eaves? Those scurrying sounds in the attic may well be Gray, Fox, Flying or Pine squirrels - which love to invade attics, and occasionally walls of structures. Call today for removal solutions to rid your home of squirrel problems!

ROACH PROBLEMS

Bug and Animal Removal

Cockroaches are among the most unwanted pests. They have a reputation for living in unclean homes, but these insects will actually stay anywhere with food and shelter.

Since they spread a number of diseases, it's best to respond quickly to cockroach issues.


To take care of this pest problem, contact the professionals at Critter Control. Wildlife experts have the experience to quickly and efficiently remove an infestation.



CHIPMUNK PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Chipmunks are small, omnivorous rodents with coloration and markings that vary by species. The two most common types in the United States are the Eastern chipmunk and the least chipmunk, which thrive in deciduous forests, suburban areas, mountainous regions, and shrubby deserts.

Homeowners who find chipmunk tracks often have an infestation on their hands. Prints around pavements and homes suggest that the pests are tunneling underneath. Chipmunk burrows may crack sidewalks or allow the animals access indoors through faults in house foundations.

To take care of this pest problem, contact the professionals at Critter Control. Wildlife experts have the experience to quickly and efficiently remove a chipmunk infestation.

LIZARD PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

What Do Lizard Droppings Look Like?
In the southern United States, lizards are somewhat of a nuisance to homeowners and businesses. Although the animals are largely beneficial to humans due to their insectivorous nature, some types of lizards make frequent, unwanted appearances in homes and gardens. The most frequently encountered types of lizards include the common house gecko, Mediterranean house gecko, green and brown anoles, western fence lizards, and, in southern Florida, green iguanas. These lizards typically eat insects, like beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and spiders, though iguanas primarily feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Controlling Lizards
Occasionally, lizards enter homes through cracks and crevices as small as a quarter-inch, especially through the gaps beneath doors. Once inside, they are hard to capture and can spread Salmonella. Prevention and exclusion are easier than removal. Therefore, once lizard tracks are spotted on the property, homeowners should call Critter Control for their expert knowledge about lizard exclusion tactics and, if necessary, removal.

MOUSE PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Overview

The house mouse, one of the most detrimental pests in the United States, is second only to humans as the most common mammal in cities across the nation. House mice are notorious nibblers who climb, jump, and swim in order to get to their favorite foods, which are often found in houses, farms, open fields, and commercial buildings. They are curious and fearless creatures that will chew through walls, electrical cables, and storage containers in order to get what they want. 

When mouse infestations are present in the home so, too, are mouse droppings. In fact, the rodents' feces is often spotted before individuals encounter any adult mice. Mouse droppings can be harmful, or even deadly, when inhaled or consumed as the rodents are known to carry various diseases.

The house mouse is the most successful rodent in adapting to live with people. It is found almost anywhere people are, feeding on human food, sheltering in human structures, and reproducing at a remarkable rate. It is the most troublesome and economically important vertebrate pest, contaminating untold millions of dollars worth of food, damaging possessions, and causing electrical fires with its constant gnawing.

RODENT PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Between 1,000 and 2,000 species of rodents exist on every continent around the world except Antarctica. All types of rodents share the characteristic feature of large, ever-growing front teeth. Most are small mammals that feed primarily on plants, though some rodents will eat practically anything. In places where humans live, rodents are often considered pests because they contaminate food, damage houses, and spread diseases.

Rats, mice and other rodents can become a nuisance when they come in close proximity to humans. In addition to spreading disease to both humans and household pets, rodents can also cause property damage and contaminate food sources. Critter Control specializes in rodent control and removal to help you get rid of rodents in your home or business.
Many species of rodents gnaw on siding, foliage, and other items found in yards. Not only do these pests destroy lawns and gardens, but they may also find their way into homes. Once inside, rodents may either build nests or cause damage trying to escape.

Not only can Critter Control experts identify rodent tracks, but they also offer professional prevention and exclusion services.

ROOF RAT PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Also known as black rats or ship rats, roof rats are Old World rodents that were probably brought to North America on accident by early shippers and traders. They currently live throughout the world, especially in warmer areas where the proximity of the ocean keeps the climate mild. Roof rats in the United States, for instance, tend to be concentrated in the Southeast, along the West Coast, and on the Hawaiian Islands. They are often regarded as one of the most serious pest mammals because of their ability to ruin stored grain, spread disease, and damage property.

Homeowners are less likely to see roof rat tracks when the pests live in attics, behind walls, or in crawl spaces. Squeaking, scratching, or rubbing sounds may indicate their presence in these cases.

Indoor roof rat tracks also suggest larger problems. Food contamination is possible when the pests make their way into kitchens and pantries. At the first sign of roof rat footprints, Critter Control can help remove the pests and restore peace of mind.

MOLE PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Commonly mistaken for rodents, moles are actually classified as mammals of the order Eulipotyphla, which includes hedgehogs and shrews. Subterranean by nature, moles are solitary creatures and can be found throughout the United States. They are destructive because of their tunneling habits that mar yards, gardens, and even farms.

Overall, mole feces is not harmful to humans, pets, or yards. There are no infectious diseases humans can acquire directly from mole droppings. However, the pests themselves may have ticks that carry Lyme disease, and finding mole poop in yards is a sure sign of in festation. The removal of these pests can eliminate danger, as well as stop landscaping issues, such as loss of grass and death of plants, from occurring.

NORWAY RAT PROBLEMS

Reviled as the most destructive mammal pest, Norway rats compromise the well-being of humans and cause costly damage to manmade structures. They can live as long as two years in the wild and produce as many as 20 young in that span of time. Norway rats are mostly active at night, have poor eyesight, and rely on their other senses to guide them. Actually quite intelligent, Norway rats quickly detect and avoid unfamiliar objects that show up in their chosen environment, such as traps and baits. Their rapid rate of reproduction and elusive nature make them particularly challenging to control.

The contamination and damage that Norway rats can cause is well documented. Inside homes, they foul food supplies, chew on structural materials, and saturate floorboards with waste. When Norway rat tracks are spotted, the pest removal experts at Critter Control can get rid of the rodents and restore peace.

OPOSSUM PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Opossums are the only marsupials native to North America, where they thrive in wooded and suburban areas east of the Rocky Mountains.

Nocturnal marsupials eat almost anything, including garbage, roadkill, rotten fruit, grass, insects, birds, and snakes.  They have a reputation for playing dead by curling onto their back, sticking their tongues out, squirting foul fluid from their anuses, and staring off into space when confronted by predators. Opossums also attempt to scare predators by baring their teeth and hissing, which many people mistake for a sign of rabies.

Spotting opossum tracks around the yard is a sign that an infestation is present. The pests bring numerous parasites and diseases into homes with them and threaten house pets and residents alike with their territorial nature. Contacting a trained pest professional from Critter Control ensures that pest opossums are humanely removed from private properties. Our trained technicians can easily identify opossum tracks and have the tools to help prevent future infestations.

Opossums under your house, deck, or in your crawl space? Those scents and sounds may well be an opossum. They are often considered nuisance animals. We trap and remove opossums. Call your local Critter Control office today at 601-745-2193 for effective opossum removal and exclusion services.

NUTRIA PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Also called copyu, nutria are native to South America. Brought to the United States in the 1930s for their valuable fur, the animals were introduced to the wild and are an invasive species. They now inhabit areas of the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf Coast, and the Atlantic states. Notorious for repopulating quickly, nutria are found in new habitats with regularity and cause damage to various crops, vegetation, and wetlands across the country.

Nutria typically deposit their feces in or near rivers, streams, and ponds, so water can quickly become contaminated. The rodents carry pathogens and parasites in their feces that make water unsafe for drinking or swimming. Residents who identify nutria droppings in their yards should assume that nearby bodies of water could be tainted.

Once nutria tracks are found, property owners should contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control. While trapping and habitat modification are somewhat effective, they're also time consuming and costly. The best way to eliminate problem nutria is with professional assistance.

RACCOON PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals common throughout North America, especially in the wooded eastern regions of the United States. Besides the native northern raccoon, there are six other existing species, most of which live on tropical islands. These clever creatures have nimble hands and are intelligent problem solvers capable of opening latches, turning doorknobs, climbing, swimming, and running at speeds of over 10 miles per hour.

Raccoons are infamous throughout the United States as nocturnal troublemakers that invade garbage cans looking for easy meals. When they den in residential areas, raccoons create separate latrine sites, and encountering one of these indicates a nearby infestation. They consistently return to these locations, which are commonly found on roofs, in attics, wood piles, haylofts, and on or under decks.

Once raccoon tracks or infestations have been identified, contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control. Dealing with raccoons is dangerous and tricky since they can carry rabies and will bite and scratch when cornered. The trained professionals at Critter Control can handle the situation effectively and humanely by removing problematic raccoons and ensuring household safety.

PIGEON PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Common in both cities and suburban communities, pigeons roost on window ledges, rooftops, and bridges, which are perfect substitutes for the natural cliff ledges the birds typically use as nesting sites and shelter. Pigeons are indiscriminate feeders and eat any available food source, from grains and seeds to human waste and handouts. Feeding the pests actually raises pigeon populations to larger than sustainable numbers.

To keep pigeon droppings off of private properties, individuals should use habitat modification and exclusion tools to reduce the possibility of attracting the pests. Frightening devices, bird spikes, and bird netting can all be employed to varying degrees of success. However, the most effective way to limit the presence of both pigeons and pigeon droppings is to call the wildlife experts at Critter Control.

For clean up, its best to contact a professional. Critter Control technicians know the best way to properly clean contaminated properties.

RABBIT PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Many species of rabbits and hares live throughout the Nearctic region of the world. Some of the most common species include the brush, eastern cottontail, and desert cottontail rabbits, while prevalent hares include the black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbits.

Rabbits can become nuisances to gardeners and farmers because they feed on a wide variety of crop plants. Infestations of rabbits should be seen to immediately, as the mammal reproduces quickly and populations easily get out of hand.

To take care of this pest problem, contact the professionals at Critter Control. Wildlife experts have the experience to quickly and efficiently remove an infestation.

SHREW PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Though they look like long-nosed mice, shrews are not actually rodents. More closely related to moles, shrews are hyperactive animals that forage for their favorite foods, including insects, seeds, and other vegetation. Like moles, shrews have poor vision but exceptional hearing and senses of smell. Fiercely territorial and solitary animals, some shrews actually possess venomous bites they use to neutralize both predator and prey.

Upon finding shrew prints, homeowners should contact professionals. The pests eat seeds from gardens and may deliver painful bites if threatened. The best way to avoid injury or damage to yards is by leaving shew control and removal to the trained technicians at Critter Control.

SNAKE PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

There are many types of creepy crawlers that find a way into your home, but a snake is probably the last one you want to see sliding across the basement floor in the middle of the night. Hopefully, this scenario won’t happen often, but if you do ever find a snake in or around your home, Critter Control of Central Mississippi has the snake removal services you need to feel safe again.

Snakes in your home, garden or rock piles? Those slithering serpents are probably harmless. Critter Control can help you deal with snakes in a humane and rational way. If you see a snake and are concerned, call Critter Control at 601-745-2193

Cotton Mouth

Common statewide. Occurs in most aquatic habitats, but reaches greatest abundance in Coastal Plain swamps. The only venomous aquatic snake in North America. Includes subspecies A.p. piscivorus (eastern cottonmouth), A.p. conanti (Florida cottonmouth), and A.p. leucostoma (western cottonmouth).

SKUNK PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

Skunks can be found across the continental United States and are known for their acrid, pungent odor and black and white stripes. Their musk, which is produced by a pair of anal scent glands, can be smelled over great distances. The bodily chemicals that produce the odor act as an irritant to multiple senses and may even lead to temporary blindness. Nocturnal and omnivorous, skunks eat many different foods, such as small insects, amphibians, rodents, and garbage.
In addition to noticing tracks, home and property owners can detect a skunk infestation in a variety of other ways. For instance, skunks are notorious diggers. The omnivorous pests dig in order to find sources of food as well as to create new denning sites. Skunks can dig under building slabs, which in turn can cause structural damage over time.

A musky odor can lead people to believe they have a skunk problem, but this may not always be the case, as skunk smell can travel across great distances. Fresh droppings found wherever the skunk is feeding or denning may also indicate the presence of a skunk problem.

SPIDER PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

These arachnids are common in houses and yards across the country. Some spiders spin webs near outdoor light sources or among boxes in basements, while others hunt for live insect prey around baseboards and closets.

Because some species are venomous, many people fear spider bites.




STINGING INSECT PROBLEMS

Big and Animal Removal

Biting and stinging insects pose certain threats that other pests do not. By having the ability to pierce the skin of humans and other animals, they can inflict physical pain and trigger allergic reactions. Biting insects in particular can also transfer diseases. A variety of different insects can bite or sting and are therefore considered pests. This includes common pest insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, bed bugs, fire ants, fleas, and mosquitoes.

To take care of this pest problem, contact the professionals at Critter Control. Wildlife experts have the experience to quickly and efficiently remove an infestation.



WEASEL PROBLEMS

Wildlife and Animal Removal

There are several types of North American weasels, including least weasels, long-tailed weasels, and stoats or short-tailed weasels. Predatory by nature, weasels mostly eat small rodents, are notorious for occasionally stealing chicken eggs, and sometimes participate in surplus killing sprees that leave entire families of chipmunks and other small animals dead. Contrary to popular belief, however, weasels do not kill other animals solely for blood.

Weasels can cause immense damage to chicken coops. A single hungry weasel often takes multiple birds. Whatever it can't eat, the pest drags back to a storage area near its den. In addition to the monetary losses, dead poultry can produce unpleasant odors and attract insect pests. A frightened weasel may also become hostile towards people and pets.

To prevent injury or the loss of valuable livestock, homeowners who locate weasel tracks on the property should seek professional advice. Critter Control wildlife experts are equipped to identify and handle weasel problems.

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Critter Control of Central Mississippi

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