Critter Control of Salt Lake City

Get them out.
Keep them out.®
Concerned about unwanted wildlife?

(801) 444-1235

Salt Lake City, sandwiched between the southern end of the Great Salt Lake and the snow-capped Wasatch Mountain Range, is the most populous city in Utah. Four thousand three hundred feet above sea level, it has a thriving tourist industry with more than a dozen ski areas located right outside the city.

Salt Lake City and its surroundings have their share of wildlife that range from small birds to huge bison. While all wild animals survive best in their own habitats, urban growth has diminished these habitats. So, in most metropolitan areas, nuisance wildlife has learned that where there are people, there is also ready access to food and shelter. Species common to Salt Lake City are raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, bats, armadillos, rodents, and snakes.

When you call Critter Control, we will detect, locate, get rid of, repair your property to its original state, and exclude future nuisance animals for choosing to make their home in your space.

Critter Control Wildlife Removal Process

Critter Control is here for you every step of the way in the wildlife removal process. Utah defines nuisance wildlife as a persistently annoying animal, damaging your home or property and posing a threat to humans. We know how to handle any type of nuisance wildlife in Salt Lake City. 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
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.

Raccoon Removal

Raccoons have adapted well to the Salt Lake City urban lifestyle. They prefer making a nest in a cozy place, like your attic, chimney, basement or garage. They use insulation, papers, carpeting and any other items they can find. You can hear them growling, squealing and whining while scavenging.

Rather than try to remove a raccoon from your home, call an expert. They have the equipment to ensure safety for you and the animal. Our process involves:

Inspection

Inspection

During the inspection, we determine the severity of the raccoon infestation. We look for physical evidence like footprints in or around the home, stains from raccoon feces and urine. On the exterior of the house, we look for damage like scratches on boards, broken vents and screens, ripped apart shingles, destroyed soffits, and every possible entry point.

Raccoon Trapping

Raccoon Trapping

Live trapping is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of a raccoon. Depending on the situation, a one-way door or excluder valve can be installed. An excluder valve works by allowing the raccoon to leave but blocks its reentry. The choice of device is largely dependent on the season and location of the raccoons on your property. Direct capture is not commonly used because raccoons are a rabies vector species. If we must trap, we place traps strategically to safely catch the raccoons and we check traps frequently, based on state laws.
Repairs

Repairs

We provide a wide range of repair and restoration services. We can repair raccoon damage like broken screens on vents and chimneys and broken boards on decks and porches. It is essential to apply cleaning agents and ectoparasite treatments on areas inhabited by raccoons.

Rodent Removal

Salt Lake City is overpopulated with rats and mice. Because they reach sexual maturity as early as six to eight weeks old, they reproduce several times a year. This makes controlling them a challenge. One family of rodents can quickly turn into an infestation.

The high population means that rats and mice in Utah seek food, shelter and water in places like your home and property. The most common rodents trying to cohabitate are the Norway rats, house mice, white-footed mice and harvest mice.

Rats and mice can enter tiny openings. They can climb anything vertically and jump up to 18 inches. They will gnaw on and chew through wood, window screens, shingles and siding. Rats burrow in the ground beneath your home, trees and gardens.

Rat and mouse feces and urine can grow molds that may be dangerous to humans. Let us do the dirty work of getting rid of all your rodent problems.

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.

Squirrel Removal

Squirrels are everywhere in Salt Lake City. They eat garden crops, nuts, fruit seeds, grains, bark and leaves. They spend a lot of their time collecting foods and nesting items for the winter months, which they store in holes that they dig in your yard or your walls or attic.

Squirrels chew through shingles, siding and screens to get into your home. They will hurry down chimneys, up spouting and across gutters. Once indoors, squirrels will gather insulation, drywall and other items to make a cozy den. Some squirrels may build nests in places that can create a fire hazard, like ducts and chimneys.
 

Other ways squirrels become nuisance wildlife include:

  • Chewing on power lines
  • Urinating and defecating on your floors and walls
  • Destroying trees by stripping bark
  • Preventing you from sleeping with their chatter
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. 

Bat Removal

In Utah, there are 18 bat species. Bats can eat a thousand insects in an hour. If you have bats living in your attic, barn, shed or trees, then you have a source of insects for the bats to eat. Stagnant water, manure, fountains, ponds and pole lights attract insects.

All species of bats are protected in Utah because they are endangered or facing extinction due to diseases. Bats are nocturnal, so while you're sleeping, they are working. Even if you don't see bats, you can tell you have a bat problem if you have stains on your buildings caused by bat guano. It can also have an awful smell. Bat guano can grow mold, and if you inhale mold spores, it may cause respiratory problems.

Our experts provide many services to remove and exclude bats.

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.

Skunk Control

We have two species of skunks in Salt Lake City, the western spotted and the striped, the larger of the two. Everyone knows skunks by their spray, which contains sulfur, ejected from glands near the rectum. Spotted and striped skunks have different removal laws set by the state. Skunks are like all other nuisance wildlife: They are searching for food, water and shelter.

They raid bird feeders, trash cans and pet feed. While they don't climb well, they can dig and will dig to get food. Skunks will eat squirrels, rabbits, moles, eggs, rats and mice.

The good news is that you won't likely find a skunk in your attic. The bad news is that you may find one in your crawlspace, basement, garage, and areas under decks and porches. They also like to hide in piles of debris, logs or rocks outdoors. They burrow and tunnel under structures and foundations, putting your safety at risk.

Let us take the risks that go with getting rid of a skunk.

Inspection

Inspection

In addition to noting any pungent odors that signal the presence of a skunk, we will inspect the condition of your landscaping, as skunks are known for tearing-up lawns and shredding grass while hunting for grubs and insects. We will also inspect the perimeter of your building's foundations and under decks, to locate burrows.
 

Trapping and Removal

Trapping and Removal

Never try to remove a skunk from your property yourself. Getting sprayed is a very unpleasant experience. Furthermore, these animals may carry diseases that can spread to humans and pets, such as rabies. Our specialists will use live traps to capture and remove skunks for you, or they'll use a one-way exclusion device to evict skunks from their harborage areas. The most effective ways to control a skunk problem is exclusion and habitat modification.
Skunk Control

Skunk Control

The most effective ways to control a skunk problem is exclusion and habitat modification. Methods like sealing foundation gaps, replacing and screening broken foundation vents and installing hardware cloth (rat walls) around unprotected sheds and decks are the most effective and permanent ways to keep skunks out.
We recommend keeping pet food inside and securing any trash bins.

Bird Control

Few people think of birds as a nuisance. They are beautiful in their diversity of colors and songs. But some species, when they descend in large numbers, can cause extensive damage and create an unhealthy environment.

In Utah, mud swallows like to build mud nests on man-made structures. Pigeons are known for roosting on buildings and for their highly corrosive excrement that damages many surfaces it comes in contact with. European starlings are an invasive species that travel in large flocks. They can damage crops, and their waste not only spreads invasive seeds but can transit disease. House sparrows are also invasive and congregate in flocks to feed on the ground and to roost on buildings.

All of these species create unsanitary conditions when roosting around buildings and produce a loud chatter that is quite annoying. In addition, they harbor parasites such as fleas, lice, and mites.

Inspection

Inspection

We thoroughly inspect the area for things that attract birds, like harborage and loafing areas, as well as food and water sources. Also, we look for where birds may be entering your home or business. We also inspect for damage caused by birds, whether it's by nesting, or by droppings.

Trapping & Removal

Trapping & Removal

After identifying the bird species, we may start by physically removing the species in question. In rescue situations, such as chimneys or basements, birds can be released on-site if the entrance has been secured properly. Occasionally, live traps will be used, especially if flocks of birds are involved. For persistent birds and larger flocks, several advanced techniques may be applied simultaneously including netting, spikes, ledge products, scare tactics, misting and more. The most effective method of bird control is prevention and exclusion.

Repairs & Prevention

Repairs & Prevention

We can repair the damage that is allowing birds entry to your home, like broken siding, weakened gutters, rotted soffits and fascia. We can also install protective screens on chimneys and vents. We can also remove nesting materials and accumulated droppings, then clean surface stains. We can use netting over fruit and vegetable crops and water basins. Netting can also be used in car ports, building overhangs and food courts. We also install a large number of different types of roof ledge barriers too.

Chipmunk Removal

Chipmunks are part of the squirrel family, although there are some significant differences. Smaller than squirrels, chipmunks primarily live on the ground and in long burrows. Chipmunks can cause structural damage when they burrow under patios, outdoor stairs, foundations, and retaining walls. They will also eat seedlings and flower bulbs. Because chipmunks do not hibernate, they will occasionally enter homes in an especially cold winter. One curious fact is that chipmunks that live in urban areas have been documented to have a lower level of both locomotion and grooming. The ready availability of food has left less need for them to explore their environment.

Inspection

Inspection

The clearest sign of a chipmunk infestation is the damage in your yard. Chipmunks create extensive burrows. Their holes are only 2-3 inches wide but can stretch 20 to 30 feet. Other signs of chimpunks include dug planted seeds, gnaw marks on tree bark, and destroyed flowers, stems, fruits, and vegetables. Chipmunks rarely enter homes so the signs of a chipmunk infestation will be in your yard. While it is unlikely a chipmunk is in your house, we will still look for any potential entry points.
Chipmunk Trapping

Chipmunk Trapping

One of the most effective ways to prevent chipmunk damage is to create exclusions around your home. Buried hardware cloth is a useful option to keep chipmunks out of gardens and flower beds. Additionally, you can use wire mesh to prevent chipmunks from entering your home. The wire mesh should be secured to any openings that a chipmunk may be able to squeeze through.

Chipmunk trapping typically takes 10-14 days; however, this may vary depending on the extent of the chipmunk intrusion. Cage traps with fine mesh can be effective with peanut butter as the bait. Additionally, you may use fruit, nuts, or seed to bait the trap. Live traps and snare traps can be an effective tools to remove chipmunks from your property.
Repairs

Repairs

Filling a chipmunk hole before a control strategy is not effective. Chipmunks will be able to dig the hole again.
Chipmunks can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, and foundations. If a chipmunk enters a home, it typically uses a downsport or gutter. Critter Control will install gutter guards to prevent that from happening.

Snake Removal

Snakes are opportunists and usually only enter a home or other building if they are on the hunt for rodents. They do not have the physical means to create an opening and so can only seek out available cracks in a foundation, gaps around doors and windows, or even an open door. The most likely spot for snakes to hide is under a porch or crawl space. Snakes depend on their environment to regulate their body temperature. So when it is too hot outside, they like the cool of the underside of a porch. In colder weather, they seek out warmer places, and the combination of warmth and rodents in a house provides both temperature control and a meal.

Inspection

Inspection

Snakes are excellent at avoiding detection. We inspect your home for potential entry points and look for signs like snake skin and feces. Because a snake typically enters a home hunting for food, our wildlife inspector also looks for signs of a rodent infestation.

Removal & Control

Removal & Control

Depending on the location, we can set a live trap or direct capture. Exclusion is the most effective way to keep snakes out of your home. If rodents are present, it is essential to exterminate the rodent infestation. Their presence will continue to attract snakes.
Repairs

Repairs

In addition to dealing with any possible rodent problem drawing snakes to your property, a specialist will assist with sealing possible entry points and also encourage you to remove any debris where snakes can easily take up residence.
Get them out.
Keep them out.®
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The Critter Control Difference

Guaranteed Work Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Critter Control® takes great pride in providing quality workmanship resulting in customer satisfaction.
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.
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.
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