Inspection and Solutions
Our removal process varies with each animal, but all jobs include an inspection of the property first. The goals of our inspection are to identify the offending animals if unknown, identifying entry points, and any weak spots that could allow other animals into your home.
After evaluating all issues, we propose a solution tailored specifically to your property.
Removal
For most animals, the best method of removal is physical removal. We only use traps and methods approved by the PA Game Commission. This ensures quick, safe, and effective removal.
We also perform dead animal removal in Lancaster, PA, and surrounding areas.
Remediation and Repair
Our remediation and repair services vary depending on the offending animal and damage the animal has caused. We are able to complete most repairs due to animal damage and use original material when possible. With all repairs, we strive to create an effective solution that matches the aesthetics of your home.
We also offer clean-up services of messes animals leave behind. Some animal droppings and nesting materials are hazardous, carrying various diseases that can be fatal to humans. Our technicians utilize PPE, HEPA filtration vacuums, and follow all guidelines set by the NWCOA to ensure your safety and ours.
Animals We Deal With
Bats
Bats are usually found in secluded areas, we find them in homes year-round, especially in the summer. Like many animals, they prefer warm and safe places to hibernate for the winter.
They are common carriers of rabies and their droppings are hazardous. Often, they are found living in attics or small crevices. Chirping or rustling sounds, especially at night, are telltale signs of bats.
Birds
Birds nest in your attic, vents, chimney, or anywhere else where they find suitable that protects them from the elements. The most common calls we receive are birds in vents and birds behind shutters.
Not only are birds noisy, but they are also messy. Nesting debris and droppings are found near their nests. Moreover, removing birds should be a top priority as they carry various diseases.
Chipmunks
While chipmunks may look harmless, they can cause extensive damage to your landscape and home. Mostly, they prefer to live in or close to wooded areas. However, when they are close to homes they reside along rock walls or near concrete slabs.
Their burrowing creates extensive damage by creating foundational issues. Chipmunks burrow around or under patio slabs, stone walls, mainly anything concrete.
Groundhogs
Groundhogs are excellent burrowers thanks to their powerful feet and curved claws. However, their burrows can create a few problems. If their burrows are located under decks, sheds, or next to a structure this can create cave-ins.
They also create a lot of plant damage, most of their time is spent foraging for crops or other plant life in your backyard.
Mice
Mice live in open fields, buildings, attics, basements, and abandoned equipment such as lawnmowers, they’ll live anywhere that provides protection from the elements.
They chew wiring which creates a fire hazard and leaves behind hazardous nesting material. Telltale signs of mice include scratching noises in the walls or ceilings late at night, or the presence of nests.
Moles
Unmistakeable signs of moles in the yard are mounds or molehills created by their tunneling process. They spend most of their time underground, but when you see their shovel-like feet you will recognize them.
The molehills they create result in disconnected roots and uprooted plants. While flattening the molehills may be tempting, they will only create more tunnels. Moles should be physically removed by a professional,
Opossums
Opossums are nocturnal creatures who enjoy solitude and picking through your garbage. They prefer to live under sheds, decks, or attics. They eat anything!
Opossums are excellent climbers and will find their way into your attic and crawlspace, turning it into their toilet. Their droppings pose a risk of leptospirosis and salmonella to humans.
Raccoons
Raccoons will break in to steal pet food and can squeeze into small spaces. They are common carriers of rabies and canine distemper. They’re very territorial and can become violent, so removal should be handled by a professional.
Their droppings are hazardous and often contain roundworms.
Rats
Wherever people are, rats are there too. They live in a range of areas such as suburban, farm, industrial, and commercial.
Rats have stronger teeth than mice, not only will they chew through wooden elements, they will also chew through metal siding. They also damage insulation, piping, and electrical wiring. Rats can carry fleas that transmit the black plague in addition to a large variety of diseases.
Skunks
Skunks commonly reside under porches or decks but they are not the type of animal you want hanging around your home. They’re known for spraying an awful odor on pets and around homes.
In addition to spraying, skunks also carry rabies, canine distemper, and a variety of other diseases. Quick skunk removal is a top priority for our technicians.
Snakes
Snakes are commonly found in swimming pools, inside houses, or under sheds and decks. Most calls we receive are for black snakes and garter snakes which are both nonvenomous species.
If a snake makes its way into your home, there’s no need to panic. Do not try to capture a snake on your own, isolate it if possible and call a nuisance wildlife professional. If they’re left alone, they’ll most likely leave you alone and only attack when provoked.
Squirrels
Squirrels are often found stuck in chimneys, fireplaces, or nesting in attics for protection from the elements. While they’re interesting to watch, they cause a lot of damage.
Squirrels are excellent climbers and will climb trees or power cables to get in your home. They’re easier to notice due to constant noise or unpleasant smells. They’ll chew anything to gain entry to your home and can chew electrical wiring which is a fire hazard.
Voles
Voles spent a lot of their time underground and eat a lot of plants and vegetables. When they’re not above ground, they’re eating roots of plants.
Voles carry diseases such as salmonella, tularemia, and rabies. They’re also ideal hosts for fleas and ticks that pass on Lyme disease and the plague.
Additional Services
In addition to removal and repair, we always recommend further preventative measures for animal proofing, By identifying weak spots in our inspection, we can then recommend sealing all potential entry points for the offending animal and other animals.
Custom Screening
Often, attic vents and roof vents will come with factory screening. However, the factory screening is not strong enough to keep most animals from chewing through. By replacing factory screening with a custom screen consisting of a heavier gauge hardware cloth, it prevents animals from gaining entry to homes.
Chimney Caps
Open chimney flues are an invitation for animals like squirrels, birds, and bats to enter your home. Chimney caps prevent animals from climbing or falling in and have a variety of other benefits. We install stainless steel caps with lifetime warranties.
Vent Guards and Gutter Guards
Dryer vents and bathroom vents are common nesting areas for birds. Most dryer and bathroom vents are a standard size and can easily be covered with a vent guard.
