Critter Control of Polk County

 If you’ve ever heard scampering or scratching above your ceiling — especially around dawn or midday — you might be dealing with more than just noise from the roof. Squirrels can sneak into your home through tiny gaps and quickly turn your attic into a nesting ground. While these bushy-tailed critters may seem cute outside, once they’re inside, they can cause serious damage and create health hazards. That’s where professional squirrel removal comes in. At Critter Control of Polk County experts use a humane, carefully planned process to remove squirrels without harm and make sure they don’t come back. Let’s walk through how that works, why it’s better than DIY, and how you can protect your home long-term. Why Humane Squirrel Removal Matters When you’re facing a squirrel problem, the instinct might be to trap or scare them away yourself. But squirrels are wild animals — clever, agile, and, when threatened, likely to scratch or bite. Handling them improperly can injure you or t...

  When temperatures drop and winter settles in, squirrels begin searching for the warmest, safest place to ride out the season. Unfortunately for many homeowners, that cozy location often becomes your attic, crawlspace, chimney, or even inside your walls. Cold weather squirrel invasions are more common than most people realize—and if ignored, they can cause extensive structural damage, fire hazards, and costly repairs. Understanding why squirrels invade during winter and how to respond is key to protecting your home. Why Squirrels Invade Homes in Winter During winter, food sources become scarce and outdoor nesting sites lose their warmth. Squirrels—especially gray squirrels—are resourceful, determined animals. To survive, they seek out spaces that offer: Reliable warmth Dry, insulated shelter Safety from predators Easy access to food sources, such as nearby bird feeders or garbage Your attic is the perfect match. It provides insulation, stable temperatures, and pro...

As the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, many homeowners focus on winterizing their homes to stay warm. But there’s another winter visitor that can cause significant problems if left unchecked: squirrels. While squirrels are cute to watch in your yard, they can become a serious nuisance when they decide your attic or walls are the perfect winter getaway. Winter is the prime season for squirrel infestations. These critters seek warmth, shelter, and safety from predators, and your home can offer all of that if proper precautions aren’t taken. Acting quickly with professional squirrel removal can prevent costly damage, reduce stress, and ensure your home stays safe throughout the winter months. Why Squirrels Invade Homes in Cold Weather Squirrels are highly adaptable animals. During cold months, their natural food sources like nuts and berries become scarce, and they look for secure, warm places to nest. Unfortunately, attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids often meet al...

Raccoons are fascinating creatures, but when they decide to take up residence in your attic, backyard, or garage, they quickly become more than just a curiosity, they become a problem. If you’re dealing with unwanted raccoons on your property, knowing safe and effective removal methods is crucial. This guide walks you through humane raccoon removal strategies, emergency raccoon remova l tips, and preventive measures to keep your home and family safe. Why Raccoons Can Become a Problem Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable animals, which allows them to thrive in both urban and suburban environments. They are nocturnal and are often attracted to easily accessible food sources such as garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, or fallen fruit. While they might appear cute, raccoons can cause significant damage, including: Property Damage: Raccoons can tear shingles, insulation, and wiring in attics or crawl spaces. Garden Damage: They dig through gardens, trash bins, and compost piles in se...