Wildlife Control and Exterminators

The sounds of the night often belong to critters that scavenge through urban areas after the sun goes down—raccoons, skunks, opossums, and other wildlife that can wreak havoc on your property. These nocturnal visitors may look harmless, but they can pose serious risks, from property damage to spreading disease. At 101 Exterminators, we specialize in wildlife control, helping homeowners and businesses in Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, and Santa Clara County manage and remove these unwanted visitors safely and humanely.

Common Wildlife in Northern Central California

While wildlife is a natural part of the ecosystem, some animals are better suited to the wilderness than your backyard. Here are some of the most common culprits we encounter:

Raccoons

  • Appearance: Raccoons are easily recognizable by their black-and-gray striped fur and the black “bandit mask” markings on their faces. They are medium-sized mammals, typically weighing 10-30 pounds.
  • Behavior: Raccoons are highly intelligent and resourceful, often rummaging through trash cans for food. They are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, from fruit and plants to small animals and scraps from your garbage. Their intelligence allows them to bypass many traditional methods of keeping them out of garbage bins, making them frequent urban visitors.
  • Risks: Raccoons can spread diseases such as rabies and roundworm. If you spot a raccoon, especially during the day (as they are primarily nocturnal), do not approach it, as rabid raccoons have been known to attack humans.

Skunks

  • Appearance: Skunks are small, black and white mammals known for their distinctive fur pattern and, more infamously, their potent defensive spray.
  • Behavior: Skunks are omnivores and will eat anything from insects to small rodents, fruits, and vegetables. They typically burrow under decks, sheds, or foundations and are nocturnal, preferring to forage for food at night.
  • Risks: While skunks are best known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism, they can also spread diseases such as rabies. Their burrowing can cause structural damage to homes and properties.

Opossums

  • Appearance: Opossums are grayish-white marsupials with long, pointed faces and bare, rat-like tails. They are the only marsupials native to North America.
  • Behavior: Opossums are opportunistic eaters and are known for scavenging through garbage or feeding on pet food left outside. They are also famous for their “playing dead” defense mechanism, where they enter a catatonic state when threatened.
  • Risks: While opossums are less aggressive than raccoons or skunks, they can still spread diseases like leptospirosis and can cause damage to your home by nesting in attics, under porches, or inside walls.

Why Wildlife Control Is Necessary

While these animals play a role in the environment, they can become a serious problem when they invade residential or commercial properties. Wildlife can:

  • Spread Diseases: Many of the animals we encounter, such as raccoons and skunks, are known carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets, including rabies, roundworms, and leptospirosis.
  • Damage Property: Wildlife can cause structural damage by chewing through wires, digging under foundations, or nesting in attics. This can lead to costly repairs and, in some cases, pose fire hazards.
  • Create Unsanitary Conditions: Animals like raccoons and opossums often leave behind droppings, food scraps, and other debris that can attract even more pests, creating unsanitary conditions.

How 101 Exterminators Handles Wildlife Control

At 101 Exterminators, we use a combination of humane trapping, exclusion methods, and prevention strategies to manage wildlife issues effectively. Here’s how we do it:

1. Inspection and Assessment

We start by thoroughly inspecting your property to determine the type of wildlife present, how they are entering your home or yard, and the extent of the problem. During this assessment, we identify:

  • Entry Points: Where wildlife is accessing your property (e.g., broken vents, gaps in the foundation, etc.).
  • Nesting Areas: Where animals have built nests or burrows (e.g., attics, basements, or under decks).
  • Signs of Activity: Droppings, damage, and food sources that attract wildlife.

2. Humane Trapping and Removal

Once the inspection is complete, we use humane traps to safely capture the animals. Our goal is to remove them without harm and relocate them to a more suitable environment far from your property. We ensure that animals like raccoons, skunks, and opossums are handled with care.

3. Exclusion and Prevention

To prevent wildlife from returning, we implement exclusion techniques such as:

  • Sealing Entry Points: We repair and seal gaps, holes, and cracks that animals use to enter your home or yard.
  • Barrier Installation: In some cases, we may install barriers like fencing or screens around vulnerable areas, such as gardens, garbage bins, and under decks.
  • Yard Maintenance Tips: We’ll provide advice on how to reduce food sources and shelter that attract wildlife, such as securing trash cans, removing pet food, and trimming trees or shrubs that provide cover.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

Wildlife problems can sometimes recur if preventive measures aren’t taken. We offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to ensure that your property stays wildlife-free. This includes regular inspections and adjustments to exclusion barriers as needed.

Why Choose 101 Exterminators for Wildlife Control?

  • Humane Solutions: We prioritize humane wildlife removal and relocation to ensure the safety of the animals and your property.
  • Experienced Technicians: Our team is skilled in handling a wide range of wildlife, from raccoons and skunks to opossums and more.
  • Comprehensive Approach: From inspection to prevention, we provide complete wildlife control solutions that address both immediate problems and long-term prevention.
  • Local Expertise: We understand the specific wildlife challenges faced by residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties and tailor our services to meet your needs.

Don’t let wildlife take over your home or business. Whether you’re dealing with raccoons rummaging through your trash or skunks burrowing under your deck, 101 Exterminators is here to provide fast, effective, and humane wildlife control solutions. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and customized plan to protect your property from unwanted critters