Raccoons, squirrels, possums, oh my! Just when homeowner’s think there’s a break from pest control, nuisance wildlife move in to interrupt the peace and calm of the winter.

St. Louis is a beautiful city full of mature trees, parks and attractions. During warmer months it’s common to see squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and any number of other wildlife species in those locations and roaming through the neighborhoods. In the late fall, as the temperatures cool, squirrels and raccoons look for places to spend the winter and prepare for upcoming spring and the birth of their young. Unfortunately for many of us, that means our homes. Entry into our homes might be simple; using a rotted soffit or fascia. In many cases, however, the critter in question uses its strength and teeth to tear out or gnaw into our attic space. Once inside they contaminate their living quarters with droppings. They round up insulation for nesting material and do untold damage to HVAC systems, wiring, roofing, flashing and other important structures of the home. The amount of damage equals a financial burden to homeowners that can be substantial. Once inside, it can be difficult to remove squirrels and raccoons. Besides the difficulty, there is the cost to remove them.

What are signs of an animal infestation in your home? Answering the following questions might help narrow it down. Do you hear scampering, scratching, loud noises from overhead? Are you awakened from your sleep by running or jumping overhead? Do you hear scratching at night? Are you hearing noises during the daylight hours? The answers to these questions will help to determine the exact animal nesting in your home. Raccoons, mice, skunks, bats and possums are nocturnal animals and their active hours are during our resting hours. Squirrels, chipmunks, birds, etc. are awake during the day and sleep at night. They do wake quite early, however. Squirrels and mice will chew into wiring, as well as chewing holes in walls, ceilings, etc. It can be common to see a gnawed hole near a ceiling light fixture. It’s important to get these critters rounded up and out of your home before the damage becomes extreme or a fire hazard exists.

STL Pest Control has been solving these and other pest problems since 1989. We are a family owned and operated company in St. Louis. We will be glad to help with wildlife and other pest issues you might be experiencing. Our trained professionals will identify the pest and set up a plan for extraction. In many cases, we will be able to exclude additional wildlife from entering your home with our repair service. Call us today and let our trained professionals help eliminate your animal infestation.