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For most homeowners, a regular visit by a pest control company is just a necessary part of their maintenance. Keeping up a termite contract goes hand in hand with owning a home. However, having an existing relationship with a pest control company can have additional benefits though, especially when larger creatures find their way into your house. While not all exterminators offer animal removal services, many do and often it's a good idea to check with the company maintaining your termite treatment to see if that happens to be a service they provide. Even before it becomes a problem, knowing who to call can be a good idea, more so in certain areas with an active wildlife population. Unlike treating and exterminating insects, not all pest control companies provide animal removal. This usually requires a secondary license, additional training and equipment. These extra expenses may not always appear to be worth it to some providers, regardless of the needs of their existing clients. Even some larger corporations don't necessarily require their various offices to handle animal removal calls. Those that don't may still refer these calls to another company that can assist, so this can still be a good first call to make in the event of a four-legged intruder. For some homeowners, having an exterminator who also provides animal control services can be crucial, as capturing and dealing with the odd raccoon is usually best left to a professional rather than a homeowner. In most cases, the first step involves evaluating any existing damage caused by the intruder to help determine exactly what is being dealt with. Occasionally this is made easier if the animal shows itself or is in an easily located position. Normally, it's only through inspecting the damage and the spoor that a professional can determine the specific type of animal. This could be droppings, manner and material involved in nest construction and a number of other characteristics. Once the species has been identified it is then possible for the appropriate pest control measures to be taken. Rodents are generally dealt with using lethal trapping methods, though baits are sometimes employed in areas that are not frequented by other animals. Larger animals normally have to be trapped in order to be dealt with. A few nationally active companies deal with rodents, though a much smaller number deal with other wildlife. In many cases, it is possible to arrange a contract with these companies includes animal removal in addition to other services and while this may cost more annually, if your area is prone towards rodent infestation or wildlife intruders, it could be worth considering. There are some steps that a homeowner can take on their own though, and any good pest control company will tell you that prevention is the most important part of anything they do. The time to start being aware of pest control isn't when you discover a problem, it's before you have one. A few simple rules can prevent an infestation and remove the need for a professional to visit your home. Repairing cracks around the foundation or in the home itself minimizes the opportunities for entry. Keeping the weather stripping around doors and windows in good repair is another important step in prevention. Treat, destroy or fill any potential harborages that might be used by possible intruders. Make sure there are no leaks in your plumbing or foundation as many insects and animals are drawn to moist areas. Repair any damage to roof flashing to keep climbing animals from finding their way into your attic. These critical areas are easily dealt with and can also prevent various other problems around your home as well.
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