Category: Blog

Choosing the best pest control services for your business might seem overwhelming. With so many choices, and the scope of the various services offered, where do you even start? Once you figure out what nuisance pest needs to be controlled, the next steps are to make sure you are utilizing a licensed, insured, and reputable company to handle your government pest control contracts best. It is vitally important that those administering your government pest control solutions are licensed and certified to handle the chemicals and equipment necessary to complete the best job possible.

When it comes to government property pest control and wildlife management services, Critter Control® of Orlando is the premier choice for a government-certified pest control operator.

Government Pest Control Services For Any Situation

With municipal pest control services for small, medium, and large government properties at the city, state, and federal levels, Critter Control® has you covered with the following end-to-end, integrated government pest control and management solutions:

• Regularly scheduled pest management
• Emergency infestation services
• Wildlife removal
• Pest/wildlife damage repair
• Permanent exclusion
• Bird and mosquito control

Your Trusted Choice For Government Pest Control Contracts

The team at Critter Control® of Orlando is your trusted, reputable government-certified pest management solution. All practices are performed with safety and public health as a top priority. And, we are committed to humane wildlife treatment in virtually every removal situation we perform. The difference between Critter Control® and other providers is our attention to detail and reliability:

• Same-day emergency service
• No sub-contractors; all licensed direct employees
• Long-term tenured personnel on all levels
• Digital service reporting
• Modern and efficient equipment
• Non-pesticide, environmentally friendly practices
• Safe area-of-occupancy pest control methods

It’s these aspects and much more that make Critter Control® of Orlando the most certified and trustworthy government pest control option for your business.

Reliable Government Pest Control Services

The experienced pest removal technicians at Critter Control® of Orlando will quickly and safely remove nuisance pests and wildlife from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your free consultation, or discuss potential government pest control contract options, call Critter Control® of Orlando at 407-295-7194 today.

With an armor-like exterior and a defense mechanism of rolling up into a ball when threatened, armadillos are truly unique creatures. In fact, the name armadillo means “little armored ones.” However, armadillos are still wild animals capable of much damage to the lawns and gardens of Central Florida properties. In order to keep your yard undamaged and unaffected, it’s highly recommended that you know what signs to look for and who to contact to help get rid of armadillos in Florida homes and businesses.

Signs and Dangers of Armadillo Activity

Some of the risks armadillos can pose to your Florida home or business include:

1. Garden and yard damage

   Armadillos are avid scavengers and have large, pointed claws that are perfect for digging and rummaging for insects in yards and gardens. They are always on the move for food and shelter, and their ideal places to search are underground.

2. Compromising trees and buildings

   Armadillos dig to create a series of tunnels through which to travel. These tunnel systems can disrupt tree roots and structural foundations, leading to expensive costs for your Orlando home or business.

3. Disease

   Armadillos have been known to carry the bacterium that causes leprosy. They are also prone to tapeworms and salmonella, which can be transmittable through their feces.

If left unchecked, armadillos can not only affect the health of you, your family, and your work staff, but also the cleanliness and stability of your home or business. Whether it’s yard damage, a cracked structural foundation, or the possibility of disease, armadillos could pose quite a nuisance.

Fortunately, the expert wildlife specialists at Critter Control® of Orlando have the experience and know-how to safely and humanely get rid of armadillos in and around your Orlando, Florida home

Safe and Humane Florida Armadillo Removal

Critter Control® of Orlando are specially licensed and equipped to safely remove and relocate armadillos affecting your property. Our professionals will:

• Thoroughly inspect your property to assess the extent of the armadillo problem.
• Use specialty traps in accordance with the law to relocate the armadillos.
• Take measures to promote exclusion that prevents armadillos from returning.

Get Rid of Armadillos in Florida With Critter Control®

If you see any telltale signs of an armadillo, such as dig damage in your yard, call the experienced wildlife and pest removal technicians at Critter Control® of Orlando as soon as possible. Our trained and insured staff will quickly and safely remove nuisance armadillos from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your free consultation, call Critter Control® of Orlando at 407-295-7194 today.

By pollinating nearly 85% of all food crops, bees play an incredibly important role in our ecosystem/ They are so critical to our environment that we literally wouldn’t be able to live without them. However, that doesn’t mean that we want to live with them. Bees can easily become a nuisance in outdoor areas, especially if they have made a hive on or near your home. Here are some ways to keep bees buzzing away from your property and ensure they’re able to go about their vital business elsewhere.

6 Tips for Keeping Bees at Bay

The following tips are simple and effective ways to keep bees away from your home.

1. Keep food and drinks covered

   Bees are attracted to any sugary food or drink they see and particularly love soda cans. If you happen to bring a beverage outside, it’s best to pour it in a cup with a lid beforehand to deter bees from being attracted to it. When it comes to food, use a container with a lid as well. Aluminum foil and plastic wrap may work to conceal the food, but a lid is the most secure option.

2. Avoid wearing bright colors

   Bees are attracted to bright colors, due to their ability to seek flowers in need of pollination. In fact, bees see a much wider range of colors than humans do, so vibrant colors are often irresistible to them. Wearing duller shades of clothing will dissuade bees from approaching you and your property.

3. Avoid wearing attractive fragrances

   Just like with food, bees love anything that smells sweet or sugary. This, however, isn’t limited to perfumes. Sunscreen, hairspray, and even strongly scented shampoo can often attract bees to the humans wearing them. If you plan on going out in your backyard, opt for wearing products that are unscented.

4. Use deterring fragrances to your advantage

   While bees love sweet scents, they can’t stand others like peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus. You can try using such fragrances on outside objects, like chairs, towels, or pool floaties as a bee deterrent. Additionally, adding lemongrass or mint plants outside to your garden is another great way to repel bees.

5. Hide or tie back your hair

   Bees are sensitive to smell and can instinctively detect hair. If you have longer hair, tying it back is a great option, otherwise, you can wear a hat to avoid attracting bees.

6. Check for beehives

   If you regularly check around the outside of your house for beehives, you’re much more likely to catch one in its beginning stages. Discovering a hive before it forms will be much easier to take care of; however, if bees are present, do not attempt to remove a hive yourself as it can be extremely dangerous. Instead, trust in the help of professionals to safely remove bees from your property.

Best Bee Deterrent and Removal Professionals in Orlando

At Critter Control® of Orlando, our expert pest removal technicians have the tools and experience to safely and efficiently remove all bees and hives from your property and keep them from returning. We always use humane methods throughout every step of our process and will strategize a bee removal plan that fits your needs, schedule, and budget. To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate, call us today at 407-295-7194.

Raccoons often explore different properties searching for food, so it is certainly not uncommon for homeowners to discover raccoons rummaging in and around their garbage cans outside. However, sometimes these pests don’t just stop searching for food on the outside of a property. Oftentimes, raccoons will find their way inside residential homes in search of additional food or shelter. If you want to prevent raccoons from entering your home, consider the following six raccoon prevention tips.

6 Tips For Deterring Raccoons

The best way to prevent raccoons from entering your home is to put up a strong front in your outdoor areas. Since they’re always in search of something to eat, stopping them from getting into food or trash is your best bet for preventing a raccoon infestation. A few prevention methods include:

1. Securing garbage cans
2. Keeping pet food indoors
3. Getting rid of easily accessible bird feeders
4. Sealing up any entry points on the outside of your home
5. Obtaining motion-detector lights, sensor alarms, or sprinklers
6. Enclosing your property, garden, or fruit trees with fencing, either traditional or electrical

3 Dangers of a Raccoon Infestation

Raccoons are certainly no fun to deal with, due to the potential harm they can cause you, your family, and your home. Some of the ways raccoons can cause damage include:

1. Property destruction

   Raccoons are larger compared to other common animal intruders, so they’re often able to cause the most damage. Typically damaged areas include attics, trash cans, window screens, and kitchen pantries. Since raccoons are nocturnal, you’re more likely to hear them at nighttime.

2. Disease transmission

   Raccoons are known carriers of rabies, but they can also carry other parasites, diseases, and illnesses such as roundworm or leptospirosis, which can be transferred through their droppings. Since raccoons are more well-known as disease carriers than other typical critter intruders, you should keep your distance from them.

3. Attacks on humans/pets

   In outdoor spaces, raccoons will generally leave you alone as long as you don’t bother them. However, when they are in more enclosed spaces, like a house, their demeanor can completely change. They often feel more threatened, especially if they are taking care of their babies, and may lash out at any person or pet that comes near them.

Permanent Orlando Raccoon Removal

As soon as you discover the presence of raccoons in your home, it’s important to take action immediately by contacting Critter Control® of Orlando. Our licensed and trained technicians are equipped to remove raccoons efficiently and effectively and will implement preventative measures to ensure raccoons are unable to return to your home.

Call us today at 407-295-7194 to schedule a free consultation.

If you live in Florida, you’ve probably had a snake encounter at least once. While it can be frightening, snakes are actually quite common in the Sunshine State. Because of its seasonally warm temperatures, Florida is home to 44 different species of native snakes, but there are also invasive species within the state as well. While some Florida snakes are quite harmless, others can be quite dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know the different types of snakes you may encounter in Florida, particularly the ones that are attracted to Orlando properties. Here are the 18 most common snakes in Florida.

12 Non-venomous Snakes in Florida

The most common non-venomous snakes that you may encounter in Florida include:

1. Banded Water Snake
2. Black Pine Snake
3. Black Racer
4. Black Rat Snake
5. Blue Stripe Garter Snake
6. Burmese Python
7. Common Kingsnake
8. Eastern Coachwhip
9. Eastern Corn Snake
10. Florida Rough Green Snake
11. Florida Water Snake
12. Indigo Snake

However, while there are many non-venomous snakes in Florida, there are also plenty of venomous snakes that can be a threat to your safety should they make their way into your Orlando residence.

6 Commonly Found Venomous Snakes in Florida

Florida’s most common venomous snakes that you should watch out for include:

1. Cottonmouth, also referred to as a Water Moccasin
2. Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
3. Eastern Coral Snake
4. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
5. Southern Copperhead
6. Timber Rattlesnake

Dealing With Snakes in Florida

While it is important to know how to identify these snakes because of their deadly venom, it is particularly important to keep your distance from them should you see any around your Orlando property. Regardless of their venomous nature, all snakes can be dangerous to you, your family, or your pets due to their painful bite. Fortunately, if you have a snake problem in your home or place of business, Critter Control® of Orlando can help.

Your Central Florida Snake Removal Experts

Even if you have encountered snakes before, you should leave their removal to the experts. If there is a venomous or non-venomous snake loose in or around your home, the expert snake removal technicians at Critter Control® of Orlando are experienced, licensed, and equipped to safely and skillfully remove them without incident. We are also trained on proper snake prevention and exclusion techniques to ensure they do not return.

For more information on our efficient and effective snake removal services or to schedule your free consultation, call Critter Control® of Orlando today at 407-295-7194.

It is hard to tell exactly how much pest control will cost in Orlando. This is largely due to the fact that each pest problem is different and no two jobs are the same. Luckily, the professionals at Critter Control® of Orlando can send a licensed pest control expert to your home or business to examine your pest infestation, develop a treatment plan, and provide you with a fair, accurate, and affordable Orlando pest control estimate.

Orlando pest control depends on the type of pest that is bugging you and the size of your infestation. Because Florida is home to many different types of pests and vermin, the pros at Critter Control® of Orlando offer affordable Orlando pest control that is tailor-made to eliminate each type of pest problem.

14 Common Types of Critters We Control

Here are the different types of pests that Critter Control® of Orlando commonly takes care of:

1. Ants

   Ants can cause home or property damage. While some of them can cause painful stings or bites, most of them just like to check out the snacks in your pantry.

2. Bees/Wasps/Hornets

   If you have an infestation of any species of stinging insect, then it can be a major problem. They can leave painful marks, and even cause deadly allergic reactions.

3. Bed Bugs

   Bed bugs will feed off of the blood of humans whether you’re on the couch enjoying your evening or laying in your bed at night snoozing.

4. Centipedes and Millipedes

   These creepy crawlers can become a huge problem outside around your windows and doors.

5. Fleas

   Fleas generally love to pester and bite pets, but if you don’t have a cat or dog, then they’ll settle for you.

6. Beetles

   Unfortunately, John, Paul, George, and Ringo won’t be invading your home like The Beatles invaded the United States in 1964. However, these similarly-named insects would be more than happy to cause damage to the wood and surfaces in your residence.

7. Flies

   The definition of a pest, house flies just don’t “fly” with homeowners. They will fly into your home because of their attraction to food and begin to breed rapidly.

8. Mice and Rats

   Invasive rodents can contaminate food and damage your wiring and insulation.

9. Mosquitoes

   These flying pests can cause annoying bites and can sometimes carry viruses.

10. Scorpions

    Like other stinging insects, scorpion stings can also have severe consequences like allergic reactions which can occasionally result in death.

11. Spiders

    Web-building spiders are useful at eliminating other pests but can become a dangerous nuisance to pets, adults, and children in your home due to their painful and poisonous bites.

12. Stink Bugs

    These stinky pests release a nasty odor when they’re smashed, so it might be a good idea to have them removed by professionals instead.

13. Ticks

    A disease spreading parasite, tick bites can transmit Lyme disease.

14. Wildlife Services

    We can handle invasive pest problems that are larger than rodents and insects. At Critter Control® of Orlando, we are equipped to remove wildlife such as raccoons, opossum, squirrels, bats, snakes, and others from your property both efficiently and discreetly.

Safe, Eco-Friendly, and Affordable Orlando Pest Control

If you are dealing with an infestation caused by any of the above pests, contact Critter Control® of Orlando immediately. Our licensed and trained technicians use safe, non-toxic pest removal techniques that will not cause harm to you, your family, or the environment. We will not only permanently remove your pests, but we will also employ preventative methods to prevent future infestations from occurring. Furthermore, all of our pest control services at calculated to meet your needs, schedule, and budget.

For affordable Orlando pest control that is safe and effective, call Critter Control® of Orlando at 407-295-7194 and schedule a free consultation with one of our pest experts today.

When it comes to ant facts, most people know that ants live in anthills and can deliver a painful bite. In fact, ants are very interesting, hardworking, and disciplined creatures that always seem to be on a mission. While ants are incredible team players, they are not on your team. That is why their presence indoors can be a frustrating nuisance to home and business owners. Therefore, if you see ants in your home, you should make arrangements to have them removed by pest control experts. Here are some ant facts you may not know about that explain why they can be a small but powerful threat to your home.

12 Surprising Ant Facts

1. There are over 12,000 known species of ants. Species range is shape, color and size.
2. Ants have 250,000 brain cells and are believed to be the smartest insects known.
3. Ants don’t have ears. They use the vibrations felt through their feet and knees to detect sound.
4. Ants breathe by taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide through tiny holes on the bodies.
5. Ants have colonized every landmass on planet earth EXCEPT the Arctic, Antarctica, and very few islands. Colonies range in size and has a distinct smell so intruders can be detected immediately.
6. Large ant colonies are called super colonies. The largest super colony recorded is over 3,700 miles wide.
7. Recent research by the Ohio State University suggest that ants (depending on the species) can lift up to 5,000 times their body weight and not just 50 times as previously believed. While they can carry food much larger than their size into their anthill, these six-legged insects can also fit into openings much smaller than their size. That is how they are able to gain entry to homes and businesses in search of food.
8. Queen ants have wings and shed them when they start a new nest. They live for many years and have millions of babies (this is their only duty). When the queen dies, the colony dies because the workers are incapable of reproducing. Colonies rarely ever replace a queen.
9. When ants go in search for food, they leave a trail of pheromones to remember where they’ve been. They also jump, glide, raft, and form living chains by holding on to each other to bridge vegetation and water to get to a meal.
10. Ants have been known to use their skills to dominate other species of ant and use them to do work in their colonies.
11. Ant bites vary in pain levels. Familiar ant bites sting a little and cause little inflammation. However, some ants can deliver a bite so painful, it feels like a bullet wound. Others can deliver a fatal bite, but anti-venom for these bites is now available.
12. Ants can cause damage in homes over time. They typically nest in areas of the home that has wood. As the colony grows, they gnaw at the wood to create more space, and weaken parts of the home. If you spot ants in your home, then don’t wait for them to grow into a larger problem. Contact professional pest control specialists immediately to quickly and safely eliminate ants from your property.

Professional Ant Exterminators in Orlando

The fact is: Ants do not belong in residential homes or commercial businesses. If you have ants or any other pests infesting your property, then contact the pest control experts at Critter Control® of Orlando. We have an effective ant management program that utilizes non-toxic, eco-friendly methods to rid your property of ants and keep them from returning.

If you have questions about our ant removal services or would like to schedule your free in-home inspection, call Critter Control® of Orlando today at 407.295.7194.

Yellow jackets can be an absolute nightmare for Orlando residential homeowners and commercial business owners to deal with. This guide has some ways you can safely get rid of yellow jackets. These honeybee-resembling imposters are aggressive, attracted to sounds and vibrations, and can sting their victims multiple times over. Here are some helpful ways to identify a yellow jacket problem and how to get rid of them before they get to you.

Locating the Problem

Hopefully, you are able to notice that you have a yellow jacket problem before you are on the receiving end of one of their vicious stings. In most places, yellow jacket nests die in the winter; however, the Central Florida climate is perfect for yellow jacket population expansion. Yellow jackets will often build nests in attics, therefore, if you spot a yellow jacket in your home, then there is likely a nest in your attic.

Getting Rid of Yellow Jackets

Once you have identified where your yellow jacket problem originated, you’ll need to take note of the size of the nest and look for any entry and exit points. If you are attempting to get rid of your yellow jacket problem without the help of professionals, keep in mind that yellow jacket bait, spray, and remover can contain harmful chemicals. It is important to be safe when dealing with bug removal techniques that require chemicals.

A possibly safer alternative to chemical sprays might be a bug zapper. While such devices generally hang from hooks on the exterior of the home, a bug zapper’s constant vibrations can attract aggressive yellow jackets within the home as well. Of course, zappers and store-bought sprays are nowhere close to the permanent yellow jacket extermination services of a professional pest control provider.

Yellow Jacket Removal Experts

If you want to get rid of your yellow jacket problem for good, your best bet is to call the experts at Critter Control® of Orlando today. We will assess your yellow jackets problem, eliminate the insects quickly and safely using environmentally friendly chemicals, and prevent the pests from returning to your property — allowing you to get back to your life without having to worry about being the victim of a dangerous yellow jacket attack.

 If you would like to get rid of yellow jackets, schedule your free consultation today by calling Critter Control® of Orlando at 407-295-7194.

 

Creepy, crawly, and scary to look at, spiders are a threat to both humans and pests. This guide will help you learn how to get rid of spiders from your home. While spiders are useful at hunting other household insects, spiders are definitely too dangerous to keep around your home or business as their bites can range from painful to fatal. If you notice any spiders in your residence or place of business, don’t panic. Instead, rely on the following tips to get rid of spiders before contacting spider pest control professionals to permanently finish the job.

Spider Pest Control in the Home

While spiders may seem like less of a nuisance than other pests, some spiders are lethally dangerous and should not be ignored if they are spotted in your home or place of business. Spiders like the Black Widow and Brown Recluse have incredibly painful and highly toxic bites that should be prevented at all costs. Unfortunately, such dangerous spider encounters are common in Orlando properties because they are attracted to warm, southern climates. However, there are a few products you can try to get dangerous spiders off of your property.

1. Spider Repellent
2. Spider Sprays
3. Spider Traps

There are also several natural spider deterrents such as peppermint oil, the smell of which spiders allegedly cannot tolerate, and vinegar, which is said to burn spiders upon contact.

At Home Spider Prevention

Ultimately, the best way to get spiders out of your property is to keep them from entering in the first place. Here are some tips on spider prevention.

1. Search for any potential crevices in your home that are open to the outdoors and seal them.
2. Ensure other bugs aren’t in your home as they are a spider’s main food source.
3. Keep your house clean. Spiders prefer dirty homes with lots of hiding spaces.
4. Spread a thin layer of diatomaceous earth — lethal to many insects — around the exterior of your home.
5. Vacuum spider webs where you see them.

Of course, if spiders are already in your house and you don’t feel confident in trying to get rid of spiders on your own, you should immediately contact your local spider pest control professionals for quick and efficient results. The spider pest control experts at Critter Control® of Orlando will perform all of the removal and prevention strategies listed above to permanently get rid of spiders on your property.

Call Orlando’s Experts at Getting Rid of Spiders

If the thought of spiders makes your skin crawl, leave the spider pest control to the experienced pest removal technicians at Critter Control® of Orlando. Our pest experts have the expertise needed to efficiently and safely get rid of spiders and keep them off of your property for good.

To schedule your free consultation and get rid of your spider problem, call Critter Control® of Orlando at 407-295-7194 today.