Removal

Badger Removal

The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a large, stocky member of the weasel family. They are powerful diggers that can be quite fierce when threatened. They are generally silvery-gray with some brown, yellow, or cream coloration underneath. The feet and portions of the head are black, with a white stripe down the face. They feed on a variety of rodents, rabbits, birds, snakes, etc. 

Although they can be beneficial by preying on rodents, they can cause trouble by digging large open holes and burrows in pastureland. Horse enthusiasts fear that the open holes could result in broken legs. They also occasionally weaken stock ponds by digging extensive burrows in earthen dams. Badgers doing damage can be removed by shooting or live-trapping. Live-trapped animals can be dispatched or relocated with permission. We have the experience and expertise to provide these services.

We’ll have more information about badger biology, problems they pose, and solutions we offer coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a badger problem, call us at 719-636-1014 for an assessment and prices.

Bat Removal and Control

Many species of bats can be found locally; the most common by far are the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). Bats are very beneficial insect eaters but can be a nuisance and a human health concern. Unfortunately, they commonly establish maternal 

colonies in attics/crawl spaces and frequently show up in living quarters and public places. Bat waste (guano), bat bugs, and the potential for rabies are all concerns. However, there are good solutions to most bat problems. We can provide them.

We’ll have more information about bat biology, problems they pose, and solutions we offer coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a bat problem, call us at 719-636-1014 for an assessment and prices.

Beaver Removal

The American beaver (Castor canadensis) is native to Colorado and common along waterways all over the region. They are very large aquatic rodents, famous for building dams. Although a “keystone species” that provides benefits to many other kinds of wildlife, beavers can be very destructive around man.

Cutting down ornamental trees, clogging culverts and irrigation ditches, and flooding roads are common complaints. However, there are good solutions to most beaver problems. We can provide them.

We’ll have more information about beaver biology, problems they cause, and solutions we provide coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a beaver problem, call us at 719-636-1014 for an assessment and prices.

Bird Removal and Control

Many species of birds can be a nuisance to people. Damage from birds comes in many forms and in varying degrees. Typical complaints in urban/suburban areas usually involve messy accumulations of droppings, various noise disturbances, birds nesting or living in or on human structures, birds getting trapped inside structures, and physical damage to property. Birds in close proximity to people also can pose serious health risks. Accumulations of droppings (feces) can harbor a variety of bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoal diseases. And the birds themselves are often hosts for mites and various ectoparasites.

• Feral Pigeons
• Bird Spike
• Northern Flicker
• Cliff Swallows
  

Dead Animal Removal

Dead animal carcasses can show up in all the wrong places: yards, attics/crawl spaces, flues/ductwork, fireplaces, under decks/patios, etc. The causes are many: disease, injury, predation, starvation, etc. Most people are uncomfortable handling dead animals because of disease concerns, decomposition, putrid odor, flies/maggots, inaccessibility, etc. In addition, no local agencies will remove carcasses unless they are on the curb of a city street or in the street. The Colorado Springs number for that service is 719-385-5934. We are equipped to retrieve, pick up, and properly dispose of animals up to large deer. We will also treat the immediate area for odor control.

We have more information on this service coming soon. If you have a dead animal or suspect one, call us at 719-636-1014 for assistance and prices.

Fox Eviction and Removal

Three species of foxes occur in the Pikes Peak Region: the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and the prairie swift fox (Vulpes elox). The most familiar and common is the red fox. Although native red foxes can be found at high elevations in Colorado, our local variety is descended from foxes released from fur farms in the Black Forest area in the 1940s. They are very common in urban/suburban areas.

They are very comfortable around people, often denning under sheds and porches. They are rarely a threat to dogs, but they frequently kill and eat housecats. Fleas, rank odors, and remains of kills can be a real nuisance.

The salt-and-pepper-colored gray fox is native to the rocky foothills along the Front Range, but they are no longer common due to parvovirus in the past and competition with the invasive red fox. Swift foxes are short-grass prairie animals native to eastern El Paso County. They are common in places. Neither gray foxes nor swift foxes are much of a nuisance.

We regularly evict red foxes from dens too close to people and live-trap/relocate them. We’ll have more information about fox biology, problems they cause, and solutions we provide coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a fox problem or concern, call us at 719-636-1014 for an assessment and prices.

Porcupine Removal

Porcupines, famous for their sharp quills, are found throughout the region in various habitats at most elevations. However, they are most commonly associated with ponderosa pine forests. Porcupines are active year-round and can do a lot of damage by girdling trees. They are also a threat to dogs and other animals due to their quills. Damage to some trees can be controlled by the use of metal tree collars. However, the best method is to live-trap the animals and relocate them to a suitable habitat. We can provide these services.

We’ll have more information on porcupine biology, problems they pose, and solutions we offer coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a porcupine problem, call us at (719) 636-1014 for an assessment and prices.

Raccoon Eviction and Removal

Raccoons (Procyon lotor), with their distinctive black mask and ringed tail, are one of the most familiar and common North American mammals. Primarily an eastern and southern animal in Colonial times, raccoons have greatly expanded their range. They are now common to abundant in Colorado, especially along waterways and in suburban/urban areas, including Colorado Springs. Periodically, distemper outbreaks significantly reduce local populations. Adults are medium-sized, weighing 20-30 lbs. Their dense, luxurious fur varies from blackish-brown to yellowish-brown. Aptly described as “opportunistic omnivores,” raccoons subsist on a wide variety of plant and animal foods, including fruits, insects, field crops, small animals, fish, pet foods, garbage, etc. Breeding occurs primarily in January/February, with a litter of 2-5 young being born in early April. By the end of June, many litters begin foraging with “mom and getting into mischief.

Raccoons can be a nuisance in a variety of ways: 1) living in human structures (e.g., crawl spaces, attics, garages); 2) having their young in attics and fireplace chimneys; 3) having toilet areas (i.e., latrines) in, on, and around human structures; 4) getting into garbage/trash cans; 5) raiding fish ponds/water features; 6) ravaging fruits and crops; 7) damaging roofs, soffits, wiring, vents, and insulation; 8) acting aggressively towards people; 9) posing human health concerns (e.g., raccoon droppings can be considered hazardous material due to endoparasites, fungus, etc.) Raccoons are very intelligent, inquisitive, dexterous, powerful, ravenous, and often bold around people. All that can spell “t-r-o-u-b-l-e.”  The title “masked bandit” is very fitting.

Our approach to controlling raccoon damage typically includes: 1) an investigation/inspection to confirm presence, find points of entry, and assess damage; 2) setting appropriate live traps, initiating eviction procedures, or removing animals on the spot; 3) relocating animals appropriately; 4) monitoring to ensure all animals are out of the structure; and 5) repairing/excluding entry points to both look good and permanently keep raccoons out. Examples of the latter include wire mesh screening, metal flashing barriers, chimney cap installation, tree collar installation, tree branch trimming, chemical repellent utilization, etc. We also do raccoon latrine clean-up, disinfection, and odor control.

Note: The ringtail (or ringtail cat) (Bassariscus astutus), a taxonomic “cousin” to raccoons, is also found in the area, especially in the Front Range foothills. These delicate, housecat-sized creatures resemble a cross between a fox, a housecat, and a raccoon. They are a yellowish-tan color with an enormous ringed tail. They occasionally are found in human structures. We’ve removed several from the Broadmoor Hotel and Glen Eyrie Castle.

If you need help with a raccoon (or ringtail) problem, call us at 719-636-1014 for an investigation and prices. We’d be happy to help.

Skunk Removal and Exclusion

Two species of skunks occur locally: the very familiar striped skunk and the much lesser-known western spotted skunk (or civet cat).

The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), of “Pepe le Pew” fame, is native to Colorado and very common locally in some areas. They are about the size of a housecat but much more stocky and compact. They are jet black in color, typically with two white stripes down the back, with a very bushy black and white tail. The peak of the breeding season is February locally, with rather large litters of 6-8 young being born in early May. Skunks are classified as carnivores, but are really omnivores in diet, eating most anything: insects, grubs/worms, mice, fruits, grain/seeds, pet food, garbage, etc. They love bird feeders! Although some neighborhoods have plenty of skunks, the overall local population has been reduced significantly in recent years due to increased vehicle traffic, periodic outbreaks of distemper and the Colorado Division of Wildlife requirement that skunks cannot be relocated. Due to the history of rabies in skunks and the recent re-occurrence in Colorado, captured skunks must be released or dispatched (i.e., euthanized) at the capture site. They cannot be transported to another location and released. Skunks are largely nocturnal and crepuscular (i.e., active at dusk or dawn).

The western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis) is smaller than its striped cousin and has pretty white splotches instead of the classic stripes. They, too, are omnivores, but are much more quick and agile predators than striped skunks. They are fairly common in the foothills and rocky areas up to 9,000 feet. They tend to breed in the fall, with litters being born in May.

In the wild, skunks dig and use earthen dens, but in suburban/urban areas it’s much more common for them to live under settled concrete (e.g., steps, patios, porches), in unfinished crawl spaces under homes (e.g., old homes, cabins, modulars), and under storage sheds. Telltale evidence of striped skunks is typically a half-moon shaped “dig-under,” roughly 10-12” wide and 4-5” deep. These classic dig-unders also indicate where skunks are entering a fenced yard. Striped skunks are not climbers.

If it weren’t for the potent, very offensive odor of a skunk’s anal gland fluid, most people would not consider them to be a nuisance. Unfortunately, the yellowish, oily, sulfurous fluid that is ejected quite powerfully and accurately can wreak havoc. It’s quite common for pets to get sprayed, for skunks to squabble and spray under someone’s home, or for one to die and decompose under a shed or mobile home. Fortunately, most skunks are rather passive and only spray when startled or seriously threatened. Skunks also get into trouble when they dig (or “grub”) for worms in sod, fall into window wells, or enter pet doors.

Disease also raises concerns about skunks. For example, distemper, though not contagious to humans, can cause unusual behavior. Skunks with advanced symptoms of distemper are often active during daylight and act sick, lethargic, and disoriented. Their eyes and noses are often crusty-looking. They are not usually aggressive. Skunks with rabies may exhibit similar symptoms but can be much more aggressive towards pets and people. The disease is transmitted by saliva through a bite. In cases of close contact, the skunk should be contained and the incident reported to the Environmental Section of your local health department as soon as possible. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, Humane Society (i.e., local animal control), or private companies like Alpine Animal Control can help with the capture and submission of the skunk for testing.

If you suspect striped skunks are living on your property, our approach to control typically includes 1) an investigation to confirm presence and find points of entry; 2) setting specialized skunk live traps at entry points; 3) capturing, euthanizing, and disposing of resident skunks; 4) monitoring entry points to ensure that skunks are no longer living there; and 5) repairing/excluding entry points to both look good and permanently keep skunks out when practical. Similar steps are used to locate and remove dead skunks. Various odor solutions are included as necessary. We also remove skunks from window wells and can provide on-the-spot captures of sick or injured skunks.

If you need help with a skunk problem, call us at 719-636-1014 for an investigation and prices. We’d be happy to help.

Snake Removal and Control

A variety of reptiles (snakes, lizards, and turtles) are found locally. However, compared to the wetter, warmer regions of the country (East and South), we have relatively few. Only three species of snakes are common: the western terrestrial garter snake, the bullsnake, and the western (or prairie) rattlesnake. Fortunately, the only poisonous one is the western rattlesnake.

The most common snake by far is the western terrestrial garter snake. Over 90% of the snake calls we get are about garter snakes. They are rather slender snakes with the head roughly the width of the body. They are typically ”18”–24” long, with a few over 36”. The predominant color is an olive gray-brown, often with pale yellow stripes running the length of the body. Juvenile garters look very different with brownish splotches on a cream background and a dark head. Garter snakes like water or damp, lush habitat but can be found some distance from water. The heavily irrigated lawns in residential areas have greatly improved local habitat. They emerge from hibernation as early as March and remain active through October. They feed on earthworms, insects, small fish and amphibians, and small rodents. They are live-bearers, usually giving birth in August/September. Except for emitting a foul-smelling anal fluid when handled, they are perfectly harmless and rarely bite.

Bull snakes are rather thick, muscular constrictors that can be found in a variety of habitats locally. They are fairly common in places. They can be quite large, typically ”36”–72” long. The head is roughly body width. They are brightly colored tans and yellows with distinct brown to black splotches the length of the body. They eat a variety of small rodents and birds, even other snakes. They lay 15-20 eggs in midsummer. When threatened, bull snakes can be passive to highly aggressive, raising the head, spreading the head, vibrating the tail, and hissing and striking. They will bite but are not poisonous.

Western rattlesnakes are still common locally in places, especially short-grass prairie and rocky areas along the foothills. However, development and people have reduced their numbers substantially. They can occur up to 8500 feet in altitude. They are rather stocky, thick snakes with a wide triangular head and narrow neck and the classic rattle on the end of the tail. Vertical pupils make them look fierce. Typical length is ”24”–36”. Color is generally a light gray or tan background with large, distinct darker splotches the length of the body. They are active from May to October. They feed on lizards, small birds, small rodents, and rabbits. Western rattlesnakes give birth to 4-20 young in late summer.

Our normal approach to resolving conflicts with most snakes is to carefully live-capture them and relocate them to suitable habitat away from people. On occasion we will use lethal measures on rattlesnakes. We sometimes use glue-board traps to capture snakes in hot-tub units, garages, and crawl spaces when we suspect snakes are still present but not visible. In addition, commercial snake repellents have applications under decks and sheds and along foundations and property lines. The ultimate solution is to snake-proof a site or structure by blocking or sealing access points, especially under concrete slabs and along foundations. Communal dens can sometimes be sealed as well.

Most other reptiles are not a problem to people. The lone exception is eastern fence lizards (or swifts). They are found in a wide range of habitats and elevations locally, most commonly in rocky areas along the foothills. They can be a problem when they gain access to human structures and decide to move in for the winter. Capturing them by hand or with glue boards works well in most cases. Sealing cracks, crevices, and other entry points is the long-term solution. Note: Glue boards, when properly used and tended, do not harm snakes or lizards. They can be safely removed with vegetable oil as a solvent.

If you need help with a snake or lizard problem, call us at 719-636-1014. We’d be happy to help.

Weasel Removal

True weasels are small, short-legged, almost tubular predators. Their body shape allows them to access small animal burrows in pursuit of prey.

Two species occur locally: the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) is found statewide, and the short-tailed weasel or ermine (Mustela erminea) prefers higher elevations from the Front Range west. 

Both are a chestnut brown with a pale underside in summer and pure white in winter. Both have black-tipped tails. Both are fierce predators of small rodents, rabbits, and birds. As such, they are largely beneficial, especially when voles, mice, and pocket gophers are abundant. Most calls we receive about weasels are more like inquiries than complaints. People don’t know what they are or what damage they do. Almost always we assure people that weasels are beneficial and not a concern. The only exception is when weasels take up residence in human structures. In such cases, we can live-trap and relocate them. If we can find points of entry, we will exclude them when practical.

We’ll have more information about weasel biology, problems they pose, and solutions we offer coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a concern about weasels, call us at 719-636-1014 for an assessment and prices.