Columbus, Ohio, is home to a variety of pests that can cause damage to homes and pose health risks to residents. Identifying these pests early and knowing how to handle them can help prevent infestations from getting out of control. Here are some of the most common pests in Columbus and what you can do about them.
Rodents (Mice and Rats)
Identification:
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Droppings in cabinets, pantries, or along baseboards.
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Gnaw marks on food packaging and wooden structures.
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Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings at night.
To prevent rodent infestations, seal any cracks or holes in walls and foundations. Keep food in airtight containers and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen to remove potential food sources. Using traps can help control small infestations.
Groundhogs
Identification:
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Medium-sized, brown-furred rodents that burrow in yards and under structures.
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Large dirt mounds near burrow entrances.
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Damage to gardens and landscaping from feeding.
To deter groundhogs, eliminate food sources like accessible gardens and fruit-bearing plants. Installing fencing that extends underground can help prevent burrowing.
Birds
Identification:
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Nests in gutters, vents, or attics.
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Droppings around the home and property.
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Loud chirping or movement noises from nesting areas.
Prevent birds from nesting by sealing openings and using deterrents like spikes or netting. Cleaning up food sources, such as bird feeders near the house, can reduce their presence.
Snakes
Identification:
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Slithering movement and shed skins found in yards, basements, or garages.
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Presence in tall grass, woodpiles, or near water sources.
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Some species may be venomous, though most are harmless.
To minimize snake encounters, keep grass trimmed and remove debris where they may hide. Sealing entry points around the home prevents them from coming inside.
Raccoons
Identification:
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Nocturnal animals with black "mask" markings around their eyes and ringed tails.
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Scattered trash, overturned garbage cans, or damage to roofing and vents.
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Noises in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces at night.
To deter raccoons, secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids and remove outdoor food sources like pet food or bird feeders. Seal entry points to attics and chimneys to prevent nesting.
Wasps and Bees
Identification:
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Yellow and black insects flying around homes, gardens, or attics.
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Nests under eaves, in trees, or inside wall cavities.
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Painful stings when threatened.
Avoid swatting at wasps or disturbing nests, as this can provoke aggression. Sealing entry points around windows and doors can help prevent them from nesting inside.
Squirrels
Identification:
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Chewed wiring, insulation, or wooden beams in attics.
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Scampering noises in ceilings or walls during the daytime.
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Visible entry points on the roof or exterior of the home.
To prevent squirrel infestations, trim overhanging tree branches near the house and seal any holes or entry points on the roof. Avoid feeding squirrels near your home, as this encourages nesting behavior.
Bats
Identification:
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High-pitched chirping sounds or scratching noises in attics at night.
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Presence of bat guano (droppings) near entry points.
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Sightings of bats flying near dusk around the home.
Bats often enter homes through small gaps in the roof or siding. Sealing these entry points can help prevent infestations. Since bats are protected in many areas, professional removal and exclusion services should be used to safely and legally remove them.
Call the Experts
If you're dealing with a pest problem Critter Control of Columbus is here to help. Our team of experts can identify, remove, and prevent pest infestations to keep your home safe and pest-free. Contact us today for professional pest control services!