Critter Control – 2024 Review

If you’re stuck with unwanted animals in your home or on your property, you’ll need to hire a pest control company that specializes in animal removal and nuisance wildlife control. Critter Control serves both residential and commercial customers across the country with offices in 42 states. Read our Critter Control review below to learn more about the company, the services it offers, and how to get pricing information.

Company Overview

Critter Control was founded in 1983 by Kevin Clark, who began by working as a chimney sweep in his father’s company. Clark started out by removing animals like birds or raccoons that got stuck in chimneys, and this slowly moved him into the business of wildlife removal. At this time, there weren’t a lot of options for safe wildlife control and animal trapping, but over the next 40 years, Critter Control began expanding its services and franchise locations.

Pros

• Specializes in humane wildlife control
• Works with residences and businesses
• Financing available

Cons

• Can be expensive
• No free inspection
• Some locations don’t have weekend hours

Highlights

Best For: Wildlife removal and control
Year Founded: 1983
Availability: 42 states
BBB Rating: A+
Pest Specialty: Raccoons, bats, squirrels, woodchucks, voles, and more wildlife
Free Inspection: No
Free Quote: Yes

It is now an industry leader, developing and setting the bar for training programs, operating procedures, and best practices within the industry.

Critter Control is a member of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association and the National Pest Management Association and has been named among the Franchise 500 companies every year since 1996. In 2015, the company was acquired by Rollins, Inc. which owns other well-known pest control brands such as Orkin, Trutech Wildlife Service, and Fox Pest Control. The company is currently headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, and has over 120 office locations across 42 states and Canada.

Critter Control Plans & Services

Critter Control specializes in wildlife removal and damage repair for homeowners and business owners alike. Furthermore, it uses a scientifically-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method with humane practices that minimize stress for the animal while also addressing and solving the problem. The company’s website also provides extensive resources to educate consumers with photos and videos of the most common household pests and the damage they can cause, as well as teaching them how to identify different animals by sound or by their poop.

Wildlife Control & Removal

Critter Control offers humane animal control solutions using their CritterSafe removal system which can include no-trap methods, on-site release, one-way doors, and non-lethal removal. Each property will be individually inspected and evaluated to create a custom control and removal plan that’s humane, eco-friendly, and species-specific. Technicians will start by looking for signs of the animal’s presence like their droppings, rub marks on the walls when they’ve passed by, or claw marks.

Sometimes, the company may provide services for trapping nuisance wildlife, but this is only for certain species like raccoons, opossums, skunks, and birds. Whenever possible, the experts at Critter Control will also attempt to reunite baby animals with their parents, and will always take the time to educate their customers about best practices and tips to prevent pests from entering their homes.

This service also includes using prevention techniques to make sure the animals don’t make their way back into your home. This can consist of humane animal exclusion and habitat modification such as:

• Capping chimneys and vents
• Sealing entryways in fascia and roofs
• Closing gaps in soffits and siding
• Building rat walls around decks and porches
• Cutting back limbs that overhang your home 

Wildlife Damage Repair

Safely removing animals from your home is often only the first step in addressing what is likely a larger problem. Wild animals can cause a lot of damage to your home structure and property, and if this is left unaddressed it can quickly turn into a big problem.

Even a seemingly small hole can allow wildlife into your home where they can cause extensive damage by leaving feces, urine, fleas, and ticks in areas like attics, garages, and kitchens. Critter Control offers cleanup, disinfection, and sanitation services to address this. The company’s repair services include:

• Attic restoration and insulation using T.A.P. (Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control) Insulation, a loose-fill insulation made from recycled products
• Caulking and sealing cracks and crevices
• Chimney repair and cap and screen installation to prevent birds, squirrels, and raccoons from entering
• Crawl space cleanup
• Repairing foundation vents and screens
• Gutter cleanup and installing leaf guards

Many of these repairs and improvements also have the added benefit of increasing your home’s energy efficiency which will ultimately save you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Animal Carcass Removal

Wild animals that get stuck in your home and die can do more than cause a terrible odor. A dead animal can also cause staining from fluids that leach out of the body, contamination to the nearby areas, increased pest infestations from flies or beetles, and even diseases. Common places you may find dead animals are in walls, attics, crawlspaces, under porches and floorboards, or floating in pools.

If left unaddressed, animal carcasses can take anywhere from a few days to a few months before the body will decompose enough to stop smelling, and this depends on the size of the animal and where it’s located. Critter Control will find and remove the carcasses and take care of the odor using a pet-safe odor eliminator.

The most common animals that people find deceased in their homes are:

• Squirrels
• Raccoons
• Stray cats or dogs
• Mice
• Rats
• Opossums
• Skunks

Commercial Wildlife Control

In addition to residential services, Critter Control also works with commercial customers, including apartment complexes, industrial areas, schools, office buildings, warehouses, military bases, and retail stores. This is most often used for critters like bats, squirrels, rats, raccoons, mice, or birds.

How Much Does Critter Control Cost?

Critter Control does not provide pricing information on its website and the only way to get an estimate is by calling 1-800-CRITTER (274-8837) and speaking with a representative. On average, the costs of wildlife removal can run from $500-$1,500 or more depending on the situation.

Your pricing will depend on several factors including the type of pest and what part of the house it's in, the seriousness of the problem, the condition of the animal, and your location. You’ll typically receive pricing for the removal itself, then get a separate quote for any repair services. However, in most cases, you’ll need to have a technician come out to your home first to thoroughly investigate the problem so you can get an accurate quote, though you may be able to get a rough, non-binding estimate after speaking with a representative.

Many of Critter Control’s services include a free inspection, and there are financing options available including payment plans and loans through AMS Financial.

Critter Control Locations

Critter Control offers its services nationwide including Washington D.C. and Ontario, Canada. The only states it currently doesn’t serve are Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. Each office serves several countries, and you can enter your zip code here to find your nearest location.

How Does Critter Control Compare?

Critter Control is one of a few companies specializing in wildlife removal, so it stands out from other pest control companies like Terminix and Orkin which only have limited services in this area.

Here's how Critter Control compares to the best pest control companies:

Critter Control Customer Service

You can call Critter Control at 1-800-CRITTER (274-8837), or fill out this online form with your contact information and a description of your wildlife issue. There is also an online text option that you can access by going to the company’s website and clicking on the yellow “Text Us” button in the bottom right-hand corner. You will then be prompted to enter your zip code which connects you to the Critter Control location nearest to you. If you decide to move forward with services, you can then log into your online account to make payments and connect with the customer service team.

Is Critter Control Worth It?

Wildlife removal is one household job that you almost always want to call in a professional to deal with, especially if you want to do it safely and treat the animals well. Homeowners who go the DIY route often lack the right tools, skills, and safety techniques that are needed to effectively handle the situation, and even simple errors can lead to animal bites or exposure to animal dropping that can cause health-related issues.

Over the past 40+ years, the company has refined its methods for wildlife removal and control and will take care of your problem using environmentally friendly, safe, and humane practices. Customer reviews for Critter Control are largely positive citing the company’s professionalism, customer service, and the effectiveness of their wildlife control.

Many branches will offer a guarantee of service, so you know you’re working with a reputable company that stands by its work and has been a leader in the business for over four decades.

That said, it’s not available in all states, and it’s only limited to a few services for wildlife control and removal. If you’re also having issues with other pests (like ants, roaches, or termites), you’ll have to turn to a more traditional pest control company.