Author: Creature Control
Screech Owl Removal in Grand Haven
In February Creature Control received a call from a factory in Grand Haven for a bird problem.This factory had experienced some bird issues in the past (mainly starlings and sparrows), but this was a different kind of problem. A little guest was flying about loose inside the factory. Short, brown and stocky with a round head and a short tail, this guest happened to be a little eastern screech owl. The factory staff had tried to help the owl escape by leaving the doors open. However, the owl refused to leave. Unable to solve the problem on their own, they contacted Creature Control. Our West Michigan manager Josh headed out with another technician Julien to assess the situation. As part of the usual routine in animal rescue/removal, our technicians searched for an entry point and were able to identify a small…
The Amazing Potential of Spider Silk
When we think of spiders, what do we usually think of? Webs! A sticky, dusty mess of webs always getting into corners. We don’t usually think of spider thread’s utility in the manufacture of clothing or band aids. But when we look into it, spider silks are an incredibly useful material that has extraordinary potential. Why is spider silk such a useful material? Spider silk is unique. Spiders actually produce seven different types of silks; the silk of most interest to scientists is called dragline silk. This is the silk used to create the framework of a spider’s web. Its strength lies in the hundreds of protein fibers stacked and linked together like building blocks. This structure gives dragline silk a toughness and elasticity that is one of a kind—stronger than Kevlar, more flexible than nylon, and with a thinner diameter than a strand of human hair. Potential utilization of…
University of Michigan Library Closes after Venomous Spiders Spotted
University of Michigan Library Closes after Venomous Spiders Spotted According to an MLive article, the University of Michigan’s Shapiro Undergraduate Library was temporarily closed after Mediterranean recluse spiders were found in the building. Kim Broekhuizen, the university spokeswoman, said a misunderstanding caused the library to close for two days. The spiders were not in any public spaces; rather, they were seen in the basement storage areas. Spider experts at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Michigan State University were consulted for proper identification. Pest management is being applied in the areas where the spiders were seen. Recluse spiders tend to retreat and are mostly seen in dark, warm, and dry areas. Native to central Europe, they were introduced by human transport to the United States. It closely resembles the brown recluse spider, which it is commonly mistaken for. In extremely rare cases of bites, loxoscelism can occur, which causes skin lesions….
Bat Bugs: Identification, Control, and Treatment
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” How many times have we heard this phrase? Probably too many. But have you ever heard of bat bugs? In this article we will learn a little bit about the bat bug, the lesser-known cousin of the bed bug. What is a bat bug? As a member of the Cimicidae family, bat bugs are closely related to bed bugs. In fact, they are so similar in appearance that people with bat bugs often assume they have bed bugs without bothering to have a correct identification done. Bat bugs are blood sucking parasites that feed chiefly on bats. Because of this, it’s important to be on the lookout for bat bugs if you’ve recently had a bat problem. A bat bug problem is often discovered in the wake of a bat eviction. Although they primarily feed off of bat blood, they can also feed off other…
Lower Heating Costs by Reducing Drafts
You might know us for removing critters from your home, but did you know we can also help with lowering home energy costs? From reducing drafts, repairing insulation, and performing a thorough energy audit, Creature Control has you covered. Skyrocketing Heating Bills? Lower outside temperatures often mean higher heating expenses. Creature Control has decades of wildlife control experience; while performing repair services for people, we have run into many energy efficiency problems. From construction gaps and insufficient or damaged insulation to improperly sealed entryways, we’ve seen it all. When unwanted pests crawl through these spaces, wind and drafts follow, making your home colder and increasing energy costs. Fortunately, Creature Control can assist with your draft woes! Insulation Inspections Based on the quality of your insulation, heat in the home can be retained or lost. Creature Control’s specialists can determine your insulation needs after examining for any issues. If any issues…
How to Tell If the Noises I’m Hearing are Rodents?
Homeowners know that a house makes lots of sounds—anything from the siding expanding in the summer, to attic beams contracting in cooler air, to the mysterious creaking sound of “the house settling”. There are, however, some sounds that are absolutely anxiety-inducing for any homeowner: the sounds of rodents in the house. Perhaps you have heard scratching in your walls at night, or the pitter-patter of something in the ceiling. These sounds may indicate a rodent problem. How can you know if the noises you’re hearing are rodents? The tell-tale sign of a rodent problem—whether it be rat, mouse, or squirrel—is the sounds they make. Although rodent sounds may be similar to those of bats, birds, or raccoons, there are subtle differences that can help you identify what might be causing them. The points to pay attention to are the time, type, and location of the sound. …
What about those Murder Hornets?
The infamous year 2020 has finally drawn to a close and, for most people, it couldn’t end quickly enough. We’ll all look back on 2020 as a year of craziness. But when we do take a pleasant trip down memory lane, let’s not forget the Murder Hornets. What happened to them anyway? In the spring of 2020, the so-called “Murder Hornets” became the newest macabre fascination of the year. There seemed to be no end to the hysteria over the fearsome stinging insects: stories of hornets killing elephants just by buzzing nearby, anecdotes about their excruciatingly painful stings, and conspiracy theories over their origin—were they released in the U.S. intentionally as a new type of hideous biological weapon? But what is the truth behind the 2020 Murder Hornet scare? Though most people became aware of the giant Asian hornet (dubbed “Murder hornets” by the internet) with the Washington State Agriculture Department’s…
How Covid Lockdowns are Fueling Residential Rodent Problems
Mouse Invasion
The falling temperatures of October drive rodents indoors seeking warmth. What should you know about mouse control going into the autumn? Getting a Handle on a Mouse Problem The best way to get on top of a mouse problem is by use of our tamper-resistant bait stations. A combination of interior and exterior bait stations is a sure-fire way to take care of mice in the home. Give us a call or drop us an email for more information! Get that General Seal Knocking down the mouse population is only part of the solution—effective rodent control requires sealing off entry points to prevent rodents from getting inside your home to begin with. Creature Control recommends a general seal as an integral part of successful rodent management. Ask your Creature Control technician about looking over your foundation and giving you an estimate for a general seal. It goes a long way…
