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Vermin & Pest Removal

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  • Domestic Animals Due to certain restrictions, contact the Sherriff’s Office to remove dogs or cats.
  • State Laws A license is required for trapping, and to transport wildlife from state to state.
  • Releasing Disease can prevent the re-release of animals. Some diseases include rabies, distemper, baylis-ascaris, and histoplasmosis.
  • Contact Professionals Licensed professionals can be necessary due to disease risks, regulations, and the potential for animals to return due to established habits.

What’s in season?

Bats

Bat colonies in buildings can cause significant noise and leave behind guano (droppings), which can create unpleasant odors and pose health risks. While bats are beneficial for insect control, their presence inside living spaces is undesirable.

Ohio

  • Active Season March – October
  • Maternity Season (Restricted) May – August (Two-night observation required before reduction)

Pennsylvania

  • Active Season: March – April
  • Migration & Hibernation Late October – November
  • Maternity Season (Closed) May 1st – August 1st

West Virginia

  • Active Season March – May 15th
  • Migration & Hibernation Late October – February
  • Maternity Season (Closed) May 16th – August 16th

Mice & Rats

Mice and rats can be active year-round, and breeding can occur throughout the year, especially indoors. Rodents contaminate food sources, spread diseases, and can cause structural damage by gnawing on wires, pipes, and insulation. Their rapid reproduction rates can quickly lead to significant infestations.

  • Active Season Year-Round, increased indoor activity in fall/winter
  • Breeding Season Year-Round (Indoors), Spring-Fall (Outdoors)

Groundhogs

Groundhogs can cause significant damage to gardens, lawns, and even building foundations with their extensive burrowing. Their large holes can also be tripping hazards.

  • Active Season Late Winter/Early Spring – Late Fall (Diurnal)
  • Hibernation Late Fall – Late Winter/Early Spring
  • Maternity Season Early Spring

Raccoons

Raccoons can cause damage to property by raiding garbage cans, nesting in attics and chimneys, and tearing up gardens. They are also known carriers of rabies and other diseases and can be aggressive when threatened.

  • Active Season Spring – Fall (Nocturnal)
  • Reduced Activity Cold Winter
  • Maternity Season Late Winter – Summer

Skunks

Skunks are notorious for their defensive spray, which can be unpleasant and difficult to remove. They can also dig up lawns in search of grubs and insects and may den under porches or buildings.

  • Active Season Spring – Fall (Nocturnal)
  • Torpor Reduced activity in cold winter
  • Maternity Season Early Spring – Summer

Squirrels

Squirrels can enter homes through small openings and cause damage by chewing wires, insulation, and wood. They can also create noisy nests in attics and walls and raid bird feeders and gardens.

  • Active Season Year-Round (Diurnal)
  • Breeding Seasons Late Winter/Early Spring & Late Summer