Critter infestations can significantly impact a home’s foundation, especially in southern Maine, where pests such as rodents and larger wildlife like raccoons or squirrels are common. These pests can cause structural damage and create health hazards if not addressed promptly.
Rodents, like mice and rats, can gnaw through various foundational materials, including insulation, electrical wiring, and even wood or plastic pipes. This type of damage compromises the structural integrity of a home’s foundation and can lead to serious issues such as water damage or electrical fires. Burrowing animals, such as moles and groundhogs, pose additional risks to a home’s foundation by disturbing the soil around and beneath the house. This can lead to soil erosion, foundation settling, or even cracks. In some extreme cases, burrowing can create voids beneath the foundation, threatening its stability. Larger animals, like squirrels and raccoons, may find entry points in the foundation or exploit weak areas to create nests, further damaging basements or crawl spaces.
Beyond the structural risks, critter infestations often result in health and safety concerns. Rodents and insects can introduce moisture into the home, fostering mold growth around the foundation. Mold is not only costly to remediate but can also pose significant health risks. Additionally, rodents and other pests may carry diseases such as hantavirus or Lyme disease, which can spread through their urine, feces, or parasites like ticks.
Pest control companies such as Critter Control can provide essential services to mitigate these risks. We typically begin with a thorough inspection of the home’s foundation and surrounding areas to determine the type and extent of the infestation. Once identified, we implement exclusion services to seal entry points in the foundation, walls, and roof, preventing critters from entering or re-entering the home.
For larger animals, like raccoons or squirrels, Critter Control employs humane trapping and relocation methods to remove them without harm. In addition to removing the animals, Critter Control can offer repair solutions to address damage caused by the infestation, such as sealing holes, filling cracks, and repairing damaged insulation or wiring.
Critter Control also provides long-term prevention strategies, such as recommending landscaping changes, reinforcing the foundation, and controlling moisture levels to prevent future infestations. Timely intervention by pest control experts is essential to avoid costly foundation repairs and mitigate the health risks associated with critter infestations.
Give Critter Control of Southern Maine a call today at 207.405.2606 or fill out our contact form!