7 Shocking Critter Problems In Des Moines: How Critter Control Uses Humane Exclusion To Save Your Home

Des Moines, Iowa, is a beautiful metropolitan area, but its urban sprawl creates a perfect storm for nuisance wildlife conflicts, an issue that remains highly relevant in late 2025. Homeowners and businesses are constantly battling incursions from creatures seeking shelter and food, especially as seasonal changes push animals like raccoons, squirrels, and bats into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. These invasions are more than just an annoyance; they pose serious health risks and can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage. Understanding the specific threats and the professional, humane solutions available is the first line of defense for any property owner in the greater Des Moines area.

The solution for many residents often lies with specialized services like Critter Control of Des Moines. This company has been a premier provider of wildlife control and pest management since 2001, serving not just Des Moines but also surrounding communities like Clive, Waukee, and Adel. Their approach is focused on a three-pronged strategy: professional inspection, safe and humane removal, and permanent exclusion to prevent future problems. This detailed guide explores the most common animal issues they tackle and the advanced methods they use to keep your home critter-free.

The Critter Control Des Moines Difference: Humane Removal and Permanent Exclusion

Critter Control of Des Moines has established itself as a leader in the field by prioritizing the safe and ethical treatment of nuisance wildlife. Their dedication to humane removal is not just a policy but a core operational principle that differentiates them from standard exterminators. The methods employed are designed to minimize stress and harm to the animals while ensuring they are permanently relocated away from your property.

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The Four Pillars of Professional Wildlife Control

Effective critter management is a multi-step process that goes far beyond simply setting a trap. Critter Control Des Moines employs a systematic approach to ensure the problem is solved completely, not just temporarily moved.

• Comprehensive Inspection: The process begins with a thorough property inspection to identify the species, locate all entry points (even those as small as a quarter), and assess the extent of the damage. This crucial step determines the entire strategy.
• Humane Removal and Trapping: Depending on the animal, technicians use specialized, species-specific techniques. For instance, bats are often removed using one-way doors (bat exclusion), which allow them to exit but not re-enter. Raccoons and opossums are typically captured using live traps designed for safety and then relocated according to Iowa state regulations.
• Exclusion Techniques: This is the most critical step for long-term success. Exclusion involves sealing all primary and secondary entry points with durable, animal-proof materials like heavy-gauge screening, metal flashing, and specialized sealants. This is the permanent fix that prevents re-entry.
• Damage Repair and Sanitation: Wildlife can contaminate attics and crawl spaces with urine and feces (guano), destroying insulation and posing health risks. The final phase includes cleaning, sanitizing, and repairing or replacing damaged materials like insulation, wiring, and ductwork.

This holistic service model ensures that the problem is not only solved immediately but that the structural integrity and cleanliness of the home are restored, offering a long-term guarantee against future invasions.

The 7 Most Common Critter Conflicts in the Des Moines Metro Area

The urban and suburban landscape of Polk County and the surrounding areas creates unique challenges, as local wildlife adapts to human structures for shelter, especially during the colder Iowa winters and the summer birthing seasons. Understanding these specific threats is key to prevention.

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The following are the most frequent nuisance wildlife entities Critter Control Des Moines is called upon to manage:

1. Squirrels (Eastern Gray and Fox): These are arguably the most common attic invaders in Des Moines. They chew relentlessly to gain access, often damaging electrical wiring, which presents a serious fire hazard. Squirrel removal and attic restoration are frequent requests, especially in the late fall and early spring.
2. Raccoons: Known for their intelligence and dexterity, raccoons often enter chimneys, attics, and sheds to den and raise their young. Raccoon removal can be complex, as they are capable of significant structural damage, tearing up roofing and insulation.
3. Bats (Little Brown Bat, Big Brown Bat): Bats are federally protected in many cases, making their removal highly specialized. Critter Control utilizes bat exclusion methods, installing one-way netting or doors to allow the colony to leave for feeding but prevent their return. This service is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with bat guano and potential rabies exposure.
4. Mice and Rats (Rodents): While smaller, rodents cause immense damage and are a year-round threat. They contaminate food, spread disease, and their constant gnawing can compromise structural elements and wiring. Comprehensive rodent control involves trapping, exclusion, and sanitation.
5. Opossums: These nocturnal marsupials are often found in crawl spaces, under decks, or in garages, attracted by pet food or garbage. Opossum removal is generally straightforward but requires quick action to prevent them from establishing a den.
6. Skunks: While they rarely enter homes, skunks often den under porches, sheds, and foundations. Their presence is usually announced by their unmistakable odor. Skunk removal is a delicate process, often involving careful trapping to avoid spraying the property.
7. Birds (Pigeons, Starlings): Birds, particularly in commercial settings or older homes, can nest in vents, eaves, and gutters. Bird control involves exclusion netting, spiking, and the removal of nesting materials, which can harbor parasites.

Understanding the Cost of Critter Control in Des Moines

One of the first questions homeowners ask is about the cost of professional wildlife removal. While Critter Control Des Moines provides custom quotes based on the unique situation, understanding the factors that influence the price is helpful for budgeting.

The cost is not a flat fee; it reflects the complexity, danger, and labor involved in a multi-step solution. According to current data, a small, straightforward job (like a single trap set) might start around $99 or more. A medium-complexity job, involving multiple trips for trapping and minor repairs, could range from $250 to $299 and up. Large-scale projects, which include significant exclusion work, extensive damage repair, and full attic restoration, can easily exceed $599.

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Key factors that affect the final price include:

• Type of Animal: Bat exclusion, which is highly specialized, is often more costly than simple ground trapping. Raccoon removal, especially with young kits, requires extra care and multiple visits.
• Location of Infestation: A ground-level problem is easier to access than an infestation deep within a chimney, a high attic, or a difficult-to-reach crawl space.
• Scope of Exclusion: The number of entry points that need to be sealed and the type of material required (e.g., steel mesh vs. simple caulk) significantly impact labor and material costs.
• Damage Repair: If the wildlife has contaminated insulation (guano/urine) or chewed through structural elements, the cost for cleanup and repair will be the largest component of the final bill.

For a specific example, the average raccoon removal cost in Des Moines has been observed to range between $266 and $380, but this is an average and can vary widely based on the complexity of the job. Choosing a licensed and insured service like Critter Control ensures that the job is done safely, legally, and permanently, which ultimately saves money compared to recurring DIY failures.