“Tips” from the Local Professionals for Hilton Head Area Homeowners

This month we are highlighting Critter Management on Hilton Head, local experts at animal trapping, removal and repair of animal-related damage.

Part of the appeal of living on Hilton Head is its beautiful and natural environment. But living “up close” to nature means that homeowners have to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping critters outside of their homes. “Local wildlife is extremely adept at finding a way into homes in their search for warm, dry nesting spots,” says Billy Karijanian, General Manager of Critter Management, the area’s largest and oldest company specializing in wildlife management and animal control. According to Karijanian, homes with crawl spaces are more susceptible to rodent invasion. “Even if you have covered your louvers with wire mesh, rats will burrow under them unless the screening extends at least 12 inches underground.” Another mistake homeowners often make is placing bird feeders too close to their homes. Attracted by the bird seed, unwanted pests often enter improperly “critter-proofed” structures in search of other food sources.

If you are a Coastal Home Watch Services customer, be assured that I check both the outside and inside areas of your home every week for signs of a pest intrusion. If needed, I will contact you to alert you to the issue and get your instructions on how you want the problem handled.

If you haven’t signed up for my Home Watch Service yet, but think you think your home has a critter problem, give the guys at Critter Management a call. They will do a free top to bottom inspection and provide recommendations for adding critter barriers to your home. Contact them at 843.686.8050. For more about Critter Management, visit their website at www.crittermanagement.com.