In the Denver Metro area, the presence and proliferation of voles have become a significant concern for homeowners and businesses alike. Voles, often confused with moles or field mice, are small rodents known for their burrowing habits, which can cause extensive damage to gardens, lawns, and even the structural integrity of buildings. The landscape and climate of the Denver Metro area create an ideal habitat for these creatures, leading to their increased activity and the consequent need for professional extermination services.
Voles are primarily herbivores and feed on grasses, plants, and roots. Their feeding habits can ruin lawns, gardens, and landscaping, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, their burrowing can disrupt the root systems of plants and trees, causing long-term damage to the local flora. The climate of Denver, with its cold winters and warm summers, contributes to the cyclic population growth of voles, making their management a perennial challenge for residents.
Animal and Pest Control Specialist, a renowned service provider in the Denver Metro area, offers comprehensive vole extermination services tailored to the unique challenges presented by these rodents. Their approach involves a combination of methods that eliminate current infestations and prevent future occurrences. This includes habitat modification, repellents, trapping, and, when necessary, the safe and humane use of rodenticides.
Alongside direct extermination, Animal and Pest Control Specialists emphasize the importance of integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is a holistic approach that involves assessing the environmental factors contributing to vole infestations and implementing strategies to alter these conditions. This can include modifying landscaping practices, implementing natural predator support, and educating property owners on best practices for deterring voles.
What makes voles a significant pest in the Denver Metro area?
Voles are adept at surviving and thriving in the Denver climate, and their burrowing habits can cause extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and the structural integrity of properties.
What are some signs of a vole infestation?
Indicators of vole presence include visible burrows, runways in grassy areas, gnaw marks on plants and tree bases, and uprooted plants.
How does Animal and Pest Control Specialist manage vole infestations?
They employ a combination of habitat modification, repellents, trapping, safe rodenticides, and integrated pest management strategies for long-term control.
Are the methods used for vole extermination safe for pets and children?
Animal and Pest Control Specialists prioritize safety, using humane and environmentally friendly methods and ensuring that all treatments are safe for pets and children when used.
Can homeowners prevent vole infestations?
Yes, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of vole infestations through landscape modifications, proper yard maintenance, and implementing natural deterrents.
Animal and Pest Control Specialists remain dedicated to providing the Denver Metro community with effective and sustainable solutions for vole control. By understanding the behavior of voles and employing a multifaceted approach to their management, they ensure a healthier, safer, and more beautiful environment for all residents. With their expertise and commitment to excellence, they stand as a pillar in the community for pest control and wildlife management.
Do you have a vole problem in your backyard? No, that’s not a typo and supposed to read “mole.” Today, we’re going to talk about a little creature known as a “vole,” which is very much like a mole in that it can ruin a yard and leave you with thousands of dollars worth of landscaping bills. If you have noticed problems in your yard and thought you had a mole or two or three, you may, instead, have a vole problem. Regardless of what type of animal is tearing up your beautifully manicured lawn, APCS can handle all types of pest control in Castle Rock and surrounding areas.
Voles are actually cute little rodents that are also referred to as “field mice” and “meadow mice.” They look very much like mice and are small in size like mice. While they may be adorable, especially to animal lovers, they can cause extreme damage to grassy areas, and leave homeowners scratching their heads as to how to fix the costly problem of vole damage. For this reason, it’s important to contact an experienced pest control specialist like APCS at the first sign of trouble. Voles reproduce quickly and in large numbers, so if you ever see a vole in your yard, you can be certain there are many more in the area.
Moles and voles, while similar in many respects, do have their differences when it comes to the type of damage they cause. Voles construct well-defined, visible tunnels, at or near the surface of grass, and those tunnels or runways are usually about two inches wide. These tunnels result from the voles eating grass blades and are also created by the constant traffic of the voles using the same path over and over.
Voles (like moles) are rarely seen by homeowners, so it’s easiest to tell what problem you have by the evidence these little guys leave behind. Let’s take a look at the differences between what moles and voles do to our yards.
Moles produce two types of runways in your yard: one that runs just under the surface of the grass, which is a feeding tunnel and looks like raised ridges running across the yard. The other type runs much deeper and allows the moles to unite their tunnels into a large network of tunnels. Think of a little subway system for rodents right in your very own backyard! It’s the soil from the deep tunnels that create those piled up mounds in our yards—the ones that look like tiny volcanoes.
Voles differ from moles in that they do not leave those mounds behind. If you see tunnels but no mounds of dirt, you have a vole problem and need to contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist, Inc. today to schedule an appointment. If you need pest control in Castle Rock or a surrounding area, we can help!
Voles are small rodents that are sometimes called “field mice.” As soon as you have identified that you are dealing with voles, it’s time to act. Voles can reproduce quickly in response to an abundant food supply. A single breeding pair can lead to a population of several hundred voles by the end of the summer. Thus, the damage they cause will increase exponentially if you don’t act quickly.
There are three basic techniques that are used to control vole populations, and the most effective strategy is to use all three.
Voles move into your yard because the conditions are right for them. Get rid of excess vegetation that can provide an abundant food supply. Eliminate ground covering mulch around trees and other places where you see the signs of vole damage. Keep your lawn mown so there will be less cover for voles to forage under.
This will help encourage voles to move to other areas for foraging and make recolonization of your yard less likely.
Exclusion techniques can reduce damage to your plants during elimination efforts.
If you have specific plants that you are worried about or the voles seem to favor, you can keep them away with a cylinder of hardware cloth. The mesh size should be ¼ inch or smaller. Make sure you bury it at least six inches underground to prevent the voles from going under it.
Chemicals can also be used to repel voles. Capsaicin, the spicy ingredient in chili peppers, and thiram, a fungicide, can both be used to make plants unpalatable to voles for a short period of time. Hopefully your elimination efforts will be successful before voles become accustomed to the taste and they lose effectiveness.
The best way to eliminate voles is with chemical baits. These chemical baits are poisonous not only to voles but to humans and other animals. Placing baits directly in the vole holes can reduce the risk of accidental exposure to pets, wildlife, and children.
Zinc phosphide is a toxic bait that can only be used by licensed applicators. It can be absorbed through the skin and should be handled only with gloved hands.
Anticoagulant baits for voles are basically the same ones that are used for rats and mice, and they can be very effective. They’re also less toxic, work more slowly, and have an antidote, which makes them much safer.
There are many things that people will try to sell you that don’t work on voles. You can’t frighten moles away, smoke them out, or gas them. Traps can be effective if you have just a few, but likely by the time you know they’re there, it’s too late for traps.
If you need help controlling your vole population anywhere along the Front Range, from Fort Collins to Denver and Castle Rock, please contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist, Inc. today.
Burrows:
Damage:
Doesn’t match the signs you see? Return to Pests Page.
If you think you have a vole problem, please call or contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist, Inc, serving homes across the Front Range, including Denver, Evergreen, and Castle Rock.
In the beautiful Mile High City, where nature thrives and urban life bustles, there’s a small battle being waged in our very homes—against bugs in our food storage areas. Keeping our food pantry, pet food, and trash cans bug-free is more than just a cleanliness fetish; it’s about safeguarding our health and our homes from the teeny critters that seek to invade. This guide offers a local’s arsenal of tips and introduces Animal Pest Control, Inc., your Denver ally in keeping your living space sanitary and serene.
A pantry without pests is like a castle with an impenetrable wall—it’s essential for your safety. Here in Denver, where we balance city living with the call of the wild, this is even more crucial. Pests are not just unsightly, hey are carriers of disease and destroyers of your hard-earned groceries.
Insects such as weevils in your flour or moths in your oats can lead to waste, as contaminated goods must be thrown out, and they may carry health risks from the pathogens they spread. And let’s not forget the economic pinch; replacing spoiled food strains your budget, and in these times, who needs additional financial worries?
Keeping your pantry pristine isn’t just about aesthetics or avoiding the creepy-crawly factor; it’s a fundamental practice to protect both your family’s health and your finances. We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when discovering a beloved snack has become a bug buffet. It’s not just about tossing out the old cereal box; it’s recognizing the uninvited guests can rapidly multiply, leading to larger pest infestations that are harder to control and potentially costlier.
In Denver, the change of seasons and our unique geography make our pantries a haven for pests. We’re talking about pantry moths that lay eggs in your grains, turning them into a breeding ground, or beetles that burrow into your nuts and seeds. Ants march in lines toward sweet spills, and cockroaches, those hardy survivors, can slip through cracks seeking crumbs. They’re not just in your home for the high altitude experience; they’re there to feast and nest.
These bugs have a knack for finding the smallest openings to set up their new home right in the middle of your provisions. Once inside, they can quickly become a persistent problem. Insects like these have impressive survival strategies, making them particularly adept at spreading throughout your pantry goods undetected. It’s crucial to understand their behaviors to combat them effectively—moths, for instance, are attracted to light and can often be found fluttering near well-lit areas, whereas beetles might prefer darker, undisturbed corners.
Now, let’s talk defense. Organizing your pantry is the frontline tactic against these unwanted invaders. High altitude means drier air in Denver, which can lead to stale snacks if not stored properly.
But did you know it also influences how insects behave and breed? That’s why keeping your pantry cool and dry is paramount. Storing dry food items off the floor on shelves is a simple move with big returns—it keeps potential pest magnets out of reach.
Wipe down these pantry shelves regularly. Spills are like a dinner bell for bugs, and prompt clean-up discourages their arrival. Be vigilant with perishables; rotating your stock is as important as a Broncos game strategy. Keep newer items at the back and bring older ones to the front, ensuring nothing gets forgotten and turns into a pest playground.
Invest in quality airtight containers. This is your secret weapon against the critters, as these containers lock out pests while keeping your food fresh. They’re especially important in Denver’s variable climate. Glass or heavy-duty plastic containers with secure lids will protect your food from both bugs and the elements, and they make your pantry staples last longer—a win-win for you and your wallet.
But let’s take it a step further. How you store your airtight containers can also impact their efficacy. Ensure they’re placed in a cool, dry part of the pantry, away from the oven or dishwasher which could cause heat and moisture to compromise their seal.
And consider the size—opt for containers that match the quantity of food you buy. Overly large containers for a small amount of food mean extra air that can lead to quicker spoilage.
Consistent checks and cleanliness are your routine patrols in the pest-prevention mission. Denver homes are as susceptible to seasonal changes as the great outdoors, and pests seek shelter when it starts to cool. Remove anything expired or showing signs of pest infestation immediately. If you spot a single weevil or moth, act fast—where there’s one, there are often more hiding.
Sealing your pantry off from invaders is essential. Caulk any cracks or holes in walls or around baseboards, and install door sweeps on pantry doors. These simple fixes can close the paths pests use to enter.
Consider the integration of natural repellents into your regimen. Plant-based options like mint, which pests detest, can be a soft but effective barrier. Even simple household substances like vinegar or essential oils can create an environment that’s less than inviting to bugs.
In Denver, where the great outdoors seamlessly blends with urban living, natural remedies are a popular choice for those looking to maintain the community ethos of living in tune with nature. These methods not only address concerns with insects but can also extend to deterring larger pests such as mice and voles, which are attracted to the same food sources.
These natural methods not only keep your pantry free from bugs but also help in controlling the presence of mice and voles, all while maintaining the quality of your home’s air, free from harsh chemicals.
Our pets are family, and their food deserves as much protection as ours. In Denver, where wildlife is more than just a scenic background, securing pet food is crucial. It’s not uncommon for the scent of pet food to attract not just insects but also larger critters. Airtight containers are just as effective here, providing an odor-proof and pest-proof solution.
Regularly cleaning your pet’s feeding area is a must. Leftover kibbles can invite ants and other insects, so ensure bowls are cleaned after each meal and that no food is left to sit out. And don’t forget about water bowls—a few drops of vinegar can deter bugs without affecting your pet.
Denver’s dynamic climate demands that we be savvy about pet food storage. Apart from airtight containers, consider specialized pet food bins that come with an additional seal or locking mechanisms, designed to withstand the jaws and claws of larger pests. Place these containers off the ground to make it even harder for bugs and other animals to sniff them out.
When serving your pets, try not to leave food out for prolonged periods. This is not just about cleanliness; it’s about breaking the cycle of attraction and access for pests. Establish a feeding routine—feed at the same times daily and promptly remove and clean the bowls afterward.
Garbage cans are like a beacon for pests if not managed properly. In Denver, where summer heat can intensify odors, it’s critical to have a strategy for waste management. Clean your bins regularly to prevent buildup of food debris and use sturdy bags that are less likely to rip and spill. Secure the lids tightly; if necessary, use bungee cords or weights to keep them closed and inaccessible to animals like raccoons, which are common in the area.
To further safeguard your trash cans, consider a variety of deterrents. Motion-activated lights can startle nocturnal pests like raccoons, while ultrasonic devices emit frequencies uncomfortable for pests but inaudible to humans. And don’t forget the power of natural repellents—essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint oil can be sprinkled around cans to ward off insects and other pests.
In Denver, where city life meets the beauty of the Rockies, maintaining a pest-free environment is as much a part of home care as snow removal in winter or garden upkeep in the spring. With these tailored tips and support from local pest control company experts like Animal Pest Control, Inc., you can enjoy your urban oasis without the worry of uninvited guests in your pantry, pet food, or trash.
Remember, it’s not just about reacting to pests, but establishing a preventive routine that keeps them at bay. Embrace these practices and live harmoniously in the Mile High City, confident that your home is a fortress against pests.
When it comes to keeping a garden or lawn healthy and green, there’s often more going on under the surface than what you can see. Underground pest infestations can cause damage to your outdoor areas that might not be obvious at first.
We look at the world of garden and lawn pests and the different kinds of creatures, such as prairie dogs, moles, voles, and gophers that tend to live underground.
We will identify the signs to look for and, most importantly, learn how Animal Pest Control, Inc can be your trusted partner in addressing these issues in the Denver, Colorado area.
Meet the Culprits
Underground pests come in many different shapes and sizes, and each one can hurt your garden in a different way. Let’s look at some of the most common underground garden pests in more detail:
Animal Pest Control, Inc has a team of experts well-versed in identifying and treating these underground pests. Our knowledge and experience enable us to tailor effective solutions to your specific pest problems.
Reading the Clues
Detecting underground garden pests early is crucial to minimizing damage. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
Taking Back Your Garden
To regain control of your garden from underground pests, there are several effective methods to consider. You can opt for trapping, using live traps and repellents to tackle gophers and moles. Another option is fumigation, which helps eliminate these troublesome critters by targeting their tunnels.
Additionally, selecting plants that are less appealing to pests can act as a natural deterrent. Finally, you can explore nematode management, employing beneficial nematodes to control harmful nematode populations in your garden.
Animal Pest Control, Inc provides comprehensive pest control services, including these methods, to help you regain control of your garden.
Lurking Below the Surface
Your lawn isn’t safe from the underground pest menace either. Common culprits include grubs, which are beetle larvae that feed on grass roots, resulting in unsightly brown patches and weakened turf. Billbugs, on the other hand, tunnel within grass stems, causing yellowing and eventual death in affected areas. Nematodes, often targeting roots in lawns, can lead to thinning and unhealthy turf.
The Lawn Whisperers
Timely action is important when it comes to recognizing signs of underground pest damage on your lawn. Keep an eye out for patchy grass, with irregular patches of discolored or dead grass often signaling grub infestations. If your grass starts wilting or turning yellow, it could be a sign of billbug damage. Additionally, nematode-infested lawns may display thinning, unhealthy turf in certain areas.
Reclaim Your Green Space
When you find yourself facing underground lawn pests, consider these effective techniques. Start with biological control, where beneficial nematodes can work wonders in controlling grub and nematode populations. In more severe cases, targeted insecticides may become necessary for effective treatment. And remember, maintaining your lawn with proper care practices can go a long way in preventing future pest infestations.
Choosing the Right Partner
In Denver, Colorado, pest control options abound, but not all are equipped for underground pest control. That’s where Animal Pest Control, Inc sets itself apart. Our expertise shines with a dedicated team possessing in-depth knowledge of local pests and their behaviors.
We pride ourselves on providing customized solutions, ensuring effectiveness by tailoring our approach to your unique pest problem. With years of experience, we’ve earned a reputation for delivering reliable and efficient service.
Comprehensive Solutions
Professional underground pest control companies offer a range of services, including:
Animal Pest Control, Inc provides all these services and more, ensuring your peace of mind.
Investing in Your Outdoor Spaces
The type of pest, the extent of the infestation, and the size of the affected area can all affect the price of expert underground pest control services. Denver, Colorado households should prepare to spend a reasonable amount on pest control for their plants and lawns.
Animal Pest Control, Inc offers competitive pricing for our expert pest control services. We believe that safeguarding your outdoor spaces should be accessible and affordable.
In the battle against underground garden and lawn pests, knowledge and expertise are your greatest allies. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to protect your outdoor spaces and ensure their vitality.
Animal Pest Control, Inc, with its team of experienced professionals, tailored solutions, and commitment to the Denver, Colorado community, is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t let underground pests undermine the beauty of your gardens and lawns. Contact us today to reclaim your outdoor paradise.
The booming Colorado economy is attracting people from all over the United States, both for work and for vacation. Primarily, people want to be in the Denver area. As such, the suburbs around Denver are currently experiencing incredible growth, and Westminster is one of those areas. Known for its close proximity to Denver, it’s absolutely stunning natural beauty, and a tranquil atmosphere, Westminster is an incredible place to live and work.
Due to the vast range of wildlife in the state of Colorado, residents of Westminster often find themselves struggling with different types of pests around their home. Although there are many different types of pests to be found in Colorado, some of the more common that people find around their homes are mice, voles, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, bats, rats, rabbits, snakes, gophers, woodpeckers, prairie dogs, honey bees, wasps, and pigeons. With this type of variety, it can be quite overwhelming to get rid of the pests yourself and find the right Westminster, CO pest control company.
That’s why we started Animal and Pest Control Specialist over 30 years ago. During this time, we have sharpened our methods to provide one of the most efficient and humane services in the entire state of Colorado. As we have great respect for the Colorado ecosystem, we only employ traps that have been approved by both the United States Humane Society and the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
We use these traps to capture the pests around your home and, when appropriate, place them back into habitats where they can thrive. If you choose not to remove them from your home, you open yourself up to a wide range of problem. These types of pests chew on things around your home, dig holes around the yard, carry contagious diseases, and they will eventually drain your wallet if you continue to allow them to live on your property.
As soon as you notice the problem, contact your preferred Westminster, CO Pest Control company. We can immediately begin developing a plan of action to rid your home of these pests so that you can live your life in peace.
Great customer service, and a very knowledgeable staff that is very professional. I always prefer to support small businesses when I can, and I was not disappointed. Hopefully I won’t need to use them again, but if I encounter any unwelcome pests in my future I will certainly call Animal & Pest Control Specialists, Inc.
If you’re a resident of Lakewood, Colorado, dealing with pest issues, you’re not alone. With the area’s diverse wildlife, pests like mice, voles, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, bats, rats, rabbits, snakes, gophers, woodpeckers, prairie dogs, honey bees, wasps, pigeons, and more can cause significant damage to your property and health.
Luckily, Animal and Pest Control Specialist has provided reliable pest control services to Lakewood residents for over 30 years. We understand the importance of preserving the Colorado ecosystem and use only humane traps approved by the United States Humane Society and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Our systematic and efficient approach to pest control ensures that we remove pests from your home and release them in a safe environment, leaving you with peace of mind.
Our team of experienced pest control professionals are dedicated to providing high-quality services and developing customized plans that meet our client’s unique needs. From mice and rats to raccoons and snakes, we offer various pest control services to address any issue.
At Animal and Pest Control Specialist, we know that dealing with a pest problem can be stressful. Therefore, our goal is to work quickly to diagnose and treat the problem before it becomes a larger issue. We prioritize our clients’ satisfaction and safety, making us the ideal choice for Lakewood pest control needs.
If you’re a Lakewood resident dealing with pest issues, contact Animal and Pest Control Specialist to help keep your home safe from unwanted visitors. Our experienced and dedicated pest control professionals use humane traps and a systematic approach to pest control to ensure that pests are removed from your home without causing damage to your property. So, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment today.
I’ve used APCS before and they’ve helped me greatly in removing a total of 6 raccoons in the past . The service is effective and trustworthy. On a recent service, I had questions regarding billing and a policy change on trap monitoring. The owner contacted me personally, explain the situation and remedied my concerns.
As a dedicated pest control company serving the Denver Metro Area, from Castle Rock to Boulder and Ft. Collins to Greeley, we understand how important it is to address nuisance animals quickly and effectively. Our team of skilled professionals at Animal Pest Control Specialist is committed to providing the best possible pest control solutions to homeowners in Boulder, ensuring the safety of your family and property.
At Animal Pest Control Specialist, we pride ourselves on our expertise in handling a wide variety of nuisance wildlife. Unlike urban pest companies that may not have the necessary training to manage these animals, our team is well-versed in all aspects of wildlife control, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your property.
We offer comprehensive pest control services to tackle any nuisance wildlife that may be causing problems in the Boulder area, including:
At Animal & Pest Control Specialist, we understand that addressing a pest problem involves more than just capturing the animal. Our team takes a comprehensive approach to pest control, helping homeowners understand the habits and preferences of nuisance wildlife to make their homes less inviting to these animals.
We also assist with identifying the factors attracting wildlife to your property and offer advice on necessary repairs and modifications to keep pests out for good. Our knowledgeable team can even help you navigate the legal aspects of pest control, ensuring all permits and licenses are in order.
As a company that values the well-being of Colorado’s wildlife, we prioritize humane live animal capture whenever possible. Our team uses traps approved by the United States Humane Society and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, ensuring the safety and comfort of the captured animals.
In cases where relocation is not permitted, or a suitable relocation site cannot be found, we will humanely euthanize the animals to prevent further suffering.
In addition to our wildlife control expertise, Animal Pest Control Specialist offers general pest control services to homeowners in Boulder. From interior and exterior spraying addressing insect infestations to pest-related issues like fleas, ticks, or mites, we have the knowledge and experience to handle all your pest control needs.
With our professional services, you can expect minimal disruption to your daily life. Our treatments typically require only a brief 15-30 minute period for the spray to dry, after which it is safe for humans and animals to return.
Don’t let unwelcome house guests wreak havoc on your Boulder home. Contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist today to benefit from our comprehensive and effective pest control solutions. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to homeowners across the Front Range, including Denver, Evergreen, and Castle Rock. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your home and family from nuisance wildlife.
Mice can contaminate food-preperation areas with their feces and can cause severe damage to structures.
Here are the signs you should be looking for to identify new pest problems this season.
We offer all the pest control services you need, including prevention, removal, and extermination.
It’s hard to understand the value we offer until you’ve tried us. Our discount makes it easier for new customers to get the best value in pest control.