Seagulls and pigeons are two common pests that can cause havoc in urban areas, including New Bedford. While seagulls are known for making a mess, pigeons can also prove to be a menace when they decide to nest in buildings. In one downtown building, pigeons made the attic their home, prompting the owner to seek help from David Silvia, owner of the new Critter Control franchise in New Bedford.
Silvia, a certified wildlife specialist, focuses on offering exclusion services to prevent wildlife from entering homes and buildings. This includes using screening vents, installing chimney caps, and closing entry holes to reduce the opportunity for animals to return. When faced with a situation where pigeons had taken over the attic, Silvia successfully evicted them and prevented them from re-entering the building.
One customer who had skunks under her porch wanted Silvia to trap them, but he recommended exclusion work instead. By setting up steel fencing and digging a trench around the porch, he was able to prevent the skunks from returning without harming them. Silvia emphasized the importance of exclusion work in dealing with wildlife, as it provides a long-term solution to prevent future infestations.
Silvia’s approach involves setting up one-way traps that allow animals to exit but block them from re-entering. This method is particularly effective for animals like raccoons, which leave their nests to feed at night. While some jobs may take up to a week to complete, Silvia ensures that the animals are truly gone before finishing the job.
Despite the challenges of dealing with wildlife, Silvia prefers exclusion work over euthanizing animals. He acknowledges the importance of following state regulations on the release of wildlife, as many animals in Massachusetts are protected. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, making it essential to work with a professional like Silvia who understands the legal requirements.
In addition to pigeons and skunks, Silvia also deals with other pests like geese, bats, and squirrels. Each species presents its own challenges, with squirrels posing a threat to attics and electrical circuits. Silvia’s expertise and experience in wildlife removal make him a valuable resource for residents dealing with pest issues in New Bedford and surrounding areas.
As Silvia continues to expand his business and add new employees, he plans to focus more on pest control in the future. His dedication to providing effective and humane wildlife removal services has earned him a reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable professional in the field. For anyone facing wildlife infestations in New Bedford, calling Critter Control and working with experts like Silvia is the best way to ensure a safe and effective solution to pest problems.
