How can I tell what kind of animal is in my attic?

• <div><p>It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:</p><ul><li><p><b>Sounds</b>: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.</p></li><li><p><b>Droppings</b>: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.</p></li></ul><p>When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.</p></div>

Best animal removal specialists near Ava, MO

Q: What can I put in my attic to keep animals out?

• <div><p>To keep animals out, you must prevent them from entering. As long as they can get in, the problem will persist. That said, consider making your attic less inviting using deterrents like motion-activated lights or ultrasonic devices. Additionally, keeping a well-maintained, clean, and uncluttered attic that you regularly inspect for activity may make the space less attractive to critters.</p></div>

Q: How do I keep deer from eating my trees?

• <div><p>To keep deer from eating your trees, you can either put up barriers or install a deer repellant. Barriers that protect trees from deer include tree wrap or fencing. You can also plant deer-resistant trees to prevent deer from eating or scraping against your trees or garden with plants that deer don&rsquo;t like to be around.</p></div>

Q: Are skunks hard to get rid of?

• <div><p>Luckily, skunks aren&rsquo;t challenging to get rid of. You can try to remove them slowly by filling their den entryway loosely with newspaper. Many skunks notice their den is in jeopardy and take off on their own. You can also try making a homemade spray of jalapeno pepper, yellow onion, and cayenne pepper&mdash;believe it or not, skunks are sensitive to these smells, so if you spray this around the den or in hard-to-reach places around your property, most skunks will take the hint and leave. </p></div>

Q: What attracts snakes?

• <div><p>Snakes love yards where they can access pet food, insects, and rodents. They also like places with plenty of hiding spots, such as tall grasses, thick or overgrown shrubbery, pools of water, broken gutters, and boxes. Reducing clutter and debris on your property may help keep them from visiting.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Animal Removal pros in Ava, MO

*The Angi rating for Animal Removal companies in Ava, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Animal Removal companies in Ava, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

Last update on September 29, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
They did a great job. Yard looks so much better. Got rid of a lot of old appliances & junk
Extreme Clean Up Services
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Reviewed in August 2026
RDA came on time and did a great job cutting tree and removing all the wood. Very good price and show of respect for property. Painting work was just what I wanted. Very pleased with this pro RDA. Most likely will use this Pro again
R.D.A Home And Business Repair
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Reviewed in October 2025
Little more money I thought but before they continued it was discussed. Tackled the new part of the house which hadn't been cleaned in 2 yrs. Cat hair, that's why price went up, kitchen looked amazing. We will work on the old part of the house next time. Very nice ladies, worked almost 5...
L & S Cleaning
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Reviewed in July 2025
We had them built a second “service drive” to our barn site, install a shooting berm, create a pad site for the barn and propane tank installation as well as resurface the main driveway. It was a major undertaking and they did a fantastic job! We will be hiring them again as the future project...
Buchanan Dirtworks LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Dustin and his crew were super easy to work with. They were always professional and did the job exactly as requested. Our 30x50x16 pole barn exceeded our expectations. They even worked around some last minute changes we made to the build. They were always on time and completed the project in a...
CX4 Handymen
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Reviewed in July 2023
Katrina and her boys did an awesome job! The house was power washed sanded and caulked. They worked with pride and attention to detail. I would highly recommend them!
SPACE TRANSFORMATION. LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Ethan and his crew did an excellent job of insulating my shop/house! Their pricing was better than other bids, they showed up when promised, and did an excellent job including clean up. I was very impressed and would recommend them to anyone. It is good to work with professionals
Climate Shield Insulation
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Reviewed in April 2022
I had the really cheap dusty insulation in my attic and Vaughn's got it all removed without ever complaining or quitting . I had other company's who didn't even want to come out to bid the job. But Vaughn's came out and completed it in a timely manner.
Vaughn's Attic Insulation Removal, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
I met with Nathan to inspect my crawlspace to let me know what needed to be done. He was extremely knowledgeable. I was very happy to find out he, and the company, were also very ethical. The project is scheduled to be completed in timely manner. Many thanks to Nathan.
Foundation Recovery Systems
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Reviewed in October 2020
I thought they were too high. It cost an extra $180 to remove and replace a piece of Sheetrock. $380 total to replace an outside faucet.
Joshua Deatherage Home Emporium, LLC
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Top-Rated Animal removal specialists in Ava - Updated Nov 2026

Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"It is still in progress, but so far things are going well. Very good communication and good customer service."

52 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

Pest Control - Birds and Bats

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

"John was very professional and efficient. He was able to get to us fairly quickly. He explained what he needed to do and approximately how long it would take. He also came back a few weeks later and cleaned and sanitized the area, which was helpful to my husband and I."

56 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Small Animals

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Since 1932, Presto-X has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Terminix provides excellent pest extermination and mosquito control services. They investigate and give comprehensive treatment services. I highly recommend their services."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Animal Removal FAQs, answered by experts

To keep animals out, you must prevent them from entering. As long as they can get in, the problem will persist. That said, consider making your attic less inviting using deterrents like motion-activated lights or ultrasonic devices. Additionally, keeping a well-maintained, clean, and uncluttered attic that you regularly inspect for activity may make the space less attractive to critters.

It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.
Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

To keep deer from eating your trees, you can either put up barriers or install a deer repellant. Barriers that protect trees from deer include tree wrap or fencing. You can also plant deer-resistant trees to prevent deer from eating or scraping against your trees or garden with plants that deer don’t like to be around.

Luckily, skunks aren’t challenging to get rid of. You can try to remove them slowly by filling their den entryway loosely with newspaper. Many skunks notice their den is in jeopardy and take off on their own. You can also try making a homemade spray of jalapeno pepper, yellow onion, and cayenne pepper—believe it or not, skunks are sensitive to these smells, so if you spray this around the den or in hard-to-reach places around your property, most skunks will take the hint and leave.

Snakes love yards where they can access pet food, insects, and rodents. They also like places with plenty of hiding spots, such as tall grasses, thick or overgrown shrubbery, pools of water, broken gutters, and boxes. Reducing clutter and debris on your property may help keep them from visiting.

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