Animal & Wildlife Removal in Marshalltown
Protecting Your Family From Wildlife-Related Health Risks
Living in Marshalltown means enjoying the beauty of Iowa’s seasons, but it also means sharing our environment with various wildlife species that often seek shelter inside our homes. Whether it is the scratching of raccoons in the attic, squirrels nesting in the eaves, or bats finding their way into chimneys, these intruders can cause significant structural damage and pose serious health risks. Ignoring these warning signs often leads to chewed wiring, compromised insulation, and sleepless nights for homeowners across the area.
At Schendel Pest Control, we have been your trusted partner in pest management for 70 years, protecting homes and businesses with a practical, common-sense approach. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we understand the unique wildlife challenges in our community and treat every property with the care it deserves. Our highly trained and licensed technicians are committed to delivering safe, effective results, ensuring your environment remains secure and pest-free.
Call us today at (641) 381-9287, or contact us online for expert wildlife removal.
Signs You Have Unwanted Wildlife Guests
Wildlife infestations are often subtle at first, but knowing what to look (and hear) for is crucial to catching the problem before it causes expensive damage. Many animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, and bats, are experts at staying hidden during the day, only revealing their presence through specific indicators that homeowners should never ignore.
- Strange Noises at Night: Thumping, scratching, or scampering sounds coming from the ceiling or walls are often the first sign of an animal living in your attic or crawlspace.
- Property Damage: Look for chewed electrical wires, torn insulation, or gnawed wood on your home’s exterior, particularly around rooflines and vents.
- Unpleasant Odors: A persistent, foul smell can indicate the accumulation of droppings, urine, or even a deceased animal trapped inside a wall void.
- Droppings and Debris: Finding fecal matter in the attic, garage, or around entry points is a clear warning sign; different species leave distinct droppings that can help identify the intruder.
- Disturbed Garbage: If your outdoor trash cans are regularly tipped over or raided, it is likely that raccoons or other scavengers are active on your property and may try to move indoors.
Recognizing these signs early allows for faster intervention, minimizing the risk of fire hazards from chewed wires and reducing the cleanup required for contaminated insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are rodents dangerous to my health?
Yes, rodents can pose significant health risks to humans and pets. They can transmit various diseases through their droppings and urine. Hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis are among the potential illnesses that rodents can carry. In addition to disease transmission, rodents can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals.
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How do I know if I have a rodent infestation?
Recognizing a rodent infestation early is crucial for prompt and effective control. Look for signs such as droppings, gnaw marks on food containers or wires, and nests made of shredded materials. You may also hear scratching or scampering sounds in the walls or attic. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to act quickly to prevent the problem from escalating.
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Heat Treatment
Heat treatments are a non-chemical approach that penetrates wall cavities, mattresses, and other tough-to-reach areas where bed bugs may hide. To start, we will provide a list of preparation steps you need to take that include removing the following items from your home:
- Alcohol products
- Art supplies
- Combustibles, such as lighters
- House plants
- Medicine
- Smoke detectors
- Vinyl items
- Wax candles
You should expect to be away from home for up to nine hours while we complete our treatment. Additional prep includes:
- Removing, cleaning, and drying bedding.
- Removing all objects from your walls.
- Unplugging all electronics.
By applying a high heat evenly throughout the structure, we can fully eliminate bed bugs at all stages of life, wherever they may be hiding. Our heat treatment is a one-time service backed by our bug-free guarantee. If bed bug activity persists after our service is complete, we will return at no extra cost.
Please note that our Bed Bug Heat Treatment warranty is only good for 60 days.
Why Choose Schendel Pest Control?
Benefits of Working with Our Expert Team
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Local Service
As a company that's served Marshalltown and the surrounding areas for 70 years, we've seen and treated every pest Iowa has to offer. You can trust our local expertise to solve your pest problems.
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Experienced Professionals
Schendel Pest Control has been serving Marshalltown since 1955. We combine our decades of experience with continuous training and education in order to provide the best pest control available.
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Excellent ValueSchendel Pest Control always has and always will make every effort to provide you with the best service at the best price. We know you work hard for your money, and we take your trust in us seriously.
The Risks of Amateur Wildlife Control
Attempting to handle wildlife removal on your own is rarely a good idea and can often lead to dangerous consequences. Wild animals, when cornered or threatened, can become aggressive and may bite or scratch, putting you at risk of injury and exposure to diseases like rabies.
Furthermore, over-the-counter traps and DIY methods often fail to address the full scope of the problem. You might catch one animal while leaving babies behind in the nest, or fail to seal the entry points correctly, inviting new intruders in immediately. Professional services ensure the entire family unit is handled correctly and legally.
Finally, navigating the local regulations regarding protected species can be confusing for the average homeowner. Professionals are trained in local and state laws, ensuring that all removal practices are compliant. Relying on experts protects your health, your home, and the local ecosystem.
FAQs About Animal & Wildlife Removal
How quickly can your team respond to animal problems in Marshalltown?
We respond to requests as soon as possible and often provide same-day or next-day service, based on scheduling and how urgent your situation is. Emergencies, like when an animal is inside living spaces, or there are safety concerns, get priority when possible. A quick call lets us clarify availability and help you resolve the issue without unnecessary delay. We focus on prompt and reliable service for our neighbors in Marshalltown.
Are your animal removal methods safe for my family and pets?
Yes, our methods are carefully chosen to prioritize the safety of people and pets. Our technicians receive training in humane handling and use environmentally responsible products for all services. We deploy barriers, traps, and other safe techniques, following current best practices from state and wildlife organizations. Before starting work, we explain our plan and ensure you feel fully comfortable with our process. Marshalltown families count on us because we take safety seriously every time.
What types of nuisance wildlife do you remove?
We address a wide range of animal removal concerns in Marshalltown, including raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds, opossums, and other local wildlife. Each has unique hiding spots and habits, which inform how we inspect and develop removal plans. If you are uncertain what animal has entered, our team can identify it and tailor our approach to your situation.
How do you prevent animals from coming back?
We go beyond removal by providing proactive prevention strategies tailored to each property. Our team inspects for every entry point, reviews the surroundings, and recommends repairs or adjustments to block future access. These recommendations focus on risks common to Marshalltown homes and businesses. Many clients appreciate how this approach delivers long-term peace of mind.
What do your customers in Marshalltown say about your service?
Our customers consistently praise our punctuality, clear communication, and respect for their property. Marshalltown residents have voted us ‘Best of the Best’ for 22 consecutive years, which reflects high satisfaction and trust. Clients value our personal approach, our willingness to answer questions, and our thorough solutions for wildlife concerns.
Do I need to worry about local regulations when removing wildlife?
Some wildlife removal in Marshalltown is regulated, especially for protected species. Our team is fully licensed and familiar with all rules relevant to animal removal in the area. We obtain necessary permits and follow state guidelines, so you do not have to navigate the legal requirements. If special permissions or timing apply, we tell you what to expect at the start.
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