Routt County is such a glorious place to live, it’s no surprise that even the peskiest guests find a way to stay. Colorado Group Realty connected with Tim Evans, a Yampa Valley native and owner of Steamboat Pest Control, to find out how to banish unwanted home invaders for good.

Colorado Group Realty (CGR): What makes up most of your calls here? 

Steamboat Pest Control (SPC): It depends on the time of year. In the fall its mostly mice, wasps and hornets. If we’ve had a lot of moisture, which of course is something we all want, I’ll get called out for earwigs. Spiders are typically a year-round issue.

CGR: What should property owners do to deter pests?

SPC: Consistently remove spider webs, especially around lighting and doorways. This disrupts spiders homes and usually it will make them go somewhere else. Hornets use old, dried wood to make nests, so don’t leave piles of it laying around. Make a point of closing any gaps in your home to prevent pests from getting inside. Dryer vents and utility line access points are notorious entryways. Seal holes in soffits and repair any gaps in wood siding and trim. Second homeowners often have success hiring someone to help with pest control while the home is empty.

CGR: What can you do if mice have made your home into theirs? 

SPC: Walk around the property and make sure you’ve sealed any entry points and set traps. If you are catching a lot, you can use bait which comes in a variety of forms but make sure it is covered and out of reach for children and pets. The poison takes two to three days to go through their system and they tend to leave the property in search of water or air before they die.

CGR: Is there an organic option instead of using bait? 

SPC: I’ve been told peppermint oil is a deterrent but I’ve had people call who’ve spent a fortune on oils and they still have mice. The best thing you can do is seal up your property, so they don’t get in in the first place.

CGR: Do you get calls about wildlife getting into homes and what can you do to prevent it happening? 

SPC: Yes, racoons are a particular problem especially in the spring when they have their babies. They are known to make their nest in attic spaces. We also get calls about chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, marmots and less often, snakes. Again, it goes back to making sure your house is well sealed and avoid attracting animals by not hanging bird feeders or leaving food outside. Composts are a great thing, but they do attract critters and bigger visitors like bears.

CGR: Is there a threat of disease from pests in your home? 

SPC: There are no reports of disease here, but I always treat excrement as if it does by using disinfectant and removing it. When it’s dried, it’s a problem. Mice have no control of their bodily functions, so you want to constantly clean any surfaces they have been on.

CGR: What’s the strangest call out you’ve had yet? 

SPC: Garter snakes in a vaulted room, where they kept dropping from the ceiling. It’s never happened before but it was definitely my weirdest experience yet.