Living California, we’re lucky to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings. However, this can sometimes mean sharing our space with unwanted guests. You might find yourself wondering: is it a pest control issue or do I need animal control? While both aim to remove unwanted creatures from your property, their focus and methods differ significantly. Let’s break it down.
Pest Control: Targeting the Tiny Troubles
Pest control primarily deals with insects and other small invertebrates that infest homes and businesses. Think of:
- Common household pests: Ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, bed bugs, termites.
- Rodents: Rats and mice.
- Occasional invaders: Earwigs, silverfish, centipedes.
Pest control services typically involve identifying the specific pest, implementing treatment plans using various methods (sprays, baits, traps), and offering preventative measures to avoid future infestations. Their goal is often eradication of the pest population within the affected area.
Animal Control: Handling the Larger Wildlife
Animal control, on the other hand, focuses on larger animals, often wildlife, that pose a threat to safety, property, or public health. This includes:
- Stray or feral domestic animals: Dogs, cats.
- Wildlife: Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, opossums, birds (in certain nuisance situations), snakes.
Animal control services are usually provided by local government agencies or specialized wildlife removal companies. Their methods often involve safe capture, relocation, and sometimes euthanasia in specific circumstances (e.g., rabies risk). Their primary concern is the safety of both humans and the animals involved.
Key Differences Summarized:
| Feature | Pest Control | Animal Control |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Insects, small invertebrates, rodents | Larger animals, often wildlife, stray domestics |
| Focus | Eradication, prevention of infestations | Safe capture, relocation, public safety |
| Providers | Private companies | Government agencies, specialized wildlife removal |
| Common Issues | Ants in the kitchen, termites in wood, rats | Stray dogs, raccoons in the attic, injured wildlife |
When to Call Whom:
- Call Pest Control if: You’re dealing with ants, spiders, cockroaches, rodents inside your home, or have a termite problem.
- Call Animal Control if: You encounter a stray or aggressive dog or cat, have a wild animal trapped in your property (like a raccoon or skunk), or find injured wildlife that needs assistance.
Understanding the distinction between pest control and animal control will help you quickly identify the right professionals to call when unwanted creatures cross your path, ensuring a swift and appropriate resolution for both your peace of mind and the well-being of the animals involved.
