StockBIZ: As weather turns colder, a local business helps keep creatures from invading your space

by Mary Jo David

If you were born and raised in the city and spent years raising kids in the suburbs, you aren’t quite ready for the critters that surround you when you move out to the country. Such is the tale of this city-girl-turned-country-girl! After two years in the country, this author has learned that the garage is fair game to tiny four-legged friends or more-legged friends who are looking for a warm home for the winter. Eeeeek!

Between the wasps of summer and the spiders and mice in the fall, it was nice to learn of a local company that makes it their business to help residents who are overrun by critters—whatever the season. Creature Control, located at 179 Kuhn Street in nearby Gregory, is a family-owned business founded in 2006.

Jesse and Jason Sutton—both graduates of Stockbridge High School—own the business, and several other members of the Sutton clan have worked answering phones, as technicians, and on the restoration crews over the years. The company has expanded beyond just family to employ more than 30 people who, together, have made Creature Control Michigan’s largest independent pest and wildlife control company.

Vice President Phillip Campbell agrees that fall can be an especially challenging time for keeping unwanted animals out of the home. “Red squirrels have their litters in early fall so they are looking for warm attics. Overwintering bugs, like box elders, start trying to get into homes, and as you’ve probably noticed, stink bugs have been especially bad the past few years.” But overwhelmingly, mice are probably the biggest fall pest. According to Campbell, “They get very active when the weather gets cold. Everyone wants into the house to stay warm!”

Just another day on the job (and between jobs) for Creature Control’s Dave Mullins. Check out the company’s blog at www.creaturecontrol.net/blog for useful information and interesting stories. Photos courtesy of Creature Control.

So, what can residents do this time of year to safeguard their homes against pests who are dying to get in? Campbell recommends many of the same repairs that also help with energy efficiency. “Make sure your roof is in good repair and that vents are installed correctly and properly secured.” He also recommends sealing doors and windows tightly, and for those with habitual mouse problems, getting a good foundation seal.

As bad as fall pests can seem though, Campbell says their busiest season is “undoubtedly the summer. There’s just more things out as it gets hot.” Creature Control technicians spend considerable summer hours evicting bats from attics and taking care of problems related to hornets, yellow jackets, and stinging insects.

Luckily, many of the Creature Control technicians carry multiple certifications, so they can be ready for most anything—and they mean anything!

“Years ago, in Brighton, we went on a call for an exotic African goose that someone had brought into the United States illegally and then released into the Brighton Mill Pond. It was extremely aggressive and even bit their city manager,” Campbell noted.

Technicians and certifications are great, but what this author finds most comforting is that the company is located within screaming distance of her house!

Questions? Visit www.creaturecontrol.net or contact them directly by calling 734-476-0166 or emailing customerservice@creaturecontrol.net.