From skunks in dresser drawers to raccoons living in a wood stove, each animal comes with a different problem, and each problem requires a different solution.
This is why Gary McCullough of Hancock never starts the critter removal process without a plan. Thirteen years ago, McCullough branched off from his job at All Creatures, a pest control company in Merrimack, to create his own family business, Critter Solutions. With the help of his wife and son, McCullough rids homes of infestation in most of Hillsborough and Cheshire counties, specializing in bats, mice, squirrels and raccoons.
Every critter solution begins with a phone call to McCullough’s wife Kim. Once she listens to the caller’s specific problem, an inspection is scheduled to evaluate the situation.
Then McCullough, alongside his son Michael, take a look at the house and write up a proposal for the work that needs to be done.
“Getting to the place where the animals are is always a challenge,” McCullough said. “We have to squeeze into tight areas and crawl spaces, places not many people want to go. A lot of the time we have to hire a lift.”
Most critter removal projects involve a lot of ladder work and maneuvering through uncomfortable and dangerous places. Often times, McCullough and his son Michael will scale across roof lines in search of critter entry points. Some days are spent in hot attics, dealing with frantic customers and irritated animals.
In 2011, Michael McCullough’s passion for nature and background with animals earned him a scholarship from the New England Wildlife Federation. Graduating from Plymouth State University in 2015, he now works full-time in the field with his dad.
“[Michael] and his dad work really well together,” Kim McCullough said. “They’re both even-keeled, very hard workers.”
Throughout his 15 years of experience working around animals, McCullough has never stopped learning.
“Animals are individuals,” he said. “They’re not always doing the same thing.”
Because of this, the plan of action is based off the animal’s unique behavior. Once he identifies how it’s getting in, he can figure out how to keep it out.
Evicting animals is never a vicious process. By trapping or using one-way devices, McCullough uses the most effective and humane tactics.
If an animal is found wounded, he always refers to Deb Gody, owner of the Winchester Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
“Her company is really helpful to people if they come across a wounded animal,” McCullough said.
Helping the community continues to be the foundation of the Critter Solutions mission. Animal infestation can lead to property damage, threat of fire, and physical harm.
By evicting them safely, McCullough is potentially saving his clients from spending thousands of dollars.
“We’ve gotten a lot of gratitude,” McCullough said. “We’ve been able to help a lot of people, but we’re still learning.”
For more information about Critter Solutions, visit www.crittersolutions.net.