Did you know that rodents can squeeze through gaps as small as one-fourth of an inch? This means that a rodent can get into virtually any opening within your home. This is where Fortify Wildlife Solutions comes into play! Nathan and Maggie Archibeque, owners of Fortify, have a clear mission: “Keep homes and properties safe from unwanted critters in the most humane, long-lasting way.” At Fortify, they believe in transparency, hard work and treating every home as their own.
Fortify came to fruition while the Archibeques were working for a pest control company, juggling several responsibilities. With much consideration, this sparked the question, “Why not work for ourselves?”
The Archibeques were excited to instill their own values and culture into their company, and were confident in their individual abilities and past work experience. With Nathan working in the oil field for many years and having years of experience as a Wildlife Operator, and Maggie having years of customer service experience under her belt, the two are unstoppable.
“We both believe that our life and job experiences have aided us in the decision to start Fortify. Knowing that we have the combined experience to fulfill operations, both in the office and in the field,” says the Archibeques.
Their company sets itself apart from the rest because they focus on exclusion, humane trapping and removal, as well as rodent repellents. When it comes to trapping and removal, the method used depends on the type of animal being handled. The Archibeques shared a time where a client inquired about an opossum stuck in their car engine. “When we arrived at the location, we safely removed the animal, put it in a cage, and relocated it.”
Through their years of experience, they are able to identify trap and/or exit doors that will be needed for every situation. “This is not a one-size-fits-all kind of job,” expresses the Archibeques. The process involved identifying the animal in need of removal (i.e., rabbits, snakes and bobcats), safely capturing the animal, and relocating it back to its natural habitat.
Alongside the removal service Fortify provides, they are also in the business of prevention. Fortify offers a monthly or bi-monthly recurring wildlife repellent program. These repellants deter rodents from loitering around your home, as well as your property in general. Because Fortify isn’t in the business of harming rodents, they steer clear of regulated pest control products, such as rodenticides. Instead, they use natural ingredients that will irritate a rodent's senses to make targeted areas uncomfortable for them to stay in. Although these repellants are a great idea for deterring rodents from wandering on your property, they still will not completely address the root of the problem, which is entry points into the home.
To address the entry points, you will need to schedule an appointment for an exclusion. Using the repellents in tandem with the exclusion process will guarantee that your home is protected year-round. Homes should be sealed in preparation for all seasons, as animals may enter for various reasons, such as seeking warmth, having babies, hiding food, or even fleeing other predators. Exclusions are important for all homeowners, especially newly built homes.
“Let’s paint a picture. The ground is disturbed, and the animal’s home is destroyed. Next, building materials are brought in, and construction begins. Rodents become familiar with these materials as they search for a new place to nest (e.g., bricks, pipes, lumber, trash piles). Later, those same materials are used to construct the house. Because the rodents are already familiar with the materials—and the pheromones left behind from nesting on and around them—they follow their scent into their new home (e.g., walls, attic, garage). Most of the time, rodents have already moved in by the time you arrive,” explains the Archibeques.
The process for exclusions involves a home inspection, an appointment to seal potential entry points and painting back over the work to match your home once everything is sealed. Fortify cares about their work and longevity, and even provides follow-up appointments and a free one-year warranty.
It is crucial for every home to receive the care that it needs, as well as protecting our wildlife when removing them from our spaces. Fortify Wildlife Solutions takes care of every aspect of animal management from inspection to sanitization and prevention. The Archibeques will be there every step of the way to answer questions and protect your home from unwanted rodents. To learn more or contact Fortify Wildlife Solutions, visit their website at https://www.fortifywildlifesolutions.com/.