Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

05/27/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: CATCHING REALLY SMART RACCOONS

ADVICE FOR YOU DO IT YOUR SELFERS (DIY): It gets very frustrating, you get a live trap, you bait it with the best bait no raccoon can resist. The next morning the bait is eaten by a very appreciative raccoon. After 3 or 4 nights of this useless exercise, you give up. But wait! It’s not over yet. There are still a few things you can do.

1. Put an obstacle just prior to the trip plate. Typically, 1 section of rebar or stick will cause the raccoon to either go under or over the obstacle which makes it much harder to avoid the trip plate. If the raccoon still steals the bait, consider my last attempt. Create a triangle obstacle just in front of the trip plate (see pic). This has worked 100% of the time.

2. As for bait, nothing better than large marshmallows and cherry pie filling. Place the bait not in containers, but on the very back edge of the trip plate. Usually, cats and other animals do not bother this bait. You could catch the occasional opossum or skunk.

Fast war story: In a recent episode, I use this bait to catch a very elusive raccoon, but the exact same Opossum comes every night, trips the trap, eats the bait and waits for someone to let it out. Mr. Opossum just waddles away with a full belly. That’s either the dumbest (or smartest) Opossum in the neighborhood. Pretty soon he will become a pet.

All raccoons were live trapped and relocated to a heavily wooded area. I have been catching some heat from viewers insisting I "humanely" euthanize the raccoons. My reply is, "So which method is the most humane"? Shooting it, drowning it, or strangling it"? At least I give the raccoons a chance to live.

Consultation at your home or over the phone is always free. Text or call 913-683-1364 or visit my web site at: www.rickswildlifeandsnake.com

Got a wildlife problem? Call or text, I can solve your problem.
"Keeping the Peace Between Humans and Wildlife"
Rick Olsen
Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

05/23/2026

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS AND THIS PERSON: D&C Seamless Guttering. Owner: Dakota Paris. 913-683-8379

In my Rick’s Lend-A-Hand LLC business, for years I had trouble finding a reliable gutter company for my customers. I finally found one and he is local. Dakota Paris took over his uncle’s gutter business at D & C Seamless Guttering.

But Dakota does much more than gutters. He also does soffit and facia board repair, which can rot out so easily. In addition, he is very handy with garage doors and installation.

Dakota is very reliable, responsive and very skilled. Just recently, with my Rick’s Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC business, I chased a raccoon out of a chimney with firecrackers and Dakota capped both chimneys, which he constructed the caps from raw materials. He wanted to save the customers some money. Who does that now a days? These chimneys were high! Heights do not bother him. Now, life is much better when you can trust the people you recommend to your customers.

So, if you need any work that is high up and requires ladders, call Dakota.

05/14/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: OPOSSUMS (or Possums)
Sparce hair, a rat like tail, and a face only a mother could love. But how cute to see mom and her babies!

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT OPOSSUMS: Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide range of foods, including insects, snails, slugs, fruits, plants, birds, eggs, rodents, and carrion. They help control pest populations by eating cockroaches, beetles, slugs and even carrion, they are natural pest controllers. They are also known to eat a large number of ticks, potentially up to 5,000 in a season.

They are resistant to rabies and venom, and their famous "playing possum" defense is an involuntary, stress-induced state, not a conscious act.

THE BAD NEWS ABOUT POSSUMS: Can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through contact with their urine, f***s, or saliva.

Bites and Scratches: Although rare, possums may bite or scratch if they feel threatened or cornered. These injuries can lead to infections if not properly cleaned and treated.

Parasites: Possums can be infested with parasites such as fleas, ticks, and lice, which can transmit diseases to humans and pets.

Property Damage: Possums may cause property damage by nesting in attics, sheds, or under porches. They can also gnaw on wires and insulation.

In summary, possums can pose potential health risks. It is important to take precautions to avoid contact with them and to seek medical attention if bitten or scratched.

Consultation at your home or over the phone is always free. Text or call 913-683-1364 or visit my web site at: www.rickswildlifeandsnake.com

Got a wildlife problem? Call or text, I can solve your problem.

"Keeping the Peace Between Humans and Wildlife"'

Rick Olsen
Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

05/06/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: LOVE THOSE RAT SNAKES!

Today was a great day! I got the opportunity to save a Western Rat Snake from a garage. At first, there was lots of drama with the initial catch. My snake friend knocked over coolers and other outdoor supplies trying to get away.

This beautiful snake eats mice, rats and unfortunately, robs birds’ nests of eggs. This was a 6 foot + Rat Snake, an adult sure to live a long life. This snake was released unharmed so he/she can continue to be one of man’s (or women’s) best friends. That’s creepy, huh? It’s not creepy, it’s nature, wildlife and God’s beautiful creation.
Another satisfied customer who is now at peace! Yippee! Check out the pics.

If you have a snake, bee or critter problem, text or call, I can solve your problem. 913-683-1364 .

05/05/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: GROUNDHOGS (OR WOODCHUCKS and WHISTLE PIGS).
Groundhogs are fun to watch, but from a distance. These animals can reach 11 pounds or more. I recently caught a large groundhog who was at least 15 pounds. They are known for digging impressive underground burrows and hibernating in the winter. They have strong teeth that need to be worn down by chewing. DO NOT ALLOW your child or pet to tangle with a groundhog. They have very strong jaws and very sharp teeth.
FAST WAR STORY: I recently captured a groundhog and with very thick gloves, I wanted to test the strength of its bite. I was impressed! The groundhog bit down with incredible force and would not let go. It took me a few minutes to get this guy off of my finger. I expected a quick snap and retreat. No such luck. So be advised, do not get in the way of their bite. My finger is fine, that is why I wore special thick gloves. I might be crazy, but I’m not stupid. Check out my pic.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Their burrows are complex and include a bathroom chamber. They make a high-pitched whistling sound to warn others, earning them the name "whistle pigs".
WHAT’S FOR DINNER? Their diet includes grass, leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit and vegetables..
SLEEPY TIME: During hibernation, their heart rate and breathing slow down significantly, and they sleep for several months.
A PROBLEM FOR HOMEOWNERS: Groundhogs love to dig large holes under porches, sheds and foundations of homes. If cornered by a human or animal, they can become aggressive. They have immensely powerful legs and jaws, coupled with very sharp teeth. They tend to raid vegetable gardens and ornamental flowers. Groundhogs are highly intelligent and sometimes difficult to live trap (although I have a particularly good track record).
If you have a groundhog issue, please contact me. I have several remedies to either live trap and relocate or evicting them and asking them to move somewhere else.

04/26/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: LOVE IS IN THE AIR, BABY TURTLES COMING SOON!

Spring signifies the newness of life, babies being born, young animals being raised. It is an exciting time for critters and all kinds of wildlife.

I have two very spoiled turtles. Every year, they blessed me with 2 or 3 babies. As you can see from the pics, these two are quite “chummy.” They really need a chaperone. The paint on their shells does not hurt them and they are quite healthy with large appetites, and they sleep well with an electric fence around the pond. NO RACCOONS ALLLOWED.

FAST WAR STORY: Not too long ago, I rescued three turtles from a 10-gallon aquarium. The conditions were horrid; I will leave it at that. I took all three turtles to a beautiful stream in the woods and set them free.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you or your kids are outgrowing your turtles, please call or text, I will get them and set them free, at no charge.

Got a wildlife problem? Call or text, I can solve your problem.
Consultation at your home or over the phone is always free. Text or call 913-683-1364 or visit my web site at: www.rickswildlifeandsnake.com

I am half the cost of the big critter companies. If you require references, I have several. I have a reference sheet for you.

“When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

"Keeping the Peace Between Humans and Wildlife"'

Rick Olsen
Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

04/20/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: SNAKES, ONE OF NATURE’S BEST RODENT CONTROL

1. Snakes get a bad rap. People kill snakes out of phobias, fears, and panic. And yet, chances are they are just trying to live, going about their own business.

2. Of all the snakes in Kansas and Missouri, there are typically only a few which are venomous. The Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. Check out the photos. If you do not know what kind of snake it is, leave it alone. I posted a few pics on both venomous snakes.

3. What if you do get bit? If it is a U-shaped bite (see pic), its non-venomous. See the pic of me getting bit (on purpose). See the U-shaped bite? That’s pretty cool, huh? If the bite is 2 dots, seek medical attention immediately. No, I’m not going to get bit by a venomous snake on purpose. Copperheads are venomous; however, they typically do not cause death.

4. Keep in mind that baby venomous snakes can be just as venomous as their adult parents. Snakes are incredible creatures. Here is a pic of a young Rick Olsen with my red-tailed boa, educating a classroom of 3rd graders. Many students came forward to pet and hold my 6-foot Boa Constrictor. Only just 1 child was bitten and strangled (Just kidding).

5. Call of text if you have a snake issue. Consultation at your home or over the phone is always free. Text or call 913-683-1364 or visit my web site at: www.rickswildlifeandsnake.com

Got a wildlife problem? Call or text, I can solve your problem.

"Keeping the Peace Between Humans and Wildlife"'

Rick Olsen
Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

04/11/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: MOLES. DESTRUCTIVE, INTRUSIVE AND VERY SMART

Mole removal is one of the most common wildlife pests I deal with. Moles are purely carnivores; they feed on grubs and worms. They also have very sharp teeth and will bite. Their big paws and sharp nails make it a perfect tunneling, eating machine while they tunnel through soil, killing grass and up-rooting ornamental plants. Moles can produce mounds. They are cone shaped like a volcano with a high spot in the center.

1. Figure out the active tunnels from the inactive tunnels. Press down all of the tunnels with your feet. Wait 24 hours. If the pressed down tunnel raises back up, you have an active tunnel. In other words, the restaurant is still open to serve food.

2. Use a Wiretek© scissor trap to place the trap in the active tunnel, it’s all set safely with your feet, not your hands (Amazon has them). When handling your traps or bait, WEAR RUBBER GLOVES! Moles have an extremely good sense of smell and they are very intelligent. Why do you think there are so many moles? Moles do not get the Darwin award.

3. Do poison pellets or worms work? They are worth trying, but the results are very mixed. Moles will move from place to place because they need new feeding grounds. They can go as far as 130 feet per day.

4. Moles will return, they do not understand or respect property lines. However, if you are diligent and get rid of many moles, you will quickly spot the one mole intruding on your property and you can eliminate that mole pretty quickly.

5. Prevention: With a water hose and spray attachment apply 100% Castor Oil Liquid with liquid dishwashing soap, Scott’s Grub-EX Control and Pelletized Lime (see pic below). I spread it generously, it will help deter moles. It does not kill the moles. Grubs and worms dislike this combination of ingredients. It also makes the soil very bitter and moles are irritated by the taste. There are no 100% guarantees moles will stay off your property. Moles are not much at respecting property lines.

6. Call of text if you have a mole issue and want me to deal with it. Or, if you are a DIY person (like me), I’m happy to guide you through every step.

Consultation at your home or over the phone, is always free. Text or call 913-683-1364 or visit my web site at: www.rickswildlifeandsnake.com

Got a wildlife problem? Call or text, I can solve your problem.

"Keeping the Peace Between Humans and Wildlife"'

Rick Olsen
Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

04/11/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: Check out those teeth! WEAR THICK GLOVES AND CLOTHING if you tangle with a bat.

You don’t want to get bitten. I always approach bats with thick clothing and a bee suit. They can land on your arm or other places and bite if they feel threatened. Bats are incredible mammals; they are the only mammals capable of true flight. After the photo shoot, this bat was released unharmed. Goodbye bat! Live a long, healthy life and keep eating thousands of mosquitoes every night.

Consultation at your home or over the phone, is always free. Text or call 913-683-1364 or visit my web site at: www.rickswildlifeandsnake.com

Got a wildlife problem? Call or text, I can solve your problem.

"Keeping the Peace Between Humans and Wildlife"'

Rick Olsen
Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

03/27/2026