The more common the pest, the more numerous the pest control companies that will handle it. Ants, bats, mice, rats, roaches, squirrels, termites-these are among the most common pest problems, and consequently there are many contractors to help with them.

But there are other pests as well: bees, deer, moles, skunks, snakes, wasps and woodchucks can become problems if they leave their outdoor homes and try to move in with you.

These kinds of pests are often more challenging to remove, either because they're hard to track or because they're dangerous (poisonous snakes, for example, or spraying skunks). The more difficult or dangerous to remove, the more likely you'll need a specialist to remove them. Fewer companies handle these kinds of pests, and consequently the cost is probably going to be higher.

To find the right kind of help removing unusual pests, start by calling your area animal control officer or humane society in Palo Alto, California. Often they know companies that have experience relocating animals that should be living in the wild. You also can look in the phone book, talk to neighbors who have had similar problems or call the Better Business Bureau for recommendations as to whom you should hire.