https://rickswildlifeandsnake.com/

Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC, Leavenworth, KS (2026)

08/31/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: STINGING PESTS, GROUND BEES (OR GROUND WASPS OR YELLOW JACKETS), MUD DAUBERS AND PAPER WASPS, BALDFACED HORNETS & CARPENTER BEES.

It’s that time of year when stinging pests get too close to the home. Before some of you get too excited, this DOES NOT refer to honeybees. Every honeybee job I had, I was able to get the queen and save the swarm. LONG LIVE THE HONEYBEES!

Now, let’s discuss the biggest troublemakers, Ground Bees.
Ground Bees or Yellow Jackets can be highly aggressive, territorial and very easily disturbed. If you experience several stings at one time, it’s likely you disturbed a ground bee (or yellow jacket) nest. These bees will attack lawn mowers and the person mowing. How does a homeowner know they have ground bees? Usually the hard way (ouch!). The real danger is if you or your family members have an allergic reaction to bee venom. These small yellow and black bees will sting and they hurt! I have personal experience, I have a few bee stings as I write this post. The average ground bee population can be from several 100 to several 1000. The picture showed here had a population of several hundred. See the pics.

HOW TO KILL A GROUND BEE NEST:
One customer called me and asked why he sprayed the hole and still got stung, "I sprayed the hole where the ground bees were, but all I got was stung and more angry bees." This is why: The ground bee nest can be as far as 6 inches down and 12 inches or more away from the hole. Spray the hole, kill some of the guards, that's it. So, what is the answer? Here are 6 steps:

Number 1: Wear protective clothing like a bee suit. See pic below.

Number 2: I take a screen and immediately cover the hole. The second I do that, a swarm of angry bees will clog the hole trying to get out and sting you.

Number 3: Upon immediately covering the hole, spray wasp and hornet killer directly into the hole. Then, very quickly, use a Giant Destroyer Poison Smoke Cartridge, light it and stick it in the hole. Keep the leaf blower on idol and blow the smoke into the hole. There are still some bees who escaped and are still trying to sting you.

Number 4: Take a pump sprayer with a chemical called Pyrethrin Concentrate and put the spray nozzle on the fan position. Now I can fan the air with at least 10 inches of fan width to knock down the bees. Are we done yet? NOPE.

Number 5: I have a shovel in one hand and my sprayer in the other hand. I carefully dig around the hole and SLOWLY pry up the nest. Many times, bees are still alive and very angry. Hit them with the fan spray until there is no movement. Collect the nest. Now are we done yet? NOPE.

Number 6: Put back the dirt and grass, dust the area with Sevin Insect Dust. For the bees that I did not get, they will land near the hole, get insect dust on their legs and they will eventually die.
NOW WE ARE DONE (MISSION COMPLETE).
After going through the 6 steps, you might say, OMG! I'm not doing that! Text or call and I will solve your ground bee problem. I guarantee my work.

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

07/30/2026

RICK’S LEND-A-HAND LLC has been in business for over 8 years. Our target audience are normally senior citizens. We are a home services business who can handle most repairs either inside or outside of the home. We have hundreds of customers and all the references you can check out. You want a reference list? Email me at: [email protected] or [email protected].

I have 6 great folks: 2 of the best handymen in Kansas (David, Bill & CJ), (all are in their late 40’s or 50’s), 2 cleaning ladies (Sarah and Denise) who do very well and one 26 year old (Breydon) who is a very hard worker. What needs fixing around your house? If the scope is too big, we will refer to local companies who are fair and do quality work.

Since I started Rick’s Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC, I’m on track to double my business in just the 2nd year. My first year in 2025: 73 jobs, 100% customer satisfaction. My 2nd year – already at job 110 and it is only July. 99% customer satisfaction. I have one regret – I wanted to continue to pursue a very stubborn groundhog at NO COST to the customer, but that person refused to let me finish the job; that hurts to this day. I’m hoping to get a text or call and I will get that groundhog (at this point, dead or alive).

See my business card for Rick's Lend-A-Hand LLC. We are here to help. I'm very protective of my customers. Before you hire a company, check with me. There are companies out there that try to take advantage of senior citizens.

Fast war story: An elderly customer of mine wrote a check for 1200.00 for 2 plumbers to get her hot water flowing again. Plumbers left with a 1200.00 check, no hot water. I said, "Put a stop payment on the check." She did, they threatened her. I got deeply involved. Called another plumber. 432.00 later, she had all the hot water she could use.

07/18/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: FOR THE LOVE OF VENOMOUS SNAKES, THE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE AND COPPERHEAD

The other night, I was called to a home with a Timber Rattlesnake that needed to be removed. I was so appreciative the homeowner did not kill the snake. So, what is good about Timber Rattlers and Copperheads? A lot of good! They keep the small mammal populations down; they eat many mice and rats.
Look at the incredible markings on both the Timber Rattler and the Copperhead. Such beautiful snakes!

Obviously, if you run into one of these snakes, do not try to pick it up and their strike capability is fast and accurate.

HAVING SOME FUN WITH A NEW FRIEND! Occasionally, I will get a very desperate, panicked person who is reporting they have a snake on their property or in their house. I pause and looking at my calendar and say, “How about if I come out a week from Thursday”? Hearing their reaction is a real treat. It goes something like, “Are you % #@& #!! kidding me? Then I reply, “Or I can come out immediately.” They always choose the latter. 😊

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

07/17/2026

RICK’S WILDLIFE TIP: GROUNDHOGS (OR WOODCHUCKS and WHISTLE PIGS).

Lately, I received several calls on groundhog issues. One customer said she has a large gopher and they tried everything, but the gopher would not leave. Another customer asked, “How can a beaver live under a porch where this is no water?” Obviously, these are groundhogs. So how do I get rid of groundhogs WITHOUT KILLING THEM? Read on…

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.

PLAN A: The STAPLES EASY BUTTON:
Put a live trap out with really good bait piled high. Wear rubber gloves. Groundhogs have a very keen sense of smell. Spilt the apples and carrots. Both bait does pretty well in the heat. No luck? Sweeten the trap with cantaloupe, this is their favorite food. Spread the seeds, juice and chunks over the apples and carrots. This works 90% of the time. Still no luck? You got yourself a trap-wise groundhog, he or she has seen this movie before, and they know how it ends. Abandon the traps, you are wasting your time.

PLAN B: TIME TO GO TO WORK:
Make the burrow unsafe and unlivable. Groundhogs always have 2 holes: An entrance and an exit. Find the largest hole and do the following: use a smoke cartridge and blow the smoke into the burrow with a leaf blower. Put a strong spotlight into the tunnel. Get a radio and put it on talk radio overnight. Next day, groundhogs will have moved out. It’s easy for them to abandon their tunnels.

TIME TO SEAL AND TREAT THE HOLES:
I shovel the dirt back in the hole, then cover the hole with ½ inch steel wire mesh (found at Gronis Hardware), followed by 12 x 12-inch patio bricks (found at Home Depot). I’m not done yet. Then I sprinkle a generous amount of ammonia and coyote urine (found on Amazon). Yes, coyote urine. If the ground hog returns (and they sometimes do), he or she won’t be there long.

DO NOT ALLOW your child or pet to tangle with a groundhog. They have 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.

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

07/15/2026

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, 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 trapped live 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

07/13/2026

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 Northern Kansas and Missouri, there are typically only a few which are venomous, there are a few others, but mostly in the southern parts. The Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake are the most common in this area. 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. 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

05/27/2026

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 .

Rick's Snake, Bee & Critter Removal LLC

08/31/2026

07/30/2026

07/18/2026

07/17/2026

07/15/2026

07/13/2026

05/27/2026

05/23/2026

05/14/2026

05/06/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request