Let me take you on an exciting journey into the world of Critter Pricker, a product that transformed a common household problem into a business success story. As someone who loves exploring innovative solutions, I was captivated by Critter Pricker’s story when it aired on Shark Tank. This ingenious product, designed to humanely deter raccoons and other critters, has since carved out a niche in the pest control industry. Let’s dive into its origins, its memorable Shark Tank pitch, and how it has fared since then.
What is Critter Pricker?
Critter Pricker is a humane pest control device created by Joseph Balistreri, a wildlife removal specialist with over 15 years of experience. The product consists of plastic strips with sharp spikes that discourage critters like raccoons from accessing areas such as trash cans, gardens, and swimming pools. What’s remarkable is that the spikes are designed to be uncomfortable but not harmful to animals, making it an ethical solution for homeowners.
The product’s simplicity and effectiveness are its greatest strengths. The strips are modular, allowing users to snap them together in various configurations to protect vulnerable areas. From fences to roofs and trash bins, Critter Pricker offers versatile protection against pesky intruders.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Joseph Balistreri brought his invention to Shark Tank in Season 11, Episode 17, which aired in March 2020. He entered the tank seeking $115,000 for 15% equity in his company, valuing Critter Pricker at $766,667. Armed with samples and a compelling story, Joseph shared his journey as a pest control professional and demonstrated how his product solved a widespread problem.
Key Highlights from the Pitch
- Sales Figures: At the time of filming, Critter Pricker had generated $80,000 in sales for the year. Joseph also revealed that he had sold out at a recent trade show.
- Product Demonstration: Joseph showcased how Critter Pricker works by placing the spiked strips around trash cans and pool steps—areas commonly invaded by raccoons.
- Concerns from Sharks: While intrigued by the concept, several Sharks expressed concerns about liability risks if children or pets were accidentally injured by the spikes.
Despite these concerns, Kevin O’Leary (aka “Mr. Wonderful”) saw potential in the business. He offered Joseph $115,000 for 15% equity but added a perpetual royalty of $2.50 per unit sold. After some deliberation, Joseph accepted Kevin’s offer.
Investment Details
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Critter Pricker’s Shark Tank deal:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Critter Pricker |
| Founders | Joseph Balistreri |
| Season & Episode | Season 11, Episode 17 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $115,000 for 15% equity |
| Final Deal | $115,000 for 15% equity + $2.50/unit royalty |
| Shark(s) Involved | Kevin O’Leary |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Concerns over liability; O’Leary’s royalty deal |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated under $1 million |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | $500K–$1M annually |
| Social Media Presence | Modest |
| Key Achievements | Expansion into multiple states; steady sales |
Post-Shark Tank Journey
After appearing on Shark Tank, Critter Pricker experienced an immediate boost in visibility and sales. However, reports suggest that the deal with Kevin O’Leary never officially closed. Despite this setback, Joseph continued to grow his business independently.
Expansion and Growth
- Geographic Reach: Critter Pricker expanded its operations to states like Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, and Florida.
- Sales Channels: The product remained available on Amazon and the company’s official website.
- Revenue: Annual revenue stabilized between $500K and $1M—a significant improvement from pre-Shark Tank figures.
Challenges
Like many businesses during the pandemic years (2020–2022), Critter Pricker faced supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand. Additionally, concerns about liability continued to linger among potential customers.
Current Status
As of January 2025, Critter Pricker is still active and thriving in its niche market. Here’s where things stand:
- Annual Revenue: Estimated between $500K and $1M.
- Product Availability: The spiked deterrent strips are available online for $27.99–$32.99 per box.
- Market Presence: The company has expanded its pest control services beyond selling products to include professional wildlife removal services in select states.
- Customer Reviews: Feedback on platforms like Amazon has been largely positive, with customers praising the product’s effectiveness.
Analysis: What Makes Critter Pricker Unique?
Critter Pricker stands out in the pest control market for several reasons:
- Humane Approach: Unlike traps or poisons that harm animals, Critter Pricker deters them without causing injury.
- Ease of Use: The modular design makes installation straightforward for homeowners.
- Affordability: With prices ranging from $27.99 to $32.99 per box (and manufacturing costs at just $8 per unit), the product offers excellent value.
However, liability concerns remain a challenge that could limit its scalability.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Critter Pricker’s journey offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs:
- Innovation Matters: A simple yet effective solution can capture market attention if it addresses a genuine need.
- Be Prepared for Challenges: Liability risks and supply chain issues are hurdles that require proactive management.
- Exposure Isn’t Everything: While Shark Tank provided critical exposure for Critter Pricker, long-term success depended on Joseph’s ability to adapt and grow his business independently.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
Critter Pricker has come a long way since its Shark Tank debut in 2020. While it may not have achieved explosive growth or widespread fame like some other Shark Tank products, it has built a loyal customer base and established itself as a reliable player in humane pest control.
Looking ahead, the company could benefit from:
- Expanding into retail chains like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Enhancing marketing efforts to build brand awareness.
- Innovating new products to address additional pest control needs.
Critter Pricker’s story is one of resilience and ingenuity—a reminder that even small ideas can make a big impact when executed well. Whether you’re battling raccoons or looking for inspiration as an entrepreneur, there’s something to learn from this prickly success story!