A reputable wildlife control company will provide testimonials or references if asked. You can also ask the operator how long they have been in the Wildlife Control Industry, keep in mind however that pest control is different from wildlife control.

Ask the operator what the state regulations are on the nuisance animal in question, and let them know how you feel the animal should be handled if you feel strongly about it. Consumers can research to verify state guidelines, and operators should be able to explain if they are not able to meet your expectations.

Ask if the operator or someone in their company is a member of National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA), this shows that they care about the industry and improving their business practices.

Practices to be wary of:

Be wary of companies that require full payment up front. Most companies will ask for 50% up front and the other half when the job is completed. In addition, the company should have a written contract for the service they are going to provide. This protects both yourself as the consumer and their company.

Reputable companies will hold both liability insurance and Workman’s Comp insurance. However, Workman’s Comp Insurance may not be held by someone who operates their own company. It may be a red flag if a company is operating without insurance.

Understand pricing:

There are many factors that can impact the pricing of a job. After receiving a quote, please keep the following in mind:

Dangerous jobs that include working from heights or with difficult/aggressive animals will cost more. As will jobs that require a good deal of travelling. The time that an operator spends travelling to and from the job site is time out of their schedule that they should be compensated for.

The cost of living/operating a business in your area will also impact pricing. For example, a job in a major city or outskirts may cost more than jobs in smaller towns with lower costs of living. Not only location but time of year will make an impact on cost, companies may charge higher prices during times of higher demand.

Beware of “the lowest prices in town”. Proper training and equipment are costly, so companies that cut corners to save costs may not provide the best services.

Knowledge and professionalism:

The operator should provide you with information about the species. Look for companies that provide information such as; if and when the animal(s) is likely to return, if they may have young nearby, etc.

All states have regulations on certain methods, and most do not allow the use of chemical sprays to drive animals out, be sure to check your state requirements.

Make sure you ask about the traps (if any), and who will be responsible for checking them and how often. Traps must be checked at least once a day, and if they want you to check the traps, they must be available to come remove the animal.

Are the traps set in a way that will protect the animal from environmental elements? This may not be required by state law, but the WCO should care about the animal’s welfare.

Keep in mind that you may need to take additional steps once the animal is removed to prevent any future issues. If you do not follow the recommendations of the company, the problem may persist.