By Barnes Wildlife Control, Dec 20 2016 01:35AM
Wildlife Damage Prevention for Structures: http://icwdm.org/Prevention/Structures.aspx
This useful information can be found from the website listed here or by searching for the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management.
HIRING A WILDLIFE CONTROL OPERATOR: by Dr. Robert Schmidt
How qualified is the WCO?
- Is the WCO licensed? Yes, we are licensed for both Insect and Wildlife Removal.
- Ask for references. We have plenty so ask away!
- Ask how many years have you been doing wildlife control business? 5 years to date.
- Consult with your state’s Environmental Police and Department of Natural Resources. Ask them who they recommend in your area. Press them for an unofficial statement. We are well respected with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. A list of county wildlife officers can be found on our home page.
- Do you have liability insurance? If so how much? $100,000 of coverage is very easy to obtain in this industry. There is no excuse as to why a WCO can’t have it. Yes, we have a 2 Million General Aggregate Policy.
- Does the WCO have Workman’s Comp insurance? This insurance protects the worker if he gets injured on the job. Understand that most WCOs are self employed and so may not be required by law to have it. However, if they have other employees they may have to have it. Yes, copy provided upon request.
- Did the WCO present you with a variety of control options? Exclusion, trapping, eviction, habitat modification or maybe even suggesting that nothing be done? How does his/her recommendations compare with those suggested by the Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage? Yes, we offer a vast array of control options to suit your needs according to each situation.
- Does he/she put the job in writing with a complete contract? Yes, a written estimate with photos will be shown at time of inspection.
- Philosophy. Will the WCO provide services according to your preference and in accordance with local laws? Keep in mind that your preferences may change the price both in time and money of the service. Yes, we abide and follow the rules we are regulated by.
Considerations on price:
a.how dangerous is the job? (ladder work is always dangerous)
b.how difficult is it to control the species? (Some species like gray squirrels are easy to control. Others like red squirrels can be more difficult).
c.how much travel and equipment is involved to resolve the problem? (If the WCO has to travel 20 miles one way to reach your location, he will need to get paid for the time both ways).
d.how expensive is it to live in your area? (WCOs in urban areas often get more money than those who live in rural ones).
e.what kind of warranty of guarantee does the wildlife control operator give? Depending on the species, a month to a year is sufficient. Also, guarantees are only as good as the company who gives them. If they go out of business, the guarantee means nothing.
f.Remember quality companies that have insurance, good equipment and training have high costs. While high prices don’t guarantee quality, low prices almost always guarantee that the person is not insured.
g.How busy is the WCO? Sometimes WCOs raise prices due to excessive demand. Other times prices may be lower due to reduced demand.
Call Barnes Wildlife Control for a complete solution to your pest problem at 937-340-1867.
A few trapped animals on back of our truck. A successful day!