The first step is to understand the difference between pest control and wildlife control. Pest control normally means bugs and mice or rats. Wildlife control involves the management of animals with a spine. Many pest control companies dabble in wildlife control, but relatively few have the expertise to handle a wide range of wildlife problems. People who have wildlife control experience are often called Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs), Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs), or Problem Animal Controllers (PACs).
When searching for a qualified wildlife controller, ask the following questions:
1. Are you licensed? (Not all states require licenses, so check your state's division of wildlife before asking).
2. Do you have references?
3. How many years have you been in the wildlife control business? This question is not to be confused with how many years they have been in the pest control business. Controlling insects is very different from controlling wildlife.
4. Do you have liability insurance? If so, how much? It is very easy to obtain $100,000 of coverage in this industry. There is no excuse as to why a NWCO can't have it.
5. Does you have Worker's Compensation insurance? This insurance protects the worker if he or she gets injured on the job. Understand that most NWCOs 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.
6. Are there a variety of control options? The NWCO should present you with a variety of options, such as exclusion, trapping, eviction, habitat modification, or maybe even suggesting that nothing be done. Consider how his/her recommendations compare with those suggested by the Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage book (link noted below). Understand that sometimes NWCO's don't present you with a variety of options because you already gave them specific instructions. If you want to double check, ask the NWCO if there are other possible solutions than the one you asked for.
7. Are there other control options than the ones you suggested?
8. Will you put the job in writing with a complete contract?
9. Will you provide services according to my 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.
When selecting a pest control service, shop around and compare recommendations, prices, and contracts. 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. Take your time, and do not be rushed into making a decision. Select a service that has been in business in the community for a reasonable amount of time. Ask for estimates (determine if the estimates are free), and make sure that you understand the services provided and the costs involved.
Online Resources
Wildlife Control Operator Questions
Wildlife Control Operator Listings by State
