Each problem with nuisance wildlife is unique, although we can provide general guidance that will help to resolve many problems and issues, some will require the help of a professional. Please see the directory for contact information of wildlife control officers and certified nuisance control operators. Nuisance wildlife control operators are private businesses who provide their services for a fee.
- Wildlife control officers are available to provide assistance in instances where there is risk of harm to you, your animals or livestock or in some instances of damage to agricultural crops.
Knowing some questions to ask operators can help to reduce misunderstandings and help to ensure that they are able to address your problem.
- Ask operators whether they are able to work with and have experience with the wildlife with which you are having problems and their general approach to conflict resolution.
- Identify whether the operator has experience and expertise with the wildlife species that you are having a problem with. Some species (e.g., specific bats) may require special training for operators to be able to capture and handle them.
- Can they describe the basic biology and behavior of the animal? In general, the more experience an operator has with a type of wildlife, the more proficient they will be in handling the many different types of challenges that a specific type of wildlife may present.
- What is their policy regarding non-target animal catches?
- Ask operators what training and permits they hold or have completed and whether they are licensed and insured.
- In Virginia, there is not a state specific certification for wildlife operators apart from an exam that operators are required to pass. However, the National Wildlife Control Operators Association operates trainings that are more comprehensive than those mandated in Virginia. If the operator has completed this training they may be better able to resolve your issue.
- The use of some chemical deterrents and pesticides requires the operator to hold a Pesticide Applicator’s License. This license helps ensure that operators can use chemicals in a way that is safe for humans and the environment. If an operator does not hold this license they will be constrained on which chemicals they can legally use. In many cases chemical deterrents are highly effective.
- Ask operators about their approach to damage resolution and what services they provide.
- Understanding how comprehensively an operator addresses a problem can help provide an indication of whether they will be able to resolve the problem or whether they will just end the particular event you are having. The more comprehensively a problem is addressed, the more likely it is to be resolved. Some questions to ask include:
- Do they look over the entire structure or site of damage?
- Do they do structural work themselves or do they hire that out? If they hire it out, is that company licensed and insured, too? If they do the structural work themselves, is it professional quality?
- Do they offer a guarantee for structural repairs? If so, what does it specifically cover, and how long does the guarantee last?
- Do they offer a maintenance service?
- Understanding how comprehensively an operator addresses a problem can help provide an indication of whether they will be able to resolve the problem or whether they will just end the particular event you are having. The more comprehensively a problem is addressed, the more likely it is to be resolved. Some questions to ask include:
- Get quotes from multiple operators.
- The amount that operators charge can vary widely, getting a quote can help avoid rude surprises, help evaluate different management options and find an operator that is willing to work within your budget.
- Be sure to understand which services are included within the quote (e.g., structural repairs) and whether their work is guaranteed and whether they charge a per animal or per job.
- Ask for references and look for online reviews.
- Talking with other people who have experience with the operator can help you decide if the operator is someone that you want to work with. Any reputable operator should be willing to provide a reference.
- Resolving a wildlife conflict can be an involved and costly process and knowing the experiences of other people with similar problems can help you decide whether the operator will be a good fit for your needs.
- Although online reviews are not to be trusted without verification, they can provide an indication that more research about an operator is needed.
Once you have selected an operator there are additional questions and requests to ask.
- Ask for a written estimate that outlines services you are receiving. However, keep in mind that many wildlife control companies only do verbal contracts for basic work. Whether the contract is verbal or written, you and the operator should agree upon the cost of services including deposit, if applicable, the amount due and method of payment when the agreed upon services are completed.
- Work with the operator to identify the problem and understand the agreed-upon method of resolution. Wildlife conflicts sometimes have several potential solutions. You and the operator should discuss all activities associated with the job, including set-up, trap checks, repairs, and future warranties or maintenance. Also, determine who from the company will conduct the work on your property and when. Resolution of a problem will most likely also require some form of change to your behavior or property.
- Know your responsibilities. An agreement may require you to follow certain procedures regarding traps and how or when to communicate with the company following the initial set-up. Traps are set a certain way at specific locations to maximize the likelihood of catching the target animal while also avoiding non-target animals. Moving traps or tampering with them can reduce their effectiveness or even be dangerous. However, companies will likely ask the homeowner to check the traps every day. If an animal is caught, you will be required to call the company or technician who will remove the animal and reset the trap. Under no circumstances should you ever release a trapped animal unless instructed to do so by the professional who set the trap.
- Ask if there are opportunities to reduce your costs. Some companies will let you do repair work yourself after they have completed their work but this may void any exclusion warranty. In some cases, you may just need to know what kind of problem you have and how to deal with it. Some companies may charge a bit more above their standard onsite service fee to develop a specific plan on how you can do it yourself
This page is based upon and borrows heavily from “Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional” by Brian McGowan (Purdue Extension) for more in-depth information, please refer to it.