When it comes to dealing with wildlife breaking into your home finding a good wildlife removal company can be a tricky process. The reality is wildlife removal is an unregulated and crowded industry. A quick internet search will bring up lots of local companies competing for your hard-earned dollars. Unlike an electrician or a plumber who needs to meet certain standards and operate within well-defined parameters; in this industry, there are no standards or oversight. So it is very important you do your homework.
Do Lot’s Of Research
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when faced with an animal breaking into your home is going with the first company you come across. No one enjoys dealing with these issues and it can be tempting to simply go with the first person who answers the phone and sounds competent. Because there is such a wide range when it comes to the quality of workmanship out there, not doing your homework is a gamble you can’t afford to take. This isn’t a tune-up at the mechanics, you are hiring these people to work on your home, one of the largest investments you will ever make.
The first and most important part of this process is to really look into the available options. Especially if you are not familiar with the wildlife and pest industry, we recommend you take some time reading through various companies’ websites and familiarise yourself with the service offerings and language. Once you have gotten your barrings its time to dig into a few of the companies that caught your attention. Here are a few tips:
- Online Reviews – reviews are a great measuring stick for several reasons. If a company has a lot of reviews, its an indicator that they have been in business for some time and have experience in your local market. And obviously, if the overwhelming majority of the reviews are positive you can assume they are good at what they do. Really read through the reviews, make sure they are substantive and not just fluffy one-line reviews.
- Third-Party Affiliations – There are organizations out there such as the Better Business Bureau and Homestars that can serve as a good source of information on a wildlife removal company you are looking to hire. Serious consumer complaints are filed and made public with the BBB and being accredited by them is an indicator a company is above board. They have a very involved vetting process.
- Social Media – Facebook and Instagram particularly for this industry are great indicators of the calibre of work you can expect. Instagram is very visual so you will be able to see plenty of examples of previous work. And Facebook is a favourite place for people to interact with a business, you can see reviews and interactions between a company and its community.
- Website – A modern and up to date, relevant website is an indicator that a company is on top of things and serious about what they do.
Now that you have spent some time snooping around into various companies online, its time to narrow down the list and break out your dialling finger.
Time To Contact Companies That Stood Out
As a newly minted armchair expert on wildlife removal companies its time to put what you have learnt to the test. Time to call up a few outfits that stood out and start asking some questions. Your end goal should be to set up inspections with as many companies as you have time to accommodate. We recommend at least 3, that will give you a good enough sample size to make an educated decision. In order to set up those inspections, you will most likely need to contact several companies. The truth is some people don’t always answer their phones or get back to you promptly, others can be fully booked and other times you may just get a bad feeling when you reach out to them. It’s important you trust your gut feel and your first impression. Here are a few suggestions to help you source out the right companies to shortlist:
- Ask About Liability Insurance – Accidents do happen and wildlife removal companies often have to drill holes in your roof, climb up tall ladders and work at heights. You want to make sure all possible scenarios are covered.
- At Heights. Training – In Ontario, all employees who work on ladders must pass an at heights training program through the ministry. Make sure the companies you are dealing with ar compliant.
- Warranty – Any service provider who has confidence in the quality and durability of their work will offer a warranty. The better companies in the industry offer lifetime warranties. Make sure you get this in writing.
- References – One of the best ways to qualify whether or not a wildlife removal com any is as advertised is to ask to speak with some past local customers. Of course, they will not give you the information of a disgruntled client but the fact that they have people at the ready willing to sing their praises is a great indication.
- Overall Knowledge – Once again trust your instincts, you should feel like the initial person you speak with is knowledgeable and competent.
Now that you have read up on your local options extensively and taken the time to reach out to a number of these places you should have all the appointments you need lined up.
On-Site Inspections
An on-site assessment is absolutely crucial in any scenario involving wildlife and pest removal. Any company that quotes you over the phone and refuses an in-person inspection is not worth considering. there are too many moving parts and each scenario is always completely unique. The reality is that price will always be a huge factor when deciding on who to go with, but make sure it isn’t the only factor. Here are some pointers to help you navigate the inspection process:
- Thorough Inspection – Make sure they go into your attic, climb up and walk around on the roof and are thorough in their assessment. A thorough inspection is crucial in getting the problem resolved the first time around. Check out the video below, a great example of how a thorough inspection of the entire roof discovered a new and unforeseen issue:
- First Impressions count – take a look at their vehicle, ladders, equipment and their overall appearance and trust your gut feel on it. Of course, it’s dangerous to judge a book by its cover but its also dangerous to hire a wildlife technician with shabby equipment and who takes o pride in their overall appearance.
- Ask About Their Experience – Ask the person about other similar situations they have encountered and about how many years they have been in the industry. A seasoned professional will have lots of similar experiences to draw on to help ease any of your concerns.
- Detailed Quote – The estimate provided should provide as much detail as possible and account for every single dollar quoted clearly and in language you understand. Ask lots of questions if there is anything that is unclear.
And now you’re ready to make an informed decision and get those unwanted pests out for good. Remember whenever possible its best to get at least 3 estimates from various wildlife removal companies and ask lots of questions. Good luck!