If you are in a rush to get a raccoon out of your attic or a squirrel out of your chimney, you probably just call the first number you can find on Google and let a Maryland wildlife removal expert come in and take care of the nuisance wildlife. But if you have a non-pressing wildlife problem that can wait, or an ongoing issue that may need constant attention, it’s worth it to spend some time to interview the company you plan on working with. Here are just a few questions you can ask to determine whether a particular wildlife removal company is a good fit for your needs.
Do you practice humane wildlife removal?
There are many ways to get rid of nuisance wildlife, and not all of them are equally humane. The most humane method of removing wildlife from you property is live-trapping and relocating the animal far away from your home. The inhumane methods include poison and traps that either kill the animal instantly or injure it and leave it to suffer. At Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control, we practice humane wildlife removal whenever possible. We understand that when animals are being evicted from what they consider their home, they are just as stressed as you are. We do our best to make wildlife removal as smooth and low-stress as possible for both parties.
What do you do to prevent future infestations?
It’s one thing to have that scary opossum gone, but what about preventing other wildlife from taking his place? It’s crucial that your wildlife removal company takes measures to prevent future infestations. These measures may include sealing the entrance holes used by the animal, installing screens on vents and advising you on what you can do to deter the animal. If these preventive steps are not taken, you will face the same problem very soon. It’s good for the pest control company, since they get a repeat customer, but a reputable Maryland wildlife remover would never intentionally put you at risk of future infestations. If all your company does is remove the animal, look for a more comprehensive service.
Will you clean up the mess?
Most homeowners don’t know what’s going on in their attics or underneath their decks. All they know is that there are some odd noises and there is definitely an animal living there. Once the animal is removed, you are left to deal with the aftermath, which may consist of torn-up insulation, damaged drywall or pounds of animal excrement. Not only is this an unpleasant mess to clean up, but it can also be dangerous for your health, since animal feces, especially those of raccoons and bats, may contain parasites, mold spores and other dangerous micro-organisms. A full-service wildlife removal company will offer to clean up the nesting site and repair the damage after the animal is removed.
Are you properly licensed and insured?
A you might know, city and county authorities only deal with stray cats and dogs. If there is a snake, a raccoon or some other wildlife on your property, you will need to call a professional wildlife removal company. Maryland wildlife removal companies should be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). If you live in Virginia, Pennsylvania or Washington, DC, make sure your pest control company holds appropriate state licenses. And since wildlife removal can be dangerous, it doesn’t hurt to check whether your company has insurance. The last thing you want is someone getting bit by a rabid raccoon on your personal property and you stuck paying the medical bills.
How big are you?
If your wildlife removal “company” is a one-man operation, forget about getting fast response to your questions or emergency calls. You should hire an established company that has sufficient resources to deliver on their promises. Live-trapping of wildlife can be a time-consuming task: you have to inspect, set up traps, check them frequently and follow up to make sure all animal intruders are gone. If you have any questions along the way, you should be able to talk to a live person when you call. Look for a company that has a website and makes it easy for customers to get in touch. Give Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control a call or contact us online and we’ll be happy to answer these and any other questions you might have.