What questions should customers think through before talking to a Wildlife Specialist about their issue?
Remember the who what when why where from English class?Who is making that noise? What kind of noises are you hearing? Scratching, thumping, gnawing? What time of day or night are you hearing them? Why am I hearing something new? Obviously, where are they coming from above the ceiling in the attic? Under the bathtub or crawl space area?
Have you walked the perimeter of your home and looked for signs of an entry, something obvious like a hole in the soffit or trim or perhaps little pieces of debris such as insulation or wood or something tell tail like bat guano present on a window sill.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Research wildlife removal methods and providers, so you have a better understanding of what to expect both with the process and the cost involved. Speak to a couple on the phone. You can usually get a feel for and decide if you like or trust the person on the other end of the line by verbal communication as opposed to only text or emails.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
A lifelong friend of mine has worked in the industry for almost 15 years. Eventually, he started his own wildlife removal company and as it grew, he needed help so I began helping part time and it went from there.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of customers. Squirrels, raccoons, snakes and other wildlife do not discriminate on who's home they try to occupy. We have also worked with many businesses, and commercial settings.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I'm always pleased when we complete a job and the client is satisfied and relieved.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My degree is a BSN, which is actually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Although there's not much nursing work unless, perhaps you were bit by the wildlife, the science part of the degree helped prepare me for working with animals and there are various zoonotic pathogens. Also the nursing side gave me compassion and empathy and the ability to work with humans.
I am a North Carolina damage control agent. certified and licensed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. I also have taken courses in structural pesticide application and am certified by North Carolina Dept of Agriculture for application as needed.
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Just that when working with wildlife, across the industry, it's not as inexpensive as people hope or think. Also, no two jobs are the same. Prices can have a huge difference between a small job and a large job. There's many factors, how many holes or entries are present? How much contaminated insulation or clean up is necessary? How hard or how high up is it to repair the damage?
Really the only services that have a set pricing would be most deceased animal removals and basic trapping.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Well obviously you get in contact with each other either via email, text or one of these apps. This is usually followed by a phone consultation. From there an inspection and assessment of the home or building is the next step.
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