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Choosing The Right Company

When deciding between companies the first thing you will want to look at is what kind of wildlife management methods they utilize - trap and relocate, humane no trap solutions or supposedly "humane" methods that in actuality may not be humane at all. You will also want to ask the right questions, look at the variety of services they can provide, how they determine their fees and if they tried to scare you into having the work done immediately.
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Cape Coral
Fort Myers, Pine Island
& Surrounding Areas
 
 

The Difference Between Methods

When it comes to choosing the right wildlife control company it is important to remember that there are many different wildlife management methods that a company can choose to focus on - and some will be more humane in actuality than others. In other words, the wildlife management techniques used in the wildlife control industry today vary greatly from company to company, so you will want to research them thoroughly.
We've provided a list of questions below for you to consider when choosing a company. When conducting research, you will find that a lot of companies will be quick to suggest killing, trapping or relocating the animal and will offer no suggestions regarding other options, home repair or prevention methods to discourage future problems. As a matter of fact, the majority of the industry will simply kill or relocate wildlife removed from your property; we do not think this is necessary, humane or justified.
Another kind of company you will run into are those that claim to be "humane" when in fact they are not. They will likely tell you their traps won't hurt the animal or that the animal will be fine once relocated. However, traps can be very harmful, and relocation studies have shown that relocation can be stressful, and often fatal to the animal. Even do it yourself trapping, relocation and humane live traps can injure the animal or the animal may inadvertently harm a neighbor's pet or curious child.
opossum injured by a supposedly humane live trap
Photo of an injured opossum caught
in a supposedly "humane" trap.
And it isn't just a matter of being humane, we believe that trapping alone will not give you lasting results. Wildlife is territorial - more will soon return to the "scene of the crime", smell past occupants, and re-enter via inadequate repairs or via entry points that you were unaware of.
During your research, you'll likely find that a lot of companies use harmful chemicals that can be hazardous to you, your family and pets too. But regardless of what they may tell you, these kind of methods are not required to effectively solve wildlife problems around your property.
Trapping may be necessary on occasion, and some companies such as ours, can utilize methods that cover all circumstances. When there is no other choice, or if our clients insist on it, we can provide trap and relocate services too - and provide the necessary modifications to your home to help prevent future issues. But fortunately, in most cases, you do have a choice - to choose a company that utilizes methods that are both truly humane and truly safe - companies like The Wildlife Whisperer that utilize gentler removal methods and offer preventative repairs and home modifications. If you are in Cape Coral, Pine Island, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Boca Grande, North Naples, or anywhere in between, we can cost effectively provide you with a humane solution for your wildlife dilemmas without needlessly killing, trapping or relocating your nuisance wildlife. If you are not in Southwest Florida, we have provided a list of humane wildlife control professionals you may wish to pursue further.
baby squirrel orphan being fed and safely rescued
Practicing humane wildlife control
methods can help prevent orphaned
baby animals from being left behind.
Generally speaking, once you are familiar with what kind of wildlife management methods a company might utilize, you will be better prepared to ask the right questions when choosing a company.
 
 

Deciding Between Companies

When deciding between companies It is important to understand the methods a company can utilize because it can have an impact on the well being of both you and the animal. You may also want to make sure they can help you with any home modifications that may be required.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential service providers by method, you will also want to look at how they determine their fees, who will have the longest lasting results and who is the most experienced. For instance, some companies may charge by the job and others by the number of animals they find. If they do not have the proper credentials and hands on experience, not only will the animal be at risk, but you and your home will be too. If the proper repairs and modifications aren't made you can be certain you will soon have problems again in the future, making their ability to help with construction and repairs a vital service.
And last but not least, don't forget to consider what products might be utilized during the removal and prevention process - are their products harmful or poisonous in any way?
Taking a few moments to ask the right questions can help prevent issues. We've provided some questions below to help you with your research.
 
 

Important Questions To Ask

1. Do their trapping methods favor live trapping and relocation wildlife control techniques?
There are disadvantages to trap and relocate methods - trapped animals can suffer, others will replace them, and you'll likely be a repeat customer if proper repairs aren't made. However, there are instances where circumstances do dictate trap and relocate methods. In this case, you will want to make sure the company will still value humane methods and can do the repairs necessary to prevent future issues.
The Wildlife Whisperer can control your wildlife problems the humane way - and do it right the first time - most often without trapping.
When circumstances do require trapping and relocation, or when customers insist on it, The Wildlife Whisperer can do trapping and relocating as humanely as possible while still providing the necessary repairs needed to prevent future issues. It is not our first choice, but we would prefer to see it done as humanely as possible, rather than done by companies with little regard for the animal or customer's well being.
2. Do they charge "by the animal" or any "set up" or "per animal" trapping fees?
Per animal fees may appear a good deal at first, but the need will repeat itself again in the near future if proper repairs are not made. Repeat trapping services can add up quickly, especially when you may be charged or sued for trapping the neighbor's cat or other non-targeted animals. You have to ask yourself - what is really the most cost effective way to go - do I want to hire a trapping business to trap countless invading wild animals over and over again - with no regard for preventative repairs - or, do I want to hire the company that will do the job humanely and keep me leaps and bounds ahead of a critter's next move?
Our long term solutions which include the proper repairs, can be much more cost effective than repeated trapping and the problems that go with it. We will also address protecting your largest investment - your home.
3. What will be the repercussions of their methods on area wildlife and the animal in question?
If humane wildlife control methods are important to you, be wary, some wildlife control operators will tell you their trapping services are "humane" but will kill the animal once it has been removed from your property. You might want to inquire further and ask them where and how the animal will be relocated, or if they have any wildlife rehabilitation references to offer.
You will also want to take into consideration the babies that could be left behind to die of starvation or fall prey to predators. Baby animals left to die in attics or walls create a horrible smell that can be very unpleasant.
The Wildlife Whisperer focuses on humane wildlife control methods that are kind to wildlife and their young, and we can provide the proper references and relocation information too.
4. What kind of products do they use - are they for use by professionals only? Any poisons?
Poisons often result in suffering and an agonizing, painful death for the animal. They are often eaten inadvertently by the family pet or non-targeted animals too. Poisons can also harm secondary animals in the food chain. For instance, the effect of a poison used to kill a mouse can be passed on to a dog or cat should they eat that mouse, dead or alive. Unprofessional baits such as tuna, bread or peanut butter often lure in animals such as the neighbor's cat that you do not want caught in the trap. You can learn more about secondary poisoning in our rodent control section. Although easy to find, store repellents and do it yourself poisons are often unsafe and ineffective - and should be avoided in most cases.
The Wildlife Whisperer utilizes products that are both safe and effective.
5. Do they assist with attic damage repair or offer any follow-up carpentry or clean up services?
Trapping companies that offer wildlife removal without proper follow up repairs and modifications are merely providing short term solutions that will result in repeat business for them and costly repeat trapping and damage repair expenses for you. If you don't fix the building, you haven't really fixed the problem, and new wildlife will continue to invade. This is why we say - "you have a building problem, not a wildlife problem" and also why it is so important for the company to have the proper insurance and knowledge regarding such repairs and modifications to your home.
The Wildlife Whisperer team has the experience necessary to solve current building issues and prevent future problems too.
We know how to do wildlife damage repair the right way, including attic insulation replacement and sanitation. Our solutions save clients money on their energy bill too.
In short, once we solve your wildlife problem, we clean up the mess they made and make your property better than it was before.
6. What are their service credentials -
Certifications? Education? Experience?
It is a must that any wildlife professional coming to your home have the proper experience and education. Certifications often offer proof they are properly prepared.
The Wildlife Whisperer has a long list of important professional credentials including the proper education and certifications you'll want your provider to have - and over 30 years of hands on experience too.
7. What are their business credentials - Insurance? Time in business? Employees? Reputation?
Wildlife control means working around your home and property. Consequently, adequate insurance coverage is a must for any reputable wildlife control business, and an important consideration for any homeowner utilizing such services. The length of time a company has offered services in your area is often an indicator of stability as well. The size of the business is not always an indicator however, this is because humane wildlife control is a specialized art and not just anyone should be doing it. Reputation, references, knowledge, training, hands-on experience, and employee background screening are all important. If properly qualified, they should have the credentials to prove it.
Our company is well established and is a recipient of the prestigious Entrepreneurial Spirit award. We are very particular about who we hire and send to your home. Our operators are courteous, highly trained professionals and must pass a very thorough background check and undergo drug testing before they can join our team. We also have the necessary credentials and professional affiliations that every company who comes to your home should have.
8. Do they work frequently with any wildlife rehabilitators? How are they thought of by them?
Wildlife rehabilitators work very hard to protect wildlife. Be wary if you are looking for a truly humane wildlife management professional and they do not have a wildlife rehab specialist they can offer as a reference.
Our company is proud to work with several highly respected rehabilitators in Florida and across the United States.
 
Cape Coral, Fort Myers & Pine Island
Sanibel Island, Captiva, Boca Grande and
surrounding areas in Southwest Florida
Mobile Response #: 239-900-6411
1242 SW Pine Island Rd., Suite 310
Cape Coral, Florida 33991-2126
help@totalwildlifecontrol.com
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