Choosing a Wildlife Control Business - Pest Control Reviews.

1) Are there any unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau?  Many Michigan based bat control & pest control companies that have been doing business for a few years are listed at the BBB. Read the reviews and complaints. Better Business Bureau (BBB) - Company Search

2) Google the phone number of the business that you are considering.  On occasion, you may discover sole proprietors operating under several DBA's or company names.  This can be important information if you are looking to receive quotes from two unaffiliated businesses.

3) If you are hiring a corporation, are they in good standing and are they authorized to conduct business in your state?  All companies with a "INC, CORP, or LLC" must be listed here.  Investigate company claims of being in business a certain length of time. Date of incorporation can be found here. Michigan Business Entity Search

4) If you are a member of Angies List, take a look at the reviews.  Keep in mind that newly formed or small operators may not have any feedback, whereas, larger organizations with a large customer base may have many.  Look for trends and lack of response from the company. Company responsiveness should be a factor in your decision on choosing a company.

5)  Does the company have BOTH Liability Insurance AND Workers Compensation Insurance? Some people are self employed and may not have workers comp which protects everyone in the case of personal injury. This is essential to protect your assets.  Request that a certificate of insurance be emailed or faxed in advance.  Critter Catchers Inc - Certificate of Insurance 2011  2012

6) Does the company have a permit to trap wildlife with the Department of Natural Resources in your State? Listing of Permitted Companies in Michigan  Critter Catchers Inc - Permit #RC-772.

7)  Do you want captured wildife released?  Does the company have their own property with sufficient habitat?  CCI Nature Preserve

8) Does the company have a license to apply pesticides?  This is important if your suspected MI bat control problem turns into a mouse control issue. Most homes have mice.  Listing licensed companies in Michigan and further explanation.  Critter Catchers Inc - License #630198.

9) If you need a company to perform attic cleanups, insulation replacement, or to perform minor repairs on a home a residential builders license is required when the aggregate contract price for the contractor & all subcontractors is >$600. Locate Michigan license online.  Critter Catchers Inc - License #2102196439.

10)  Is the company a member of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) and/or Michigan Animal Damage Control Association (MADCA)?  Region 6 Listing

11)  If you are relying on a guarantee or warranty, get it emailed or faxed over in advance.  Review the language and make sure you are in agreement with the terms and any disclaimers. Additionally, did you know that the BBB has a category for complaints related to warranties?  Make sure that the company responds to complaints related to warranties.

12)  Are your phone calls answered and returned promptly?  Many companies operate as a single person and do not have the resources to manage phones, customer concerns, and back office chores.

13)  When choosing a company for your bat control project, make sure that they consider the maternity season and baby bats.  Glue boards are not appropriate means of control and may be considered illegal. 

14)  Will the company inspect the attic, and will you get a written inspection report?  The attic space is the single largest place where evidence of bat and mice activity is discovered.

15)  It is customary in the wildlife control industry to charge a service charge for the on-site inspection.  Be wary of those that are not able to charge for their services.  This could indicate a less experienced operator or provide a clue that they have having difficulty obtaining customers. 

16)  After the initial visit, make sure you are comfortable with the team that will service your account.  What was the condition of the equipment (trucks, ladders)?  Did the technician explain the project to your satisfaction?

Thank you for reading this!