FAQ
What do we do with the animals after they are captured?
Foremost, we must obey Michigan and Indiana law. Depending on the species, certain rabies
vectors must be euthanized by law, while some protected animals must be released
immediately. If the animal is healthy, we prefer to relocate it. If the animal is sick or
injured, we refer to our local DNR licensed animal rehabilitator for guidance regarding the
next step. Humane euthanization is sometimes a more favorable option; however, upon customer
request, we may live-catch and release a species we normally euthanize for a premium fee.
How much do you charge to trap bats, raccoons, and
woodchucks?
General estimates given over the phone are limited to single-story, full-time owner,
residential-sized lots for 1/4 acres or less. More accurate estimates can be made for
multiple-story and larger properties, depending on the extent of the infestation. Because
Michigan and Indiana law require traps to be checked every day and animals to be released
within 24 hours, we ask our residential family customers to watch the traps and notify us
immediately of a catch. Being interactive can save our customers money. If no one is living
at the home, we watch the traps every day. Bats, goose, coyotes, beavers, muskrats, and
other vermin removal is priced differently depending on the infestation.
Can the city or county take care of the animals for free?
No. Government animal control deals only with domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats.
While city or county animal services may help with select wildlife cases, they would not be
performing thorough and humane wildlife control. Wildlife control is a complex and
specialized field that requires a lot of dedication and experience. We do not simply remove
the pest--we assess and contain all damage resulting from the infestation.
Can pest control companies provide wildlife control?
No. Pest control companies specialize in treating insects, usually using poison to do so.
Wildlife control of large animals is an entirely different specialization that requires
attention from professional nuisance wildlife trappers only. Instead of using poison, we can
trap on the ground at a competitive price.
Absolutely not. Poison is not an effective solution for wildlife control as it is for
insects. The proper way to assess the infestation is to locate the entry holes the pests are
using to enter the home, sealing the holes shut with stainless steel, and trapping the pests
for removal.
Do you exterminate termites or other insects?
As of 2011, we are re-entering the pest control business because many companies are
producing all-natural, effective products that we can guarantee are safe for our families.
When animals get into our homes, they carry fleas, ticks, mites, and insects. Merely
deodorizing and covering the insects with the new insulation (like our competition does)
forces the insects to move down the walls inside your home. Choose a more experienced
professional wildlife-pest control company whose safety protocol decreases dangerous foot
traffic through your home. We have pest control licenses issued by the Michigan Department
of Agriculture and the Office of Indiana State Chemist which require a two-year
apprenticeship and proven expertise.
Wildlife control operators use different traps unique to every type of animal and
situation. As professional DNR trappers for decades, all of our traps are legal in southern
Michigan and northern Indiana. Whether the trap is lethal or live-capture, we use the most
effective and humane traps.
What is your service area?
Our company works from Gary to Goshen in northwest Indiana and New Buffalo to Sturgis in
southwest Michigan.
How long have you been in business?
We have over 50 years of experience--since 1956.
Our company employees are fully trained and licensed by both Indiana and Michigan
Departments of Natural Resources. We also hold licenses from Michigan's Department of
Agriculture and The Office of Indiana State Chemist.
We are fully insured in both northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan for all residential
and most commercial jobs. We can purchase additional insurance to meet any company's
requirements.
Why do you charge so much?
Our top priority is the safety of our families. We have invested thousands of dollars in
Hepa-filtered equipment, respirators, disinfectants, sanitizers, virucides, and numerous
other equipment to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. Experience and
knowledge are our next priorities. All of our employees are college graduates and have at
least a four-year apprenticeship with our company. Lastly, we value experience. Our
customers feel better about our warranties and product guarantees knowing we are a
family-owned and operated organization dating back generations.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, most credit cards, and PayPal.
Do you pick up orphaned animals or birds?
We do not rescue and rehabilitate lost or injured baby animals. We are not allowed to
restrain an animal for longer than 24 hours.
Do you pick up dead animals and remove odor?
Yes. Our minimum charge is $100.00 to pick up a wild animal in a known, accessible
location. We dispose the carcass and saturate the area with an odor removal product in the
Niles, MI or South Bend, IN area. Dead animals in closed or remote areas require a larger
fee. Animals hit by cars that are lying within 30 feet of the center line of the road are
the road owner's responsibility.
Do you pick up animals I have trapped?
No. Customers with these inquiries do not have permission to release animals anywhere and
usually do so illegally.
Which animals do you handle?
Indiana and Michigan nuisance wildlife that is causing conflict with a person or their
property. Common examples are squirrels, rats, mice, raccoons, opossums, pigeons, bats,
snakes, moles, woodchucks, etc.
Which animals carry rabies?
Any mammal can.
What health risks do wild animals pose?
Wild animals can carry several diseases that humans can contract through droppings or
direct contact. It is important to identify and diagnose these diseases early and correctly
before they become chronic.