Performing a Bid – Wildlife

Remember: We are not salespersons; we are problem solvers.

1. Confirm the street address to make sure you are at the correct building(s).
2. Time into this account via mobile or on the paperwork. Review the Order Instructions and Location Instructions. Review your route log for hand-written notes.
3. Grab your flashlight and head to the front door.
4. Ring the doorbell or knock; step back to give personal space. Greet the client, introduce yourself, and identify that you are with Good Earth Pest Company.
5. Ask about their problem. Be an active listener and hear their concerns. Pay attention to where the problem is observed and collect as much information as you can. If they want to show you something, then go look at it whether it helps or not it will validate their concern.
6. Inspect the problem area and exterior of the building. Look for signs of activity including burrowing, climbing, and trails in the grass or dirt to determine where the animal(s) are coming and going. Also look for possible signs at food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, and fruit trees.
7. Also, look for hair and feces present.
8. Using information provided from the client, and your observations, identify what nuisance wildlife animal is causing the concern.
9. Determine if the animal is a nuisance and if trapping is even necessary. Sometimes, a better solution is to deter the animal through environmental changes made by the client.
10. Before providing a bid, explain to the client the legal constraints regarding releasing trapped animals and euthanasia.
11. Determine what type of traps are appropriate for this specific situation, taking into account environment, exposure to the public, and the type of animal being trapped. Make sure to note what traps are needed for the next technician.
12. Most trapping programs are performed with cage traps. These will be checked 3 times a week, with the traps being left unset during the weekends.
13. The other option is body-gripping traps, which are used much less frequently.
    

    Body-gripping traps are designed to kill the animal onsite and cannot be used where they are seen by the public or where there is a possibility of a non-target animal getting caught (such as a cat or dog). The dangers of these traps must always be communicated clearly to the client before they are utilized.

    Body-gripping traps are still best to check 3 times weekly. If you are unsure about the safety of implementing a body-gripping trapping program, consult your manager.

14. Once the animal is identified and trapping strategy determine, use the Warranty and Pricing Guide to establish a cost. Consider all factors including time and difficulty of accessing the traps, distanced traveled, use of a ladder, etc.
15. Fill out a Nuisance Wildlife service agreement accordingly that outlines the proposed trapping program. Also, you must fill out the Wildlife Affidavit.
16. Reconvene with the client, explain what you found. Review the service agreement, making sure they understand the costs, Good Earth’s control strategies, and expectations.
17. If they decide to move forward, have them sign the agreement and affidavit. Leave the pink copy of the agreement with the client.
18. Return to your vehicle and clip all paperwork together. Secure all equipment and make sure your vehicle is safe to travel.
19. You are the first tech to be servicing this account, be sure that you update the location instructions with any pertinent information that other techs should know. Remember: Clients have access to your notes so they should always be professional and appropriate.
20. If it was a particularly pleasant interaction be sure to send a review invite via the Podium app (see PS.150 Sending a review invite using Podium Mobile).
21. Check off the account on your service route log.