Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is abatement?
Abatement is the act of removing and clearing animals from the property. It’s the more humane way to rid your property of wildlife because it allows them to go to their alternate “nest” and keeps them from getting back into your property without harming the animals. Typically, there are baby animals involved, so abatement is a win for you and a win for the animal.
2. Why don’t you just trap the animals?
Primarily I don’t use traps for the animal’s sake, its less traumatic to the animals if I don’t use traps. There are some situations were traps are the best option, but in most cases getting the animal out and keeping them out of your property can be done without trapping.
In addition, if you trap an animal you either have to release it within 100 feet of where you caught it or kill the animal. Just trapping and releasing will not solve your problem.
3. Can I call the city or county to help me?
The city or county will not come onto your property and remove an animal and fix any of the damages they may have caused. The city and county will only remove wildlife from public places.
4. Can I get rid of the animals myself?
You can remove the animal yourself with the proper equipment, but most people do not have the proper equipment to do it safely and correctly.
5. Do you use poisons to get rid of animals?
No poisons are used at all; everything that is used is biodegradable.
6. What types of traps do you use?
In most situations I don’t use traps. When you trap you have to either release on site or kill the animal. I find that abatement solves the problem for the homeowner, but also allows the animal to go live somewhere else.
7. Do you have to have a license to do what you do?
I have a license from fish and game for trapping. I had to do extensive education in order to pass the examination to be licensed in the State of California. I have to renew my license annually.
8. What kind of experience do you have?
I have been dealing with animals and wildlife for over 40 years, and have worked with Project Wildlife for the last 12 years.
9. Which animals do you deal with?
I deal with a variety of wildlife including raccoons, skunks, bats, rats,opossums, coyotes, squirrels, gophers, pigeons, and owls.
10. Which animals do you not work with?
I do not work with domesticated animals.
11. Will you pick up a dead animal?
Yes for a fee.
12. Do you deal with injured animals?
I do not deal with injured animals. I would refer you to Project Wildlife or Wildlife Assistance. These organizations specialize in rehabilitating injured animals.
13. What about diseases and rabies – should I be worried about that?
If the animal is showing signs of odd behavior, foaming at the mouth, stumbling, falling down, acting like it’s drunk, call the county immediately. Never pick up an animal that is showing signs of rabies even if it appears to be struggling. Skunks are the highest carriers of rabies in San Diego, but that doesn’t mean that rabies is limited to skunks.
14. I understand owls are federally protected. How do you deal with owls?
I will wait until they are fully feathered and can fly before I come in and remove them from your house. In order to do this properly, you need to understand owls and their behaviors. I have extensive experience dealing with owls and know how to help you while still following protection guidelines.