When you hear scratching in your attic or find a groundhog undermining your deck, you want the problem solved fast. A quick Google search for “wildlife removal Louisville” will give you dozens of options. But how do you know who to trust?

The wildlife control industry is not as standardized as plumbing or electrical work. There are highly trained biologists, and there are guys with a truck and a cage trap. Hiring the wrong company can lead to wasted money, recurring infestations, and even legal trouble if protected species are mishandled.

To ensure you are hiring a professional who will solve the problem permanently, ask these five critical questions before you sign a contract.

1. “Do you seal the entry points?”

This is the most important question. Trapping alone is not a solution.

If a company offers to come out, set traps, and charge you per animal caught, but doesn’t offer to repair the hole in your roof, do not hire them.

• The Reality: If you remove a raccoon but leave the entry hole open, another raccoon will smell the den and move in within weeks. It is a revolving door.
• The Pro Answer: A professional will perform a full inspection, identify all entry points, and offer a proposal to seal them with animal-proof materials (steel mesh, concrete, metal flashing). This is called “exclusion,” and it is the only permanent fix.

2. “What is your warranty?”

Because wildlife are persistent and strong, repairs need to be durable. A reputable company stands behind its workmanship.

• The Red Flag: “We guarantee we’ll catch the animal.” (You can’t guarantee a wild animal’s behavior).
• The Pro Answer: “We guarantee our repairs.” Look for a warranty of at least one year on exclusion work. If an animal chews through their repair or pulls it off, they should come back and fix it for free. At Critter Removal of Louisville, we offer comprehensive warranties on our exclusion services.

3. “Are you licensed and insured?”

Wildlife removal is regulated by the state.

• Licensing: In Kentucky, professionals must be licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO) by the Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. This is different from a standard pest control (bug) license. Ask to see their NWCO license.
• Insurance: Wildlife work is dangerous. Technicians walk on steep roofs, climb tall ladders, and handle potentially rabid animals. Ensure the company carries General Liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance. If an uninsured worker falls off your roof, you could be liable.

4. “Do you inspect the attic?”

If a technician gives you a quote over the phone without seeing your house, or if they just walk around the perimeter without looking up, be wary.

• The Necessity: To properly assess a raccoon or squirrel problem, you must inspect the attic. They need to check for:
  • Babies: Is there a litter of kits hidden in the insulation?
  • Damage: Are wires chewed? Is the ductwork crushed?
  • Entry Points: Can they see daylight coming through the eaves?
• The Pro Answer: A professional inspection involves a flashlight, a ladder, and getting dirty.

5. “How do you handle the animals?”

This question reveals a lot about a company’s ethics and legal compliance.

• Relocation Laws: In Kentucky, it is generally illegal to relocate high-risk rabies vector species (raccoons, skunks, coyotes) to a new location. They must be released on-site or humanely euthanized. A company that promises to “take them to a farm in the country” may be breaking the law.
• Humane Standards: Ask how often they check traps. State law usually requires checking traps every 24 hours. Leaving an animal in a trap for days is inhumane and illegal.

By asking these five questions, you can weed out the amateurs and find a true wildlife professional who will protect your home and treat the animals with respect.