Review - Inspecting for Wildlife Damage

This course offered by SuiteU's Environment school, is a must for all homeowners, and is even suggested for those in the Home Inspection industry. With recent environment laws changing in many areas (decreased/banned use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals used previously to rid houses of unwanted pests), this course becomes a necessity for those considering a career in this industry.

Often, the first you hear of an unwanted guest is by the strange scratching noises. So, do you just assume you know what animal is making that noise? Often homeowners will try and base their "evictions" on assumed information - which will often result in dangerous practices to rid themselves of the unwanted guest.

This two week course (with final exam!) will help you to determine what exactly you have, or should do, when you hear those strange noises. Emphasis is still placed on the home owner to check with their own city/state bylaws to ensure integrity of the law is followed.

Getting Started - the first lesson - is designed to help you decide what the problem could be. There is even a section for those in the business on how to set prices for this type of eviction. You are guided each step of the way.

My favourite section here is "When You're At Your Wits End" - an aptly titled section with tips on how to deal with the inevitable. Great photos enhance the learning experience throughout this course as well.

Lessons Two and Three continue in the same vein - a friendly yet firm tone of information with great photos - with a large portion devoted to Protection Equipment as well as Tools of the trade. Types of Inspections are also covered - including how to deal with the customer who wants a solution over the phone. This does not mean not to do it, just how to handle this situation to both you and your customer's best advantage.

Perhaps for me the best part is the last section - Prevention! This includes how to tell your client what they need to do to prevent another invasion. This section is chock full of information ALL homeowners should be reading - how to safely keep squirrels and other small climbing animals (raccoons) out of your attic; how to keep skunks out of your basement, etc. There is even a section devoted to "Gray Squirrels".

Often the author suggests appropriate links for more information - and I found the links to be up-to-date and relevant. The information was complete but in no way implied that this was everything I needed - it was a great way for me to start, and professionals were still recommended at appropriate times.

Go To Page: 1 2