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Lesson 3a
Lesson 3 has 4 parts
Types of Inspections
Types of Inspections This section breaks down the inspection process
into its component parts. A complete inspection will require all these
sections. However, if you only need to do one of them, then the
appropriate lesson should provide a good introduction.
Inspecting by phone
When your customer calls, it is necessary
that you gather information that will assist you in being prepared to
respond to their situation. Like a reporter you need to get as accurate
a perspective on the story as possible. Keep the client focused on the
present. I have found that customers like to begin talking about their
first encounter with wildlife 5 years ago. Coach the client to talk only
about the present situation. Remember, your client will often be quite
distressed. Generally speaking, what occurred longer than 6 months ago
is useless unless the problem has continued from that time to the
present. The client should provide you with the following information:
1. The general location and kind of noises heard. The reason for this
question lays in the way the answer helps you narrow down the portion of
the house that the problem is occurring. Keep in mind that noises will
usually be heard in the rooms that people spend the most time in. So
don't be surprised if the bedroom or living room become frequent sites
of the complaints. I also want to point out that noises are incredibly
unreliable as a clue. I consider noise as important as pain is to a
doctor. All noises tell you is that there is a problem. It doesn't tell
you what the cause of the problem is. Raccoons sound like elephants,
squirrels like raccoons and mice sound like squirrels. (Customers tend
to amplify the sound).
2. How they have responded to the problem so far?
This question tells you whether or not the animal may have changed its
habits due to trapping, poison or harassment. Trap wise animals can be
difficult to catch if the client has already educated them.
3. When did
they first notice the problem and is the problem noted on a consistent
basis. i.e. Do they hear noises regularly? It is interesting to note
that usually the female of the house hears the noise before the male.
4.
What species of animals have they seen on their property? This question
has limited value as some species are nocturnal (forage at night) like
flying squirrels, raccoons, skunks etc.
5. Have they seen anything
unusual lately such as their dog's food being scattered about? Again you
are looking for patterns and possible food sources.
With answers to these questions in hand, you are now ready to make an
appointment and inspect the property. When you make your inspection
appointment try to schedule it during daylight hours when it isn’t
raining or snowing. This optimizes your inspection in that you can see
better in the corners etc. Also try not to work when there are strong
contrasting shadows. A high sun casts heavy shadows making it difficult
to evaluate dark spaces. Inspecting in daylight hours will not only help
you see the outside of the house but the light will help illuminate
holes in the attic when inspecting there. Before finishing with your
client ask them to remove any barriers to crawl spaces and attic
hatchways before you arrive. Having this done before your arrival will
assist you in making the best of your time inspecting.
Of course, these questions are best served for those who plan to get
into the animal damage control field. If you don't wish to trap and
control wildlife, then I would suggest asking more questions. For if
you ask too many then your client may figure out the problem and you
will be out of a job.
Lesson 3b
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