So much of our industry training and education is focused on rats and mice, but there is considerably less focus on larger vertebrates, such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, ring-tailed cats, skunks and other fur-bearing animals. There are many laws and regulations pertaining to larger vertebrate pests.
First, you need to check with your regulatory fish and wildlife department — different states have very different fish and game rules. Some states even require professionals to carry a trapper’s license in addition to their pest control license. You also need to be knowledgeable about the trap/release laws in your state. Some states are very strict about where you can relocate a vertebrate animal.
When performing commensal rodent baiting in attics or crawlspaces, it is important to place your bait in tamper-resistant bait stations to avoid exposure to non-target organisms. Exposed bait can be consumed by larger vertebrate pests or protected wildlife — harming a non-target organism and ultimately resulting in an off-label use. The best advice is to educate yourself on local and state laws that could affect your business.
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