Wondering how we all keep track of the number of cage traps we have out in the field.

Personally, I've always put the trap locations, (R) for right, (L) for left and denote rear or front of house, and number of traps deployed on each job card.

That way I can check off the number of traps to pick up at the end of the job. I know this seems like a rudimentary question but when you're running hard you may accidentally leave a trap behind with very bad consequences.

Do any of you larger operations have serial numbers on each trap and run an annual inventory?

I do the same thing. Trap count at set up and then I note any +/- changes at each trap check.

John, we have worked out a system that is fool-proof for the guys. If a cage is missing or somehow unaccounted for they all blame me! He's old, he's senile, his mind is going, are among some of excuses they've mustered together. And it doesn't even matter that I have never been anywhere near the job, it's still my fault.

Thanks Mike.

That's always worked for me in the past 'cause I hate to waste $$!

In the last few years I've hired technicians and I'm trying to come up with a system to keep a better track of inventory.

I don't mind ordering new traps from WCS or Comstock, but I hate to replace perfectly fine, forgotten equipment.

Yeah, I know what you mean Paul. No matter who did it, the chief gets the grief!

Used to keep job cards with a small diagram of the property or an overhead outline of the building; traps were marked with A,B,C etc.

It's tough being Moe responsible for the other stooges. When I was a kid I didn't like Moe for the way he treated Larry and Curly and was always happy when bad things happened to him. Later in life I relized he never had it very good. He got all the jobs and when they got screwed up he got the blame never any credit. He ws responsible for thos other two stooges. I look forward to becoming just a stooge in the crowd. I'm tired of being Moe. I don't wanna be Moe no mo.

Thanks guys.

Does anyone label their traps (besides the state required tag) with a distinct ID number, and if so what type of tag/label/etching do you use?

I probably should have done this a long time ago.

There is an app for that

It's in the database...on the ipad.

John, I fail to see a point in doing any extra work to prove that it's your trap unless there is someone that may be intentionally pilfering your cages. I know cages can cost a hundred bucks but in the great scheme of things, the amount of cages you lose in a year is about what your guys could save if they didn't go to the most expensive gas station in town. ( Can you tell I'm speaking from experience here? )

P.S. You're talking to a guy who still picks up pennies. ( It's good exercise and one day I will find that rare penny that let's me retire. Oops, come to think of it, aren't I supposed to be retired already? )

Paul,

It's not that there's someone intentionally stealing my... wait a minute, do you know something I don't???

No, I'm talking about inventory control. I have one tech that has left behind 4 traps that I know of. He's great at everything else, but I have to wonder about the traps lost that I don't know about.

John, if this tech is in his very late sixties, is balding, and has a name that sounds like Paul, you can blame him for everything!

Each job is entered on a "Job Log." This a one sheet form with all the essential job information: caller, billing address, job location, phone #'s, email, source (prev. customer, internet, referral, etc.) appointment, quote, technician, date, work description and equipment left on site, charge, payment, credit card # and a block for notes. Every trip is entered on it's own line. A job log is not filed in the "done" folder until all equipment is accounted for.

More than 5 years ago, I had a colleague in MI, who was running all of his live traps on a pda device, before the iphone, ipad, blackberry, etc....

Now it should be far easier to come up with a cheap, yet easy way to track where they are, what they catch and help with overall record keeping
and inventory retention, let alone legalities from leaving one behind with something in it, or still set.

And that is only half the story.

Montana 650 T it would be very hard to beat this unit . Puts a flag right where your traps are , also zooms in and out so you can see what the best route would Be to run them . Trafic backups or short cuts its got for you . This unit does all kninds off things . Shows trails and logging rd or two tracks . It gives the highest detailed county map you have ever seen . Its not cheap but worth every pennie
Night time screen

How many mole traps in Mrs. Smiths yard?

Phil,

That's similar to what we've been doing. The problem that I'm having occurs when a tech hands in a job card that has everything checked off, but still has traps he's forgotten about at the job because he rushed or was on the phone or whatever excuse you can think of.

My techs live 40 minutes from me and they seldom come to the shop. I meet them at different locations to replenish supplies, traps, etc and to collect paperwork. I'm usually on the phone at this time and often the tech is too.

Forgive my stumbling around the subject but I guess what I am really asking is how many of us do a complete inventory on all of our traps on an annual basis?

If so, how do you mark each trap with a permanent ID #?

John
My tech also lives 40 min away. He has to come here to get the work truck unless the job is near him. So we see each other at least 2 or 3 times a week. We also do email. However, there are occasions where traps are overlooked. Sometimes the customer will call, sometimes we find it in the future. I do not inventory/mark traps as there are too many and I am lazy.

Thanks Phil.

I know what you mean. We've got sooo many traps, and many are constantly in use, and never enough time to do the basics.

Some things were a whole lot easier when I was a one man shop! Not wanting to go back there but sometimes....