When did squirrels start to bring tool boxes to trap visits? Knew the homeowner was up to something when the words "something is wrong with your trap, think a squirrel got out". The day before they said they feel bad having them removed.

By the looks of it I'd have to say so myself! I believe they let one out, but in doing so didn't know how to open the doors. Pan was taken apart trigger is goneeee.

looks like someone needs to pay for a new trap and the fee for targeted animal removal!

What protects you from incidents like this?



Is there something written into a contract that you get them to sign on the first visit or is it covered by some sort of implied contract?

Its rolled into the price and when its deliberately done its like double dipping =) It would be foolish not to include a trap cost on traps being placed on another property.

Everything I do and place on a job is accounted for in $.I enjoy trapping but I'm in it also to make a profit, especially on squirrel jobs. Our main goal as what ever you call adc guys around your parts, is to solve problems. When homeowners complicate this issue I have them refer back to the contract they signed before any trapping or exclusion work was done.

TDHP, are things like this figured into and covered in your original price, or would something like this be added to their bill? Just curious really. I don't do any trapping around people's homes.

Yes the traps are covered in the original price. As stated everything I do and use has a price even down to bait and lure. It's like putting full coverage on your vehicle, you're not expecting to have a wreck. It's the what if factor that it covers. BUT, I'm flexible because not everyone can afford the service but really needs it done.

In reality that contract is useless if they really don't want to pay. I've been burned in the past, which is why I get money down or don't start until I do. I like to add it all into the price and get most of that upfront, because the addons are where it gets complicated for those who don't want to pay.

An "implied" anything isn't worth a darn!

It must be written into the contract the customer signs....and make sure you explain to them that ANY damage or theft of your "tools" from their property will be charged to their account...easy peasy.

Had a woman do about the same to my Safeguard trap and she wanted to get me a Havaheart as replacement..said she could get 1 cheaper..I explained cheap traps don't hold up and I try and invest in decent equipment.
I showed here the phone # to call in my phone and she decided it'd be best if I did it.

Kinda glad I'm mostly out of the biz nowadays.

People think they "help" when in fact hurt the longterm outcome.