Question 1

How much does an inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

Inspections are $275 and include a complete property assessment with photos, identification of all entry points, a written report of findings, and a bid for exclusion work. The inspection fee is not applied toward the cost of exclusion — it covers Dylan's time to thoroughly evaluate your property.

Question 2

How quickly can you come out?

Accepted Answer

Dylan offers same-day service when possible, especially for emergencies like rattlesnakes. For non-emergency inspections, most appointments can be scheduled within 1-2 business days. Call (530) 885-7378 to check availability.

Question 3

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Creature Catchers serves the greater Sacramento region including El Dorado County, Sacramento County, Placer County, and Nevada County. Key cities include Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Loomis, Folsom, Fair Oaks, El Dorado Hills, and surrounding communities.

Question 4

What happens during the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Dylan personally inspects your entire property — attic, crawl space, roofline, foundation, yard — looking for entry points, droppings, damage, and signs of animal activity. He takes photos of everything he finds and explains the situation in plain terms. You'll receive a written bid for any exclusion work recommended.

Question 5

Will Dylan do the work himself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dylan handles every call, every inspection, and every job personally. You're not getting a trainee or subcontractor — you're getting 30+ years of hands-on wildlife management experience on every visit.

Question 6

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Creature Catchers accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards. Payment is due upon completion of work.

Question 7

Are your methods humane?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creature Catchers uses live gravity-fed traps for larger animals (raccoons, skunks, opossums) and snap traps for rodents (rats, mice). We never use poison bait — it causes secondary poisoning in owls, hawks, pets, and other wildlife. For bats, we use one-way exclusion devices so they can leave naturally. Every method is designed to be as humane as possible while solving the problem permanently.

Question 8

Why don't you use poison?

Accepted Answer

Poison bait stations kill the target animal slowly, but the poisoned animal is then eaten by owls, hawks, foxes, and neighborhood cats and dogs — causing secondary poisoning up the food chain. Poison also causes animals to die inside walls and attics, creating terrible odors. Dylan uses snap traps for rodents and exclusion for everything else, which is safer and more effective long-term.

Question 9

How often are traps checked?

Accepted Answer

Live traps are checked regularly to minimize animal distress. Dylan schedules follow-up visits to check traps, remove captured animals, and reset as needed. The exact schedule depends on the type of animal and situation.

Question 10

Is your exclusion work guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Dylan's exclusion work is designed to be a permanent solution. All entry points are sealed with heavy-duty materials that animals can't chew or claw through. If an animal finds a new entry point after exclusion work, Dylan will come back to address it.

Question 11

Will my dog get sprayed during skunk trapping?

Accepted Answer

There is a risk. When a dog approaches a live trap with a skunk inside, the skunk may spray. Dylan recommends keeping all dogs indoors during the trapping period. He'll let you know when traps are set and when they've been removed so you can plan accordingly.

Question 12

Can you help with skunk odor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a skunk has sprayed near or under your home, Creature Catchers offers odor treatment services to neutralize the smell. This is separate from the trapping and exclusion work but can be done at the same time.

Question 13

Are you licensed to trap wildlife?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dylan holds California State Trapping License #TP-10819. California law requires a valid trapping license to trap fur-bearing animals. Many pest control companies lack this license and are not legally authorized to trap wildlife.

Question 14

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creature Catchers is fully insured through Markel Insurance. Proof of insurance is available upon request.

Question 15

What's the difference between wildlife management and pest control?

Accepted Answer

Traditional pest control companies focus on insects and use chemical treatments. Wildlife management deals with vertebrate animals — raccoons, squirrels, bats, rats, skunks, etc. — using trapping, exclusion, and physical barriers. Many pest control companies aren't licensed or experienced in wildlife trapping. Creature Catchers specializes exclusively in wildlife.

Question 16

Are bats protected in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bats are protected under California law and cannot be killed or exterminated. The only legal method of bat removal is exclusion — using one-way devices that let bats leave but prevent re-entry. Creature Catchers uses proper exclusion techniques that comply with all state regulations.

Question 17

Do you handle emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creature Catchers offers same-day emergency service for situations like rattlesnakes in the yard, animals trapped in living spaces, or other urgent wildlife encounters. Call (530) 885-7378 and Dylan will get there as fast as possible. Voicemail is monitored after hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Our Methods

Skunks & Pets

Licensing & Legal

Emergencies & Rescue

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