Wildlife Control Consultant

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life, discusses fumigation management plans which are required to be written when using aluminum phosphide based pesticides to fumigate burrowing rodent dens. Stephen reviews a template that helps applicators, WCOs, PCOs, and PMPs write up the required fumigation plans. The fumigation management plan is only designed for field use of aluminum phosphide to treat ground squirrels, prairie dogs, pocket gophers, etc. in areas away from structures and residences.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, explains how to handle trapped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in cages, window wells and Yoplait containers. He shows how skunks spray and how powerful and odorous their essence is.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life, reviews the Environmental Protection Agency's thoughts on various ways to dispose of non-diseased animal carcasses. Wildlife control operators and pest management professionals need to consider how they dispose of wildlife carcasses to avoid transmission of disease, injury, and public humiliation.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, summarizes the research of a journal article that used audible frightening devices and plastic sheeting to reduce the nesting of cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) on bridges. Cliff swallows are protected birds and the methods discussed can be used legally at certain times.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses the history, severity, sources and prevention of tularemia infection. Francisella tularensis is transmitted by voles, muskrats, mice, rats, rabbits, deer, beaver and other wildlife. It is known by various names including rabbit fever and deer fly fever. Tularemia can cause serious infections. Tularemia has a Type A and Type B versions.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host for Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses three strategies for your engagement with government workers whether they are regulatory, enforcement or managers. He suggests 1. follow the laws and regulations in your area, 2. invite them to your location and 3. treat them with courtesy and respect.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life, reviews and summarizes information on bat rabies from D.G. Constantine. 2009. Bat rabies and other lyssavirus infections: Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1329, 68 pages. Stephen discusses how rabies disease progresses in both humans and animals and how wildlife control operators and pest management professionals can learn more about hydrophobia.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses the problem with the invasive species feral hogs (Sus scrofa) and controlling them with traps. He then introduces the PigBrig.com feral trap that uses nets to trap hogs rather than the tradition steel and wire.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, provides some highlights of the thirtieth vertebrate pest conference that occurred in March, 2022 in Reno, NV. Stephen explains the value of the conference for wildlife control operators and pest management professionals and discusses some of the findings presented by researchers who spoke at the event. Findings included impacts of rodenticides, anticoagulants, ground squirrels, and trapping techniques.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, talks on pesticide labels, state registrations, endangered species bulletins, EPA regulations, and Bulletins Live! Two website.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of the Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses marketing swag and other giveaways to help keep your business in the mind of your clients and referral partners. Stephen discusses the swag used by Tommy Rains of Cape Fear Wildlife Control in Fayetteville, NC as an example of memorable swag that will help you get called first.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses and reviews the Woodstream Corporation's Victor Zapper Max which is a battery operated mouse trap that kills rats by electrocution. This humane mouse control and rat control device uses 4 AA batteries. It also has lights to tell you if the device is losing power and has a capture. This toxic free method to control rodents may be useful for your situation.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life Podcast, interviews, Dr. Roger A. Baldwin, Professor of Extension, Wildlife Damage Management, of the University of California, Davis. Dr. Baldwin discusses his research in vertebrate pest control with carnivores and rodents. In particular he reviews his work with pocket gopher control, carbon monoxide generators, traps, and rodenticides. He discusses the future of wildlife damage control as well as the Vertebrate Pest Conference.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, interviews Phil Nichols, founder and owner of PVE Corp in the 1980s in Pennsylvania. Phil was a pioneer in the wildlife control industry having run his service business and trap and equipment supply business. Phil discusses his start, how the industry has changed, and his thoughts about the future. And yes, we mention is book too, The Wildlife Pest Control Handbook.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses ten activities every wildlife control operator (WCO) and pest management professional (PMP) should do to prepare for the new business year.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses his book, The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd ed. corrected. This book is designed for wildlife control operators and pest management professionals to help them locate and identify animal sign in structures, landscapes and predation. He explains how his book is different than traditional tracking and scat identification books. The book can be purchased from lulu.com and amazon.com

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, explains the importance of telling your clients the truth. While giving clients bad information about animal dispatch and euthanasia is not popular for wildlife control and pest control customers, its is in your best interest and your clients' interest to tell the truth. Stephen provides tips for handling difficult conversations with children and clients.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life Podcast, discusses tips and pitfalls for those interested in getting into the wildlife control and vertebrate pest control service business. Ideas are also suitable for those looking to begin a pest control business. Legal and practical topics are reviewed.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, explains how to properly respond to criticisms levelled against you, your small business, and your competitors. He cautions not to take criticisms of your competitors too seriously as sometimes your clients "forget" to give you all the information.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, summarizes the research from various journal publications that discuss baits used to attract raccoons (Procyon lotor). This information is quite useful for those looking for ideas on how to lure raccoons into traps be they live traps, cage traps, or conibears or footholds.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, reviews the American Veterinary Medical Association's euthanasia guidelines published in 2020. He explains their impact on wildlife control operators, vertebrate pest specialists, and pest management professionals and the future of the industry.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses ten activities every wildlife control operator (WCO) and pest management professional (PMP) should do to prepare for the new business year.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, interviews wildlife control expert, snaring specialist, and bait developer and manufacturer about baiting and luring animals into traps. Learn from someone who has been a deep observer of wildlife behavior and how to manage their damage and conflicts with humans.

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, gives you part two of his Best Wildlife Control Information Websites 2021 1. Internet Center of Wildlife Damage Management https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm/ 2. Vertebrate Pest Conference https://escholarship.org/uc/vertebrate_pest_conference 3. International Union for the Conservation of Nature https://www.hwctf.org/ 4. USDA-APHIS-WS Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage 4th ed. http://pcwd.info/chapters/ 5. Center for Human-Wildlife Conflicts https://www.humanwildlifeconflicts.msstate.edu/ 6. Inspectapedia https://inspectapedia.com/ 7. Human-Wildlife Interactions https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/ 8. State/Regional Resources Virginia https://fishwild.vt.edu/ext_outreach/wildlife/wildife_damage.html Montana https://agr.mt.gov/Vertebrate-Pests California https://wildlife.ca.gov/Living-with-Wildlife#55001760-general-resources Texas https://agrilife.org/txwildlifeservices/ 9. Pesticide Information https://www.kelly-products.com/kelly-registration-systems/online-licensing-and-agriculture-permits-for-businesses-dealers-and-individuals/ http://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/state/default.aspx 10. Training Resource https://pesticidestewardship.org/wildlife-damage-management/ http://nwco.net/best-practices-2/

Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses the top ten wildlife control websites in 2021. These websites provide information on a variety of wildlife damage management and human-wildlife conflict issues. They provide resources that will inform and stretch your understanding and work in resolving wildlife conflicts.Stephen M. Vantassel, host of Living the Wild Life podcast, discusses the top ten wildlife control websites in 2021. These websites provide information on a variety of wildlife damage management and human-wildlife conflict issues. They provide resources that will inform and stretch your understanding and work in resolving wildlife conflicts.1. Internet Center of Wildlife Damage Management https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm/ 2. Vertebrate Pest Conference https://escholarship.org/uc/vertebrate_pest_conference 3. International Union for the Conservation of Nature https://www.hwctf.org/ 4. USDA-APHIS-WS Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage 4th ed. http://pcwd.info/chapters/ 5. Center for Human-Wildlife Conflicts https://www.humanwildlifeconflicts.msstate.edu/ 6. Inspectapedia https://inspectapedia.com/ 7. Human-Wildlife Interactions https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/ 8. State/Regional Resources Virginia https://fishwild.vt.edu/ext_outreach/wildlife/wildife_damage.html Montana https://agr.mt.gov/Vertebrate-Pests California https://wildlife.ca.gov/Living-with-Wildlife#55001760-general-resources Texas https://agrilife.org/txwildlifeservices/ 9. Pesticide Information https://www.kelly-products.com/kelly-registration-systems/online-licensing-and-agriculture-permits-for-businesses-dealers-and-individuals/ http://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/state/default.aspx 10. Training Resource https://pesticidestewardship.org/wildlife-damage-management/ http://nwco.net/best-practices-2/