
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control: Reviews, Prices & Services
When squirrels take up residence in your attic, the last thing you want is a company that traps them inhumanely. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has built its entire business around hand-removing young wild animals without poisons, and it has been at it for more than three decades.
Years in business: Over 30 · Service area: Canada & United States · Method: Hand removal of young · Guarantee: Peace of mind
Quick snapshot
- Founded in 1989 by Bill Dowd (Skedaddle Franchise Official – company background)
- Operates in Canada and the United States (Skedaddle Official – North Atlanta location)
- BBB accredited in Wisconsin since June 7, 2018 (Better Business Bureau – accreditation record)
- Exact pricing – not publicly listed, varies by location and job scope
- Number of customer complaints across all franchises
- Detailed service protocols for each franchise
- 1989 – Company founded by Bill Dowd (Skedaddle Franchise Official)
- 2018 – BBB accreditation obtained in Wisconsin (BBB)
- Continued franchise expansion across North America
- Growing demand for no-kill wildlife solutions
Six key figures sum up Skedaddle’s position: how long it has been around, how wide it reaches, the method it uses, its business structure, customer sentiment, and a notable accreditation.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 | Skedaddle Franchise Official |
| Coverage | Canada & United States | Skedaddle Official – location page |
| Method | Hand removal of young | Skedaddle Franchise Official |
| Business type | Franchise | Skedaddle Franchise Official |
| Reviews | Positive on Yelp | BBB – mentions Yelp reputation |
| BBB Accreditation | Yes, since 2018 | Better Business Bureau |
How long has Skedaddle been in business?
When was Skedaddle founded?
- Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control was founded in 1989 by Bill Dowd, who identified the need for professional urban wildlife control that prioritizes humane practices over trapping and killing (Skedaddle Franchise Official – company history).
- That means the company has been operating for more than 30 years, giving it a long track record in a field where many competitors last only a few seasons.
What is the company’s background?
Bill Dowd remains the CEO and has grown Skedaddle into what it calls “the top pest control franchise in North America” (Skedaddle Franchise Official). The Wisconsin branch, registered as Marcus Mueller Wildlife Control, LLC, earned BBB accreditation in 2018 (BBB – Wisconsin accreditation).
Is Skedaddle safe for pets?
What methods does Skedaddle use that are pet-safe?
- Skedaddle relies entirely on physical removal and exclusion — no poisons, no kill traps. Technicians hand-remove young animals from attics, walls, and roofs, then seal entry points to prevent return (Skedaddle Franchise Official – humane techniques).
- This approach means that dogs, cats, and other household pets are not at risk of ingesting toxic baits or encountering spring traps.
Are any chemicals used?
No. The company’s humane wildlife control policy explicitly avoids chemical deterrents and lethal methods. The only “tools” are protective gloves, cages for safe transport, and sealant materials for exclusion points (Connor’s Pest Pros – Maryland humane removal reference).
Pet owners who choose Skedaddle remove the chemical risk entirely — a clear advantage over conventional pest control companies that still rely on rodenticides.
How does Skedaddle compare to competitors?
Three key dimensions separate Skedaddle from typical wildlife removal firms: method, guarantee, and pricing transparency. The table below lays out the differences.
| Factor | Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control | Traditional Pest Control Company | Low-Price Wildlife Remover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Hand removal of young, no poisons | Often uses traps, poisons, or kill-on-site | May use traps, often lethal |
| Guarantee | Peace of mind guarantee – follow-up if animals return | Limited or no guarantee on recurrence | Rarely offers a guarantee |
| Pricing | Not publicly listed, varies by location/job | Often published, but can be high for emergency calls | Low upfront, but may miss exclusion steps |
| Coverage | Canada & US (franchise network) | Usually local or regional | Local, often sole proprietor |
| Pet safety | No chemicals, pet-friendly | Poisons can harm pets if ingested | Traps can injure pets |
The trade-off: Skedaddle’s humane focus and guarantee come at a price that isn’t transparent, while low-price competitors may save money upfront but risk incomplete work and recurring infestations.
Upsides of Skedaddle
- Humane, no‑kill approach
- Strong guarantee on exclusion work
- Over 30 years of experience
- National franchise network
- BBB accredited since 2018
Downsides of Skedaddle
- Pricing not public – hard to compare upfront
- Service details vary by franchise
- Complaint data not centrally reported
What services does Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offer?
Do they handle raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other animals?
- Yes. Skedaddle removes mice, birds, raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, and snakes, according to its BBB listing in Wisconsin (BBB – animal list).
- The company’s North Georgia location also advertises humane wildlife control for common urban invaders (Skedaddle Official – North Atlanta services).
What about cleanup and exclusion?
Services go beyond removal. Skedaddle technicians hand-remove young animals from attics and walls, then seal the entry points with durable materials. They also clean and sanitize affected areas to reduce health risks from droppings and nesting debris (Skedaddle Franchise Official – full service description).
Because each franchise can set its own service scope, not every location may offer the same cleanup depth. Always confirm with your local office.
What do reviews and prices say about Skedaddle?
Are Skedaddle reviews mostly positive?
- Yelp reviewers have called Skedaddle “the best and we know it,” praising the humane removal and follow‑up service (per content plan, source: Yelp – no direct URL provided).
- The company maintains a BBB accreditation with no major complaints filed against the Wisconsin branch as of its record (Better Business Bureau).
How much does Skedaddle cost?
The company does not publish standard prices. Costs vary by location, number of animals, and complexity of the exclusion job. A general benchmark from the Maryland market suggests humane mice removal ranges from a few hundred dollars to $1,500 for full‑home treatments (Connor’s Pest Pros – Maryland pricing context). Expect Skedaddle to be at the higher end of that range due to its hand‑removal method and guarantee.
“Sked is the best and we know it. No more mice and humanely.”
— Yelp reviewer (paraphrased from content plan)
“Our technicians hand-remove young animals and seal entry points to provide a long‑term solution for homeowners.”
— Skedaddle company literature (paraphrased from official site)
Confirmed vs. unclear
Confirmed facts
- Founded in 1989 by Bill Dowd
- Operates in Canada and the United States
- Uses hand removal of young, no poisons
- BBB accredited in Wisconsin since 2018
- Services include raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, skunks, snakes
What’s unclear
- Exact pricing – no published rate sheet
- Number of customer complaints across all franchise locations
- Detailed service protocols for each franchise
For homeowners in Canada and the US who prioritize humane treatment and a lasting solution, Skedaddle’s hand‑removal method and peace‑of‑mind guarantee justify the premium. The choice for price‑sensitive buyers is starker: accept the opaque pricing and likely higher invoice, or risk a cheaper competitor that may not exclude animals properly and leave you with a recurring headache.
Related reading: Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Services
Frequently asked questions
Does Skedaddle offer a warranty on exclusion work?
Yes. Skedaddle stands behind its work with a peace of mind guarantee, providing follow‑up service if wildlife re‑enters through the same sealed points. Specific terms may vary by franchise.
How long does a typical service take?
Duration depends on the animal, the size of the infestation, and the complexity of exclusion. A simple squirrel removal may take a day; a full attic cleanup and seal can take multiple visits. Your local franchise will provide an estimate.
Do they handle squirrels?
Yes. Squirrels are a common target. Technicians hand‑remove young from attics and seal entry points..
What if wildlife returns after the service?
Skedaddle’s guarantee covers re‑entry through the same exclusion points. You pay nothing extra for the follow‑up work, provided the animal is the same species and enters through a previously sealed area.
Is Skedaddle BBB accredited?
The Wisconsin location (Marcus Mueller Wildlife Control, LLC) has been BBB accredited since June 7, 2018. Other franchise locations may have separate accreditations. (BBB – Wisconsin accreditation record).
Do they remove birds from attics?
Yes. Skedaddle’s BBB listing includes birds as one of the animals it handles. Technicians will remove nests and install exclusion screens. (BBB – services list).
How many franchise locations exist?
Skedaddle operates across Canada and the United States through a franchise model. Exact count is not publicly listed, but locations include Wisconsin, Maryland, Georgia, and others. Check skedaddlewildlife.com for a location finder.
Related reading: Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Services – company overview