Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Power
Hi Daniel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Woodlands Wildlife Elimination about 16 years ago after transitioning from military service. The shift from serving my country to serving my community felt natural, though it came with its own set of challenges.
In the beginning, I operated with just a single truck and basic equipment. Most days were spent handling routine rodent calls in The Woodlands area, learning the specific wildlife patterns of southeast Texas through hands-on experience. Those early years taught me more than any training manual could.
My background in the military provided me with discipline and problem-solving skills that transferred surprisingly well to wildlife management. I approached each job systematically, treating homes with the same care and precision I’d been trained to use in my previous career.
What really helped me grow was my commitment to humane removal practices. Many competitors were still using outdated and often cruel methods, but I knew there was a better way. I invested in specialized equipment and techniques that allowed for effective removal without unnecessary harm to animals.
The company expanded gradually as my reputation spread through word-of-mouth. One satisfied customer would tell their neighbors, and soon I was servicing entire neighborhoods in The Woodlands.
About seven years in, I expanded my service area to cover more of the Houston region and broadened my expertise to handle basically all types of wildlife problems you can think of. From raccoons in attics to armadillos digging up yards to bats in chimneys – if it’s causing issues for homeowners or businesses, I’ve probably dealt with it.
Today, I employ a small team of mostly family members who are just as dedicated to the job as I am. Working with family brings its own rewards – we share the same values when it comes to customer service and humane treatment of wildlife. There’s a level of trust that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The most satisfying part remains the look of relief on clients’ faces when I solve problems that have often kept them up at night. Whether it’s mysterious noises in the attic or unwanted visitors in their garden, providing peace of mind is what drives me every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The process of building Woodlands Wildlife Elimination had its fair share of obstacles.
The first major struggle was financial. Starting any business requires capital, and wildlife removal has significant equipment costs that I hadn’t fully anticipated. I needed specialized traps, safety gear, vehicles equipped for transporting wildlife, and proper exclusion materials. All this while trying to keep prices reasonable for customers.
The seasonality of the business caught me off guard initially. We’d be overwhelmed with calls during spring and fall when animals are most active, then experience serious slowdowns during other times. This cash flow rollercoaster made planning difficult, especially in those early years.
Competition was another unexpected challenge. When I started, there were already established companies with bigger marketing budgets and name recognition. Some would undercut prices just to get the job, then upsell customers on unnecessary services. Going against that business model while maintaining my ethical standards wasn’t always easy.
Finding reliable help was also tougher than I expected. Wildlife removal requires a unique combination of skills – you need people who understand animal behavior, can provide good customer service, and aren’t afraid to crawl through tight spaces or work in difficult conditions. Not exactly a common skill set. That’s partly why I eventually turned to family members who I could trust and train personally.
There were physical challenges too. This job is hard on the body – crawling through attics in Texas summer heat, handling aggressive animals, and dealing with the sometimes unsanitary conditions they create. I’ve had my share of scratches, bites, and heat exhaustion incidents over the years.
Hurricane Harvey presented a unique challenge too. Unlike most disasters that bring pest problems, the flooding actually created an environment where wildlife temporarily disappeared from many areas. My business faced weeks of canceled appointments and very few new calls coming in. Adapting to that unexpected situation tested our financial reserves.
The Covid pandemic brought its own set of challenges as well. Being considered an essential service kept us operating, but entering people’s homes required all new safety protocols and equipment. Some clients were understandably hesitant to have anyone in their homes during that time, even with wildlife problems.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle taught me something valuable about running this business. The difficulties actually helped shape our approach into something more sustainable and authentic. Not the easiest path, but definitely worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Woodlands Wildlife Elimination is a veteran-owned wildlife removal and rodent control company serving The Woodlands and the Greater Houston area. We specialize in humane wildlife removal and exclusion, focusing on permanent solutions rather than quick fixes.
Our core services include comprehensive rodent control, raccoon and squirrel removal from attics, bat exclusion, armadillo management, and various other wildlife conflicts that homeowners and businesses face in Houston, Texas. We also handle decontamination and repair work after animals have been removed, which many competitors don’t offer.
What truly sets us apart is our systematic approach. When I enter a property, I don’t just set a trap and hope for the best. I conduct a thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points and vulnerabilities. We’re essentially wildlife detectives, tracking down exactly how animals are getting in and what’s attracting them in the first place.
Our exclusion work is particularly meticulous. We use heavy-gauge metal materials that prevent animals from chewing through and regaining access. I’ve seen too many cases where homeowners paid for cheap exclusion work only to have animals tear right through it within weeks.
The warranties we offer aren’t just marketing talk either. When I guarantee my work, I mean it. If animals return after we’ve completed an exclusion job, we come back at no additional cost. This has actually pushed us to be more thorough from the start.
I’m especially proud of our educational approach with clients. We don’t just solve the immediate problem – we help homeowners understand wildlife behavior and prevention techniques. This empowers them to spot potential issues early before they become major headaches.
Being veteran-owned isn’t just something we put on our business cards. It influences how we operate daily – with discipline, respect, and attention to detail. Customers often comment on the professionalism and thoroughness of our work, which I directly attribute to those military values.
Another aspect I’m proud of is our local focus. While some national chains have moved into the area, we remain deeply connected to The Woodlands and Houston communities. We understand the specific wildlife challenges of this region, from the seasonal patterns to the unique structural vulnerabilities of homes built here.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised to learn I’m an avid traveler outside of work. I’ve hiked some pretty challenging trails including Angels Landing in Zion National Park – that narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides isn’t for the faint of heart!
My outdoor adventures have taken me to national parks across the country, giving me a chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. This firsthand experience with different ecosystems has actually enhanced my understanding of animal behavior back home in Texas.
Travel gives me perspective and a chance to recharge from the physical demands of wildlife removal work. There’s something about standing on a mountain trail that puts the day-to-day challenges of running a business into perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://woodlandswildlifetx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodlands_wildlife_tx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodlandswildlifetx/
