Preventative Measures: How to keep your home wildlife-free

Last Updated: June 2016

Wildlife is necessary for our ecosystem but can also cost hefty repair bills for home and business owners when residing in urban areas. There are definitely many preventative measures home and business owners can take to avoid various wildlife damages to their properties.

Although each very unique; raccoons, skunks and squirrels can be the main actors to many urban residents and business owners’ nightmares. While they have are considered wildlife and can endure life outside, they prefer having a den that is warm, quiet, and safe from predators. They are known to set up their dens in attics, under porches and staircases, and less frequented and enclosed areas in the basement. They can easily find their ways in and out of their dens, generally using the same path. One of the most important preventative measures to be taken is eliminating their entrance & exit.

Survey Building Structure

Weather and animals being the most common causes for property damage, you should check around visible cracks regularly. Surveying the actual building is an important step in identifying damages, which in return help prevent additional adversities like wildlife infestation. You should walk around and survey the concrete as well as visibly surveying the surface but make sure you also use your hands to see if there is moisture, crumbling etc.

Maintain Roof

If you are handy, or able to identify what damaged shingles look like, take it above ground every summer and have your roof inspected. It is normal to have weather triggered wear and tear, but if there are unusual damages, holes or cracks, they can be identified and repaired. Most wildlife animals are superior climbers and like to build their dens in attics. Surveying your roof is one of the most important preventative measures you can take in protecting your property against wildlife.

Clutter Control

Maintaining your actual physical property is very important. It is just as important to maintain around your property as well. This includes keeping yard clean and tidy, mowing and raking leaves regularly, keeping your BBQ and the surrounding areas clean, free of food remnants and grease, and most importantly garbage and recycling bins securely closed and contained. Number one preventative measure in keeping the unwanted wildlife guests away from your property is most certainly containing garbage, compost and recycling bins. Animals like raccoons and skunks are nocturnal. This means they spend their nights looking for food. While they feed themselves on the spot, they are known to collect food for their families. They have excellent memory. They can remember the source of sustenance almost every single time. In order to avoid recurring visitors, you should keep your garbage, recycling, and compost bins securely closed, preferably in enclosed areas. Many urban residents keep their bins inside their garages or sheds. Don’t forget to take out your bins for weekly/biweekly pick-ups by the city.

Feeding Wildlife

Though you think you may be doing a humane act of kindness by feeding birds, or other wildlife animals, you actually are not. Trying to sustain in urban areas mean more risk for wildlife animals, than finding food in more natural and rural areas. If you want to help wildlife, either for their nutrition, or for their ongoing healthcare, you should visit your local Humane Society. Bird feeders, bread crumbs, and leftovers are all examples of wildlife attractors. While you intend to feed birds only, you will open up the passageway to skunks, squirrels, and raccoons. Not only would you attract wildlife, you would also start attracting rodents like mice and rats. Feces and urine of these animals attract more animals, and an infestation problem could become a serious wildlife control situation where professionally trained specialists may be required to clean out the area. Outdoor feeding of such animals could cause an infestation in your neighborhood where multiple residences might get affected.

Pets

Presence of pets may both deter or attract wildlife. Their physical presence scares wildlife from reaching close proximity to your property; however their food may attract them. As most wildlife are nocturnal, they may get away with sneaking onto your property to eat your pets’ food. Best practices if you have any pets would be to feed them indoors, keep their food in seal tight containers, and making sure your pets are vaccinated yearly against rabies and other diseases.

While these are just some of the basic wildlife prevention methods you can practice, you can also check out the Town of Oakville’s environment website for Wildlife Proofing Your Property Checklist.

The easiest and most inexpensive way of dealing with wildlife animals or rodents is to care for your property. Repair and fix cracks, holes, and dents, vaccinate your pets, and keep their foods sealed and indoors, help children and neighbors direct their humanity to different channels instead of outdoor feedings, and most importantly; respect the wildlife. They help balance our eco-system, and there are strict provincial and federal laws in place for their protection. Practice these basic preventative measures and you will wild proof your home, before wildlife becomes a problem.

At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior wildlife control services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Although we hope the preventative measures guideline we’ve provided can help get you started in maintaining your property safe and free of all wildlife animals, we are still available. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests.

Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 to take Preventative Measures!

 

How to Safely Handle Baby Squirrel Removal

Last Updated: June 2016

It’s almost that time of year again where we welcome new batches of baby squirrels into the world. Spring time is the season where mother squirrels give birth, so get ready and read up, because you probably don’t want to get yourself in a baby squirrel removal situation this year!

Ontario is home to many different types of wildlife, and as you’re probably aware, one of the types you are more likely to see are squirrels. It is not uncommon to be walking down the street to see a squirrel run by right past you across the street, or another climbing up the tree right by the park. Squirrels have long inhabited in both the rural and urban areas of Ontario multiplying year after year around the spring season. While the miracle of birth is always a wonderful thing, there are certain things to be aware of when it comes to wildlife, because although its nice sharing the space outside being neighbors with them, you probably won’t want them inside the house as your new roommates.

Dealing with baby squirrel removal can be a nuisance, so it’s doesn’t hurt to learn about them and what to do when you find yourself with one in or around your home!

Toronto is home to the Eastern Grey Squirrel – a quick footed, 14-20 inch mammal who likes to eat seeds, fruits and sometimes even eggs.  Female squirrels can give birth up to two times a year with breeding season being around either January to February or around the month of June. In the mating process, the female omits a scent that attracts the male squirrels. Several male squirrels then compete for the female and the most dominant male will be selected. During pregnancy, these female squirrels will usually take shelter in a hollow tree where the gestation period lasts about 45 days resulting in a litter of about 5 baby squirrels.  Squirrels are maternal and territorial creatures. Once the babies are born, the mother squirrel will care for them and start weaning them around the age of 8 weeks. They will then continue to nurse the babies for several more weeks. On about the 11th week, the baby squirrels will be taking strides further from their mother until they are completely matured.

Baby Squirrels

Once baby squirrels are born, they appear very pink and hairless. They weigh approximately 14-16 grams and are incapable of sight. As they age, at about 4-5 weeks the baby squirrels fur has already begun to grow and is beginning to thicken. Their eyes are also beginning to open and their incisors are developing allowing them to eat some solid foods.  By the time baby squirrel are 7 weeks old, they’ve almost taken the appearance of a miniature version of a fully developed squirrel. The fur thickness and color is just about the same of an adult squirrel and their tails are getting furry. The eyes of a 6-7 week old squirrel are open with better vision allowing them to see and focus more clearly. Once the squirrel has reached the age of 8 weeks, they are almost fully grown and are showing more independent behavior as they have already begun weaning off their mother.  Baby squirrels are still considered immature at 11-18 weeks but will have gotten used to venturing away and around the nest.

What sometimes happens during the baby squirrel development process is that the mother squirrel gets separated from her young. This can happen for a number of different reasons. It may be due to the nest failing due to weather conditions such as wind, snow or rain. A predator may have gotten between the squirrel and her babies or perhaps the squirrel has been removed. These instances may leave the baby squirrels orphaned. There are several options and steps you can take if you encounter a baby squirrel with no mother. Always be sure to check with your city or province regulations before handling any wild animal. In certain instances, hiring a professional may be required for baby squirrel removal to help handle the situation on your property.

How to help care for an orphaned baby squirrel

These steps are meant as a last option. Always consult with a professional wildlife rehabilitation center before taking any action. 

  1. Attempt to reunite the baby squirrels with its mother. If there is a chance that you can help them get back together then do so. You can help this process by ensuring that the baby squirrels are warm and uninjured. If the baby is cold or injured, you can help warm the baby by using a hot water bottle. Handling a baby squirrel will not keep the mother squirrel from reuniting the baby, so picking the baby up will not be an issue. If there is no sight or trace of the mother squirrel, you can help care for the baby squirrels yourself.
  2. Once you’ve determined that the baby squirrel is indeed an orphan and you would like to take matters into your own hands, call a squirrel rehabilitation center first. After receiving instructions from them, check to see if there are any injuries. If there are, then see a veterinarian and do not try to deal with serious injuries on your own.
  3. Ensure that the baby squirrels are warm. You can do this by setting up a hot water bottle or heating pad to help keep them heated. Baby squirrels cannot produce their own heat.
  4. Try to attempt to reunite the baby squirrel with its mother again. You should not try to keep the squirrel as a pet. This process is to help rehabilitate the baby squirrel not to raise it domestically.
  5. If the mother is still absent, continue to help the baby squirrel. Once the baby squirrel has matured, release the squirrel back into the wild at a safe distance away from pets or another animals.

Although the steps stated can be an option (if approved by your city or province), handling wild animals on your own is not best way to take care of the situation. If you can, try to seek out a professional for these types of services including baby squirrel removal or squirrel control if they are on your property. When looking for baby squirrel removal or squirrel control, consider SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. We provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. If you’re looking to prevent squirrels from coming in, and proof your home instead, we can do that to. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.

Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Baby Squirrel Removal!

 

How to Handle Raccoon Removal in Richmond Hill

Last Updated: June 2016

The Town of Richmond Hill is definitely one to be enjoyed. With a wide range of community recreation activities to offer and a long list of public parks and trails, you’ll be sure that you will have something to fill your day with. Although this GTA area is filled with variety, it does also have its share of unexpected critters. Raccoons are among some of the furry four legged friends that aren’t so unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

Long bushy tails, grayish color and trademark stripe across the eyes, sneaking around in the dark clawing at trash bags or digging through bins. With these traits, you might think these mammals are sneaky, thieving creatures when in reality, there is so much more to it. Raccoons and other wildlife occupying the city are a result of animals being forced out of their natural habitat. This happens when fragmentation occurs. According to a blog posted by The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals, fragmentation is defined as the following:

“Fragmentation is the removal or destruction of vital links between ecosystems, something that only in recent years municipal planners have begun to consider. When water systems, safe travel corridors or vegetation is separated through deforestation or development, ecosystems can literally die”

In an article posted by the Huffington Post it stated that Canada is the leading country in deforestation. It is hardly a surprise that we are seeing wildlife like raccoon and skunks and squirrels around our homes. They are being encouraged out of their homes and into ours looking for food and shelter for themselves and for their family. While this is a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down, perhaps a course of action would be to peacefully coexist with them in towns like Richmond Hill. It’s no secret that many homeowners do not want raccoons and other creatures on their property, an alternative is to this is to have them move to other more suitable locations such as undisturbed forests or nearby fields.

Need some help identifying whether you need raccoon removal in Richmond Hill? Here are some tips and tricks on how to recognize raccoon presence, and some tips on how to avoid them:

You may need raccoon removal in Richmond Hill if you notice these

  • Garbage or contents of bins will look as if they were rummaged through
  • Trash messes all around the ground
  • Raccoon droppings
  • If you own a dog or cat, you may notice them behaving differently when they see wildlife they’re unfamiliar with
  • Certain noises that raccoons make may be audible at times
  • Scratching noises
  • Damages on the side of the house or on the rooftop can be an indication that a raccoon is present

How to prevent raccoons from entering your Richmond Hill home

  • Keep your property clean and free of messes such as animals droppings or food
  • If possible or as much as possible, move your trash/storage bins out of reach from animals who may access it
  • Shut your trash bins or storage bins that need to be located in an area accessible to raccoons
  • Put food away appropriately as to not encourage raccoons from your property
  • Block off any entrances or holes where a raccoon may enter through
  • Teach your children about raccoon and other wildlife animal interaction safety

If you or someone you know is already experiencing raccoon or wildlife problems and is in need for raccoon removal in Richmond Hill, be sure to call an experienced wildlife removal service company, especially if baby raccoons are involved. Raccoons are intellectual and curious creatures that do not mean humans any harm. Rather, raccoons want a safe reliable place to live and raise their young. While your home isn’t the best place for raccoons or any other non-domesticated animal to do this, an undisturbed forest is and a wildlife removal service company can help you get that done.

When looking for raccoon removal in Richmond Hill, consider SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. We provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. If you’re looking to prevent raccoon removal in Richmond Hill, and proof your home instead to avoid getting into a troublesome situation, we can do that too. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.

Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 1-800-981-0330 for Raccoon Removal in Richmond Hill

 

Avoiding Rabies and Dealing With Rabid Bats

Last Updated: June 2016

Wildlife removal always comes with the concern for rabies- a serious virus that presents itself in mammals and is transferred through the saliva of the animal. While not all animals carry the virus, it only takes one case of being bitten to turn into a bad situation. For this reason, it is important to be well educated of the effects, the symptoms, how to avoid it and the types of animals who are likely to carry it. Rabid bats are one of the more common types of cases that occur in Ontario. While there are other animals in Ontario who are known to have carried the virus such as raccoons, skunks and foxes, rabid bats are also more difficult to control. When controlling the virus in other species, professionals lace bait with a vaccine that helps protect the mammal from contracting it. Bats, on the other hand are insectivores which makes the process more difficult.

About Rabies

Rabies, also known as the Lyssavirus is a virus that affects mammal on almost every continent with many cases occurring in Asia and Africa. In Ontario the more prevalent types of species who are known to have carried the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. When infected, the virus affects the central nervous system of the brain. This causes the animal to behave unnaturally. Some of the symptoms that occur in animals infected with rabies are the following:

  • Symptoms of fever
  • Biting at anything
  • Vomiting
  • Initially behaving tired, slow, lethargic and then very excited
  • Acting Aggressive
  • Has trouble breathing
  • Salivating excessively

Steer clear of animals who are presenting symptoms of rabies and immediately call a professional wildlife removal service to your aid. Definitely do not try to contain the animal yourself whether it is on your property or not.

Rabies are transferred from mammal to mammal through infected saliva in close proximity with eyes and mouth, it is transmitted from bites, scratches or an open wound. The rabies virus is not contracted through contact of unbroken skin, blood or excretions of a rabid animal although it is still best to contact a medical professional if you or your pet comes into contact with either of these as a precaution.

In humans, when somebody has contracted the rabies virus their symptoms are similar to that of a rabid animal along with flu-like symptoms, headaches or weakness, hallucination and insomnia. If you or anybody you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately as death is usually imminent from rabies.

Rabies in the past years have effectively been controlled with the laced bait left out in the wild for animals to find that vaccinates them. Although successful in certain species, unfortunately not all animals were able to be vaccinated in that manner resulting in rabid bats.

Bats and Rabid Bats

There have been several cases of rabid bats as well as bats carrying other disease widespread which is most likely the reason of people placing high caution when it comes to these flying mammals. In 2014, there were 18 reported cases of rabid bats in Ontario. The reason why the number of rabid bats in Ontario is higher than that of other species are due to the fact that it is more difficult to control. As mentioned earlier, vaccinations of other species occurs when animals eat the bait deliberately laid out for them that is laced with the vaccine. This method has been successful in reducing the number of rabies cases in raccoons, skunk and foxes. Unfortunately, due to the fact that bats are insectivores, lacing and baiting their meals are more difficult. Rabid bats will act more aggressive, show a staring expression and may behave disoriented and as a result, have trouble flying. Rabid bats are also not as common as they are made out to be. As a result of the misconception bats are killed and their population has declined significantly. While they do exist, rabid bats are definitely not the only species to spread the disease to other animals or humans. When encountering a rabid bat or any animal with rabies symptoms, do not take the drastic measure of killing or handling the animal yourself. Instead call a wildlife professional for bat removal or a veterinarian to report the incident following any further instructions. Keep your pets safe by getting them vaccinated for rabies and keeping them away from an infected animal before an incident can occur.

If you are injured or have made close contact with wildlife showing signs of rabies immediately wash out the wound with warm water and soap and call for medical help immediately. As soon as possible, report the incident to a veterinarian or a professional wildlife removal technician to handle the animal. If a bat makes an appearance in a child’s room, in a room where somebody has been sleeping or near somebody who is disabled, report the incident. Bat bites are not always noticeable.

If you are concerned with bats entering your home, interacting with your family or near your pets, here are a couple tips for you to use

  • Check the house for any holes, spaces or potential entrances where a bat can possibly enter from
  • Cover these spaces by patching them up or using screens to prevent the bat from entering
  • Keep your eyes open during winter time as bats use this season for hibernation
  • Educate yourself and your children about bats and other wildlife. Remind children to not go near any wild animal regardless of whether it is portraying signs of rabies or not
  • Vaccinate all your pets
  • Ensure that any storage bins, trash, or anywhere that can serve as a habitat or food source for a wild animal is tightly sealed
  • Keep this phone number in a place that is easily accessible or seen: Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.

 

In the event where you are already hosting a bat on you property or notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.

Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Bat Removal!

How to Get Rid of Birds in Your House or On Your Property

Last Updated: June 2016

Unlike mice or squirrels who make a home out of your house by slickly inhabiting a living space, a bird’s presence and entrance can be spotted out a little more easily. The rustling noises in the corner of a room or a low flying bird hysterically maneuvering around the kitchen space is hardly subtle. In Ontario there are over a hundred different species of birds that live in the province. Some of these birds make it into more urban or city areas and will often experience certain troubling encounters such as getting trapped in somebody’s home, flying into windows or encounters other wildlife in the city. For a homeowner, having to get rid of birds or avoid having them in any of these situations can be an unpleasant one.

As mentioned above, there are very many different types of birds in Ontario. Some of the more common types of birds that you will see in city areas are the European Starling, House Sparrow and the famous Pigeon (also referred to as Rock Dove). These flying friends often become nuisances to us due to the messes made around the household. Birds are often guilty of damaging the house by making nests and messes in places like the garage or yards. They might destroy the garden and your fruit tree, and they leave droppings wherever they stay. Birds in more city areas also become victims of flying into windows of homes and high buildings which unfortunately often result in their death. With the amount of birds this is happening to annually being so high, it’s best to take action now to keep that number from climbing. Flap Canada is an organization that specializes in keeping these birds safe from these incidents.

To get rid of birds from your home there are a couple preventable measure you can take. Having a bright/flashing lights can help get rid of birds from your property (birds will avoid a bright light with an increasing flashing speed, giving the illusion that something is quickly heading towards them). Another technique to get rid of birds is to hang pie tins or aluminum plates from the trees. The reflective light on the tins from the sun and movement they make from the wind aid in keeping your fruit trees bird-free. Depending on where you live, Scarecrows are another option for you to help get rid of birds and keep them away too. If they are residing on the outside of the house, another thing you can do to get rid of birds is to install water sprinklers and seal/shut any doors or holes where birds can enter to keep them from coming in and use your home to build a nest.

How to get rid of birds from inside your home

If a bird has entered the room/building, here are a couple steps that you can follow

  1. Shut the doors: Getting rid of birds from inside a building can be hectic. Take control of the situation by first limiting the area where the bird could go by shutting the doors.
  1. Clear the room of other pets: Keep both the bird and your pets safe by separating them into different rooms. A loud barking noise or jumping animals will keep him from settling down making it harder for you to get rid of the bird
  1. Settle down: The bird can see, hear and sense your level of panic. If you are afraid of the bird, be aware that the bird is also afraid of you and will not calm down until everything else has as well.
  1. Clear exit path: Create a hassle free pathway towards the exit of the home that is clear and easy for the bird to leave from.
  1. Use a towel/blanket or call a technician: Only if the bird does not fly out on his own, gently ross a blanket/towel to help you move it out. This should be used as a last resort. Be very careful when moving the bird out of the building. If you are still experiencing trouble with the bird call an animal removal service company to help you.

At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Inc, we provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We are available and can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.

 

Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Bird Removal!

 

 

 

 

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