by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 29, 2016 | About Wildlife
About Raccoons
Raccoons are quite common in Toronto and have become a huge problem not only in the Greater Toronto Area but much of Ontario. With their nimble fingers and high ability to adapt, raccoons have become a nuisance. These black eyed bandits break into people’s homes and offices. We receive many calls about a ‘raccoon in the attic‘, ‘raccoon between wall’, ‘raccoon under deck’ or ‘raccoon down chimney’ so it is definitely not something new. They continually tip over garbage bins and steal pet food. Their strength alone, combined with their determination to get food and shelter make for a potentially costly combination. Weather you plan do it yourself raccoon removal or hiring a professional for raccoon removal, ensure it is humane and in accordance with Ontario Law. It is illegal to kill raccoons in Ontario and it is unnecessary when there are humane approaches available.
Raccoon Damage
Raccoon are larger animals than other urban pests like squirrels or skunks and can wreak a lot of damage on your home.
- Entry Holes: The entry holes they create on the structure of your home/office will allow rain and snow in as they rip off shingles, facia board, and siding to gain entry.
- Chimneys: Raccoon use uncapped chimneys for denning sites as chimneys are better than hollows in trees.
- Structural Supports: They may chew through the structural supports underneath decks and porches.
- Raccoon In the attic: They will chew on wires which may cause a fire hazard. They use the insulation for their nest and as a latrine thus the insulation will be compromised. The accumulation of feces is a health hazard that can cause raccoon roundworm. Read more on our article “Raccoon in the attic“
Once you spot a raccoon in your home have them humanely removed immediately as the damage they cause can be costly. If you have a raccoon in your attic for two weeks there will not be as much damage in comparison to having a raccoon under the deck for several months, however in order to avoid damages altogether it is advised to hire a professional immediately, to get them out and keep them out.
Raccoon Disease
Raccoon droppings can pose a great threat, their droppings may contain Baylisascaris Procyonis also known as raccoon roundworm. Other animals and people can get infected if they accidentally swallow the egg in soil or water or even by breathing in the spores released from raccoon droppings. Although it is rare, it most commonly affects children and there is presently no effective cure. Precautions need to be taken when handling or around raccoon droppings.
Another virus commonly known to be spread by raccoon is rabies, which is contracted through the bite of an infected animal. Raccoon are one of the most frequently reported animal species with rabies. An indicator of a distressed raccoon could be if you see a raccoon during the day as they are mostly active during the night. If you do see one, do not approach it and immediately call a wildlife removal professional. Although there are times you may see mother raccoons out looking for food for her babies, precautions should be taken, and a professional should be contacted.
The Ministry of Natural Resources have an Ontario Wildlife Rabies Control Program which is set in place to reduce outbreaks of the virus. The procedure includes dropping a large number of oral vaccine in the form of bait in the late summer/early fall by air. Since implemented, there has been a great reduction in the number of rabies cases reported. If you, or a pet are ever bitten or scratched by a raccoon, seek medical help immediately. You can read more about rabies in our blog – Rabies in bats, raccoon and other wildlife.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 27, 2016 | Uncategorized
The City of Markham is a wonderful city, with lots of different activities available for everybody. From Markville Mall to Main street Markham or Milliken Park, there is always something to do, for children, adults, seniors, couples families and more. The city is filled with neighborhoods and communities and events and is celebrated for it, as they should be. But like many other neighborhoods around the city, it also has it’s encounters with raccoons every so often.
There are many factors as to why wildlife continuously make an appearance in these areas. Due to deforestation, wildlife like raccoons are threatened with losing their home, which many already have. Corporations are tearing down their natural habitat, driving them to head to the cities where they now adapt as a means for survival. Raccoons like many other living beings need a source of shelter, food and defense. Female raccoons must also consider the well-being of their young if they have, ensuring they can provide for them and offer the babies their basic needs of survival which is why it is important to consider when conducting wildlife control services.
So now people are having to deal with raccoon problems in their neighborhoods, which can be a nuisance to have happen to you and a nuisance to deal with. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent and their features and abilities allow them to carry out their plans of action on getting our properties. It’s a problem when raccoons or any other wildlife make their way into your attic, your garage, leaving damage or messes, so we understand the urgency on wanting to get them out.
There are ways to prevent wildlife from moving towards your property. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Ensure that your trash bins, compost bins are either shut tight, or out of sight. Raccoons are finding ways to open up our garbage to find food and will often make a mess in the process.
- Close your doors, garage, windows if not in use. Don’t leave an open entrance that may welcome wildlife onto your property
- Let children know not to go near unknown wildlife with any food. Raccoons may see this as an invitation to approach
- Regularly inspect your home for any weak spots or damage where raccoons can find their way through
- Trim branches if they’re too long and if they’re headed in the direction of your roof. Branches can bridge the gap raccoons need to get onto your roof and in your attic.
Although these tips can help deter wildlife, there are more effective solutions to preventing wildlife from going onto your property.
If you’ve already seen a raccoon on your property, don’t try to remove it yourself. You should always have a trained professional help you when removing any sort of wildlife from your property. By attempting your own raccoon removal, you risk putting yourself in harm’s way or harming the raccoon. Instead call a wildlife control technician to give you a hand.
If you haven’t yet noticed any wildlife on your property, but you want to prevent it, there is an effective solution to this. Conducting wildlife prevention methods will help you avoid having to deal with wildlife intrusions, damages, messes in the future and simply save you the entire hassle.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated has years of experience in raccoon removal and wildlife prevention. We conduct humane raccoon removal ensuring that our methods are cruelty free and in line with the rules and regulations of Ontario. For our wildlife prevention services, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated uses galvanized steel mesh to prevent wildlife from going through. This material is strong enough to keep wildlife from chewing or breaking apart, so you don’t have to worry about wildlife intrusions anymore.
It’s important to solve the problem of nuisance wildlife on your property while keeping in mind why they’ve been driven there in the first place. It’s possible to co-exist with these raccoons as long as the encounters remain in public spaces and not in your attic, garage etc.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior Markham raccoon removal 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 24/7, 365 days a year, and 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 1.800.981.0330 for Markham Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
We here at SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated know that our planet is an amazing place with a ton of things to be appreciative about! In this line of work, we’re lucky enough to be able to encounter wildlife like raccoons in Mississauga or squirrels in Toronto (although when we see them they technically are in properties they aren’t supposed to be in!) and see what kind of amazing things they are capable of, which is a lot. Our Earth is filled with all sorts of ecosystems with wildlife and nature, that should be taken care of and preserved. We know that sometimes it slips our mind, but every little bit helps! And if more people keep making small efforts, then we will have contributed to a big change.
Here are a couple things we can incorporate in our lives
Bring a lunch to work and use non-disposable containers! This will help eliminate waste, and it might even be healthier cut down on takeout!
If it’s feasible, skip the drive to work on some days or carpool! Other alternatives to greener transportation are public transportation, walking or biking!
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Maybe you don’t need to buy that thing (that you already have 3 of)
Consume less, shopping-wise. Let’s be less materialistic and stop buying items we don’t need. Those things we end up shoving in to the back of the closet, or lost in the garage? Nah. Less material, less waste.
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Wasting with water-bottles
Plastic, disposable bottles? Grab yourself 1 or 2 good-looking reusable water-bottles instead. Refill them where and when possible so you don’t have to toss a bunch away everyday
When throwing things away, make sure they’re sorted into the right bin to keep from filling our landfills. People from the City of Toronto can use this article: What Goes Where
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7 Rs, I thought there were 3!
Re-use Keep from tossing so many things into the waste bin by reusing items where you can
Re-purpose Think, DIY Projects. If there’s something you’re thinking about getting rid of, see if there are any ways you can make it into something fabulous instead
Rot compost everything organic.
Repair instead of replacing. The handy-person or fixer-upper in your life can help take care of this
Return If you’re buying a product, choose to go somewhere where you can return it in case you change your mind, so you don’t have to throw it out
Refill As mentioned above, a cool water-bottle never hurt anyone
Refuse If you don’t need to, don’t buy packaged, disposable, single-use products
Let’s all remember that every little bit helps. Together, we can each do our part in protecting our earth so let’s do it!
Happy Earth Day!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 21, 2016 | Animal Control, Bird Control, Squirrel Control
Last Updated: June 2016
Morning in Brampton
By 7:30 am SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians were on the road, ready to begin the day bright and early on the highway from North York to Brampton. A typical day for our technicians consists of driving out to all corners of the city to meet with customers and helping them solve their wildlife and pest control problems.
This specific case was for a customer who had been living in a single-detached house with raccoons above her head in the attic for about a week. She had been hearing noises of scratching, moving around and some chirping type sounds, which is a common occurrence for people who are or have experienced this. “I hear them around 5-6 am in the morning” she told SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated professionals. After a receiving some details on the whereabouts, habits, noises of the raccoon, another furry masked mammal was spotted across the street on a neighbors property. It was evident that the occurrences of people experiencing raccoon problems in the area was common.
Not too long after, our technician Sherwin was on his way up the ladder onto the customer’s roof for an inspection. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated documents by video-recording entry ways, possible entrances and damages for the customer to see. On this property it was apparent that raccoons were going through a makeshift entrance of a hole in the soffit. What was found was that not only raccoons were getting through this hole, but so were birds who had flown in and around during the visit. Along with the damage in the soffit were additional likely entrances for the raccoon to go through. After a thorough inspection, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technician made our recommendations to prevent wildlife entrances by proofing the different types of roof vents.
Wildlife In Mississauga
After a stop in Concord ON., later in the morning, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated professionals were making their way to handle a problem of wildlife in Mississauga where they had a customer in a commercial building experiencing squirrel problems. Ladders were propped up against the wall of the building and SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated professionals made their way up onto the roof. Building occupants complain that there had been squirrels running through the ceiling and on one instance had gotten into the hallway of the building where they had spent a Friday chasing it out. With no luck, they had called SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated to help take care of it. Upon inspection, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians found entrance points that required squirrel one-way doors – an installation that allowed squirrels to get out of the building, but not reenter. One-way doors used by SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated are made from galvanized steel mesh, a type of material strong enough to keep wildlife from damaging it.
North York by Noon
The next trip was back to North York where SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated had a customer who had previously experienced raccoons in the attic. A one-way door installation had been conducted near the edge of the roof top and SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians were there today removing the door after the raccoon had left, and replaced it with galvanized steel mesh, a prevention method used to keep wildlife from chewing through and re-entering. A minor roof repair was completed, and the job was done.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians work hard to provide our customers with the results the want by delivering professional, effective and efficient services. If you’re experiencing wildlife nuisances on your property, give us a call at 1.800.981.0330 to schedule an appointment. We are available 24/7 for emergency situations (wildlife in your immediate vicinity).
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
My experience in climbing the CN Tower on behalf of SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated for the World Wildlife Fund CN Tower Climb for Nature on April 16/16
Prepping for the CN Tower Climb
After learning about the World Wildlife Fund’s event WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature, we realized it was surely not an event to turn down. WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature is a fundraising event that supports work conducted to help conserve the different type of species and habitats in ecosystems all around the world. The 2016 fundraiser was among the largest group to climb raising approx. $1 million for this cause and I was very happy to have participated on behalf of SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated
I met all the qualifications and was registered for the CN Tower Climb by April 13th and thought to myself “okay, I’m really doing this”. This was my first attempt to do the climb and I was excited but also nervous on what to expect. With the support of the S.O.S Wildlife Control staff, friends and family, i figured I could do this and had Adrian, fellow boyfriend, join me on this mission up the 1,776 stairs. Thankfully, he said yes.
Days approaching the climb, I had been mentally and physically preparing myself by taking the stairs at every opportunity, drinking lots of water and getting excited for the walk. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy route up, but I was definitely up for the challenge. By 9:30 am on Saturday April 16/2016 I arrived at the Metro Convention Center downtown Toronto to check-in at registration. There were a ton of people, all eager to participate in this climb, solo climbers, teams, families. Once we were all checked-in began the journey to the bottom of the CN Tower. A shout out to all the volunteers who helped out at this event and made the entire process extremely easy for all the climbers, they did a great job! At the bottom of the stairs, we were met with security ensuring that all our items had been left at the bag/coat checks as it was a completely hands-free climb- no cell phones, water bottles, wallets, or anything that wasn’t important documents, medical information etc. Once we had passed this, the climbing began.
Upwards Journey
The first point was to stamping our time-sheets. 10:02 am. We were met with someone I presume was security who high-fived us and wished us luck and then suddenly it was official – I was at the very bottom of the CN Tower, on my way to the top. The staircase was quite standard. Wide enough to fit two sets of climbers, right-side for walking and left-side for passing. I began on the right side. I had made it a couple flights up before feeling the effects. I was tired, my legs were sore and I was out of breath so I took a break and slowed down my pace. I feel like I maintained a reasonable pace after my first break and kept climbing up with Adrian giving me support and encouragement when needed. Several flights up I wanted to know my progress. Each flight was numbered, but I had forgotten how many there were in total so it felt like a never ending journey, unsure of how close I was to the top. The question came to mind several times during the climb.
Throughout the journey up, you never once feel alone as there are people ahead, behind and passing you through most of it feeling the same way you are. In addition to this, every once in a while you’ll hear somebody’s voice echo through the staircase yelling words of encouragement! The sights weren’t dull either. Posted on the walls were pictures drawn by children encouraging climbers to keep going and reminding us of how we were supporting a great cause. I remember one that said, “just a couple hours left!” and I have to admit, my eyes widened. Participating in the climb were also people dressed in costume. Teams in brightly colored tutus, a guy in a Spider-man outfit – this definitely took your mind off the fact that 500 steps remained!
As we continued, more and more people were crowding at the base of each flight taking a breather. I still didn’t know how many flights there were in total, so I didn’t know when I was getting closer to the top, but seeing these people resting was an indicator that were maybe getting closer? I was sweaty, exhausted, and needed a drink of water. I hoped we were almost there and so did the people around me. At one point somebody had yelled, “does anybody see sunlight up there?” and I had that exact question. Suddenly, you hear cheering above you, and you know the end time-sheet stamping station was approaching . I gained momentum once I knew the end was near, and jogged up the final steps. My sheet was stamped at 10:34 am. 31:49 was the amount of time I needed to climb up 1,776 stairs. I’d like to think it would of been much shorter had I prepared just a little bit more, but I didn’t care that much because I had made it! To the top of the CN Tower via staircase. After getting the sheet stamped there were “cool down” steps up to the platform where we were met first with the WWF Panda Mascot who was the first to high-five us in a long line of volunteers cheering climbers on.
Made it!
On the platform we found the water bottle station and happily chugged down the contents. We were welcome to stay there and enjoy the view of the city from the top of the CN Tower alongside other climbers, everyone exhausted but feeling accomplished for both supporting WWF’s climb for nature and climbing up those stairs. I can say for myself that although it wasn’t easy, I had an amazing experience and will likely participate again next year.
A big thanks goes to WWF for hosting the event towards a great cause allowing us to participate and contribute in helping support the conservation of ecosystems around the world! Another thanks to S.O.S Wildlife Control for sponsoring my climb allowing me to participate!
