Found Baby Raccoons on Your Property?

This time around in the year, baby raccoons are making an appearance left, right, up and down. These small, fragile mammals are being born in bunches of about 3-4 cubs in attics and garages all over the GTA in nests made especially by their mother. Although raccoon breeding varies on environmental conditions, generally, early march will be around the time baby raccoons are spotted all until late spring/early summer. Often, during these times of the year, many homeowners and property managers will notice sounds of footsteps above them or a crying noise from the baby raccoon and won’t know what to do. If you encounter a baby raccoon here are a couple tips on how to react to minimize risk, harm and damage.

  • One of the best things you can do if you spot a litter of baby raccoons, is to keep an eye out on them. Take note of their activity, and that of their mother. Try to identify whether the baby raccoons are orphans or not. Mother raccoons can leave for hours at a time, but will always return to her babies. If you notice that the mother has not returned for an extended period of time, you can assume they are orphans and will require assistance from a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
  • If the babies are orphaned, very gently check to see if they appear injured. If you see any signs of injury or if raccoon seems to be in pain, call a wildlife rehabilitation center. If the babies are orphaned, please do not feed them unless you have been instructed to by the wildlife rehabilitation experts. Young wildlife often have sensitive stomachs.

*Always protect yourself by wearing appropriate gear when approaching wildlife

  • If family of raccoon seems healthy and are residing in on your property be careful when near them as raccoons tend to be territorial and may become aggressive if they feel threatened. To avoid risks of injury and possible further damage to your property do not try to remove raccoons yourself. Call a wildlife removal company to assist you with raccoon and baby raccoon removal.
  • To prevent raccoons from selecting your property for shelter, make the area as unappealing to them as possible. Raccoons prefer darker and quiet spaces with a nearby food source. To keep them from coming in, you can install outdoor lights, play music and ensure that your trash is sealed or inaccessible for them to dig through.
  • For more extensive, secure prevention methods, call a wildlife removal company like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated conduct wildlife prevention on your property. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians will conduct a thorough inspection on your property, identifying possible raccoon entry points and weak spots and will proceed with the method best applicable to that area.

Raccoons are extremely interesting mammals with a variety of different skill-sets that allow them to survive the way they do both in the wild, and among humans. Their means for survival, food and shelter, can sometimes be a nuisance for home and building owners which is why humane practices in conducting raccoon and baby raccoon removal should always be conducted. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide raccoon baby removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problem. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for your raccoon baby removal needs.

Procyon Wildlife is dedicated to working with our communities in an effort to help wild animals in need of care. Their goals are to rescue, rehabilitate and safely release these animals, and to promote public appreciation for wildlife preservation.

SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated delivers wildlife in need to the caring hands of Procyon Wildlife volunteers. Procyon Wildlife is a non-profit organization who’s efforts all go towards the well-being of animals. You can help support Procyon Wildlife by volunteering, monetary donations or by donating supplies in need. Visit the Procyon Wildlife Website for more details on how to help.

 

 

Are Damages Caused by Mice & Rodents Covered by Insurance?

It’s common knowledge that damage cause by mice is a nuisance and dealing with the situation can be pricey, but can insurance companies help you out?

Having unwanted mice on your property is definitely an unsightly, nuisance situation – but more than that, can be a costly and destructive problem. Mice in buildings, homes etc. are a common issue throughout all parts of Toronto and the GTA, and when it happens, the mice become even more problematic the longer you wait. Wait too long and soon enough, you’ll be faced with a mice infestation, with mice in your cupboards, under appliances, behind walls etc. Alone, mice are already a challenging situation, but in groups where they multiply quickly, your property is at risk, putting you at risk of having to deal with the aftermath.

Damages caused by mice is not a great situation. Their ability to chew through the following can be dangerous, costly, and a risk to your health.

Mice can chew through

  • Electrical wiring
  • Gas lines
  • Wood
  • Soft Concrete
  • Drywall
  • Rubber

Having these capabilities and more are a sure way to ring up a couple transactions on your dime. Or is it covered?

Do Insurance policies provide protection against property damage caused by mice?

Short answer? Under specific circumstances

Long answer? Sometimes they do, but only if the situation falls under what is written in the policy. Some insurance companies for the most part do not cover the damage caused by rodents. If a mouse chews up your walls, some wiring or some pipes it’s possible that you are on your own. Under certain policies, some insurance companies do not cover damage due to the fact that mice infestation is due to negligence. It is recommended to verify with you insurance company to see what is included in your plan.

For some insurance companies to get involved with a mice problem would be when an incidental problem occurs. For example, a mouse that chews your electrical wires may not be covered, but if this causes a fire to the home, then it is possible that an insurance company will take care of it.

If you shop around enough, you might be able to find an insurance company who offers pest control damages on their plan. Usually these plans are offered at a higher cost in a more elaborate insurance plan, or it’s treated as an add-on. It’s not a bad idea to consider these options if you’re looking to be covered for mice problems, but an alternative is to take preventative measures before it can even happen.

Don’t Ignore a Mouse Infestation as it can be a Health Hazard

As previously mentioned, a mouse infestation can be costly, but more importantly, it can be a health hazard.

Mice are known to cause lots of damage, and in these damages, the risk of threats to yourself and your family increases. Although small in size, their effects on a property can be massive, for example, some nibbling through pipes can cause flooding or even worse, mice chewing through electrical wires can possibly cause fires.

More popularly known about mice over causing lots of damage is their reputation for carrying germs or spreading viruses. Mice are small enough to get into our walls, under our appliances and even in our kitchen cupboard, so if there is a mouse on your property, ensure that these places are inaccessible as you don’t want them to contaminate your food storage. Some common viruses that are spread from mice are salmonellosis, listeria, or hantavirus. Hantavirus is a virus contracted by inhaling or ingesting mice feces or urine and can cause major health risks. Chances of this occurring goes up when you have a family of mice in your property.
Dealing with mice is more than a nuisance, it can be a health risk. So for the safety of the building occupants, don’t ignore a mouse infestation and take care of it now better than later. As soon as your notice mice activity on your property, it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible. Mice multiply quickly, and together, they have the ability to wreak havoc, so take precautions before it is too late.

Ways to protect your home from Mice infestation by sealing your house

If you want to avoid a mouse infestation, protect your home before it’s too late. It’s much easier to take preventative measures now, rather than having to deal with the unfortunate consequences later which can end up costing you even more.

One of the main methods of mice infestation defense is by having areas sealed around the house. Finding areas which are more prone to mice entering must be conducted first. Once these areas are identified, they should be sealed (often done with caulking/steel wool) to prevent mice from coming through. This will help in reducing the chance of a mouse infestation which in turn can save you money in the long run.

To stay on-top of preventing a mouse infestation, another thing you can do is to regularly inspect and monitor the property for any holes or weak spots, potential entry-points for mice to come through.

Prevention is a great way to avoid a mice infestation, but in the case where it’s too late, you can call a pest control expert like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated

How SOS Wildlife can help you get rid of Mice

SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated has years of experience in all sorts of pest control including certain insects, rats, and mice.

Our mice control services include sealing mice entry-points to prevent mice from coming through the property as well as the use of tamper-proof bait stations. These bait stations are meant to keep people from meddling with it, which keep them, children and pets safe.

Don’t wait on calling for mice control, take care of mice infestation problems as soon as possible and call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated today!

What to do When You Find Wildlife in Distress

Wildlife is an amazingly important part of our world. Like humans, wildlife carries each their own personalities, their own set of traits, incredible skills and talents, and contribute in their own way to this planet we all share. While there is a communication barrier that keeps up from being able to fully comprehend one another, we all know that as living creatures, we are all doing what is necessary in order to survive and take care of one another. Keeping this in mind, it’s not difficult to lend a helping hand to wildlife in need when we see them.

On one instance or another, unfortunately, what we encounter is wildlife in need of help. They may be injured, orphaned or sick and don’t have the capability to help themselves. When this happens, it is always encouraged to call a professional to help you in assisting the animal to ensure that they receive the best care possible.

Who can I call if I’ve encountered wildlife in need of assistance?

(Visit website to see full list of services)

Procyon Wildlife Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center – (905) 729-0033

Mission: Procyon Wildlife is dedicated to working with our communities in an effort to help wild animals in need of care. Our goals are to rescue, rehabilitate and safely release these animals, and to promote public appreciation for wildlife preservation.

Toronto Wildlife Centre – (416) 631-0662

Mission: Toronto Wildlife Centre promotes the peaceful coexistence of people and wildlife by providing education and expert advice about wildlife situations, and providing medical care to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals with the ultimate goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild.

College of Veterinarians of Ontario

A guide to help you find a veterinarian near your location

These services and more are filled with people who are dedicated to helping animals who can either no longer or temporarily cannot take care of themselves. Because we have these people doing their part in helping those in need, thousands of animals have been given a better chance at life.

Can SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated help me with this injured wildlife animal?

SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated provide wildlife removal services like raccoon removal or squirrel removal. We do not provide veterinarian or rehabilitation services. If you are looking to find a wildlife removal service company, read more here.

SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated is a proud supporter of Procyon Wildlife and the work they do in taking care of injured, orphaned or sick wildlife. Procyon Wildlife is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center. We encourage those interested in supporting them to do so by volunteering or donating.

More information on how you can help Procyon Wildlife here

About Raccoons

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 Roundworm

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.

  • Rabies

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.

What to do if you have a raccoon problem

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!

 

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