by Sos Wildlife Control | Jan 9, 2017 | Animal Control, Helpful Tips, Pest Control
Cold winter weather often sends rodents scrambling towards warm shelter and your house could be next. Read more to learn about the various ways that you can prevent these pests from entering your home this winter.
As the cold weather begins to quickly approach, the streets become emptier while we take shelter in our homes to avoid the cool winter chill. Similarly, rodents mimic this behaviour and are unfortunately notorious for invading approximately 21 million homes each year with roughly 45% of these intrusions occurring during the fall and winter. Consequently, pests in houses have created an ongoing series of mouse problems across the GTA, but don’t panic – we have a few tips and tricks that you can follow this winter!
Evaluate the Exterior
Rodents vary in size and have a unique body structure that gives them the physical ability to fit in and between confined spaces. Rats can squeeze through pathways the size of a quarter and mice can successfully pass through spaces the size of a dime, while a raccoon-sized creature can enter through an opening as wide as 6-inches. As a result, when examining your home’s exterior walls, SOS Wildlife Control recommends you to look for light coming through cracks. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes are present; any form of damage can act as an entryway for pests, as they may enter your home through sink and bathtub drains. Another tip is to feel for air movement between crevices which may ultimately point you to a crack that may have been missed and to replace loose mortar and weather stripping.
Rodents are scavengers and generally have sharp teeth to complement their lifestyles. Rats and mice have sharp teeth known as incisors, which are highly specialized for gnawing on and through tough material. With this in mind, SOS Wildlife Control highly suggests homeowners to fill larger gaps on exterior walls with thick material including pieces of steel wool. The roughness of the steel fibres makes it difficult for rodents to gnaw through the material.
Focus on Windows and Doors
These are the most likely entry points for pests. If you plan on ever leaving your windows or doors open, you should fit them with screens, or check any existing screens for tears. Inspect the doors and windows for any cracks and seal any with inexpensive caulk or foam, if present. Once again, feel for air movement that may be a result of a present draft from your windows and doors.
Put Screens on Vents
Not every hole should be plugged up. Some are there for a reason, such as air vents in the kitchen or under cupboards. Installing screens allows air ventilation to take place while ensuring your home’s security against unwanted pests. Rodents (mice in particular) are both scavengers and mobile animals so be sure to replace or mend damaged screens immediately to prevent them from traveling in and around pathways throughout your home.
Control Your Garden
Plants close to the house provide a haven for insects and rodents as they await their chance to dart through an open door. More importantly, the presence of fresh food is a key factor that causes pests to continually visit homes. Rats and mice feed on a variety of fruits and vegetables; popular garden fruits and vegetables that these animals take a liking to include carrots, cabbage, blueberries blackberries. To reduce the likelihood of rodents invading your home, keep garden plants about 1 to 2 feet away from the house. Like raccoons, rats and mice are known to scavenge through garbage bins while seeking for food. To reduce the likelihood of rodents loitering around your home, secure your garbage bins shut and place them an agreeable distance from home entry points. If you have any pets, it is also advised that you feed them away from doors and windows as well, due to the fact that numerous pet foods such as bird seeds have been known to attract these scavengers.
Monitor, monitor and monitor
Vigilance is key. Pests mount their primary attacks on our homes twice a year – president of Green Earth Pest Control, Josh Alpert says. It often happens once the temperature drops at the beginning of winter, and once when it goes up again as summer starts. Therefore, being aware and taking proactive action towards home safety is important this time of year.
If Your House is Invaded by Pests:
You need to know what you’re dealing with so you can better prepare yourself to get the job done. It can sometimes be difficult to catch a glimpse of the intruder but there are a few indicators that may point you in the right direction. For instance, fecal droppings, chewed wires and gnawed baseboards may indicate the presence of a mouse or rat. A quick Internet search may also help you identify your intruder.
Eliminating unwanted pests isn’t as scary as you may think it is. Once you have identified the intruder, plan and take a course of action to get the intruder out of your home once and for all. A series of over-the-counter products can be used to help treat these pests.
- Leave it to the professionals of SOS Wildlife
Getting rid of unwanted house pests may sometimes cause you a hard time and may become dangerous, so it is important to know where to draw the line and when to call the professionals at SOS Wildlife. For your safety and the animal’s, contact us at (647) 994-9453!
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results. 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 for EMERGENCY wildlife nuisances, 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 Pest and Wildlife Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jul 25, 2016 | Pest Control
Having pests in your home is definitely an unpleasant situation that nobody wants to experience or deal with. From the diseases and germs carried, to the messes and damages they create, pests are a nuisance that are best dealt with quickly and efficiently. Determined attitudes and their small size enables them fit through tiny spaces wreaking havoc on the home of their host. If you’re noticing a pest situation, be sure to call for a professional to help you get the job done right.
Although pest infestations are more prevalent during the colder months, there are still a significant number of rodent problem cases throughout the rest of the year. There are different factors that influence the populations of mice and rats in people’s homes from weather, accessibility, foods sources, etc. In Toronto, the number of nuisance pest problem issues has skyrocketed which is possibly due to the light winter we’ve experienced this year. As a result, homeowners, restaurant owners, office spaces and plenty other types of spaces are victims to mice or rat infestations who have to deal with the negative impact of having rodent infestations on a daily basis.
If you’re just about fed up with having to deal with these pesky nuisances, then here are several suggestions on how to get started. Keep in mind, that although these tips can be effective temporarily, long term solutions are best provided by your wildlife removal and pest control technician.
If your property is being invaded by pests, begin with identifying the intruder. Knowing who the culprit is simplifies the situation by giving you a better idea with what you’re working with. There are different ways to identify what sort of pest you’re facing like tracks made, droppings and noises – use this guide to help identify the pest with the types of pest clue you come across.
Once you know what sort of pest you’re dealing with, it’s time to think up a course of action. There are several ways you can help eliminate or prevent pest issues before you call a wildlife control company.
- Inspect the exterior of the building
Feeling for air breeze or looking out for light shining through cracks is a good way to evaluate the state of the exterior of the building. Take some time to perform a walk through around the house to check if there are any cracks or holes where wildlife can or is gaining entry through. Remember, many pests are capable of squeezing through smaller spaces than we’d think they do!
While pests are very capable of fitting through or creating their own entry points, if there is an open window or door that is readily accessible they’re likely gain entrance this way instead.
Try to keep your doors or windows shut when not in use, but if they are open, consider fitting them with screens (or check for holes and tears if you already have them).
It’s important to keep vents open for obvious reasons, but placing screens on them can help you prevent pest infestations in your home.
Insects and rodents can use plants for safe hiding until they have an opportunity to get inside. It’s especially useful for them when the plants are nested right against the wall of the building! Prevent this from happening by moving the plants further away from the wall of the house.
Things can sometimes get a little messy when having repairs, renovations or any sort of work done to the building like plumbing or electrical. In their processes, gaps can be left, holes or weakened structures. Remember to do a run-through of the property afterwards.
There are many wildlife and pests who are extremely intelligent and persistent to get into your property so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and monitor any areas where you feel might have some wildlife/pest activity. Take extra precautions during the peak times of the year for these wildlife and pest intrusions. Once is when the temperature drops for the winter season and another again is when the temperature goes up for the summer.
While all of these suggestions can definitely aid in your challenge against pest control, for a more effective solution, call wildlife and pest control experts at SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated, our trained and licensed technicians have the knowledge and experience when dealing with wildlife and pest control problems. Thorough inspections are performed to catch all of the potential areas where pest and wildlife may be coming through. Once inspected, our technicians will give you customized solutions for your specific situation and provide you with the service to carry these solutions out.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated, we provide superior pest control 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 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.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jun 23, 2016 | Pest Control
As of this week, it is officially Summer and with summer comes a multitude of outdoor activities to enjoy, for both you and your pets! Our four legged friends are coming out with us to enjoy warmer weather in parks, campgrounds, forests or even our own backyard. It’s all fun and games but we need to keep in the mind the possible pest infestations and well-being of our hairy best friends (not you, tom).
Dogs and cats are both susceptible to catching all sorts of terrible diseases that can seriously harm them if not taken care of seriously and being outdoor increases these chances. Encounters with pests and wild animals like raccoons and skunks who care capable of transmitting diseases puts your pets at risk.
Here are some of the things to be aware of:
Diseases Your Pets Can Catch from Pests
Aside from physical altercations between wild and domestic animals, there are a number of diseases that your cat or dog can catch from them too. When the doors are open, or when the dog or cat is out, be weary of these.
Roundworms:
Roundworms can be deadly and are sometimes difficult to spot which is why it is very dangerous. Pets are infected when they lick their coat after having rolled around in the soil. When wildlife becomes infected with roundworm, the roundworm lays eggs in the stomach of the wild animal who later excretes it in the soil. When this same soil is ingested, that new animal becomes the host of roundworm. In some cases, roundworm can appear minimal and tame, but in worst case scenarios, the cyst formed from roundworm can be present in the eyes/brain which could cause serious damage.
Rabies:
Rabies isn’t something new to worry about, as the concern has always been around, but it’s definitely something to worry about. Through animals and humans, transmittal occurs when bitten by an infected animal. It is not spread by urine, blood or defecation but through the saliva of the infected animal. When bit, the virus affects the nervous system and eventually spinal cord which could infect the brain which leads to death. Rabies are commonly spread through wildlife like skunks and raccoons, animals who both populate many regions on Ontario, such as Toronto, Markham, Mississauga.
Distemper:
Distemper is a common disease which unfortunately takes the life of many dogs. Symptoms of distemper include diarrhea, vomiting and the infected dog will become tired and lethargic. With distemper, the spinal cord as well as the brain can become infected which greatly increases the chance of fatality. It is contagious and is acquired when vaccines aren’t given or they are ineffective.
Tapeworm:
Tapeworm is transmitted through the ingestion of defecation from an infected animal or through meat that is infected. It occurs when the egg tapeworm is swallowed and ends up in the digestive track and can form cysts in organs throughout the body.
There are many other diseases that can affect your pet, so it is important to stay aware and informed to keep them safe and sound.
How to Protect your pets from the effects of pest
The best way to protect your pets from the effects of pests is number 1, to ensure that they are vaccinated for everything they need to be vaccinated for and that they are all up-to-date.
Always monitor your pet’s behavior for any unusual activity that seem alarming. Get tests done and check with your vet especially if you have recently been outside with your dog and they are behaving this way. Doing this can help identify any existing health concerns that should be taken care of, sooner than later. If done later it may be more complicated or even impossible to treat which is why it is better to take precautions beforehand.
Keep your pets away from areas populated with wildlife animals especially raccoons and skunks. These animals are more likely than others capable of transmitting an infectious disease to your pet that could seriously compromise their health. When you take your pets outdoors, avoid tall grassy areas especially with nearby water sources where there could easily be pests and wildlife nearby.
By wildlife proofing your property, you can help decrease raccoon/skunk encounters. Doing this minimizes the risk of your pet getting too close and getting harmed by infected wildlife on your property.
How SOS Wildlife Can make your home pest free
Ensuring that your property is wildlife free, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated. Our technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, professional and humane. An SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated technician can help you by proofing your home helping eliminate the possibility of wildlife intrusion.
For wildlife prevention, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated We conduct safe and humane solutions for your wildlife and pest control problems. Help keep your furry four-legged friend safe by reducing the risk of wildlife intrusions on your property and call an expert wildlife technician. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us, and we’ll schedule you in for an appointment for a thorough inspection to help identify wildlife access points and personalized wildlife prevention solutions.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated 1-800-981-0330 for Wildlife Prevention!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Mar 17, 2016 | Helpful Tips, Pest Control
Last Updated: June 2016
Wildlife control and pest control- Two terms that have been interchanged for as long as people have been experiencing invasion by squirrel, bed bugs, raccoons, ants and more. While what they do have in common is eviction, these two services are actually worlds apart, actually, species. While one is in no way better than the other, wildlife control and pest control are services that each specialize in different aspects of commercial or home invasion (by animal) and it is important to recognize and understand the distinction as to call the right one when experiencing such problems. The repercussions in calling the wrong people to get the job done can result in fines, animal abuse, property damage and more. It may not even get the job done, and instead escalate the problem costing you more in the end.
Wildlife Control
If you have a raccoon problem, squirrel problem, bird problem or something similar, then what you need is a wildlife control technician to help you solve it. When facing mammals, birds or some reptiles, wildlife removal or wildlife control experts will gladly help you get rid of animal from property. Wildlife control technicians are trained professionals with skills of various humane methods to remove wildlife from your property. They have the experience required to successfully identify a wildlife problem, locate it, remove animal and prevent animal from re-entering. Wildlife Control experts are familiar with the rules, regulations and best practices when it comes to dealing with wildlife where as a pest control technician would not.
Pest Control
Pest control technicians would be the service to call for when experiencing problems with ants, cockroaches, bed bugs etc. Smaller critters that require something similar to an exterminator service require pest control to take care of it. Pest control experts are familiar with the best practices in bugs, insects, and should not be called in for wildlife removal. This can result in a negative outcome.
Pest control technicians, while they are experts in their field of pest removal, are not experts and not the people to call for wildlife removal. Because they have not undergone the same training as a wildlife removal technician, if they do take a wildlife removal job (which they shouldn’t) the outcome can cause more harm than good.
Problems with Hiring Pest Control for Wildlife Problems
- Pest control companies don’t have the experience and training wildlife removal companies have
- Thorough inspections won’t be conducted (rooftops, chimneys)
- Improper/inhumane handling of wildlife (which can result in fines or even worse injuring or killing animal)
- Providing inaccurate information about wildlife removal process
- Does not have the same liability insurance
- Incorrect disposal or removal processes
- Damage to property
- Complicate issue further, costing you much more in the end while not even properly solving initial problem
A great way to determine the difference between the two if you’re not sure is to see how they identify themselves. If their image represents that of a company that has to do mainly with insects, bugs etc., then don’t call them for wildlife removal. If you’re unsure about whether you are hiring the right type of company for your problem, here are a couple questions you can ask.
- What type of animals does your service specialize in?
- What kind of training and licensing do your technicians have?
- What are your animal removal methods and is it humane?
- How many years of experience in wildlife removal do you have?
- Does your company have liability insurance?
You can also ask the company in question to provide you with a source of reviews for you to see. In the same way the pest control shouldn’t be called for wildlife removal problems, wildlife removal companies shouldn’t be called for pest control issues. It is all about knowing what kind of problem you’re experiencing and finding a trustworthy company, specializing in this issue to help you.
If you’re experiencing wildlife control problems in your home or commercial area, call a professional wildlife control company like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. Our technicians having years of experience, conduct humane methods, are honest, reputable and professional. Our services ensure that your problem will be solved, and that your property remains wildlife-free. Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 1-800-981-0330 today for all your wildlife control concerns.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Mar 17, 2016 | Pest Control, Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
Spiders are critters from the order of Araneae. They have eight legs, and fangs that inject venom. Spider removal is highly recommended if these tiny little guys come in your home as can become an irritating and frustrating situation. Contact a local pest control technician near you to do a spider removal to avoid dealing with them yourself. Spiders like many other types of bugs lay thousands of eggs, therefore, it’s better getting it done sooner than later.
What’s commonly known and feared about spiders are their bites. Several spider bites can cause an allergic reaction, however spiders don’t generally bite unless they’re threatened. Two dangerous spiders that are commonly found in North American countries are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse.
Black Widow Bites
Sometimes people don’t notice they got bitten by a black widow spider, they just notice the bite because of the mark the fangs has left, however most of the time when you get bitten by a black widow spider you will experience immediate pain, swelling, redness, and itchiness. Some people will rub the bite too much and or scratch which will then can cause minor skin problems.
Brown Recluse Bites
Once you’re bitten by a Brown Recluse you will feel a mild stinging, extreme pain, redness, swelling, and itchiness. This usually occurs for eight hours but can go for even longer. The bite of the Brown Recluse will look bruised sometimes purple, sometimes red, and there would be several rings around it making it look like a bulls eye. The Brown Recluse spider bite will also give you fluid filled blisters on where the bite is located. This could all be very annoying, dangerous, and painful so once you locate a spider in your house have them removed immediately.
*This post is informational. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated does not provide Spider Control Services
by SOS Wildlife Control | Mar 17, 2016 | Pest Control, Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
Beetle’s are pests that can cause great damage to your home. If you have a beetle infestation we advise you to hire a pest removal company immediately for beetle removal. Beetles are normally black in appearance but come in various other colors such as bright green, brown, yellowish brown, and a lighter black. Beetles have two pairs of wings; one pair of their wing is continued on its back and abdomens. The wings harden like a shell to protect their body. A female beetle can lay dozens to several eggs, which can be problematic if they lay their eggs inside your home. Pheromone is a substance released by beetles and some other insects; this is the way these insects communicate with each other and invites more beetles into your home. The two common types of beetles you will find in your home are the carpet beetle and the black beetle.
Carpet Beetle
Carpet beetles are usually 3 mm long and they belong to the dermestidae family. Carpet beetles are often yellowish brown, with white and black spots and lines all over them. Carpet beetles usually like to come inside our homes as pests which is why beetle removal, preferably by a professional, is recommended. Carpet beetles can cause great damage to your home, and can damage thing such as furniture clothing and etc. Carpet beetles also often feed on organic things such as skin, fur, wool, leather. These beetles usually like to stay and lay eggs in carpets, under baseboards and closets. Therefore you will have to do a beetle removal once you spot them in your house because they will be damaging to your home. A way these beetles come in your home is often through your garden and flowers since they also feed off of pollen sometimes.
Black Beetle
Black beetles are black and and are about half an inch in size. These small critters have size as an advantage as they can avoid being seen and caught. Beetles usually feed on plants eating pollen from flowers which often comes the main reason why the beetles are coming into your home. Both the Black Beetle and the Carpet beetle will come inside your house and stay in enclosed spaces. They can be very damaging to your home, furniture, clothes, and plants which is why it is important to do a beetle removal if they come inside your home.
*This post is informational. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated does not provide Beetle Control Services
