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 | Aug 29, 2016 | Squirrel Control
Squirrels and raccoons have always been culprits when it comes to hanging out in our backyards, lawns and attics. They take advantage of the space, the food sources and shelters available nearby which make it a convenient place to stay but for the residents who own the property, it can be a problem.
Although raccoons and squirrels have doe-eyed faces which make it easy to like them, they actually have the ability to cause more damage than you think and these problems only get worse the longer they go unresolved. Some of the problems you might face with raccoons and squirrels living on your property include the following:
- They’re going through your trash bins and making a mess looking for something to eat
- They rip and chew away at vents or chimney caps
- They leave droppings
- They aggravate your pets
- They have the possibility of carrying different virus’ or disease
- Aggressive wildlife animal may act defensively and cause injury or damage
Best humane ways of keeping wildlife from making homes on your property
There are several ways to keep wildlife from making homes on your property in an effective, safe and humane manner that included taking wildlife prevention precautions beforehand. Ensuring that wildlife don’t get into your property first and fore-more will drastically decrease the likelihood of any wildlife intrusions. Calling a professional wildlife control who uses a material like galvanized steel mesh to prevent wildlife from getting onto your property will save you money, time and effort in the long run.
If you don’t decide to conduct wildlife prevention, there are also other methods that can help in preventing wildlife on your property. Ensure that your trash bins are shut tight, or put away somewhere completely inaccessible from wildlife, especially raccoons. Raccoons have a lot of dexterity in their hands that make it easier for them to open trash bins or get into small spaces.
Be sure to conduct inspections every so often to look out for any spaces or areas that wildlife animals could possible use as an entry point. Ensure that there are no wildlife animals living here when before you seal any entry points.
Why live trapping shouldn’t be your first choice
There are numerous reasons as to why it would not be beneficial to conduct wildlife live trapping. Live trapping (by cage) is the process of catching a wildlife animal usually from a private property requested by someone with a nuisance wildlife problem and relocating them to a more convenient location for the property owner.
Under certain circumstances, live trapping is a necessary process and definitely the better alternative if it comes down to putting down wildlife animals. In some cases, live trapping is simply the best option for the wildlife animal as well as the property owner.
Reasons why wildlife live trapping shouldn’t be your first choice is because of how it affects the animal.
In certain months of the year, many wildlife animals are either already ready or preparing for baby season. This is the time period where wildlife are giving birth, or taking care of their young, teaching them to survive and thrive in the wilderness – but sometimes it isn’t in the wilderness, and it is on your property and that is when live trapping gets tricky.
During the early life stages of wildlife animals, just like us humans, they are dependent on their caretakers. Live trapping during these seasons risks catching the mother wildlife animal and leaving the young behind, orphaned, defenseless and hungry which is why it is especially risky to conduct wildlife trapping during the months of March-August.
Another key reason why live trapping should be left as a last resort is due to the chance of leaving a wildlife animal disoriented. When many wildlife species settle, they take the time to become familiar with their setting, the surroundings. They know where to find shelter from weather outcomes to predators, and how to find water and food sources within that area. When wildlife are trapped and relocated, they become ‘disoriented’ and don’t know how to find things as well as they did in their previous location. As reported by the Humane Society of the United States, about 97% of squirrels either died or disappeared from where they were released.
Wildlife Removal Legalities in Ontario
In Ontario, certain regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of wildlife animals as well as Ontario residents, so it is important that these rules are abided by
When dealing with nuisance wildlife, keep these in mind and read the official Rules for Removing Animals as published on Ontario.ca
- Deal humanely with wildlife
- Restrict activity to your property
- Release trapped wildlife within 24 hours
- Wildlife should not be relocated further than 1km from where they were caught
- With the property owner’s permission, release wildlife on private property
Why Calling for professional wildlife removal services is a good idea
Calling for a professional wildlife removal service is always a good choice especially if you’ve never dealt with wildlife nuisance problems in the past. Professional wildlife technicians are licensed and trained with dealing with wildlife and pest control problems and know the right method to ensure safety, humane treatment while getting the results you want.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior wildlife 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 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 | Aug 25, 2016 | Skunk Control, Squirrel Control
Garden pests seem like a small problem, but these issues can actually escalate very quickly. Many people dismiss garden pests, as a small situation but this blog will help educate you on some of the damage that garden pests can do to your property.
When you think of raccoons you just think about them passing through, grabbing a quite bite from your garbage and simply leaving to go about their business, but what actually happens can be more of a problem than you think.
Raccoons are capable of so much. With their nimble hands and their level of intelligence, raccoons have the ability to get into people’s properties and raise their young or make a mess!
Raccoons are also susceptible to carrying parasites and if raccoons travel around your property a lot, these parasites could make it into your home. Some raccoons carry roundworms which is passed through feces. If a raccoon leaves droppings on people’s property, either a dog or a small child playing in the garden can catch something or bring it in the home
The damage roundworms cause should be taken very seriously
Skunks are known for their defensive ability to spray unpleasant smells, but skunks are capable of so much more! Skunks often find shelter under sheds or decks which is a nuisance for property owners who simply want to go about their day without fear of wildlife nearby. They are capable of catching certain disease or virus’s and are prone to digging up lawns both which are problems and concerns for people.
Here are a list of skunk concerns
- Skunks are susceptible to catching diseases and viruses. If contracted, the likelihood of it spreading to somebody on your property is increased.
- Skunks use their spray as a defense when feeling threatened. You never know if what you’re doing could aggravate the skunk, causing them to spray, leaving you with a foul odor that can last a while
- Some pets either get upset or excited when they see wildlife on the property. Either way, their reaction could startle wildlife which could cause them to respond unfavorably.
- Skunks like to dig in people’s yards. The reason for this is to feed on the larvae. Although they may find their meal for the day, all you’ll find are messes in your yard and garden.
Squirrels are interesting, adorable, quick footed mammals, but their appearance does not take away from the damage they can cause you and how that can cost you.
Some common squirrel problems include the following
- Squirrels chewing through roof vents
- Creating entry points through the outside of the property
- Biting through wires in the attic
- Leaving droppings on your property
- Making messes with the insulation
Squirrel, like other small mammals are also capable of contracting different diseases and viruses like rabies. Although not all squirrels have the virus, hosting skunks on your property only increases the likelihood of it spreading to somebody within the vicinity.
Birds although are an amazement when watching them from a far, can actually be a nuisance when the birds come down to being on your property. Some of the common bird problems that occur include
- Noisy bird sounds bothering people throughout the day
- Creating nests for their young and making messes in the process
- Leaving droppings all over the area (which in some cases can be toxic)
- Perching on your property could bother some
There are 3 specific birds that are considered as nuisance wildlife animals, and are the only ones that can be interfered with according to Ontario law. These birds include the Pigeon, the Sparrow and the Starlings.
There are several methods in conducting nuisance wildlife removal in your garden or on your property, and although they may work at first, the results are usually temporary and you may be faced with the same, or similar problem again (costing you more in the long run). With SOS Wildlife Control you can be sure that our methods are humane, professional and effective. Our technicians are trained, licensed and have years of experience when conducting wildlife removal processes. Whether you’re faced with a raccoon, squirrel or bird in your garden or anywhere else on your property, you can be sure that SOS Wildlife Control will give you the results you want.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior wildlife 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 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 at 1.800.981.0330 for Markham Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | May 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
Richmond Hill is home to many recreational activities, thriving businesses and great communities. Their many options of parks to go to is overwhelming. Filled with the great views of nature and wildlife, activities like hiking and biking, a Richmond Hill park in the spring is where you want to be. Although the weather is still cool, plants and trees are beginning to brighten and you can hear animals calling in the distance. These features and more make Richmond Hill a great community to live in. What does, occur from time to time is the need for Richmond Hill raccoon removal.
More commonly than you think, people all throughout the neighborhood people are experiencing the need for Richmond Hill raccoon removal. While you’re away from the house, sleeping or just minding your own business, raccoons find a way onto your property. While these nimble fingered mammals may appear charming, they damage they can do, not so charming. Town occupants are hearing noises at night, seeing damages to their vents and sometimes even seeing babies. What can you do to prevent this from happening to you? Keep reading.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to avoid having to deal with the issue of Richmond Hill Raccoon Removal in the first place. Raccoon can cause a lot of damage to a property, from the vents, to insulation, to walls. If a raccoon has a family on your property, the damage increases. This unfortunately can be a nuisance and costly to take care of.
Raccoon prevention comes in multiple methods. There are practices you can take on your own that will discourage raccoons from selecting your property as their new home.
These tactics include:
- Properly sealing trash bins, storage bins so that raccoons cannot get through. This is especially true for compost bins. If raccoons see that there is an available food source, they will be drawn to that area
- Using lights and noises can deter a raccoon from selecting your property to live in as they prefer safe tranquil places with minimal disturbances
- Ensuring that the building structure has no damages in walls, weak areas and holes where raccoons can enter.
Calling a professional for wildlife prevention is another proactive option you can take to prevent Richmond hill raccoon removal in the first place. In this process, wildlife technicians will check the structure for all weak spots and possible entrances for raccoons. Each possible entry point will be documented for your reference and if you would like to proceed with wildlife prevention.
Removal
In the event where raccoons have already made it through to your property, it is not recommended that you remove them yourself. Do-It-Yourself raccoon removal comes with risks such as possible injury to yourself or the raccoon, damage or further damaging the property and implications with the law. There are certain regulations in place when dealing with wildlife removal so ensure that you look up all the information needed before taking any action yourself.
Professional Richmond Hill raccoon removal is recommended when you have a raccoon problem on your property. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated ensures that the processes taken to rid the animal from your property is humane, professional and efficient. When baby raccoons are involved a different protocol is set in place in accordance with the law and to ensure that the mother and baby raccoons are reunited and unharmed.
If you need Richmond Hill raccoon removal, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated. We ensure that our practices are safe and humane, and that you receive the results that you want.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated, we provide superior Richmond hill raccoon removal 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 Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Richmond Hill Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | May 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
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.
