by SOS Wildlife Control | Jul 16, 2015 | Animal Control
Last Updated: May 2016
Need raccoon removal tips for raccoon in your attic, backyard, garage or under your deck? Once a raccoon is in your home it can be difficult to get them out. We recommend calling a wildlife removal professional but if you’re looking for some DIY alternatives, here are some tips that may help.
3 tips if a raccoon is in your backyard
- Getting rid of the main attractions is the first step. Food is usually primary reason for the visit, so keep the yard food free. If you have a BBQ, make sure to clean up all the remaining food in and around your BBQ. Bird feeders and pet food also attract raccoons. It is advised to feed your pets indoors and to not overfill the bird feeders.
- Keep the backyard trash free. Raccoon are attracted to your bins, so only put them out when it is garbage day otherwise keep them securely closed with a bungee cord. Soon the Toronto City will have the new bins in place which are wildlife proofed.
- A sheet of aluminum around the base of the tree can help keep the raccoon and other wildlife from climbing up. Trimming branches back from walls and your home can also restrict their access.
3 tips if a raccoon is in your attic
- Prevention is the best defense! By wildlife proofing your home you will prevent the animals from entering in the first place and avoid the necessary stress and cost of raccoon removal.
- Top raccoon removal tip to remove a raccoon from your attic is to find all the entry holes. Once located, block all the holes apart from one and leave one open so the raccoon can exit from there. Ensure there are no babies in the attic, if there are, call a professional and leave the attic. Mother raccoons are very protective and the last place you want to be is in a confined space with a wild animal protecting her young.
- If you know that you are dealing solely with adults, you can start using humane techniques to get them to leave on their own. Use lights and sounds to help encourage them to leave. Placing spotlights throughout the attic is a good solution to keep then from hiding in the dark. Use the radio as a constant noise. The animal will not like it and should leave. Bright lights, loud music, and wire mesh are the way to go
Do not seal the final entry hole until you are 100% sure the animals have left
Raccoon is in your house, garage, on the roof or under the deck
- The raccoon is living under the deck or shed because it’s a dark, quiet and safe. So use the light and sound technique to make it less comfortable.
A lot of people advise old wives tales solutions and from our years experience none of them work as well as calling for professional services. Raccoon repellents, high frequency sound waves, other animals urine (coyote or fox), Scarecrows, water sprinklers, there are lots. Usually, these methods are effective temporarily until raccoon lose their fear.
Raccoons are very wise and adapt well to urban lifestyle. The tips mentioned in this post are merely suggestions and there is no guaranteed they will work. For an effective wildlife removal or wildlife prevention service we recommend to call a professional like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated will help your detect, remove and prevent wildlife. We do not advise you to try live trapping, as this requires licensing, requires experiences and should only be done by a professional. You don’t want to accidentally trap the neighbors cat or worse their toddler. Also there are strict laws of the sizes of the traps and the animals have to be relocated. If you are going to try this yourself please read the Ministry of Natural Resources Laws. It’s of the utmost importance to make sure the safety and welfare of the animal is first and foremost in any animal removal process. Visit Raccoon Removal page for more information.
For professional raccoon removal call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at (647) 994-9453
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jul 14, 2015 | Animal Control, Bat Control
Last Updated: May 2016
Recently the Toronto Public Health Services received confirmation of this year’s first positive rabid bat in Hamilton. I am writing this blog regarding rabies in bats, raccoons and other wildlife so you will know what prevention steps to take, learn about the symptoms, steps to take if you are bitten and not to panic!
In Canada, common carriers of rabies are bats, raccoon, skunk and foxes. Recently the most human-rabies cases have been contracted by rabies in bats. Please take precautions around wild animals and use heavy duty gloves if handling them is absolutely necessary. If you require raccoon removal or bat removal it is best to call a professional.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect all mammals including human beings. It is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system causing inflammation of the brain. The virus lives in the saliva of the rabid animal and is contracted by a bite, through an open cut or wound, or if the virus gets near your mouth nose or eyes.
There are several strains presently in Ontario, there are skunk and fox strains, raccoon strains and bats have several strains. The bat strain is known to be the most dangerous to humans, however all rabies are extremely dangerous if not treated immediately. If you get bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, seek treatment immediately from a local physician or hospital.
There are several strains in Ontario, to control this the Ministry of Natural Resource (MNR) distributes baits for wildlife to eat each year. The bait contains a rabies vaccine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This is an oral rabies vaccination. This one vaccine protects against all strains in North America. Within two weeks the animals will be immune to the virus. Unfortunately this method does not apply to bats. Be sure to take the proper precautions when around bats.
The time between exposure to the disease and the onset of symptoms, varies from a few days to several months.
Rabies Symptoms
An animal that has contracted rabies will have flu-like symptoms, severe headache, and fever. Confusion and hallucination begins as the disease sets in. Many times the animals jaw will drop causing them to drool and foam at the mouth.
In humans early symptoms is numbness or itchiness around the bite area, flu like symptoms and headache progressing within days to symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, agitation. As the disease progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and insomnia. It is important to be treated immediately as once symptoms appear death is usually imminent.
Ontario Rabies Hotline number is 1-888-574-6656
Rabies in Raccoons
Raccoons can pick up various strains of rabies, but they are most susceptible to the raccoon strain. Raccoons are generally a nocturnal animal, so if you spot a raccoon exhibiting abnormal behavior especially in the day, be alert and keep your distance. As a precaution, all bites or scratches by raccoons should be considered a possible exposure to the rabies virus. Raccoons may incubate rabies for long periods (months) without becoming ill. They may shed the virus in saliva two weeks prior to showing symptoms. Raccoons are attracted to pet food in your back yard, overfilled bird feeders, leftovers from backyard barbecues and especially garbage bins. Don’t attract raccoons to your property, consider feeding pets indoors, not over filling bird feeders, cleaning up well after BBQ’s and keeping bins securely closed.
Rabies in Bats
Rabid bats accounted for 27 of the 28 rabies cases in 2013. As bats in Canada are insectivores, no efficient way of vaccinating them has yet been found. Globally, bats are considered ‘reservoirs’ (long-term hosts) of a number of viruses, many of which are not harmful and cannot be passed to humans. Bats are not normally aggressive and will avoid contact with humans. This means that there is no risk if you do not handle bats, but if you do, take the safety precautions necessary to minimize your risk.
The rabies virus is transmitted via bite or scratch from an infected animal, or from its saliva coming into contact with your mucous membranes (your eyes, mouth or nose). If you do need to handle bats always wear thick gloves to avoid getting bitten. Not all bats have rabies, but due to the severity of the virus, it is important to take precautions.
It is illegal to kill a bat, they are protected animals
What should you do if your bitten
Wash the bite immediately with soap and warm water. Seek medical attention immediately with your nearest doctor or hospital. Local or state health officials should be consulted to help determine if rabies treatment is needed. As rabies are deadly you or your physician have to contact the local health unit.
How to protect your pets from being infected
Ontario law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies and their shots kept up-to-date. To further protect your pets, keep them indoors at night to limit their exposure, the time when foxes, skunks, bats and raccoons are most active.
If you encounter a rabid animal keep your distance and call the Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.
Rabies Prevention Tips
The easiest way to decrease your risk of exposure is ensuring that contact with infected wildlife if minimized. Here are some tips on preventing wildlife on your property.
- Do not approach or handle wildlife
- Vaccinate all pets
- Do not feed wild animals
- Do not give wildlife accessto your garbage by securing bins
- Place trash out for pickup on the same day it will be picked up
- Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds and barns
- Cap chimneys with screens
If you have more questions, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources downloadable “Common questions and answers for rabies” PDF.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jul 10, 2015 | Animal Control
Last Updated: May 2016
Cities are chock-full of raccoon problems with Toronto and the GTA being no different. This blog discusses the common raccoon problems for Toronto GTA homeowners. The information provided outlines their behavior and characteristics to help you understand your options.
Raccoons are quite common in Toronto and have increasingly become a problem not only in the GTA but throughout Ontario as well. Raccoons have no natural predator to keep their population in control and as we continually destroy their natural habitat they have no choice but to adapt to our residential areas. The most common raccoon problems include:
- Raccoon in the attic
- Raccoon tipping over garbage cans
- Raccoon living in chimneys
- Raccoon stealing bird seeds or pet food
Raccoon Behavior
Raccoons can be destructive urban mammals. Their strength alone, combined with their determination to get food and shelter make for a potentially costly combination. Raccoons have a variety of skills that allow them to exhibit a variety of behaviors, most revolving around the basics: foraging for food and seeking shelter. They are very opportunistic animals especially when it comes to meeting their basic needs. They have nimble fingers which allow them to open garbage bins to seek out food. The City of Toronto has introduced new green bins to tackle this issue, you can read further about this on our blog here. Even with the new bins, raccoons adapt very quickly, so it is still a good idea to stay alert. I came home from work one day to find a raccoon in my bedroom. He had opened the balcony door and went into my room. I had a pizza box on my desk and it was tumbled over and the remaining pizza was gone. I found the raccoon behind my bed. I opened the window and left the room closing the door behind me. He left shortly after. Food attracts raccoons! Dog or cat food left outside is pretty much an open invitation to a raccoon, and they may even come in through a pet door to get to the food. Raccoons in many areas have simply lost their fear of people. They are very strong and can defend themselves, in some cases, even against big dogs, so do not corner them. Never corner a wild animal!
How to approach your raccoon problems
One of the most commonly used methods is trapping and relocating. Trapping is were you cover all entry holes the raccoons use except one. A one-way door is installed so the raccoons can exit and not reenter. One they have exited, the final entry-hole is closed. If there are babies involved, different precautions must be taken. The mother raccoon must be removed first in order for the babies to be moved into a insulated heated box which is placed near the hole. The mother raccoon then returns to the babies, relocating them into a new safe site. Never trap a wildlife animal in your home as this is inhumane and illegal. For wildlife removal services, we recommend calling a professional to ensure safety, humane practices and professionalism.
Read our blog on things to do before calling a wildlife control agent
Remove them yourself dangers
There’s a reason professional wildlife trapping companies exist. Do-it-yourself options for raccoon removal like trapping and releasing them elsewhere leads to the risk of you trapping a family or neighbor’s pet, or even worse a toddler. If you decide to conduct it on your own, check to see what laws are in place regarding wildlife trapping and relocating. It is illegal to kill raccoons in Ontario. There was a very sad case in Pickering where someone set up snares which killed a litter of baby raccoons, one by one. A resident of Pickering had a baby raccoon enter their garden struggling to get out of the snare. It was reported and a $1000 reward for information on the culprit was placed. See the link here. Another Ontario resident set rat poison around a tree to kill off squirrels and ended up killing 3 pet dogs and putting 3 critical ill. It was lucky no children ate the poison. So please be aware when attempting to solve raccoon problems yourself, as there are other risk factors involved.
Professional Raccoon Removal
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated specialize in nuisance wildlife control. We remove unwanted wildlife from homes and businesses, and solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From home inspections to preventative measures, wildlife trapping, we solve raccoon problems with professional expertise.
Call us today at 647-994-9453
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jul 8, 2015 | Animal Control, Bat Control
First off when it comes to Bat Control you need to know they are a protected animal. It is illegal to kill a bat in Toronto or in fact anywhere in Canada. Bats play an important role in many environments around the world. Bats help pollinate flowers like mango, banana, cocoa, durian, guava and agave (used to make tequila – this is very important). Bats also control pests like mosquitoes and other insects, eating thousands of insects every night. Insect-eating bats are great for keeping bugs away from crops, as well as the places where the bats roost.
Bat characteristics
Bats are nocturnal mammals, meaning the majority of their activity takes place at night. Bats usually breed in the late summer or early autumn.
Bats are located throughout most of Ontario but they prefer to be near fresh water where they can forge for insects. The Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat are the most common bats found in and near buildings in Ontario. During the winter months the Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats will hibernate. Little brown bats have an adult wing span between 9 to 11 inches and a body length between 2-4 inches. Their colour can range from a dark brown to reddish brown or pale tan. The big brown bat has an adult wing span between 13-16 inches and their body length can range from 3-6 inches. Their color can range from light brown, to reddish brown or dark brown.
In 2006 a bat disease called White-nose syndrome (WNS) was identified. It has been associated with the deaths of over 5.7 million bats across the USA and Canada, according to figures from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the MNR. In some hibernation sites, numbers have declined by 80-100% since 2006. This disease is not known to be transferable to humans but is a huge danger to this protected species.
Bat Diseases
Globally, bats are considered ‘reservoirs’ (long-term hosts) of a number of viruses, many of which are not harmful and cannot be passed to humans. Bats are not normally aggressive and will avoid contact with humans. This means that there is no risk if you do not handle bats. The rabies virus is transmitted via a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or from its saliva coming into contact with your mucous membranes (your eyes, mouth or nose). If you do need to handle bats always wear thick gloves to avoid getting bitten. Rabies can be a deadly disease if not treated immediately. Even though not all bats carry rabies, and of those that do, not all are likely to transmit it. If bats enter your living space it’s usually by accident or because they have rabies and are rabid. Only 10% of cases with bats in living areas are due to rabies. In Canada there are usually only one or two human cases of people infected by rabies per year. So be careful!
It is illegal to kill a bat, they are protected animals
Bat Control
It is not uncommon for bats to live in attics and multi story buildings. These bats enter through small openings or vents that are left open. Bats can fit through an entry point as small as a quarter of an inch and have little difficulty gaining access to structures through cracks and crevices. Though bats, especially in great number look dangerous, they are harmless and vulnerable creatures unless their life is threatened. Though they are harmless, most people don’t like bats in their house because they make disturbing noises, can come into contact with people and can spread diseases.
To remove bats from your home or building it needs to be humane. The most effective humane way to remove bats from an attic or building is with a live exclusion. This is where none of the bats are killed in the process. The idea behind bat exclusion is to let the bats leave the attic on their own but prevent them from returning. This is achieved by installing one-way devices, such as mesh netting and bat valves on the entry points.
Bat removal is not easy and it is highly recommended to hire a professional to avoid any harm to yourself or the bat(s). Bat feces also called bat guano is risk to your health and it is advised to remove the bats as soon as possible.
Bat Baby Season
Bat baby season starts in mid – summer. If you have babies in your attic it is illegal to remove them until the babies are old enough to leave the nest. The babies are unable to get food during the maternity season because they cannot fly. If you remove the mothers and block their access to the roost, then the babies are going to starve to death.
If bats are roosting in your attic or walls, it’s important to have bats evicted from your home as soon as possible to avoid costly bat guano cleanup, attic insulation replacement and possible health risk.
SOS Wildlife Removal have answered 100’s of bat removal cases and are available 24/7.
Call SOS Wildlife on 647-831-9951 for bat removal
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jun 23, 2015 | Animal Control, Bird Control
Last Updated: May 2016
Birds are opportunistic animals just like raccoons, squirrels, skunks and other wildlife who seek out their three primary needs – food, shelter and heat. The same needs as humans! This is often the reason you will find wildlife in your home, as you have met these needs and are seen as a resource. Birds being opportunistic will find a gap in your roof and enter your attic where it is also nice and quiet for them to nest. Even though birds are a nice sight, they can be a nuisance when they are nesting in your home or on your property. Not only do they create a lot of noise and leave a mess with their nesting materials, feathers and droppings but their droppings pose health risks and building nests in vents is a fire hazard!
The health risks of having birds on your property are due to the spores and germs in the feces which are released into the air. Inhaling these spores can lead to lung conditions or even meningitis.
Birds build their nests in vents, blocking them. Each year they continue to bring more material into the vent which increases the fire hazard risk. Damage to air conditioning equipment, industrial machines, insulation, roofs, fascia and soffits, and structural issues are often observed as a result of pest-birds, birds in vents in turn requiring bird control or bird removal. Getting the birds out and cleaning the droppings and removing hazard risks is essential. However as birds are a creature of habit, often returning to the same area over and over again, not only do you need bird removal Toronto you need to wildlife proof these areas too.
Before touching the birds or the nest you need to check the law. In Ontario most birds, including their nests and eggs are protected under law – The Migratory Bird Treaty. But depending on the type of bird, different rules apply. You may need approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources before removing a nest or eggs.
There are three birds indigenous to North America that are considered nuisance pests and are not protected under law. They are the Sparrow, Starling and Pigeon. For other bird species you can check the Ministry’s website for more information.
Bird Removal Toronto / Bird Prevention
The most common practice for bird removal Toronto in the wildlife control field is to use deterrents. The most commonly used and effective solutions are deterrents like bird spikes, netting, scare devices shock tracts and trapping. The most common tactic used is bird spikes.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are installed upon flat services where the birds nest like ledges and signs. Spikes are the most common used as they are durable and effective. The spikes don’t hurt the bird but make it impossible for them to land. Even though they may be an eye sore they are better than unsightly and unsanitary bird feces. Bird spikes are attached using a very strong adhesive so they are durable. Each spike strip can range from 3 inches to 7 inches depending on the area to be covered.
Bird Netting
Bird netting is used to exclude birds from much larger areas such as balconies or parking garages. Bird netting is extremely durable and can be expected to last many years. A stainless steel cable is attached around the perimeter of the area to be excluded and the net is attached using small steel rings. It is a permanent solution providing excellent control.
Shock Track
Shock track is a discreet bird deterrent system that has the advantage of deterring all species of birds. It employs an intermittent electric pulse which while unpleasant, does not injure birds in any way. The track is less than an inch in height so it is excellent in areas where aesthetics are important.
Trapping
There is an option to trap the animal and release them elsewhere, however birds are great navigators and can return. Using the one way door is our standard preferred method as trapping and removing is not a permanent solution. Trapping is used usually on larger buildings. One way doors are our preferred method rather than trapping and relocating. One way doors are specially designed doors which allow the animal to exit the property and not reenter.
To bird proof your home, the birds are first removed, the area is cleaned to remove all feces and then either the spikes, shock tracks or netting are attached.
Birds are a creature of habit, often returning to the same area again and again, not only do you remove the birds you need to wildlife proof these areas too
The best solution for your bird problem is a humane, cost effective permanent pest management strategy like any or the above. If you are unsure of the species you have you can call us and we can help you identify the bird. Birds are a nuisance to both businesses and home owners because of their tendency to roost and nest inside buildings. Birds nesting in a stove vent or attic is a significant nuisance and their ability to carry and spread disease is easily equal to that of rats. If you have Starlings, Pigeons or Sparrows, call us for bird removal Toronto on 647-994-9453.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jun 19, 2015 | Animal Control, Skunk Control, Squirrel Control
Last Updated: May 2021
A common type of call we receive are related to baby wildlife. People find baby wildlife in their garden, under their deck, in the park with no sign of the mother. When you come across a sick, injured or orphaned animal you instinctively want to help. As advocates for wildlife we always recommend that wildlife be left undisturbed unless it is injured or TRULY an orphaned baby animal.
If you find an injured wild animal call Toronto Animal Services (TAS) or 416-338-PAWS (7297)
1. Before acting, check if baby animal is orphaned
You need to ensure that the “orphaned baby animal” is definitely orphaned before helping. Many baby animals that are found alone are not stray. It is easy to think that a baby raccoon or squirrel is abandoned when in fact their parents are still caring for them. There are many reasons why a baby raccoon or baby squirrel may be lying at the bottom of a tree or outside their nest buy more often than not, the mother will return. If you find the nest but it is not intact it still doesn’t mean the baby is orphaned. Mother raccoon / squirrels often have a few nests she can carry them to if the nest is unsafe or not intact.
Unless you are certain that the parent is no longer caring for the baby wildlife animal, it is advised to take steps to make sure the parent is gone prior to taking the young away. A baby wildlife animal with it’s mother ensures the best care. When young wildlife are inadvertently removed from their parents, their likelihood of survival decreases. This even applies to expert care.
Interesting Fact:
Although squirrels rarely interact, they learn who their nearby relatives are by hearing their unique calls. If they fail to hear a relative’s calls for a few days, they may investigate and rescue orphans.
2. Things to keep in mind when you find baby wildlife
- The first 24 to 48 hours after a wild orphaned animal is found is the most critical. They usually have been without food or water for a while and are confused and afraid.
- Depending on the species will depend on when the mother will return.
- Raccoon are active in the evenings/night time
- Squirrels are active during the day
- Opossums are nocturnal
- Skunks are nocturnal
If you’ve found a baby raccoon, the mother raccoon will most likely return in the evening/night hours. Put a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in a box and put the babies on the towel to keep them warm. Use gloves, like gardening gloves to lift the babies. If you find the raccoon during the day put the box in a dark warm place like your garage, free of neighborhood pets and children. This will keep the raccoon babies safe until the evening. You can fold the flaps of the box over to keep them warm. Leave the box at the bottom of the tree near the nest, or at the bottom of a tree near to where they were found. In the evening and the mother raccoon will be able to open the box and retrieve them that night.
Myth:
Mothers will abandon their babies if they smell humans on them. (this only applies to some animal species).
Mother squirrels will retrieve their babies during the day, not at night. Again place the babies in a blanket in a box and place them near the area where they were found or at the bottom of the tree below the nest. Try to place the box that allows the babies to stay warm and avoid the elements.
Keep your distance from the box and check every few hours to see if the mother has retrieved them. The mother will not come out if she senses danger.
Do not feed the babies!
It is highly advised not to feed the babies but to call a wildlife rehabilitator. In the instance where it is necessary to feel the wildlife animal, ensure you have the proper guidance from a professional.
3. Who To Call
If the orphaned babies are not retrieved in 6-8 hrs you should call a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
If you are based in Toronto GTA contact Toronto Wildlife Centre or 416-631-0662. If you are based outside Toronto GTA this map here should indicate your closest wildlife rehabilitation center or you can call us on 1-800-981-0330, we can provide free advice on what to do next, however we do not rehabilitate wildlife.
It is not recommended for an inexperienced unliscened person to attempt to hand raise an orphaned animal. Not only is it discouraged, it is illegal! You are aloud to sustain an orphan for a few days before it can be transferred to a rehabilitation center.
Here is a report in GuelphMercury about a Wellington resident who found three baby raccoon. The lady phoned a rehabilitation center who wouldn’t help until she was sure the babies were truly orphaned. This is very important as the chances for baby animals survival decrease if taken away from their mother. Ensuring they are truly orphaned is a tough but necessary step.
General FAQs
Who Do You Call If You Find a Baby Raccoon?
If you find a baby raccoon on your property or anywhere nearby, the best way to deal with it is to call professionals who offer baby raccoon removal services.
What Do You Do If You Find a Baby Raccoon Alone?
If you find a baby racoon on your property, before acting, you should check if the animal is indeed orphaned and the parent is no longer caring for it.
How to Help a Baby Raccoon?
If you find an orphaned baby raccoon, place it in a safe environment that is protected from natural elements and free of any pests. Also, place it as close as safely possible to the area where it was found.
Are Baby Raccoons Dangerous?
Even though baby raccoons are small and weak, they can still carry rabies and other diseases. Additionally, they bite and scratch when handled.
