Creatures of the night, vampires, flying rats. These are just a couple of the names bats are referred to as. Popular culture over the years have led people to associate bats as dark menacing flying supernatural animals, a common decor cut-out for Halloween. In reality, bats are like any other wildlife animal who simply goes about its routine, looking for food, finding shelter, raising its young. Bats are incredible creatures with interesting abilities and skills that aid them in their everyday life. Regardless of their skill set, though, you probably wouldn’t want to be faced one-on-one with a bat without the necessary equipment, experience and training needed. Whether it is in your workplace, or your home, bats indoors can be a difficult thing for people to deal with that occurs more often than expected and if it does happen, be sure to call for bat control from a professional Toronto bat removal service company to help you out.
About Toronto Bats
As previously mentioned, bats are interesting creatures. Not only are the interesting, but on a more serious note, bats are an endangered species. The most common bat found in Toronto is the Little Brown Bat. They have brown fur and grow to about 4-5 cm long with a wingspan of about 22-27 cm. They are the only species of mammals that fly and can weigh from 4-11 grams and have poor eyesight. Little Brown Bats are nocturnal and are often found in dark spaces like caves and abandoned buildings. In the city, bats can also be commonly found in places like the attic, soffits. Bats hibernate during the winter season, from about October to March depending on the weather conditions. Little Brown Bats feed on insects, mosquitoes and moths.
Here are some quick interesting facts about Bats
There are about 8 species of bats in Toronto
Baby bats are able to find food for themselves and fly at just only 3 weeks, almost fully independent at 4 weeks
Due to their poor eyesight, bats use echolocation, an action where they omit a high-frequency sound that bounces of objects that helps them create a mental image to find their way
Their ability to use echolocation is so accurate that they are able to track small insects, moths and their quick pace
Little Brown Bats give bird to 1 pup (baby bat) at a time
Little Brown Bats are most active around 3 hours after sunset
Can squeeze into spaces as small as mm
Female bats can control their pregnancy by storing sperm from the fall and getting pregnant in more favorable conditions in the spring
Decline of Little Brown Bats
There has been a decline in the population of bats. Bats are an endangered species and have been added to the Species at Risk Ontario list on January 24th, 2013. The reason for their decline can be contributed by the threat of White Nose Syndrome. White Nose Syndrome is a disease that is presumed to be brought to North American from Europe. The fungus that affects the bats grow in places that are moist, cold humid, such as caves where they most commonly hibernate. According to Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the official Ontario website, White Nose Syndrome affects the wing membrane of the bat, which controls their water balance. When this occurs, bats can wake up due to thirst during their hibernation in the wintertime and when this happens they use up their body fat supply.
Toronto Bat Removal
When dealing with a bat in the house or in the workplace, its best to call for a professional Toronto Bat Removal service. With Little Brown Bats being endangered, for their safety and for yours, calling a trained technician with expertise and experience can help remove the bat from your property safely and humanely. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, Toronto Bat Removal occurs from soffits and attics. The technicians analyze the situation by determining the point of entrance, to see if there is only 1 or multiple. A one-way door is installed and the Ministry of Health is contacted. At that point, either SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technician drops the bat off, or someone is sent to pick the bat up to undergo testing. Although the fear of bats and rabies is present, the actual rate of bats who carry the rabies virus is small. Testing is done as a precaution. More common than rabies is a disease called Histoplasmosis. This is contracted through bat guano (bat droppings) and can cause flu-like symptoms, such as a feeling light headed, loss of appetite, headaches or more. For these reasons and more, it is a better solution to call for a professional to handle Toronto Bat Removal rather than trying to take care of it yourself and risk being exposed to Histoplasmosis or other common wildlife germs that can be contracted. Trying to handle Toronto Bat Removal yourself can result in getting hurt, or in harming the bat. Neither of these should have to happen.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior bat removal services 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 1.800.981.0330 for Toronto Bat Removal!
Wildlife removal always comes with the concern for rabies- a serious virus that presents itself in mammals and is transferred through the saliva of the animal. While not all animals carry the virus, it only takes one case of being bitten to turn into a bad situation. For this reason, it is important to be well educated of the effects, the symptoms, how to avoid it and the types of animals who are likely to carry it. Rabid bats are one of the more common types of cases that occur in Ontario. While there are other animals in Ontario who are known to have carried the virus such as raccoons, skunks and foxes, rabid bats are also more difficult to control. When controlling the virus in other species, professionals lace bait with a vaccine that helps protect the mammal from contracting it. Bats, on the other hand are insectivores which makes the process more difficult.
About Rabies
Rabies, also known as the Lyssavirus is a virus that affects mammal on almost every continent with many cases occurring in Asia and Africa. In Ontario the more prevalent types of species who are known to have carried the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. When infected, the virus affects the central nervous system of the brain. This causes the animal to behave unnaturally. Some of the symptoms that occur in animals infected with rabies are the following:
Symptoms of fever
Biting at anything
Vomiting
Initially behaving tired, slow, lethargic and then very excited
Acting Aggressive
Has trouble breathing
Salivating excessively
Steer clear of animals who are presenting symptoms of rabies and immediately call a professional wildlife removal service to your aid. Definitely do not try to contain the animal yourself whether it is on your property or not.
Rabies are transferred from mammal to mammal through infected saliva in close proximity with eyes and mouth, it is transmitted from bites, scratches or an open wound. The rabies virus is not contracted through contact of unbroken skin, blood or excretions of a rabid animal although it is still best to contact a medical professional if you or your pet comes into contact with either of these as a precaution.
In humans, when somebody has contracted the rabies virus their symptoms are similar to that of a rabid animal along with flu-like symptoms, headaches or weakness, hallucination and insomnia. If you or anybody you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately as death is usually imminent from rabies.
Rabies in the past years have effectively been controlled with the laced bait left out in the wild for animals to find that vaccinates them. Although successful in certain species, unfortunately not all animals were able to be vaccinated in that manner resulting in rabid bats.
Bats and Rabid Bats
There have been several cases of rabid bats as well as bats carrying other disease widespread which is most likely the reason of people placing high caution when it comes to these flying mammals. In 2014, there were 18 reported cases of rabid bats in Ontario. The reason why the number of rabid bats in Ontario is higher than that of other species are due to the fact that it is more difficult to control. As mentioned earlier, vaccinations of other species occurs when animals eat the bait deliberately laid out for them that is laced with the vaccine. This method has been successful in reducing the number of rabies cases in raccoons, skunk and foxes. Unfortunately, due to the fact that bats are insectivores, lacing and baiting their meals are more difficult. Rabid bats will act more aggressive, show a staring expression and may behave disoriented and as a result, have trouble flying. Rabid bats are also not as common as they are made out to be. As a result of the misconception bats are killed and their population has declined significantly. While they do exist, rabid bats are definitely not the only species to spread the disease to other animals or humans. When encountering a rabid bat or any animal with rabies symptoms, do not take the drastic measure of killing or handling the animal yourself. Instead call a wildlife professional for bat removal or a veterinarian to report the incident following any further instructions. Keep your pets safe by getting them vaccinated for rabies and keeping them away from an infected animal before an incident can occur.
If you are injured or have made close contact with wildlife showing signs of rabies immediately wash out the wound with warm water and soap and call for medical help immediately. As soon as possible, report the incident to a veterinarian or a professional wildlife removal technician to handle the animal. If a bat makes an appearance in a child’s room, in a room where somebody has been sleeping or near somebody who is disabled, report the incident. Bat bites are not always noticeable.
If you are concerned with bats entering your home, interacting with your family or near your pets, here are a couple tips for you to use
Check the house for any holes, spaces or potential entrances where a bat can possibly enter from
Cover these spaces by patching them up or using screens to prevent the bat from entering
Keep your eyes open during winter time as bats use this season for hibernation
Educate yourself and your children about bats and other wildlife. Remind children to not go near any wild animal regardless of whether it is portraying signs of rabies or not
Vaccinate all your pets
Ensure that any storage bins, trash, or anywhere that can serve as a habitat or food source for a wild animal is tightly sealed
Keep this phone number in a place that is easily accessible or seen: Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.
In the event where you are already hosting a bat on you property or notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior wildlife removal services 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 1.800.981.0330 for Bat Removal!
What does Toronto Wildlife Removal mean? To us, it means saving our clients from unwanted visitors (a.k.a urban wildlife), and humanely bringing the visitors back to their natural habitats. Both in the City of Toronto and in the Greater Toronto Area, wildlife can be a nuisance to many residents, business owners, and industrial/agricultural environments.
What is Wildlife?
Wildlife traditionally refers to non-domesticated animal species. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems, in both urban and rural sites. Common wildlife animals found in the GTA are birds, pigeons, skunks, snakes, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and bats. Most times, these animals will behave in hostile manners when aggravated, and can be considered as dangerous and sometimes infectious.
Wildlife & Human Co-Habitance
In most cases, wildlife and humans can co-exist in urban areas. While everyone goes about their businesses, conflicts do arise at times. As weather gets cooler, urban wildlife starts seeking shelter. Raccoons, squirrels, pigeons, and bats may settle in attics, between walls, and chimneys; causing significant damage and health hazards to homeowners. Skunks could hide under porches or decks and spray house pets or unwary residents. Human-wildlife conflict does arise frequently in Toronto.
Fall is a peak season for Toronto wildlife removal needs as many animals start looking for food and shelter from the fast approaching cold weather conditions. This is the time to wildlife proof your property to avoid unwanted visitors. Usually finding warmth and food in or around a structure. Wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels easily get acclimated to their new habitats, often bringing their dependents with them. Removing wildlife in humane manner requires very specific skill-sets as well as in-depth knowledge of all the animals. Although there are many DIY solutions available for all wildlife removal needs, one can never predict the results of these projects. Trained technicians can understand animals’ behaviors, predict their motives, and even know their next moves. Trained technicians can also tell if wildlife has been breeding, where the babies may be, and if wildlife has or is suffering from any injuries. Most importantly professionals have the proper gear, equipment, and animal storage and removal tools to avoid any harm to you, to the animals, or to themselves. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we ensure your safety, as well as the safety of the animals. Our trained wildlife control technicians help relocate wildlife as per Environment Canada’s guidelines. We ensure the animals are injury and stress free during this process. We try to use one ways doors as our first solution. This involves no wildlife human interaction but if this option is not suitable we use wildlife friendly cages where animals are transported comfortable and free of restraints to their new, natural environments.
Toronto wildlife removal services have become a necessity for many home and business owners as urban wildlife number are on an increase. Due to the quick adaptability and fast- breeding nature, wildlife quickly adjusts to their new environments and they promptly pass this knowledge down to their offspring, creating a smarter generation of unwanted guests. Once an animal has established a home, they like to keep it. Any female offspring raised here, will also want to return to the same place to have their own litters. Given many of the wildlife are extremely intelligent, it is quite possible for this to take place. For many reasons aside from the simple attachment issues, it is very imperative to remove all wildlife as soon as possible before it becomes a matter of a serious infestation problem.
How to Avoid Toronto Wildlife Removal Services
Lock up all recyclables and garbage in animal proof bins, ensure lids are securely closed at all times
Take garbage and recyclables out often
Remove any and all uneaten pet foods from pets’ bowls, remove all bird feeders at night
Caution neighbors against wildlife feeding, contact your local council if problem persists
Survey the structure of your home regularly, be aware of all cracks and holes and ensure proper measures are taken to fix these deficiencies
Keep your home clean and organized, don’t leave opened packages of food out or overnight
Keep your yard tidy by removing all unnecessary items and debris. Mow your lawn, and rake leaves regularly
Ensure doors and windows are closed, as most wildlife are superior climbers
Screen entry points and maintain fencing
Our Approach to Toronto Wildlife Removal
While there are different approaches trained technicians can use such as no trapping, or lethal trapping; we like to use the One Way Door or the Live Trapping method at SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. This method allows use to trap the wildlife to ensure successful captivity, but it also allows us to inspect the animals to ensure they are uninjured before releasing them back into the wild. If animals are captured at the time of birthing/nesting period, we place them in protected boxes and ensure they are located to a safe environment, no further than 1 km away from the location of captivity, as per provincial guidelines. We provide the Toronto and GTA residents, humane wildlife removal services.
Wildlife Fun Facts:
On the mammal IQ scale, raccoons rank higher than cats, and just below monkeys
Squirrels are extremely intelligent: they are known to put elaborate bogus food burying display to deceive onlookers. The purpose of this fake burial is to trick potential thieves: other squirrels
Skunks are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and look for food at night
Opossums have remarkable ability to find food and remember its source. When tested for ability to remember where food it, opossums scored better than rats, rabbits, and dogs. They can also find their way through a maze faster than rodents and cats.
At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior Toronto Wildlife Removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. We 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.
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
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.
Why do animals break in? It is very frustrating when wildlife enter our homes as they are messy, noisy and just plain annoying. Growing up we learn that urban wildlife are generally more scared of us than we are of them, but then why do they become unwanted house guests?
I believe that understanding why animals break in will help us solve this problem. If you check out our post How do animals get in you will find ways which will also help keep urban wildlife out.
2 main reasons for wildlife breaking into houses
Adaptation
Primal needs
1. Adaptation of urban wildlife
Raccoons, squirrels, skunks or opossums are constantly adapting better to urban life. As Toronto grows bigger wildlife have no choice but to adapt to the city, thus becoming less scared of humans. Many people feed raccoons or squirrels in their backyard or in the park, but this isn’t the best approach in dealing with wildlife in the city as they become less scared of us and they get confident approaching closer.
To help discourage wildlife from your property, do not feed them and when putting our your garbage, secure the bins. The new wildlife proof bins being introduced to Toronto should help this. If there are any wildlife animals in your yard, make large noises at them to leave. Inform your children to keep away from wildlife, especially when unsupervised, telling them not to feed them.
2. Primal Needs of urban wildlife
Raccoons, squirrels, skunks and other pests have basic needs that attract them to our homes. Their needs are similar to ours:
Shelter
Food
Heat
Nest
Animals are attracted to our homes as we have fulfilled these needs for ourselves, seeing it as a resource for themselves.
Shelter
Raccoons, squirrels, opossums and skunks all look for dens not just during the cold weather but all year round. Raccoons, squirrels or any pest will take advantage of any weak parts on our homes. They will scratch or chew through wood or any small holes to gain entrance. To stop them gaining access to these areas it is advisable to cut away all tree branches near your home to reduce access and to assess you home several times a year to see if there are any holes or weak points that you should fix. I can’t advise wildlife proofing your home enough, a service SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated provide that is effective and is worth it. No matter how high a fence you put up to protect your property, many wildlife animals have very sharp claws and will burrow under it or find other means to counter-act it. Wildlife proofing includes putting a wire mesh under your fences or porch which restricts animals from digging down to go under. For more information on wildlife proofing please call us on 1800-981-0330
Food
Wildlife are attracted to our homes because of fruit falling from trees, food in trashcans or in compost bins, BBQ leftovers and even pet bowls and bird feeders and more. It is important to clear out fallen fruit, have trashcans with tightly secure lids and take any precautions to ensure that food is inaccessible for wildlife. Soon we will have the new wildlife proof bins being released in Toronto in 2016. Lastly feed pets inside and don’t overflow bird feeders. Every little bit helps!
Heat
The heat escaping from holes in vents and open chimneys attract wildlife. It is important to check how efficient your home is, as it not only attracts critters but it is costing you money.
Below is a video of raccoons being chased by our team from the chimney flue. They are attracted to the heat.
Nest
Twice a year animals have babies but throughout the year wildlife keep an eye out for dens. However in baby season, Spring and Autumn, you will have a higher risk of finding wildlife in your homes as mothers are trying to find somewhere warm and dry to nest for a few weeks. If you do find baby animals in your home, do not touch them. Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated immediately as they need to be removed professionally and kept with their mother.
We will always have wildlife within our city environment, and we will have problems with these animals until we take preventative measures to keep them from homes. You can read our other posts on Toronto’s human – wildlife conflict and also Signs that wildlife are in your home already. Once the repairs are done and you begin a regular inspection of your home, we believe your wildlife problems will be over.
There has been a decline in the population of bats. Bats are an endangered species and have been added to the Species at Risk Ontario list on January 24th, 2013. The reason for their decline can be contributed by the threat of White Nose Syndrome. White Nose Syndrome is a disease that is presumed to be brought to North American from Europe. The fungus that affects the bats grow in places that are moist, cold humid, such as caves where they most commonly hibernate. According to Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the official Ontario website, White Nose Syndrome affects the wing membrane of the bat, which controls their water balance. When this occurs, bats can wake up due to thirst during their hibernation in the wintertime and when this happens they use up their body fat supply.
Recently the Toronto Public Health Services received confirmation of this year’s first positive