by Sos Wildlife Control | Mar 16, 2024 | Raccoon Removal, Squirrel Control
Scarborough, a bustling suburban district in Toronto, is witnessing an escalating issue that is causing alarm among its residents. The problem is the burgeoning presence of raccoons and squirrels in the area. These wildlife creatures, while intriguing to observe in their natural habitats, are becoming a significant nuisance in urban settings. They are causing extensive property damage and posing potential health risks, disrupting the peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The Escalating Issue of Raccoons and Squirrels in Scarborough
Scarborough, a vibrant district in Toronto, is witnessing an escalating issue with the growing population of raccoons and squirrels. This surge is not a random occurrence but a consequence of several interconnected factors.
The rapid pace of urban development and the continuous expansion of residential areas have significantly impacted the natural habitats of these wildlife creatures. As their traditional homes are gradually taken over by human settlements, these animals are left with no choice but to adapt to urban life.
Residential areas, with their abundance of food sources, have inadvertently become attractive havens for these creatures. Unsecured garbage bins and bird feeders, in particular, serve as easy and plentiful food sources for raccoons and squirrels. This abundance of food, coupled with the loss of their natural habitats, has made urban areas an appealing alternative for these animals.
The severity of this issue has been underscored by recent news reports highlighting specific incidents involving these creatures. There have been numerous cases of raccoons breaking into attics, causing substantial damage to insulation and wiring systems. These incidents not only result in costly repairs but also pose potential fire hazards.
Squirrels, while smaller in size, are not less destructive. They have been known to chew through exterior woodwork and even electrical wires. The damage caused by these small creatures can be extensive, leading to potential fire hazards and significant repair costs.
The escalating presence of raccoons and squirrels in Scarborough is a complex issue that requires immediate attention. It is a problem born out of urban development and the subsequent loss of natural habitats, and it is exacerbated by the availability of food sources in residential areas.
The Profound Impact of Raccoons and Squirrels on the Scarborough Community
The presence of raccoons and squirrels in Scarborough is not just a minor inconvenience; it has a profound impact on the community. These wildlife creatures, while part of our natural ecosystem, can cause significant issues when they venture into urban areas and residential properties.
One of the most immediate and visible impacts is property damage. Raccoons, with their dexterous paws, are known to break into attics, tear up insulation, and chew on electrical wiring. This not only leads to costly repairs but also poses potential fire hazards. If you did have animals in the attic consider having your attic inspected and insulation replaced. Squirrels, though smaller, are equally destructive. They can gnaw through exterior woodwork, damage garden plants, and even chew through electrical wires, leading to similar risks.
However, the impact of these creatures extends beyond physical damage. Raccoons and squirrels can also pose serious health risks to the Scarborough community. Raccoons are known carriers of diseases such as rabies and roundworm. Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch, while roundworm eggs, often found in raccoon feces, can infect humans and cause a variety of health problems if accidentally ingested or inhaled.
Squirrels, on the other hand, can carry ticks that spread Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can lead to severe health issues if left untreated. The droppings of these animals can also harbor other pathogens, potentially leading to the spread of various diseases.
The presence of these animals can also cause significant distress among residents. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, and their activities during the night can disrupt sleep. The sight of a raccoon or squirrel, particularly for those with young children or pets, can cause anxiety and fear. Squirrels, with their penchant for digging up bulbs and eating bird food, can wreak havoc on gardens, causing frustration for homeowners who take pride in their outdoor spaces.
The impact of raccoons and squirrels on the Scarborough community is multifaceted, affecting the physical, health, and emotional well-being of its residents. It underscores the importance of effective wildlife control measures to manage these creatures and mitigate their impact on the community.
The Crucial Role of Wildlife Control in Urban Areas
In the face of the escalating wildlife challenges in Scarborough, the role of wildlife control becomes not just important, but absolutely crucial. The increasing population of raccoons, squirrels, and pest in urban areas, and the subsequent issues they bring, necessitate effective wildlife control measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Wildlife control is not merely about removing these creatures from residential areas. It’s about managing their population in a way that strikes a balance between the needs of these animals and the needs of humans. This balance is essential to maintain harmony in our shared spaces, and to prevent the disruption and damage that can occur when wildlife populations go unchecked.
Professional wildlife control services, such as SOS Wildlife Control, are equipped with the expertise and resources to address this growing problem. They have a deep understanding of the behaviors and habits of these animals, and use this knowledge to devise effective strategies for managing their presence in urban areas.
These services employ humane and effective methods for wildlife removal. This means that the animals are not harmed during the process, but are instead relocated to suitable habitats where they can thrive without causing issues for humans. This approach not only ensures the well-being of the animals, but also aligns with ethical standards and regulations regarding wildlife control.
Moreover, professional wildlife control services also focus on preventing future infestations. They do this by identifying and sealing potential entry points in residential and commercial properties, and by advising property owners on how to make their properties less attractive to wildlife. This can include measures such as securing garbage bins and removing food sources.
In addition to preventing property damage, these measures also help to mitigate health risks associated with wildlife infestations. By controlling the population of raccoons and squirrels, the spread of diseases that these animals can carry is also controlled.
The importance of wildlife control in urban areas like Scarborough cannot be overstated. It is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. With the expertise and resources of professional services like SOS Wildlife Control, this balance can be effectively achieved.
Solutions to Raccoon and Squirrel Problems in Scarborough
Professionals such as SOS Wildlife Control offers a range of services to help manage wildlife issues in Scarborough. Their team of trained professionals uses humane and effective methods to remove raccoons and squirrels from residential properties. They also provide prevention services, helping homeowners make their properties less attractive to these creatures.In addition to removal, SOS Wildlife Control also focuses on prevention. They provide property owners with advice and solutions to make their properties less attractive to wildlife, reducing the chances of future infestations. This can include sealing entry points, removing food sources, and modifying habitats.
In Conclusion: Addressing the Escalating Wildlife Issue in Scarborough
In wrapping up, it’s clear that the escalating issue of raccoons and squirrels in Scarborough is a pressing concern that demands immediate and effective action. The impact of these creatures on the community is multifaceted, affecting not just the physical properties, but also the health and emotional well-being of the residents.
The solution to this growing problem lies in the hands of professional wildlife control services. By leveraging the expertise and resources of a reputable company like SOS Wildlife Control, residents can take a proactive stance against this issue. SOS Wildlife Control has a proven track record of effectively managing wildlife populations in urban areas, ensuring a balance between human activities and wildlife needs.
Their approach is not just about removing these creatures from residential areas, but also about preventing future infestations. They do this by identifying and sealing potential entry points in properties, and by advising homeowners on how to make their properties less attractive to wildlife. This comprehensive approach ensures that the problem is addressed at its root, preventing recurrence and ensuring long-term peace of mind for residents.
Moreover, SOS Wildlife Control is committed to using humane and effective methods for wildlife removal. This means that the animals are not harmed during the process, but are instead relocated to suitable habitats where they can thrive without causing issues for humans. This approach not only ensures the well-being of the animals, but also aligns with ethical standards and regulations regarding wildlife control.
The growing presence of raccoons and squirrels in Scarborough is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive solution. By choosing SOS Wildlife Control, residents can ensure a safe and peaceful coexistence with local wildlife, protecting their properties, their health, and their peace of mind.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Mar 25, 2021 | Raccoon Removal
Although raccoons are considered pests, it is common for people to find their babies awfully cute! However, once they begin to cause problems, such as destroying your property, you may not find them as cute anymore. Here at SOS Wildlife Control raccoon removal tips and prevention we have compiled some information using our expertise to prepare you for what to expect for the upcoming Raccoon Baby Season in 2021.
When is Baby Raccoon Season?
Raccoons typically mate towards the end of the winter season, although it is rare, they may also mate in the middle of winter. For the most part, baby raccoons are born in the months of April and May. Although it is less likely, you may see a raccoon liter in March. It has also been found that raccoons are sometimes born in July. In this case, the mother may have lost her initial liter at the beginning of the season and she may try again.
How Many Babies are in a Raccoon Liter?
Raccoon liters can range in size, with anywhere from 2 – 8 raccoon babies in one liter. This means that if you have raccoons that have made themselves at home in your space, you may have anywhere between 2 – 8 extra houseguests as well. Mother raccoons are very protective of their babies and will do just about anything to keep them safe. It is important not to come between a mother and her liter, so keep in mind to maintain keep your distance.
Where Will I Find the Liter?
Although raccoons are certainly outdoor animals, when it comes to creating their nest they gravitate towards the warmth of your home. One of the most common places for raccoons to nest is in the attic of a home. To a raccoon, your attic is the perfect spot to keep her babies safe and warm. An attic is elevated, making it difficult to be accessed by predators. It is also usually empty and uninhabited, apart from insulation which makes the perfect soft bedding for a nest.
How Will I Know if there are Raccoons?
One thing to note about raccoons is that although they are labelled as bandits, they are not necessarily the sneakiest creatures. There are certainly some telltale signs that you may have a raccoon liter living among you. Continue reading for common signs of raccoons in your home.
Listen for noises
They can weigh anywhere between 10 – 60 pounds, making noises both big and small as they thump and rustle in their nest. You may also hear noises coming from the raccoon babies, known as kits. Kits make noises that sound like cries or small chirps. Hearing these noises may be a sign that you have kits among you. If you are unsure if you have raccoons in your home, call the professionals at SOS Wildlife Control to assess the situation.
Spotting a Raccoon Regularly
If you notice that there is a raccoon that is often found hanging around your home, this may be a sign that there is a raccoon family living among you. If raccoons have had a liter in your home mothers will not stray very far from their babies.
Damage to Your Home
If you notice new damage to your home, this may be a sign that a raccoon has made their way inside your home. Keep an eye out for damaged soffits, damaged roof vents as well as siding that is bent. This could be an obvious sign that a raccoon has made their way in, especially if this damage was not present before. However, if you already have damage or openings in your home, this entry point may be allowing raccoons easy access into your home in the first place.
When Will Raccoon Babies Leave?
Baby raccoons are usually confined to their nest for about three months as they are not quite able to move around on their own just yet. After the three months, the kits are more independent and may circulate around the nest as well as outdoors. However, although mom and babies are now venturing outside, they still consider your home theirs. They will continue to retreat back to your space for warmth, comfort and protection, so technically, the raccoons will never leave. In fact, mom will continue to come back to this space year after year to have her liter every season.
What to do When There is a Raccoon Infestation?
If you suspect that there is a raccoon infestation on your property, contact SOS Wildlife Control in order to assess the situation and resolve the problem. An assessment is important in order to understand the situation at hand, such as how many raccoons there are, how they entered your property and which solutions best fits. Here at SOS Wildlife Control we use effective and humane methods in order to keep you, our staff and the animals safe.
At SOS Wildlife Control our aim is to solve your problem quickly and efficiently. We understand the value of time and safety for you and your space. Our team understands the nuisance that some animals can cause. Not only can they be an annoyance and cause damage to your property, they may also carry and spread diseases. If you are having wildlife problems or suspect that you may have a case, contact us as soon as possible to have your situation assessed and taken care of – call us locally at (647) 995 – 9453 or toll free at 1-800 – 981 – 0330 for all of your wildlife removal needs.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Mar 5, 2021 | Raccoon Removal
Our operations manager, Sherwin, was featured in the National Post! The article discusses the spike in raccoon attacks and sightings currently happening in Toronto. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are finding themselves exercising outdoors as a way to get fresh air and time away from home. More time outside also means more encounters with wildlife, such as raccoons. According to the article, Toronto has seen a 62% increase in raccoon scratches and bites since January 2020. Officials are urging Torontonians to keep their distance from raccoons to avoid an attack and a possible visit with a healthcare provider. Sherwin weighs in on the diseases and germs that raccoons are often responsible for spreading. Raccoon attacks can be quite dangerous as their saliva may carry rabies or Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). These diseases are known to be harmful to the health of humans, dogs and other raccoons. Sherwin explains that if you or someone you know has been bit by a raccoon, you should be vaccinated immediately to ensure you remain healthy and safe. With warmer weather on the horizon, people have a higher chance of having raccoon encounters. We advise that you avoid physical contact with raccoons and other wild animals. For more information, please contact us or read the full article at the National Post.
by Sos Wildlife Control | Jul 3, 2019 | Raccoon Removal
Did you know that in 2016, the city of Toronto spent around $31 million to combat a raccoon infestation? These masked bandits were just everywhere. They infested the attics. They rummaged the bins. They pooped on porches. It seemed that they took over Toronto.
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by Sos Wildlife Control | Mar 8, 2019 | Raccoon Removal
Raccoons may be adorable creatures. However, their intelligence and cleverness are now giving many homeowners in Canada a headache.
There are already reports about these masked bandits causing trouble among Canadian homeowners, especially that they have slowly developed a penchant for living near human territories. While some manage to find their way into attics and build shelter, others rummage through garbage bins just to find food.
Yes, those may not sound like serious problems. But once they are able to set up a permanent shelter in your own personal space, know that removing them won’t be easy. Because they are smart, they will always find a way to escape and avoid capture.
In the event that you find yourself in that situation, your best option is to seek raccoon removal services in Toronto. Well, if you’re still not convinced about calling experts to do the raccoon removal job for you, maybe the following reasons will change your mind:
1. Raccoons can be very aggressive.
When a raccoon is cornered, it can become aggressive. This is especially true if the raccoon is a female with a litter of pups. Once it feels threatened, it will create noise. And then, if you try to chase or trap it, it will do everything to escape, even attack you. Obviously, it’s a job that only professional raccoon removal companies can do.
2. A raccoon’s bite can give you rabies.
Like other animals in the wild, raccoons may also carry diseases. That means the idea of removing a raccoon from your place is not a favorable idea.
The most common disease that raccoons carry is rabies. When an infected raccoon bites a human, it can inflict so much pain. Even worse, it can lead to death.
3. Raccoon repellents do not always work.
Of course, you are free to use a raccoon repellant to keep raccoons at bay. Unfortunately, not all raccoon repellents are created equal. Some of them work, but others don’t.
There are raccoons that can withstand the smell of these repellants. Thus, investing in these products might only be a waste of money.
4. Raccoon removal professionals are equipped with proper industry knowledge.
Raccoon removal Toronto service providers are backed with the necessary knowledge, training, equipment, and experience that are required to safely and humanely get rid of raccoons. They also know how to keep these creatures from coming back.
Some of them will also gladly carry out other related tasks, such as damage structural repairs and restorations, as well as urine cleanup services. If you don’t hire a professional to do all these things, it is likely that your raccoon problems will keep coming back in the future.
5. Specialists use humane animal removal methods.
Again, raccoon removal specialists possess the required skills to deal with these nuisance animals in a humane way. Unprofessional service providers may only tend to use methods that can harm the animal.
Always remember that treating raccoons the wrong way may put you in trouble with the law and some animal rights activists. Just to be safe, call qualified and reliable raccoon removal specialists.
6. You can get an honest assessment of the situation from professionals.
If you contact a professional raccoon removal company, rest assured that your problem has been taken cared of before they consider the job done. They will provide you an honest assessment of the situation first and do everything they could to ensure you end up satisfied with their service.
Sometimes, they will also share handy tips to prevent future raccoon infestation problems So, before you make a decision, be sure that you will be dealing with a legit raccoon removal specialist.
Our Professionals Can Help with Raccoon Removal in Toronto & the GTA
Raccoons may be considered threats to your properties. However, their presence should not keep you from living a comfortable life. Hire a professional raccoon removal company the moment you find out you have a raccoon infestation problem. By doing so, you won’t have anything to worry about in the coming years.
Now, if you are looking to work with a professional raccoon removal company in Toronto, look no further than SOS Wildlife Control. Our specialists have been properly trained to perform wildlife removal services that are in accordance with the laws.
You might also be interested in the following articles regarding raccoon removal:
Raccoon Removal Tips
How much does raccoon removal cost?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to our experts by calling Call 647 994 9453.
by Sos Wildlife Control | Aug 5, 2017 | Raccoon Removal
Have you ever woken up in the morning only to find your garbage can knocked over and its contents sprawled all over your yard? Having to clean the unnecessary mess can be irritating, especially if it has become a part of your morning routine. If this is the case, a raccoon is most likely to be the culprit behind the mess of the scene. If you see a raccoon do not go near it, instead you should call a professional and have the raccoon removed from the property. Raccoon can be dangerous and carries disease like rabies which can make you and your family extremely sick.
Raccoon Lifestyle
Raccoons primarily spend their time venturing outside in the dead of the night and by being nocturnal animals, foraging and feeding keeps them busy after dark. However, spotting a raccoon up and eating during the day is not uncommon. Raccoons will be drawn to almost anything they can get their paws on, ranging from homegrown crops to gardens and especially what our garbage cans hold. For this reason, they can be quite pesky.
Just like humans, raccoons are also omnivores. With 40 strong and incredibly sharp teeth, raccoons are able to chew through all sorts of plants and meats. In fact, these furry animals have four sharp-edged canines at the front of their mouths that puncture through their food, followed by premolars and molars that further line the rest of their mouths. This set of teeth serves to finely ground their meal until they are able to be swallowed.
Fun fact: Raccoons are notorious for their tendency to wash food at a nearby water source! (This however, does not prevent them from eating if water is not present.)
Raccoons in the wild can be spotted eating a diversified group of foods. By being able to skillfully use their paws, they can easily catch fish in nearby streams, collect nuts, steal eggs and even climb up to pick fresh fruit. In addition to fish, other animals that are prey to raccoons include rats, squirrels and insects. Slower organisms such as worms are an easy catch and a snack on-the-go. Plants that raccoons are likely to be caught eating include berries and corn.
To their misfortune, city-bound raccoons do not have the same luxury of plentiful food sources as raccoons in the wild. The foods that they would generally gravitate towards may be difficult to find in heavily populated areas like the city. With this being said, raccoons are forced to scavenge through our garbage bins and gardens, leaving a displeasing mess behind. By being opportunistic feeders, they will eat whatever they can, at any given point in time. Therefore, adapting to the city lifestyle has not been too tricky for these animals and more and more trash continues to be tipped over.
Raccoon Paws
Alongside humans and other dexterous animals, raccoons have extremely nimble and skillful fingers located on both of their front paws. With a total of four paws and a combination of proficient fingers and toes, raccoons are able to do a lot more than just hunt and dig for their food. Their larger back feet provide added power, stability and balance while running and climbing up fences along with other structures. But most importantly, the dexterity of raccoon fingers allows them to grasp onto things, untie knots and even open lids.
Being practical with their paws leaves raccoons with endless opportunities for food searching. In addition to freshly grown flowers, fruits and vegetables, possible leftovers from dinner and other forms of garbage have become viable meal options for these animals. In favour of the raccoon’s dexterous paws, opening trash bins and tearing through garbage bags has not been a problem whatsoever. For this reason, trash cans are often found on the ground with their contents torn to shreds while homeowners across North America are left dealing with the messes left behind.
If you are interested in learning a few tips and tricks on how to keep your property mess free and pesky raccoons away from your yard, continue reading!
How to Identify a Raccoon
Raccoons are not always held responsible for tearing through garbage bags and bins, seeing as there are other animals and factors that may have been involved instead. Determining the identity of your garbage bandit will help provide an insight on how to deal with the animal and situation at hand and there are a few raccoon features to watch out for if a pest is spotted in your yard.
Raccoon characteristics:
- Black “mask” of fur surrounding their eyes with an outline of white fur
- Large fluffy tail with five to ten rings
- Walks on all fours and has a hunched back (hind legs are longer than front legs)
- Grey-brown fur coat with white detailing
- Average length of 25 to 38 inches
- White whiskers
Keeping Your Trash Safe From Pests
Once a raccoon finds a tasty treat from within your trash can or trash bag, the chances of it returning the following night and more on are high. If a raccoon senses a steady source of food linked directly to your garbage, then be sure to expect its company again.
With keeping this in mind, there are a few tips and tricks you can try at home to prevent pesky raccoons from messing with your trash and to stop them from re-visiting your home.
The easiest tip to follow is to keep your garbage bags and bins in a place that is out of the raccoons’ reach. Storing them in a confined space similar to a garage, shed or garbage can enclosure will not only prevent animals from tearing through your trash but will also block out foul odours and keep your yard looking tidy. Garbage can enclosures can even be an added accessory to your yard!
Purchasing a garbage can strap or a lock will also do the trick! Raccoons are handy and smart, but not as handy and smart as they think they are. Using a lock or a tight fitting garbage can strap will leave raccoons and other intruders frustrated and will soon enough have them venturing away from the premises.
Using the element of sound is another simple pointer to take note of! Those who have reportedly left a radio on throughout the night by their trash, have claimed that it startles raccoons away. Having constant songs and voices radiate from the garbage area may be pleasing to our ears, but not to a raccoon’s.
If a stubborn raccoon remains persistent and continues to invade your yard, investing in a security system of lights and sensors is another option to consider. Having a system of sensors that trigger your lights to turn on will surely startle any unwanted visitor. The benefits of installing a security system include identifying the presence of pesky animals and intruders, alongside providing you and your family with motion-detecting lights to guide you through the night.
Unfortunately, raccoon control is not always as simple as it sounds. If none of the suggestions listed above seem to be effective, then putting the situation into the hands of trained professionals will be in your best interest. At SOS Wildlife Control, proper animal control methods (such as our live-trapping method) will be implemented to ensure that your property will be free of unwanted visitors while keeping the animal safe and unharmed!
For future prevention our technicians can do a thorough inspection of possible entry points and weak spots in your home.. After finding some major entry points and others areas that have the potential to become entry points, we give you options that take these problems, your property and the safety of the animal into account. We then seal off these entry points with galvanized steel mesh to prevent any re-entry.
To avoid encountering these issues and more, call a professional wildlife control technician at SOS Wildlife Control. For residential, commercial and industrial solutions, SOS Wildlife Control Inc. can be there to help you with your wildlife removal problem.
General FAQs
What Do Raccoons Eat?
Raccoons are omnivores. They are drawn to almost anything, ranging from homegrown crops to gardens, and especially what garbage cans hold. They also eat fish, nuts, eggs, fruits, worms, and more.
Do Raccoons Have Paws?
Raccoons have four paws and extremely nimble and skilful fingers on their front paws. Their hind feet are larger and provide them with balance and stability while running and climbing.
What are the Special Features of a Raccoon?
Raccoons can be identified by the black mask of fur surrounding their eyes outlined by white fur. They have a large, fluffy tail, white whiskers, and grow up to an average length of 25 to 38 inches.
How to Keep Your Trash Safe from Raccoons?
The easiest way to keep raccoons out of your trash cans is to keep them in a confined space. You could also keep a radio near the bin because the noise can deter racoons from reaching it.
