by Sos Wildlife Control | Dec 6, 2016 | Squirrel Control
During one time or another, what can be found in your attic, walls, garage or wherever it might be are baby squirrels. This time of year, the appearances of baby squirrels are on the rise due to it being baby season. Mother squirrels look for a place most suitable according to their standards but when they select a homeowner’s property, or a place of business like a restaurant or office, this can often be a problem.
Squirrels are born into a litter of about 2-8. They are cared for by their mother for the first 2-3 months of their lives until they are able to fend for themselves in the wild independently. Dealing with a single squirrel on your property can be an issue, but if you find yourself hosting a place to stay for a family of squirrels, that’s another issue.
There are a couple reasons why it is important to recognize if you have squirrels on your property,
especially around this time of year. If you don’t prevent it in time, you may be host to a litter of them
which could end up being a bigger nuisance with more damages. Recognizing and preventing these
issues means avoiding having to deal with squirrels on your property as they grow up and their mother
takes care of them.
Here are a couple signs to look out for if you think you might be having a squirrel problem on your
property and some of the damage you might have to look after
- You might notice holes or rips from the outside structure of the property
- Hearing noises in the attic is not uncommon for people facing a squirrel problem
- Seeing squirrels on your property more frequently can be an indicator that they live very
- close by
- Chewing wires and ripping insulation in the attic are behavior that squirrels often
- conduct
- Droppings and urine left behind by squirrels leaving a unpleasant sight and odor
- Holes torn in soffits or anywhere to gain entry to attic can also attract other wildlife animals like raccoons or birds
- Possible negative interaction with pets
- Squirrels bringing in disease
If you notice any of these signs, it’s possible that you may be hosting a family of squirrels on your
property. Fortunately, there are solutions to these issues. If you have noticed these, but you’d like to
take measures to avoid experiencing any of it, there are things you can do for this as well.
In the event where you are already hosting a family of wildlife, we recommend calling for a professional
wildlife removal company to solve the issue for you. There are specific methods that are created to
minimize risking the well-being of the squirrel, yourself and your loved ones as well as the property.
Squirrel removal, or other types of wildlife management conducted by reputable wildlife control
companies understand the importance of minimizing as much human-wildlife interaction as possible,
unless it is absolutely necessary. The companies who understand this, practice solutions that will not
interrupt a wildlife animal’s natural behaviour.
As for prevention methods, trying to keep wildlife away before they cause any sizeable damage is the
recommended approach that can result in saving you time and money in the long run. There are many
options available in books or online that suggest several types of squirrel prevention, however, for long-
lasting effective solutions calling a professional is the best option. Our technicians conduct thorough
inspections which allow them to identify weak area points in the structure and potential points of entry
for squirrels as well as devising a personalized plan of action custom to the structure of your property
and nature of the situation.
While the best results come from hiring a professional, there are several things you can do to keep an
eye out
- Maintain a neat and tidy property
- Dispose of all trash (especially compost) in the appropriate manner. Ensure bins are secured to
not attract any wildlife animals
- Consider taking the trash out in the morning rather than the night before to avoid giving wildlife
the evening to an uninterrupted dumpster dive
- Regularly inspect and monitor the property for any damages like ripped soffit, scratch mark etc.
that might indicate wildlife habitat nearby
- Look out for noises or droppings left behind if you suspect squirrels or any other wildlife on your
property
In some cases during these seasons either on or off your property, you might encounter baby wildlife
alone. While it’s almost automatic to assume that the baby wildlife animal is helpless, inspect the
situation a little further before you intervene, and for the sake of the animal, call a professional for
assistance.
If you happen to find a baby squirrel or a litter of baby squirrels on your property check to see if
their mother is around. Baby squirrels are highly dependent on their mother for food, protection
and guidance. If the mother has not made an appearance for a significant amount of time, call a
wildlife rehabilitation center. Wildlife rehabilitation professionals will be able to assist the
orphaned or injured squirrel back to health before they are released back into the wild.
Do not attempt to feed the wildlife animal. Like human babies are sensitive to certain types of
food or drink, so are baby wildlife animals. Consult a professional wildlife rehabilitator before
taking action.
In the event where there is a family of squirrels living on your property, call a wildlife removal service company like SOS Wildlife Control Inc. SOS Wildlife Control ensures that the squirrels are
removed from your property in an efficient and humane way.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Inc., we provide
squirrel control services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective
results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it's too
late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year for
emergency services, and can easily be reached at 1-800- 981-0330. Don’t wait, call us to schedule an
appointment for a thorough inspection, removal and prevention to help evacuate all your unwanted
wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control at 1.800.981.0330 for Squirrel Control!
by Sos Wildlife Control | Aug 29, 2016 | Squirrel Control
Squirrels and raccoons have always been culprits when it comes to hanging out in our backyards, lawns and attics. They take advantage of the space, the food sources and shelters available nearby which make it a convenient place to stay but for the residents who own the property, it can be a problem.
Although raccoons and squirrels have doe-eyed faces which make it easy to like them, they actually have the ability to cause more damage than you think and these problems only get worse the longer they go unresolved. Some of the problems you might face with raccoons and squirrels living on your property include the following:
- They’re going through your trash bins and making a mess looking for something to eat
- They rip and chew away at vents or chimney caps
- They leave droppings
- They aggravate your pets
- They have the possibility of carrying different virus’ or disease
- Aggressive wildlife animal may act defensively and cause injury or damage
Best humane ways of keeping wildlife from making homes on your property
There are several ways to keep wildlife from making homes on your property in an effective, safe and humane manner that included taking wildlife prevention precautions beforehand. Ensuring that wildlife don’t get into your property first and fore-more will drastically decrease the likelihood of any wildlife intrusions. Calling a professional wildlife control who uses a material like galvanized steel mesh to prevent wildlife from getting onto your property will save you money, time and effort in the long run.
If you don’t decide to conduct wildlife prevention, there are also other methods that can help in preventing wildlife on your property. Ensure that your trash bins are shut tight, or put away somewhere completely inaccessible from wildlife, especially raccoons. Raccoons have a lot of dexterity in their hands that make it easier for them to open trash bins or get into small spaces.
Be sure to conduct inspections every so often to look out for any spaces or areas that wildlife animals could possible use as an entry point. Ensure that there are no wildlife animals living here when before you seal any entry points.
Why live trapping shouldn’t be your first choice
There are numerous reasons as to why it would not be beneficial to conduct wildlife live trapping. Live trapping (by cage) is the process of catching a wildlife animal usually from a private property requested by someone with a nuisance wildlife problem and relocating them to a more convenient location for the property owner.
Under certain circumstances, live trapping is a necessary process and definitely the better alternative if it comes down to putting down wildlife animals. In some cases, live trapping is simply the best option for the wildlife animal as well as the property owner.
Reasons why wildlife live trapping shouldn’t be your first choice is because of how it affects the animal.
In certain months of the year, many wildlife animals are either already ready or preparing for baby season. This is the time period where wildlife are giving birth, or taking care of their young, teaching them to survive and thrive in the wilderness – but sometimes it isn’t in the wilderness, and it is on your property and that is when live trapping gets tricky.
During the early life stages of wildlife animals, just like us humans, they are dependent on their caretakers. Live trapping during these seasons risks catching the mother wildlife animal and leaving the young behind, orphaned, defenseless and hungry which is why it is especially risky to conduct wildlife trapping during the months of March-August.
Another key reason why live trapping should be left as a last resort is due to the chance of leaving a wildlife animal disoriented. When many wildlife species settle, they take the time to become familiar with their setting, the surroundings. They know where to find shelter from weather outcomes to predators, and how to find water and food sources within that area. When wildlife are trapped and relocated, they become ‘disoriented’ and don’t know how to find things as well as they did in their previous location. As reported by the Humane Society of the United States, about 97% of squirrels either died or disappeared from where they were released.
Wildlife Removal Legalities in Ontario
In Ontario, certain regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of wildlife animals as well as Ontario residents, so it is important that these rules are abided by
When dealing with nuisance wildlife, keep these in mind and read the official Rules for Removing Animals as published on Ontario.ca
- Deal humanely with wildlife
- Restrict activity to your property
- Release trapped wildlife within 24 hours
- Wildlife should not be relocated further than 1km from where they were caught
- With the property owner’s permission, release wildlife on private property
Why Calling for professional wildlife removal services is a good idea
Calling for a professional wildlife removal service is always a good choice especially if you’ve never dealt with wildlife nuisance problems in the past. Professional wildlife technicians are licensed and trained with dealing with wildlife and pest control problems and know the right method to ensure safety, humane treatment while getting the results you want.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior wildlife removal for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
by Sos Wildlife Control | Aug 25, 2016 | Skunk Control, Squirrel Control
Garden pests seem like a small problem, but these issues can actually escalate very quickly. Many people dismiss garden pests, as a small situation but this blog will help educate you on some of the damage that garden pests can do to your property.
When you think of raccoons you just think about them passing through, grabbing a quite bite from your garbage and simply leaving to go about their business, but what actually happens can be more of a problem than you think.
Raccoons are capable of so much. With their nimble hands and their level of intelligence, raccoons have the ability to get into people’s properties and raise their young or make a mess!
Raccoons are also susceptible to carrying parasites and if raccoons travel around your property a lot, these parasites could make it into your home. Some raccoons carry roundworms which is passed through feces. If a raccoon leaves droppings on people’s property, either a dog or a small child playing in the garden can catch something or bring it in the home
The damage roundworms cause should be taken very seriously
Skunks are known for their defensive ability to spray unpleasant smells, but skunks are capable of so much more! Skunks often find shelter under sheds or decks which is a nuisance for property owners who simply want to go about their day without fear of wildlife nearby. They are capable of catching certain disease or virus’s and are prone to digging up lawns both which are problems and concerns for people.
Here are a list of skunk concerns
- Skunks are susceptible to catching diseases and viruses. If contracted, the likelihood of it spreading to somebody on your property is increased.
- Skunks use their spray as a defense when feeling threatened. You never know if what you’re doing could aggravate the skunk, causing them to spray, leaving you with a foul odor that can last a while
- Some pets either get upset or excited when they see wildlife on the property. Either way, their reaction could startle wildlife which could cause them to respond unfavorably.
- Skunks like to dig in people’s yards. The reason for this is to feed on the larvae. Although they may find their meal for the day, all you’ll find are messes in your yard and garden.
Squirrels are interesting, adorable, quick footed mammals, but their appearance does not take away from the damage they can cause you and how that can cost you.
Some common squirrel problems include the following
- Squirrels chewing through roof vents
- Creating entry points through the outside of the property
- Biting through wires in the attic
- Leaving droppings on your property
- Making messes with the insulation
Squirrel, like other small mammals are also capable of contracting different diseases and viruses like rabies. Although not all squirrels have the virus, hosting skunks on your property only increases the likelihood of it spreading to somebody within the vicinity.
Birds although are an amazement when watching them from a far, can actually be a nuisance when the birds come down to being on your property. Some of the common bird problems that occur include
- Noisy bird sounds bothering people throughout the day
- Creating nests for their young and making messes in the process
- Leaving droppings all over the area (which in some cases can be toxic)
- Perching on your property could bother some
There are 3 specific birds that are considered as nuisance wildlife animals, and are the only ones that can be interfered with according to Ontario law. These birds include the Pigeon, the Sparrow and the Starlings.
There are several methods in conducting nuisance wildlife removal in your garden or on your property, and although they may work at first, the results are usually temporary and you may be faced with the same, or similar problem again (costing you more in the long run). With SOS Wildlife Control you can be sure that our methods are humane, professional and effective. Our technicians are trained, licensed and have years of experience when conducting wildlife removal processes. Whether you’re faced with a raccoon, squirrel or bird in your garden or anywhere else on your property, you can be sure that SOS Wildlife Control will give you the results you want.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior wildlife removal for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We are can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control at 1.800.981.0330 for Markham Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 21, 2016 | Animal Control, Bird Control, Squirrel Control
Last Updated: June 2016
Morning in Brampton
By 7:30 am SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians were on the road, ready to begin the day bright and early on the highway from North York to Brampton. A typical day for our technicians consists of driving out to all corners of the city to meet with customers and helping them solve their wildlife and pest control problems.
This specific case was for a customer who had been living in a single-detached house with raccoons above her head in the attic for about a week. She had been hearing noises of scratching, moving around and some chirping type sounds, which is a common occurrence for people who are or have experienced this. “I hear them around 5-6 am in the morning” she told SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated professionals. After a receiving some details on the whereabouts, habits, noises of the raccoon, another furry masked mammal was spotted across the street on a neighbors property. It was evident that the occurrences of people experiencing raccoon problems in the area was common.
Not too long after, our technician Sherwin was on his way up the ladder onto the customer’s roof for an inspection. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated documents by video-recording entry ways, possible entrances and damages for the customer to see. On this property it was apparent that raccoons were going through a makeshift entrance of a hole in the soffit. What was found was that not only raccoons were getting through this hole, but so were birds who had flown in and around during the visit. Along with the damage in the soffit were additional likely entrances for the raccoon to go through. After a thorough inspection, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technician made our recommendations to prevent wildlife entrances by proofing the different types of roof vents.
Wildlife In Mississauga
After a stop in Concord ON., later in the morning, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated professionals were making their way to handle a problem of wildlife in Mississauga where they had a customer in a commercial building experiencing squirrel problems. Ladders were propped up against the wall of the building and SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated professionals made their way up onto the roof. Building occupants complain that there had been squirrels running through the ceiling and on one instance had gotten into the hallway of the building where they had spent a Friday chasing it out. With no luck, they had called SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated to help take care of it. Upon inspection, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians found entrance points that required squirrel one-way doors – an installation that allowed squirrels to get out of the building, but not reenter. One-way doors used by SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated are made from galvanized steel mesh, a type of material strong enough to keep wildlife from damaging it.
North York by Noon
The next trip was back to North York where SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated had a customer who had previously experienced raccoons in the attic. A one-way door installation had been conducted near the edge of the roof top and SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians were there today removing the door after the raccoon had left, and replaced it with galvanized steel mesh, a prevention method used to keep wildlife from chewing through and re-entering. A minor roof repair was completed, and the job was done.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians work hard to provide our customers with the results the want by delivering professional, effective and efficient services. If you’re experiencing wildlife nuisances on your property, give us a call at 1.800.981.0330 to schedule an appointment. We are available 24/7 for emergency situations (wildlife in your immediate vicinity).
by SOS Wildlife Control | Mar 2, 2016 | Squirrel Control
Last Updated: June 2016
Brown little furry, bushy tailed mammal. Faced paced, and great climbers, squirrels have been a common resident to all over the GTA for many years and this season, is squirrel baby season! Congratulations to the expectant mothers out there who are about to be giving birth to a litter of adorable baby squirrels. From time to time, squirrels find their way into homes and business places and they use these spaces for a place to live, sleep and take care of their young. While the idea of baby squirrels seems sweet, having a family of squirrels living in your attic or garage isn’t as pleasant as it seems. Hearing both the mother and the babies crawling around upstairs, making messes, leaving droppings and potentially damaging the property will soon be a problem. This is why, during this baby squirrel season that you keep an ear out and an eyes peeled for evidence of squirrels in your home.
About Squirrels
Squirrels are part of the family of mammals called Sciuridae which also include chipmunks, prairie dogs, woodchucks and more! There are over 265 different species of squirrels worldwide. The species that reside the most in Ontario is called the Eastern Grey Squirrel. They have small bodies with a bushy tail and large eyes. They are great climbers with a unique ability to climb down trees head first. Squirrels usually live in wood areas in trees with hollowed out spaces, but in some cases, they find shelter in a house attic or in the walls. Squirrels feed on nuts, seeds, fungi and more and sometimes exhibit behavior where they store or hide food in different locations for later use.
Interesting Facts about Squirrels
- Sometimes squirrels pretend to bury their food to trick thieves from taking it
- Squirrels can find their food even if its buried in the snow
- Squirrel don’t hibernate
- Squirrels will eat more during the winter to keep themselves warm
Now that it is quickly approaching squirrel baby season, as previously mentioned, it is important to be aware of the possibility of hosting a family of squirrels in your home! Female squirrel reach sexual maturity at around 1 year and 1-2 years in male squirrels. Squirrel baby season occurs 1-2 times a year, giving birth to a litter of kits after a gestation period of 33-46 weeks. Baby squirrels are born as small as 1 inch. They are born toothless, with no fur, blind and dependent on only their mother for the first two to three months of their life and weaned off. The times vary depending on environmental factors but squirrels generally give birth as early as March. The litter consists of about 2-8 offspring but with a low chance of survival the first year. Once they reach adulthood, their life span ranges about 5-10 years.
Baby Squirrel Removal
In the event where you find yourself faced with a family of squirrels on your property (squirrel baby season or not), call for a professional to help you remove it. Trying to manage the situation yourself puts the babies, the mother and yourself at risk of injury. Baby squirrels, like all babies are very fragile and extremely dependent on their mother. In some cases, people only remove the adult squirrel, leaving the babies alone with no support. Professional wildlife removal companies evaluate the entire situation before taking any action. When a company like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated conducts baby squirrel removal, the technicians take precautions that minimize the chance of injury. This is why calling for a professional is the best solution for baby squirrel removal. Avoid using ‘DIY’ methods and contact a licensed wildlife removal company like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated who can take care of it humanely, effectively and professionally. If you do find an injured squirrel, call for a rehabilitation center like Procyon Wildlife or Toronto Wildlife Center for instructions on what to do.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior squirrel baby season 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 at 1.800.981.0330 !
by SOS Wildlife Control | Feb 12, 2016 | Squirrel Control
If you’re living on the south side of York Region, something you’re bound to hear about one time or another is Richmond Hill squirrel control. Fast little four-legged climbers, squirrels are quite the creatures. If you’ve lived in Ontario for a while, you’ll know that these guys aren’t ridiculously shy and will more often than not, make an appearance by scurrying past you on the sidewalk or climb up a tree, maybe with some friends around, possibly while carrying some food to chow down on later. One fact for sure, is that squirrels are not strangers to the city. All over the GTA from Pickering to Newmarket and all around, squirrels are likely to be there. While squirrels are an interesting and impressive species of sciuridae, if you’re like most people, no matter how interesting they are, you probably don’t want a squirrel up in your attic, running around with his other squirrel friends or babies.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is a town part of the GTA that has been around for many years. There are numerous amounts of services and community events available for Richmond Hill residences and visitors, such as their Arts and Culture Program which include the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre. They cater to people of all ages with their multiple activities and facilities for kids as well as older adults for example their parks, pools and community center events. With all of these great features, it is easy to see that Richmond Hill is a great place to be raising a family and integrating with the community. What you probably don’t want to get in the way is Richmond Hill Squirrel Control, and if you’re one of Richmond Hill’s 185,540+ people living in this part of the region, chances are you’ve heard of Richmond Hill squirrel control needs from your friends and neighbors at least once before.
Richmond Hill Squirrel Control
While it is easy to see that Richmond Hill is altogether a great place to be, Richmond Hill squirrel control is something to be aware of. The town is filled with different parks, trails and natural areas which make for a great place for people, but also for squirrels. While Squirrels may seem small and usually kept to themselves, sometime they make their way into people’s homes, sheds, attics, which can result in a significant amount of damage. This often occurs when people are not properly taking preventative measures to keep squirrels from their home. Older parts of the town may also be experiencing property damage over time which can be an attractive prospect for squirrels looking for a place to stay. Some behavior that can result in the need for Richmond Hill squirrel control include not properly disposing of your compost/trash on a regular basis, keeping windows/doors open when not necessary and encouraging squirrels and other wildlife to your property by feeding them. There are practices that can be taken to avoid attracting squirrels to your home which are the following
How to discourage squirrels from going on your property
- Properly dispose of waste, food and any sort of trash in a bin with a lid to keep squirrels from digging through
- Teach children to not feed squirrels or try to attract them to keep them from coming close to the house
- Check the house for any damages that may have been caused by a squirrel or can potentially attract a squirrel to move in to.
- If pet food is left in an open space, ensure that it is inaccessible to squirrels to avoid having the need for Richmond hill squirrel control
There are several DIY methods to get rid of squirrels available if you are already housing a squirrel, and while these may be cost efficient at first, it can costs you much more in the end if done incorrectly. Squirrels are smart, fast and territorial, and you definitely don’t want to get caught between a mother squirrel and her baby squirrels. In the event where you find yourself needing Richmond Hill raccoon control, call for a professional to help you out. A trained wildlife operator/wildlife removal service will know how to properly assess the entire situation before taking any action ensuring that all measure and methods are safe for your home, your family, the technicians and the squirrels. DIY methods done wrong can seriously harm the animal and yourself. This is why professional service should be and are more recommended to be contacted.
If you’re looking for a solution to your Richmond Hill squirrel control problems, feel free to give us a shout. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated our technicians conduct best practices in squirrel control, raccoon control and many more wildlife control services. An analysis of the current situation will be done and explained to keep you in the loop before we proceed. The process will be talked through, and any questions or concerns you have will be addressed. After the job is done, you can request the full preventative measures service to be conducted so that the squirrels do not return. If you want preventative measures taken to avoid having to deal with squirrel control in the first place, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated can do that for you too. This way, animals are kept from entering the house to begin with, and you can avoid dealing with any squirrel damages.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior Richmond Hill squirrel control 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 Richmond Hill Squirrel Control!
