by Sos Wildlife Control | Jul 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
If having a raccoon on your property or in your home wasn’t bad enough, raccoons leaving their feces around your property can lead to a potentially deadly disease called “raccoon roundworm”. If you live in an urban area or a place where you see raccoons fairly often we suggest you get a pest control technician and talk to your health care provider to see how they can help you in the event of a racoon roundworm infection.
Raccoon Roundworm
Also known as “Baylisascaris procyonis” , is the common large roundworm found in the small intestinal tract of raccoons. Raccoon roundworm becomes a producer of dangerous diseases when the raccoon feces is exposed to air and a warm warmer temperature, making the roundworm eggs infected.
The egg ridden, infected feces can be ingested by other wild animals or even your own cats and dogs, making them a source of infection. Fecal matter can also travel though air, making the disease airborne.
Raccoons tend to use establish latrines on rooftops, in attics and around chimneys to defecate in. This becomes dangerous when these places accumulate in roundworm eggs which become a long term source of infections for both wild animals and humans.
Once the eggs get into your system , they hatch and turn into larvae. The larvae then travel through the brain and spine through the cerebrospinal fluid found in the spine and brain.
Who is most at risk?
Wild animals are most at risk for picking up raccoon roundworm, as mentioned earlier they tend to ingest the infect feces unknowingly and become hosts of roundworm infections themselves.
Children who play in the dirt, or outside in general, and like to get their hands dirty and put things in their mouths are at high risk as they may not be able to see the difference between dirt and feces and fecal matter.
The developmentally disabled need special attentions as well as they tend to behave the same as young children.
What are the symptoms of raccoon roundworm?
Racoon roundworm (Baylisascaris infection) symptoms can vary. It depends on how many eggs are ingested and where in the body the larvae travel to.
Eggs hatch into larvae once ingested and travel through the liver, brain and spinal cord.
A small amount of eggs being ingested may lead to no issues ,but a larger amount can lead too:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Liver Enlargement
- Lack of Coordination
- Lack of attention
- Loss of muscle control
- Coma
- Blindness
Some cases of infection have even led to death. Its easy to confuse these symptoms for something less serious so it’s especially important that children and the developmentally disabled are checked as soon as possible for potential roundworm infection.
Diseases that can develop from racoon roundworm
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain hat results from a viral infection. It usually starts abruptly and develops fast so it does require urgent care. It usually starts with a fever and headache and becomes as serious as seizures, confusion, drowsiness and loss of consciousness and even coma.
Feline panleukopenia
Feline panleukopenia is a disease that affects cats. Feline panleukopenia attacks growing cells like those in the bone marrow, intestines and any developing fetus. Its common in cats ages 3-5 and happens more often in warmer times of the year. Older cats are more immune than younger ones, so its important to be aware of symptoms of the younger ones. There is no cure for FP , only treatments to support the cats care.
Canine distemper
Canine distemper is a disease that impacts dogs and has no known cure yet. Its spread through the air and through direct contact with other infected animals. It attacks the tonsils and lymph nodes where it replicates itself for about one week. After that in attacks the urogenital , gastrointestinal and nervous system. Symptoms of canine distemper include high fever, reddened eyes and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. Abnormal enlargements of the pads of the dogs feet is common with canine distemper as well.
Herpes simplex
Herpes simplex is a common virus is mostly seen as a cold sore or a fever blister. It can be nuisance. Some symptoms include blistering sores, pain during urination and itching. Some symptoms can be similar to a flu like fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, tiredness and lack of appetite. It’s usually spread through kissing, and sharing anything used around the mouth. There is no cure for the disease, but treatments are available to prevent further spread.
Parasitic disease
Also known as parasitosis, Parasitic disease affects any living organism. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, increase appetite, bowel obstructions, diarrhea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration, sleeping problems, worms present in the vomit or stools, anomia, aching muscles or joints, general malaise, allergies, fatigue, nervousness. Parasitic disease is spread through feces or the inadequate disposal of feces. Parasitic disease is usually treated with antiparasitic drugs.
Raccoons can cause serious issues and even though some may appear cute and friendly and your kids want to keep a raccoon as a pet, its what they leave behind as they scavenge and squat that can cause major issues caused by raccoon roundworm . Click here for an in-depth article on raccoons on your property.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen, have your raccoon situation assessed!
After doing a situational analysis and discussing some of your concerns with the removal of the raccoons we begin our investigation on how the raccoon(s) have been entering your property. In many cases, their entry points will be either in the house, on the roof, underneath the house or under your deck/patio. We will also point out potential entry points that other raccoons may use in the future so we can address that immediately as well. We know that you would like to have the raccoon or raccoons nuisance removed as quickly as possible, but also in a way that is humane and ethical. We make sure that we discuss removal options with consideration to your preferences, your property and your time.
The usual process is called the “one-way door” method in which the raccoon’s entry/exit point is covered by the installation of a screen which allows the raccoon to leave the through the door but not re-enter. Eventually, for common reasons like gathering food from food sources outside of the property the raccoon will leave its dwelling as part of its regular routine. At that point the one way door is used and the raccoon is prevented from re-entering.
If the raccoon has babies, an alternative method is conducted for the safety of the animals. The one way method is not used as this would cause the babies to be separated from their mother leaving them abandoned. Instead the babies will be safely moved to an insulated box outside of their nesting area where they will remain until the mother comes and picks them up and relocates them to a new den.
While uncommon, if trapping is involved in the raccoon removal process, it is done so in a humane method where the raccoon is uninjured and are moved to a location at least 1 kilometer away, in accordance to Ontario law.
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.
Call 1-800-981-0330 today!
General FAQs
What Diseases Can Humans Get from Raccoons?
Baylisascaris procyonis, commonly known as raccoon roundworm, is a worm found in raccoons. It can infect people and other animals such as dogs. It can lead to a deadly disease.
Can Humans Get Raccoon Roundworm?
Raccoon roundworm can infect humans without symptoms, causing severe neurological problems. Although human infections are rare, individuals or children who are more likely to ingest mud or dirt have a higher risk of acquiring the disease.
Who is at Risk of Raccoon Roundworm?
Wild animals have the highest chances of picking up raccoon roundworm. Also, children, hunters, taxidermists, and wildlife rehabilitators may also be at risk if they handle raccoons or raccoon feces.
What are the Symptoms of Raccoon Roundworm?
The indications of raccoon roundworm include fatigue, nausea, lack of coordination, enlargement of the liver, lack of attention to surroundings and people, loss of muscle control, blindness, and coma. Some cases may also result in death.
by SOS Wildlife Control | May 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
Richmond Hill is home to many recreational activities, thriving businesses and great communities. Their many options of parks to go to is overwhelming. Filled with the great views of nature and wildlife, activities like hiking and biking, a Richmond Hill park in the spring is where you want to be. Although the weather is still cool, plants and trees are beginning to brighten and you can hear animals calling in the distance. These features and more make Richmond Hill a great community to live in. What does, occur from time to time is the need for Richmond Hill raccoon removal.
More commonly than you think, people all throughout the neighborhood people are experiencing the need for Richmond Hill raccoon removal. While you’re away from the house, sleeping or just minding your own business, raccoons find a way onto your property. While these nimble fingered mammals may appear charming, they damage they can do, not so charming. Town occupants are hearing noises at night, seeing damages to their vents and sometimes even seeing babies. What can you do to prevent this from happening to you? Keep reading.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to avoid having to deal with the issue of Richmond Hill Raccoon Removal in the first place. Raccoon can cause a lot of damage to a property, from the vents, to insulation, to walls. If a raccoon has a family on your property, the damage increases. This unfortunately can be a nuisance and costly to take care of.
Raccoon prevention comes in multiple methods. There are practices you can take on your own that will discourage raccoons from selecting your property as their new home.
These tactics include:
- Properly sealing trash bins, storage bins so that raccoons cannot get through. This is especially true for compost bins. If raccoons see that there is an available food source, they will be drawn to that area
- Using lights and noises can deter a raccoon from selecting your property to live in as they prefer safe tranquil places with minimal disturbances
- Ensuring that the building structure has no damages in walls, weak areas and holes where raccoons can enter.
Calling a professional for wildlife prevention is another proactive option you can take to prevent Richmond hill raccoon removal in the first place. In this process, wildlife technicians will check the structure for all weak spots and possible entrances for raccoons. Each possible entry point will be documented for your reference and if you would like to proceed with wildlife prevention.
Removal
In the event where raccoons have already made it through to your property, it is not recommended that you remove them yourself. Do-It-Yourself raccoon removal comes with risks such as possible injury to yourself or the raccoon, damage or further damaging the property and implications with the law. There are certain regulations in place when dealing with wildlife removal so ensure that you look up all the information needed before taking any action yourself.
Professional Richmond Hill raccoon removal is recommended when you have a raccoon problem on your property. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated ensures that the processes taken to rid the animal from your property is humane, professional and efficient. When baby raccoons are involved a different protocol is set in place in accordance with the law and to ensure that the mother and baby raccoons are reunited and unharmed.
If you need Richmond Hill raccoon removal, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated. We ensure that our practices are safe and humane, and that you receive the results that you want.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated, we provide superior Richmond hill raccoon removal for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Richmond Hill Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | May 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
This time around in the year, baby raccoons are making an appearance left, right, up and down. These small, fragile mammals are being born in bunches of about 3-4 cubs in attics and garages all over the GTA in nests made especially by their mother. Although raccoon breeding varies on environmental conditions, generally, early march will be around the time baby raccoons are spotted all until late spring/early summer. Often, during these times of the year, many homeowners and property managers will notice sounds of footsteps above them or a crying noise from the baby raccoon and won’t know what to do. If you encounter a baby raccoon here are a couple tips on how to react to minimize risk, harm and damage.
- One of the best things you can do if you spot a litter of baby raccoons, is to keep an eye out on them. Take note of their activity, and that of their mother. Try to identify whether the baby raccoons are orphans or not. Mother raccoons can leave for hours at a time, but will always return to her babies. If you notice that the mother has not returned for an extended period of time, you can assume they are orphans and will require assistance from a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
- If the babies are orphaned, very gently check to see if they appear injured. If you see any signs of injury or if raccoon seems to be in pain, call a wildlife rehabilitation center. If the babies are orphaned, please do not feed them unless you have been instructed to by the wildlife rehabilitation experts. Young wildlife often have sensitive stomachs.
*Always protect yourself by wearing appropriate gear when approaching wildlife
- If family of raccoon seems healthy and are residing in on your property be careful when near them as raccoons tend to be territorial and may become aggressive if they feel threatened. To avoid risks of injury and possible further damage to your property do not try to remove raccoons yourself. Call a wildlife removal company to assist you with raccoon and baby raccoon removal.
- To prevent raccoons from selecting your property for shelter, make the area as unappealing to them as possible. Raccoons prefer darker and quiet spaces with a nearby food source. To keep them from coming in, you can install outdoor lights, play music and ensure that your trash is sealed or inaccessible for them to dig through.
- For more extensive, secure prevention methods, call a wildlife removal company like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated conduct wildlife prevention on your property. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians will conduct a thorough inspection on your property, identifying possible raccoon entry points and weak spots and will proceed with the method best applicable to that area.
Raccoons are extremely interesting mammals with a variety of different skill-sets that allow them to survive the way they do both in the wild, and among humans. Their means for survival, food and shelter, can sometimes be a nuisance for home and building owners which is why humane practices in conducting raccoon and baby raccoon removal should always be conducted. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide raccoon baby removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problem. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for your raccoon baby removal needs.
Procyon Wildlife is dedicated to working with our communities in an effort to help wild animals in need of care. Their goals are to rescue, rehabilitate and safely release these animals, and to promote public appreciation for wildlife preservation.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated delivers wildlife in need to the caring hands of Procyon Wildlife volunteers. Procyon Wildlife is a non-profit organization who’s efforts all go towards the well-being of animals. You can help support Procyon Wildlife by volunteering, monetary donations or by donating supplies in need. Visit the Procyon Wildlife Website for more details on how to help.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 27, 2016 | Uncategorized
The City of Markham is a wonderful city, with lots of different activities available for everybody. From Markville Mall to Main street Markham or Milliken Park, there is always something to do, for children, adults, seniors, couples families and more. The city is filled with neighborhoods and communities and events and is celebrated for it, as they should be. But like many other neighborhoods around the city, it also has it’s encounters with raccoons every so often.
There are many factors as to why wildlife continuously make an appearance in these areas. Due to deforestation, wildlife like raccoons are threatened with losing their home, which many already have. Corporations are tearing down their natural habitat, driving them to head to the cities where they now adapt as a means for survival. Raccoons like many other living beings need a source of shelter, food and defense. Female raccoons must also consider the well-being of their young if they have, ensuring they can provide for them and offer the babies their basic needs of survival which is why it is important to consider when conducting wildlife control services.
So now people are having to deal with raccoon problems in their neighborhoods, which can be a nuisance to have happen to you and a nuisance to deal with. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent and their features and abilities allow them to carry out their plans of action on getting our properties. It’s a problem when raccoons or any other wildlife make their way into your attic, your garage, leaving damage or messes, so we understand the urgency on wanting to get them out.
There are ways to prevent wildlife from moving towards your property. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Ensure that your trash bins, compost bins are either shut tight, or out of sight. Raccoons are finding ways to open up our garbage to find food and will often make a mess in the process.
- Close your doors, garage, windows if not in use. Don’t leave an open entrance that may welcome wildlife onto your property
- Let children know not to go near unknown wildlife with any food. Raccoons may see this as an invitation to approach
- Regularly inspect your home for any weak spots or damage where raccoons can find their way through
- Trim branches if they’re too long and if they’re headed in the direction of your roof. Branches can bridge the gap raccoons need to get onto your roof and in your attic.
Although these tips can help deter wildlife, there are more effective solutions to preventing wildlife from going onto your property.
If you’ve already seen a raccoon on your property, don’t try to remove it yourself. You should always have a trained professional help you when removing any sort of wildlife from your property. By attempting your own raccoon removal, you risk putting yourself in harm’s way or harming the raccoon. Instead call a wildlife control technician to give you a hand.
If you haven’t yet noticed any wildlife on your property, but you want to prevent it, there is an effective solution to this. Conducting wildlife prevention methods will help you avoid having to deal with wildlife intrusions, damages, messes in the future and simply save you the entire hassle.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated has years of experience in raccoon removal and wildlife prevention. We conduct humane raccoon removal ensuring that our methods are cruelty free and in line with the rules and regulations of Ontario. For our wildlife prevention services, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated uses galvanized steel mesh to prevent wildlife from going through. This material is strong enough to keep wildlife from chewing or breaking apart, so you don’t have to worry about wildlife intrusions anymore.
It’s important to solve the problem of nuisance wildlife on your property while keeping in mind why they’ve been driven there in the first place. It’s possible to co-exist with these raccoons as long as the encounters remain in public spaces and not in your attic, garage etc.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife, we provide superior Markham raccoon 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 available 24/7, 365 days a year, and can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife 1.800.981.0330 for Markham Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
We here at SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated know that our planet is an amazing place with a ton of things to be appreciative about! In this line of work, we’re lucky enough to be able to encounter wildlife like raccoons in Mississauga or squirrels in Toronto (although when we see them they technically are in properties they aren’t supposed to be in!) and see what kind of amazing things they are capable of, which is a lot. Our Earth is filled with all sorts of ecosystems with wildlife and nature, that should be taken care of and preserved. We know that sometimes it slips our mind, but every little bit helps! And if more people keep making small efforts, then we will have contributed to a big change.
Here are a couple things we can incorporate in our lives
Bring a lunch to work and use non-disposable containers! This will help eliminate waste, and it might even be healthier cut down on takeout!
If it’s feasible, skip the drive to work on some days or carpool! Other alternatives to greener transportation are public transportation, walking or biking!
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Maybe you don’t need to buy that thing (that you already have 3 of)
Consume less, shopping-wise. Let’s be less materialistic and stop buying items we don’t need. Those things we end up shoving in to the back of the closet, or lost in the garage? Nah. Less material, less waste.
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Wasting with water-bottles
Plastic, disposable bottles? Grab yourself 1 or 2 good-looking reusable water-bottles instead. Refill them where and when possible so you don’t have to toss a bunch away everyday
When throwing things away, make sure they’re sorted into the right bin to keep from filling our landfills. People from the City of Toronto can use this article: What Goes Where
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7 Rs, I thought there were 3!
Re-use Keep from tossing so many things into the waste bin by reusing items where you can
Re-purpose Think, DIY Projects. If there’s something you’re thinking about getting rid of, see if there are any ways you can make it into something fabulous instead
Rot compost everything organic.
Repair instead of replacing. The handy-person or fixer-upper in your life can help take care of this
Return If you’re buying a product, choose to go somewhere where you can return it in case you change your mind, so you don’t have to throw it out
Refill As mentioned above, a cool water-bottle never hurt anyone
Refuse If you don’t need to, don’t buy packaged, disposable, single-use products
Let’s all remember that every little bit helps. Together, we can each do our part in protecting our earth so let’s do it!
Happy Earth Day!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Apr 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
My experience in climbing the CN Tower on behalf of SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated for the World Wildlife Fund CN Tower Climb for Nature on April 16/16
Prepping for the CN Tower Climb
After learning about the World Wildlife Fund’s event WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature, we realized it was surely not an event to turn down. WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature is a fundraising event that supports work conducted to help conserve the different type of species and habitats in ecosystems all around the world. The 2016 fundraiser was among the largest group to climb raising approx. $1 million for this cause and I was very happy to have participated on behalf of SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated
I met all the qualifications and was registered for the CN Tower Climb by April 13th and thought to myself “okay, I’m really doing this”. This was my first attempt to do the climb and I was excited but also nervous on what to expect. With the support of the S.O.S Wildlife Control staff, friends and family, i figured I could do this and had Adrian, fellow boyfriend, join me on this mission up the 1,776 stairs. Thankfully, he said yes.
Days approaching the climb, I had been mentally and physically preparing myself by taking the stairs at every opportunity, drinking lots of water and getting excited for the walk. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy route up, but I was definitely up for the challenge. By 9:30 am on Saturday April 16/2016 I arrived at the Metro Convention Center downtown Toronto to check-in at registration. There were a ton of people, all eager to participate in this climb, solo climbers, teams, families. Once we were all checked-in began the journey to the bottom of the CN Tower. A shout out to all the volunteers who helped out at this event and made the entire process extremely easy for all the climbers, they did a great job! At the bottom of the stairs, we were met with security ensuring that all our items had been left at the bag/coat checks as it was a completely hands-free climb- no cell phones, water bottles, wallets, or anything that wasn’t important documents, medical information etc. Once we had passed this, the climbing began.
Upwards Journey
The first point was to stamping our time-sheets. 10:02 am. We were met with someone I presume was security who high-fived us and wished us luck and then suddenly it was official – I was at the very bottom of the CN Tower, on my way to the top. The staircase was quite standard. Wide enough to fit two sets of climbers, right-side for walking and left-side for passing. I began on the right side. I had made it a couple flights up before feeling the effects. I was tired, my legs were sore and I was out of breath so I took a break and slowed down my pace. I feel like I maintained a reasonable pace after my first break and kept climbing up with Adrian giving me support and encouragement when needed. Several flights up I wanted to know my progress. Each flight was numbered, but I had forgotten how many there were in total so it felt like a never ending journey, unsure of how close I was to the top. The question came to mind several times during the climb.
Throughout the journey up, you never once feel alone as there are people ahead, behind and passing you through most of it feeling the same way you are. In addition to this, every once in a while you’ll hear somebody’s voice echo through the staircase yelling words of encouragement! The sights weren’t dull either. Posted on the walls were pictures drawn by children encouraging climbers to keep going and reminding us of how we were supporting a great cause. I remember one that said, “just a couple hours left!” and I have to admit, my eyes widened. Participating in the climb were also people dressed in costume. Teams in brightly colored tutus, a guy in a Spider-man outfit – this definitely took your mind off the fact that 500 steps remained!
As we continued, more and more people were crowding at the base of each flight taking a breather. I still didn’t know how many flights there were in total, so I didn’t know when I was getting closer to the top, but seeing these people resting was an indicator that were maybe getting closer? I was sweaty, exhausted, and needed a drink of water. I hoped we were almost there and so did the people around me. At one point somebody had yelled, “does anybody see sunlight up there?” and I had that exact question. Suddenly, you hear cheering above you, and you know the end time-sheet stamping station was approaching . I gained momentum once I knew the end was near, and jogged up the final steps. My sheet was stamped at 10:34 am. 31:49 was the amount of time I needed to climb up 1,776 stairs. I’d like to think it would of been much shorter had I prepared just a little bit more, but I didn’t care that much because I had made it! To the top of the CN Tower via staircase. After getting the sheet stamped there were “cool down” steps up to the platform where we were met first with the WWF Panda Mascot who was the first to high-five us in a long line of volunteers cheering climbers on.
Made it!
On the platform we found the water bottle station and happily chugged down the contents. We were welcome to stay there and enjoy the view of the city from the top of the CN Tower alongside other climbers, everyone exhausted but feeling accomplished for both supporting WWF’s climb for nature and climbing up those stairs. I can say for myself that although it wasn’t easy, I had an amazing experience and will likely participate again next year.
A big thanks goes to WWF for hosting the event towards a great cause allowing us to participate and contribute in helping support the conservation of ecosystems around the world! Another thanks to S.O.S Wildlife Control for sponsoring my climb allowing me to participate!
