by SOS Wildlife Control | Feb 26, 2016 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
Raccoons have long been inhabiting the great city of Toronto, a concern for homeowners and business owners alike. Hearing the rummaging through their trash and the sound of scratching or crawling noises around upstairs isn’t exactly how you wanted to spend your evening, but from time to time, it happens and you’re in need of raccoon removal. Fortunately, there are many companies out there that provide Toronto raccoon removal services, but be on the lookout when selecting the right wildlife control company for you. There are several factors you should be cautious of when researching for this service. Ensure the company you are looking at is professional, has experience, conducts humane methods and more. Raccoons, although can be a nuisance to deal with when indoors and uninvited, are very interesting mammals. They are incredibly intelligent and possess skills that allows them to be able to walk through Toronto, between buildings, scavenging, and finding shelter. If you’re living in Toronto and are faced with the need for raccoon removal, keep in mind the well-being of the raccoon and call for a professional to help you with wildlife problems. This eliminates the risk of injuring yourself, others, and the raccoon. A professional will be able to help you deal with Toronto raccoon removal effectively and humanely.
Raccoons
Raccoons are part of the family of mammals called Procyonidae. This group of mammals also includes animals called coatis and olingos, and are characterized by their body size and long tails. Raccoons are easily recognizable by their unique physical appearance. They are small to medium sized mammals that are measured at about 25-35 inches. Raccoon fur is a brown-grey color, that lighter around their face but is covered by their signature mask. The dark area around the raccoon eyes and their long striped tail are the more distinguishing features of the raccoon, making them easily identifiable. Raccoons have a lifespan of about 2-3 years but can live to about 20 years in captivity. Raccoons are very adaptable. They can live under varying situations which is why they have become so accustomed to the city. A raccoon habitat originally are grassy, forested areas, often by riverbanks as they would seek out trees to climb to avoid predators. They find shelter in tree cavities for themselves and their young.
More facts about raccoons
- Raccoons have very agile fingers that allow them to unlatch cages
- Female raccoons give birth to about 3-4 young (kits) in the spring
- Raccoons are very intelligent. The rank just below monkeys on the mammal IQ test
- Raccoons can run at speeds of 15 mph
- Baby raccoons are born blind and cannot see up until about 3-4 weeks after
- Not all raccoons have rabies, but they have a risk of contracting it
- Raccoons are omnivorous, they eat berries and plans but they also eat frogs, insects eggs and more
- Raccoons can adapt to many environments which is why they do so well in the city, and are scavenging human food
Raccoons in the City
As previously mentioned, raccoons have been found to be extremely adaptable to many different living environments which is why they’ve succeeded in making a habitat out of more urban areas. A part of the reason why raccoons have been in the city is due to deforestation. According to The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals Canada is one of the leading countries in deforestation. This process drives fur-bearing animals like raccoons out of their natural habitat into more urban areas which is partially to blame for the need of Toronto raccoon removal services. Toronto raccoons have been doing well in the city because of how well the city supports the basic needs of a raccoon. There are many places for a raccoon to find shelter and take care of their young, they are free from their natural predators in the wild, and they have access to human food. Our waste often becomes food sources for raccoons which is one of the main contributing factors as to why the city needs Toronto raccoon removal.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated: Toronto Raccoon Removal
When conducting Toronto raccoon removal, SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated understands the importance of conducting humane, safe, proper methods that don’t pose risk to both the raccoon, the customer and the technician. Our technicians have the right experience, know the proper methods and are effective when conducting Toronto raccoon removal. Once our technicians arrive to the site, they make sure to ask all the right questions to best analyze the situation. Each case is unique, so we tailor our services to meet your specific needs and devise a plan of action to accomplish your Toronto raccoon removal situation promptly and effectively.
If baby raccoons (kits) are involved, the raccoon removal process must be done even more carefully as to not put the baby raccoon and mother at risk. The mother raccoon is first deterred from her babies temporarily while the technicians place the babies in a comfortable, heated box. The box is kept in a location that is easily found and accessible for the mother raccoon to find. The mother then will then take her young away to another location carrying them one by one from the box. Baby raccoon removal must be handled very carefully due to the delicate babies and the protective mother. For this reason and more, it is always a better solution to call for a professional wildlife removal service company to handle your Toronto raccoon removal problem rather than trying to conduct it yourself.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior Toronto raccoon removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 1.800.981.0330 for Toronto Raccoon Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Feb 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
Having to deal with a Mississauga raccoon problem isn’t something new that is only occurring lately. For years now, wildlife have become increasingly more comfortable living side-by-side with humans in a populated city due to deforestation. Mississauga homes and businesses all over the city have been a host to many raccoons looking for a place to stay – but with all of their community events, parks and activities, who wouldn’t want to stick around? These furry four-legged mammals feel right at home as they’re the cause for a Mississauga raccoon problem while they find shelter and raise their young in your garage or shed! While the gap is getting smaller between animals and humans co-existing in the same neighborhood, it isn’t so much a pleasant experience when you’re dealing with the raccoons in your shed or on your roof. In fact, unfortunately it’s more of a nuisance and can be dangerous which is why it is important to deal with a Mississauga raccoon problem properly and with a professional as to not cause any damage or injury to yourself, your family or the raccoon.
Mississauga
Mississauga is one of Ontario’s largest cities, home to approximately 713,443 people with the population constantly growing. With a number of about 117,217 listed residences in the directories, you’re bound to hear about some sort of Mississauga raccoon problem. If it’s accessible to a raccoon, and it meets their criteria for a comfortable safe residence, it’s likely they’ll be interested.
Parks & Forestry
The city of Mississauga is not only one of Ontario’s largest cities, but it also has a number of trails, parks and forestry in the area. Erindale Park is the largest Mississauga’s park that is known for its relaxing space and fun trails. Erindale Park is also known for making visitors feel like their closer to nature, which isn’t surprising with the features it has, which include:
- Playground
- Hills
- Trails for Runners, Cyclists etc.
- Bird watching
- Forestry
These features are not exclusive to Erindale Park, there are other parks in the city that have similar activities available to the public and attraction for wildlife especially if there’s a trash bin available to scavenge through. Garnetwood Park is another park in Mississauga that has a scenic setting with many trees and even a fenced off-leash section of the park for you and your dog to run around. These parks and more are part of what make this a great area to live in but also can be a factor of raccoons in Mississauga.
Mississauga Raccoon Problem
Mississauga has a number of amazing features that make this large city great, from their parks, community, the forestry and much more. Unfortunately, what many cities are being faced with is the growing number of wildlife who sometimes are attracted to these city features. Because some animals are being driven from their natural habitat, they seek out new living arrangement. Finding places in the city is sometime beneficial to them because they have many places to hide. Also, with the amount of people around, there is also often more food sources for them to find too especially when compost and trash aren’t properly being disposed of regularly or after a barbecue or picnic in the park. A number of residences from around the city have faced a Mississauga raccoon problem, which can make for a complicated living arrangement. This is why it is a good idea to take precautions and prevention strategies to help keep your home from becoming a raccoons den. If you want to keep your home from hosting a raccoon or even a family of raccoons, here are a couple tips you might find helpful
- Regularly check in and around your house for any damages, holes, cracks that could be new. If it wasn’t there before, there’s a chance wildlife have gotten to it and you may need raccoon or squirrel control
- Make sure that both in the house and around the house stays clutter/garbage free. Raccoons are more likely to pick your house if they see that there is an available food source for scavenging when trash isn’t properly put away
- Keep your pet foods sealed. Wildlife like raccoons or squirrels will not only go looking through human food, but will also go through pet food if its easily accessible
- Shut doors, garage or any entrance ways when not in use. This will minimize the chance that wildlife gets into your house
If you already know that your home has a raccoon problem, more urgent steps should be taken to avoid damages or injuries. Although there are several Do It Yourself methods available online on how to get rid of raccoons, they aren’t always reliable. Conducting DIY methods to remove raccoons without any proper equipment, training or safety measure can result in someone getting hurt, a pet getting into a fight, or your property getting even further damaged. DIY done incorrectly may also harm the animal. As much as possible, it is best to avoid conducting any wildlife removal yourself unless you are a trained technician. Calling a professional will not only save your house faster, it will provide you with results and efficiency when you’re faced with a Mississauga raccoon problem. DIY methods can be a money saver if done correctly, but when done wrong can cost you more than you would have to spend hiring someone to do it.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated is a professional wildlife control service who can take care of raccoon problems for you. Upon arrival, they will conduct a thorough inspection before taking any action. This way, they can look out for multiple entry points and baby raccoons if necessary. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated trained operators will then carry out the approved procedure to get the raccoons out of your home while taking into consideration the well-being of the animal, damages to your home and safety of your family.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior Mississauga raccoon removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Mississauga Raccoon Problems!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jan 20, 2016 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: June 2016
The Town of Richmond Hill is definitely one to be enjoyed. With a wide range of community recreation activities to offer and a long list of public parks and trails, you’ll be sure that you will have something to fill your day with. Although this GTA area is filled with variety, it does also have its share of unexpected critters. Raccoons are among some of the furry four legged friends that aren’t so unfamiliar with the neighborhood.
Long bushy tails, grayish color and trademark stripe across the eyes, sneaking around in the dark clawing at trash bags or digging through bins. With these traits, you might think these mammals are sneaky, thieving creatures when in reality, there is so much more to it. Raccoons and other wildlife occupying the city are a result of animals being forced out of their natural habitat. This happens when fragmentation occurs. According to a blog posted by The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals, fragmentation is defined as the following:
“Fragmentation is the removal or destruction of vital links between ecosystems, something that only in recent years municipal planners have begun to consider. When water systems, safe travel corridors or vegetation is separated through deforestation or development, ecosystems can literally die”
In an article posted by the Huffington Post it stated that Canada is the leading country in deforestation. It is hardly a surprise that we are seeing wildlife like raccoon and skunks and squirrels around our homes. They are being encouraged out of their homes and into ours looking for food and shelter for themselves and for their family. While this is a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down, perhaps a course of action would be to peacefully coexist with them in towns like Richmond Hill. It’s no secret that many homeowners do not want raccoons and other creatures on their property, an alternative is to this is to have them move to other more suitable locations such as undisturbed forests or nearby fields.
Need some help identifying whether you need raccoon removal in Richmond Hill? Here are some tips and tricks on how to recognize raccoon presence, and some tips on how to avoid them:
You may need raccoon removal in Richmond Hill if you notice these
- Garbage or contents of bins will look as if they were rummaged through
- Trash messes all around the ground
- Raccoon droppings
- If you own a dog or cat, you may notice them behaving differently when they see wildlife they’re unfamiliar with
- Certain noises that raccoons make may be audible at times
- Scratching noises
- Damages on the side of the house or on the rooftop can be an indication that a raccoon is present
How to prevent raccoons from entering your Richmond Hill home
- Keep your property clean and free of messes such as animals droppings or food
- If possible or as much as possible, move your trash/storage bins out of reach from animals who may access it
- Shut your trash bins or storage bins that need to be located in an area accessible to raccoons
- Put food away appropriately as to not encourage raccoons from your property
- Block off any entrances or holes where a raccoon may enter through
- Teach your children about raccoon and other wildlife animal interaction safety
If you or someone you know is already experiencing raccoon or wildlife problems and is in need for raccoon removal in Richmond Hill, be sure to call an experienced wildlife removal service company, especially if baby raccoons are involved. Raccoons are intellectual and curious creatures that do not mean humans any harm. Rather, raccoons want a safe reliable place to live and raise their young. While your home isn’t the best place for raccoons or any other non-domesticated animal to do this, an undisturbed forest is and a wildlife removal service company can help you get that done.
When looking for raccoon removal in Richmond Hill, consider SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. We provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. If you’re looking to prevent raccoon removal in Richmond Hill, and proof your home instead to avoid getting into a troublesome situation, we can do that too. 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 for Raccoon Removal in Richmond Hill
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jan 6, 2016 | Animal Control, Helpful Tips, Uncategorized
Last Updated: May 2016
It’s certainly not a surprise that animals can cause quite the headache to many property owners. Animal damage repair costs can be cumbersome and the time that takes to complete such repairs can be lengthy. Let’s not forget having to deal with contractors, the living conditions during the repairs, and the cleanup after construction. Unexpected costs aside, the timeliness of such damages can’t be predicted, leaving many property owners desperate and stressed.
How to Avoid Animal Damage Repair Needs:
Here are very basic but extremely effective tips to keep your home from becoming a den for wildlife:
- Be proactive in surveying your properties for visible structural damages such as holes, cracks, openings, etc.
- Be proactive in identifying animal trails, droppings, and signs of animal life in your property, including attic space, basement, and under porches.
- Be cautious and tedious with cleanliness. Keep all foods both human and pet food, contained and sealed.
- Keep property off clutter and leaves. Maintain front and backyard trimmed, grass cut, and all leaves raked.
- Keep pantry clean and free of opened food packaging.
If at any point you recognize a damage, or animal trail, there are several DIY methods available, but while the internet is full of inexpensive and sometimes free options and solutions, they don’t always provide effective results. Some of the most important things you can do is to identify there is an animal in your property. You should certainly clean the area and keep it hygienic for yourself and your family as many wildlife carry easily spreadable diseases. You can survey the area and find their “home” which is usually a designated area where they sleep, collect food, and keep their family. It is never recommended to try and remove any members of wildlife on your own. If they’re still on your property at the time of discovery, you should not try to catch them on your own. Aside from causing you physical harm, they could cause a lot of damage to your property, rip and chew through electrical cables, and dig their claw through walls, floors, insulation, etc. You should always seek professional services if the animals are present, and if there is a family with their babies. In Ontario, there are strict laws in place in protecting wildlife. These laws are in place to ensure wildlife are treated fairly and humanely. Anyone endangering the life of a member of the wildlife or inhumanely treating an animal can not only be fined up to $5000, but they can also be charged with animal cruelty under criminal law. The cost of animal damage repairs, legal fines, and potential physical harm all lead to one easy solution, which is to contact professional wildlife technicians.
While wildlife may be the more common invader, you could also have rodents and other pests like bedbugs and cockroaches infest your property. These smaller but equally destructive animals could cause permanent damages to your property that could easily drive the existing market value property down. The health risks they pose on humans, as well as their ability to multiply extremely quickly are the reasons why pests should also be taken very seriously. Small droppings, sour smells, tiny footprints could all be signs of an existing or growing mice problem. Cost of animal damage repairs aside, both wildlife and pests can be jeopardizing to healthy living/working environments.
Damages and Damage Repairs
Here are some examples of what animal damage repair costs could be in Ontario:
- Insulation: $1 a square foot
- Vapor Barriers: $0.70 a square foot
- Drywall/Plaster: $9 a square foot
- Hardwood Surface Scratch repair: up to $40 per tread
- Hardwood Floor Staining and Varnish: up to $50 per tread
- Shingle replacement/repair: $275-$750 per square foot (plus the cost of materials)
- Concrete crack/hole repair: $250+
- Professional Home Disinfection services: start at $500
- Electrical Cable replacement: start at $100
Aside from having to fund hefty repair bills, finding reputable contractors, having to spare required time for estimates, work, clean up, and having to relocate family (if required) due to hazardous situations are all stressful but absolutely controllable. Take early action, recognize the signs, and contact
the professionals. DIY options can provide permanent solutions for minor infestation cases, but may only provide short-term solutions for bigger, unidentified problems. Don’t put yourself your family at risk. Contact our technicians who are able to provide a broader assessment, and provide effective results.
Animal damage repair costs are no joke, and we take wildlife and pest control very seriously. We handle all infestation situations with professionalism and provide wildlife removal services the most humane way possible. Our technicians use the most effective methods in the most humane manners. Our technicians are professionally trained, friendly, and professional. They are able to understand animal behavior, as well as traits. They can help identify entry points and offer advice on repair techniques. Don’t let animal damage repair costs to become a headache and a nuisance to your family.
At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jan 5, 2016 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: May 2021
With many federal and provincial laws protecting wildlife, there are even stringent ones protecting their offspring. One of the more common baby removals in Ontario is raccoon removal and it certainly requires professionally trained technicians to ensure removal is being conducted as per the guidelines and laws set by the government. If proper techniques aren’t followed, one can face hefty penalties, and even criminal charges for animal cruelty.
In most circumstances, baby raccoons are found in the attic. Female raccoons pick the attic as it makes a secure, quiet, and warm den for her to give birth and to raise her babies. They tend to give birth shortly after they settle in the attic. Female raccoon usually nurses her babies for up to 10 weeks, during which time; she actively goes on forages for food, leaving the pups securely in the warmth and quietness of the attic. After the 10 week nursing period, the female raccoon starts taking her young ones on her nocturnal trips to teach them how and where to look for food. While they live securely in the attic, and go on about their daily lives, unfortunately, the experience isn’t exactly as comfortable for the residents.
As with any other wildlife settling in a residential or commercial property, raccoons cause damage to one’s property as well as causing serious health hazards. For many reasons, adult as well as baby raccoon removal is key in keeping one’s property clean, damage-free and free of any health hazards.
Things to Know About Baby Raccoon Removal Process
• Raccoon puppies should not be separated from their mother during the captivity process
• If the raccoons (both adult & babies) are trapped in a cage, food and water must be provided
• If during the baby raccoon removal process, they are separated from their mother, they should be fed and cared for, until they are 6 weeks old, before being let out into the nature
• Animal Services and Shelters can be contacted to take in motherless babies to rehabilitate them before they can learn to survive on their own in the wild
• Federal and provincial laws protect wildlife such as raccoons, from inhumane methods of captivity and can charge the individuals doing the inhumane act with criminal charges or fine them for up to $5000
If professional services are seeked for baby raccoon removal needs, trained technicians can remove the babies immediately given they meet the provincial guidelines set for the removal procedures. At SOS Wildlife Control, we conduct baby raccoon removal with care and kindness. We use boxes instead of cages as they provide warmth and security. Upon capturing the female raccoon, we ensure she is never separated from her babies. Although captured in different methods, we ensure the family end up together in a safe, quiet, and possibly enclosed area in the nature. Under many circumstances, we will also ensure food and water are provided for the raccoon family.
Baby Raccoon Facts
• Female raccoon usually gives birth to 8 babies, but only 2-4 usually survive
• For the first 10 weeks, female raccoon collects food and brings it to her babies
• After 10 weeks, female raccoon takes her babies with her to teach them how to find food, repeating the same route with each baby individually
• Female raccoons are very maternal and they will only leave their babies orphaned under the most severe conditions
• Baby raccoons are often called “kits”
• Raccoons don’t hibernate but they can sleep for 2-3 days in a row under extreme weather conditions
• Because they are nocturnal, their masks reduce glare and enhance night vision
• They usually locate food with their sense of smell and touch as opposed to their sense of sight
If you discover baby raccoons anywhere on your property, it is not a good idea to remove them on your own. As previously mentioned, aside from harming them and facing criminal charges and penalties, you may also have an angry female raccoon coming back to find her litter. Baby raccoon removal needs can be easily sufficed by professional wildlife removal technicians. They must be handled gently and with protective gear as raccoons are one of the most common rabies carriers. More information on rabies and how it’s transmitted from wildlife to humans can be found on the provincial information site here. While the adult raccoon removal methods differ from baby raccoon removal methods, we, at SOS Wildlife Control, ensure humane and caring relocation services are provided every single time. Because adult raccoons are a lot more active, bigger in size, and are able to cause physical injury to people, we use trap & release methods. And with baby raccoons, we ensure they are each handled carefully, inspected for harm or other health concerns, and kept together with the rest of the litter and near the female raccoon until they are all released to their natural habitat.
If at any point during the removal process our technicians identify an injury or a problem with the wildlife, we ensure they are taken to a wildlife care shelter where they can be treated and rehabilitated properly, under professional care. Wildlife are necessary in our eco-system and we play our part in protecting these animals and helping them get re-acclimated back to nature, where their real homes are. Although not for baby raccoon removal needs, but for all other removals of adult wildlife, we help our clients understand the removal processes as we often require for them to communicate with us. If we are unable to capture immediately, our clients inspect the areas where our technicians set up cage traps, and let us know upon capture, at which time our technicians provide speedy pick up services.
At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior baby raccoon removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your raccoon problems. 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 at 1.800.981.0330 for baby raccoon control!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Nov 11, 2015 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: May 2016
Although not all raccoons are rabid raccoons, you should still take precaution. Canine distemper affects raccoons, dogs, skunks and other wildlife which is why it is important to stay alert and keep pets away from wild animals. The condition causes the animals to become disoriented, lethargic and even aggressive if cornered. It can cause harmful and potentially permanent effects to the animals’ respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems – and can even be fatal. Animals that survive canine distemper may then suffer from neurological damage. Please keep your dogs safe and have them vaccinated for CDV (Canine Distemper Virus). The virus poses no risk to human health. For Canine Distemper please call Toronto Animal Services at 416-338-7297
Rabid Raccoons Behavior
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals. There are various strains of the virus. With the raccoon strain rabid raccoons may:
- be extremely excited
- more prone to attack or seem aggressive
- froth at the mouth
Raccoons can pick up various strains of rabies, but they are most susceptible to the raccoon strain. Risks to humans are low but you should always get check out if you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon or any wild animal. Once the symptoms show it can be fatal. If the disease is caught early, i.e. exposed people who get treated with a post-exposure vaccine right away can avoid getting sick
Tips to avoid human exposure to rabies
- Stay away from all wild animals, especially if they look sick, distressed or acting abnormal.
- If you see a potential rabid raccoon, keep the animal insight while maintaining a safe distance and report it by calling 311.
- Pets should be vaccinated. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are required by law.
- Always maintain a safe distance from rabid raccoons or any rabid animal.
Read more on rabid raccoons in the official reports of Rabies Cases in Canada.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 1.800.981.0330 for raccoon control!
Call for Rabid Raccoons call 311
