Raccoon Prevention and Removal Methods

Your flower bed is destroyed, the garbage cans are overturned, bird feeders are empty, and to top it all off you can’t find the culprit. Yes this sounds like the work of your typical raccoon. They can be a very annoying houseguest that you may have a tough time getting to leave.

Raccoons are intelligent animals and If you are planning to remove them from your yard, it's important to use humane animal removal methods. The first thing is to identify where they are living and any entry points around your home. It's likely that you will find them in attics, under decks, culverts, chimneys, and sheds.

There is no more effective way for animal removal than to contact the experts like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle has set a good example in providing humane animal removal techniques apart from having trained specialists who offer these services. They will remove these animals from your home, clear and clean the area, and also advise you on how to prevent them from coming back.

Below are some humane animal removal techniques that will help you prevent and protect your home from any further invasion of raccoons:

• Keep your backyard clean

Employing cleanliness as a humane animal removal technique has not only helped to get rid of raccoons but also other rodents such as mice. Food in the backyards attracts coons. Cleanup all the garbage, food and shake off all the berries from trees. Since they can open garbage cans, purchase those with metal lids and a secure lock. Anything that can store water should be well covered or turned upside down to ensure that it doesn't hold any water. Denying them food and water will make living conditions less appealing and raccoons will opt to leave.

• Exclusion or Blocking of all entry points

Exclusion is key! Chasing the raccoons from your property is only a temporary measure. If you don't block off all their entry points you can be sure that they will make another uninvited visit. While installing exclusion barriers yourself is good it is recommended to contact a wildlife control company to make sure that the process is done properly. Your Wildlife Technician will identify and seal all potential openings using heavy gauge and by doing so, preventing the raccoons from coming back.

• Scare them away

This method is more for preventing the wildlife from wanting to stay on your property.  Some of the devices used are radios and ultrasonic noisemakers but, raccoons are smart animals and  soon realize that the devices are harmless. To deal with this, you may have to switch from one device to another from time to time. Raccoons are nocturnal and therefore do not like to much light, so another way is the use of floodlights which makes living in their hiding spots unbearable for the raccoon.

These preventative measures can be effective if done properly however, don't wait until the raccoons become a real nuisance to you. Check out more tips and information here about how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help you solve this problem once and for all.

How to Choose the Right Wildlife Company

With so many wildlife companies out there offering help to your wildlife infestation woes, how would you know which is the right choice? While many are in the wildlife control industry, there are a few things you can check into to narrow down the list to the best ones.

What are some items that should be on your checklist?

1. Testimonials

Are there a lot of testimonials from their customers? Reading these reviews about the company from previous customers will help you decide if their service is indeed effective and helpful. You will also determine what their good and bad points are.

2. Experience

How long have they been doing wildlife control? Experienced staff and technicians are sure to deliver better service and know what to do when faced with more complicated situations. Checking how long the company has been in service will give you an idea how they train their staff and their credentials. Surely a rodent control company offering poor service won’t last for decades.

3. Scope of Services

What is included in their service? Do they do clean-ups after removals as well? Do they offer estimates of how much work is needed for a certain problem and how much it costs? Knowing what they can offer you will help you weigh the advantages of hiring them, and this is one important thing to consider.

4. Inspection

Do they inspect before they come up with a proper course of action? Experienced and trusted companies do this to ensure the problem is addressed properly. Without inspection, they will not know what needs to be done.

5. Recommendations

Do people you know recommend the company for good service and staff? If so, it shows a good sign that the rodent control company does comply and have rendered services satisfactory to them, which means they would do good for you as well.

6. Humane

Wildlife control is not just about us, but the animals as well. Humane wildlife control acknowledges the value of life for these animals. Why not go for a company that gives you security and protects the animals as well? It’s a win-win situation.

If you are going to hire a wildlife control company, make sure it is the right choice. There are so many out there who advertise beautifully but serve poorly. Going through the checklist will give you a better chance to choose the best one for you, so be sure to put that company to the test before you dial.

Does a Cat Really Help get rid of Mice in and Around your Home?

Rodents, especially rats and mice, are known to be the most common and very destructive of wildlife infestations. They live in large numbers, and multiply at a very fast rate, leaving you with a whole colony of mice within your house walls, ceilings and attics.

Well, how do we get rid of mice? Are there ways to effectively getting rid of a mouse?

Since we were children, we were told that the archenemies of mice are cats. Cats were first recognized in Egypt for their abilities to hunt rodents, and were considered very  helpful by farmers. While some cats may be good hunters, most domesticated cats are too lazy for the job. Mice are very intelligent creatures, and can maneuver and climb easily on almost anything. Getting a cat may be a good idea; just make sure you pick the right one, since after domestication, most cats have neglected their hunting and “mousing” skills as they were fed and spoiled by their owners or just simply raised without developing their hunting instincts.

A cat may help with your mice problems around the house, but one can never hunt them all, unless it’s a feral cat. There are many ways in and around your home a mouse can get through where a cat may never reach them including, attics, ceilings and walls. And this is the problem with letting a cat take all the hunting responsibilities. There is a limit to places they can reach.

Spayed or neutered cats are more preferable for hunting purposes, but you must know that you should never adopt a cat just for mice problems in your house. If the infestation is serious, it is better to seek advice from pest control professionals.

There are many ways to get rid of a mouse, but none as effective as resorting to wildlife control services. DIY may be an option, but there are so many risks and infections associated with mice droppings, urine and direct contact.

Most of us are more concerned about the wellbeing of our families and pets and would rather hire professional services to rid themselves of these infestations.  Wildlife control professionals, like those at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, are trained and are equipped with knowledge and tools to take care of your infestation problems. You get a cleaner, safer house, and save yourself time and effort.

What types of Rodents to look out for in Canada?

When we hear about household pests, the first thing that might come into our mind may be a rat. Rats have been notorious in infesting various households, breeding fast and destroying whatever gets in their way. You may be on the lookout for this nuisance wildlife but did you know that there are other animals that belong to the same order Rodentia and can cause the same havoc?

Rodents are mammals that  are characterized by their prominent growing front teeth or incisors in their upper and lower jaws. They comprise the biggest percentage among mammals, attributing to almost 40% of the population. Other notable characteristics of rodents are short limbs, small bodies and long tails.

Here is a list of the most common rodents that infest Canadian homes.

1. Gray squirrel. Scientifically known as Sciurus carolinensis, the Eastern gray squirrel is a close relative of your common house rat. This specie is native to the Americas and to some European areas. The gray squirrel often forages for food; it will hoard food from your bird feeders or if you feed your pets outside. It can also chew and do damage to insulation and wiring.
2. Red squirrels. The American red squirrel also referred to as pine squirrels are common in Canada. Red squirrels are omnivores but their diet mainly consists of seeds and nuts.
3. Mice. Characterized with their small round ears and long hairy tail, this rodent breeds fast and can be a big headache to homeowners in no time. Mice inside your home will invade your food and make it their own breeding ground.
4. Rats. Unlike your house mouse, rats are can grow large. Their tails are hairless and scaly and similar to their smaller counterparts, and can infest your house in great numbers in a short amount of time.

These rodents are not only a nuisance because they will invade your food but most importantly, they carry with them several diseases that can put your family’s health in danger. The most common Zoonotic disease associated with rodents is Leptospirosis; and this is just one of the many health hazards they bring inside your home.

Moreover, because of their large incisor teeth, they have the constant need to gnaw and this could pose as a safety risk especially when they find their way to your insulation materials and more so, your electrical wires.

If you happen to find a rodent scurrying around your property, the best way to deal with the situation is to call on professional rodent control services like the one offered by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle wildlife technicians have removed rodents like house mice from many Canadian homes for more than twenty-seven years. With their expertise in the field, you can rest knowing that they have removed these buck-toothed wildlife in every nook and cranny of your home and you are free from the safety and health hazards they bring.

Rodent Control and Prevention Tips

Rodents are the most common nuisance wildlife that infest human settlements and establishments. The most common rodent infestations are squirrels and rats. They can cause extensive property damage that may become hazardous, for instance a fire in the home and health risks. Rodents are meant for the wild and should be kept out of our houses, but how?

Rodents are intelligent creatures, and it requires discipline and effort to protect your property against them. Rats and squirrels are known for excessive gnawing and chewing. Rats also nest and the mites in those nests could spread all over your house and can cause numerous diseases. More than that, they all leave droppings, which if inhaled could cause infections and hazardous risks.

Exclusion is the best way to keep these critters out of your home. It is the process of sealing up all entry points to your home so they cannot get in. This requires an in depth check of many parts of your house, from the foundation to the roof. One small hole left uncovered is a welcome sign to the smallest but most destructive of the rodents.

Here’s what you need to do to prevent rodents from gaining access to your home:

1. Check the roof for loose shingles, damaged flashings and holes in the soffit and fascia. These can be used as entry points by rodents. Seal the holes with epoxy, and for bigger ones, cover them with sturdy material.
2. Clear clutter in from around your home and secure your garbage bins. Clutter in the garden can be used by rodents for nesting.
3. Never feed your pets outside. Bird feeders should be climb-proof so squirrels don’t forage there instead. Food is the main attractant of wildlife into your home so make sure that you clean them up to avoid inviting these nasty creature inside your abode.

If your home is currently infested with these troublesome animals it is best to leave it in the hands of professionals. Rodent control can be very tricky, as you have to consider a lot of factors. You have to know where to look for them and how to properly remove them from your property. Without the proper know-how, you may be exposing yourself to safety and health hazards.

Rodent control service is best performed by wildlife technicians, such as from Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, who know what to do and know the risks of being exposed to the pests and viruses wildlife bring. Skedaddle wildlife technicians have been around for almost three decades and have the experience and expertise to deal with infestations caused by these pesky little creatures.

How to Choose the Right Wildlife Company

With so many wildlife companies out there offering help to your wildlife infestation woes, how would you know which is the right choice? While many are in the wildlife control industry, there are a few things you can check into to narrow down the list to the best ones.

What are some items that should be on your checklist?

1. Testimonials

Are there a lot of testimonials from their customers? Reading these reviews about the company from previous customers will help you decide if their service is indeed effective and helpful. You will also determine what their good and bad points are.

2. Experience

How long have they been doing wildlife control? Experienced staff and technicians are sure to deliver better service and know what to do when faced with more complicated situations. Checking how long the company has been in service will give you an idea how they train their staff and their credentials. Surely a rodent control company offering poor service won’t last for decades.

3. Scope of Services

What is included in their service? Do they do clean-ups after removals as well? Do they offer estimates of how much work is needed for a certain problem and how much it costs? Knowing what they can offer you will help you weigh the advantages of hiring them, and this is one important thing to consider.

4. Inspection

Do they inspect before they come up with a proper course of action? Experienced and trusted companies do this to ensure the problem is addressed properly. Without inspection, they will not know what needs to be done.

5. Recommendations

Do people you know recommend the company for good service and staff? If so, it shows a good sign that the rodent control company does comply and have rendered services satisfactory to them, which means they would do good for you as well.

6. Humane

Wildlife control is not just about us, but the animals as well. Humane wildlife control acknowledges the value of life for these animals. Why not go for a company that gives you security and protects the animals as well? It’s a win-win situation.

If you are going to hire a wildlife control company, make sure it is the right choice. There are so many out there who advertise beautifully but serve poorly. Going through the checklist will give you a better chance to choose the best one for you, so be sure to put that company to the test before you dial.

On the Hunt for a Racoon Den

As the forested areas have gone on dwindling, raccoons have invented a funny way of survival. As you walk through the streets at night, once in awhile you might see these small mammals scurrying across the street or down an alleyway. They are omnivorous and will eat almost everything particularly smaller animals found in the water such as crayfish and snails. In addition, raccoons are solitary in nature in terms of feeding and will eat alone except when there is plenty. They are very interesting animals to study and this aroused my desire to want to know more about them. I was able to learn fascinating things worth sharing.

Popular places for a raccoon den

Raccoons don’t have a specific place they can call home. They migrate to different dens after a few days though females who have young ones can stay in one den a little longer. The only time you find several raccoons in the same den is during winter. Although they migrate they have popular places they like to den. These hide outs include hollow logs, tree holes, abandoned cars, attics and chimneys. In towns, they use these dens to hide during the day while in the forest they rest in trees.

Signs you may have raccoons living on your property

It’s mainly during the winter and spring seasons that raccoons can inhabit your homestead. This is because attics are an excellent location for protecting and raising babies. The signs of their presence in your house may include scratching, crying and thumping sounds in your attic, damaged insulation and strange odours.

Humane Raccoon Removal techniques

A closer look at these simple animals will help you understand that protecting your home against their intrusions is the best course of action. Therefore, as we look for ways to remove them from our houses, we need to consider how to prevent them from coming back. There are several techniques we can use depending on where the animal is.

• House-First you need to know how they entered. If the mother has young ones you’ll need to remove them by hand first. Baby raccoons aren’t mobile until several weeks after birth so you can’t trap or scare them out. Once the babies have been removed they can be used to lure the mother out. The entry point will need to be secured immediately afterward.
• Chimney – Don’t put the chimney into use until you are certain that you have removed all the raccoons. Once the raccoons have left, you will need to clean the chimney and cap the opening at the top.
• Ponds – If they are interfering with your fishpond, create hiding places for fish by using cinder blocks
• Garden – Use a radio turned on with higher volume for few nights. The noise will create disturbance that will drive raccoons away.

If all the above-mentioned ways don’t work, call a raccoon removal company. The technicians will help you learn how these animals got into your house and other weak points they could use to get into the house. They will then provide you with options on how to remove them depending on the nature and structure of your property. Once the animals are removed the technicians will block the entrance hence ensuring they won’t re-enter.