Wildlife

How to identify Wildlife

There is a huge variety of wildlife in Canada, including around 26 species of snake and more than 20 species of squirrel. There’s also just as much variety in where wildlife pests choose to live. In the wild, raccoons make dens in tree cavities and caves, while skunks live in grasslands and forests. Rabbits prefer swamps and woodlands, with lots of groundcover for hiding or burrowing, and snakes live in forests, prairies, deserts, marshes, and near freshwater lakes and ponds.

How to prevent Wildlife from invading

Use tamper-resistant outdoor garbage cans. Store garbage cans away from your home, Remove bird feeders and pet food. Trim back overhanging trees and shrubs. Build fences below and above ground. Seal potential entry points and openings. Secure gaps under decks and porches. Install screening over vents and chimneys. Remove collections of debris and brush. Use flashing lights or sound repellents.

Habitat, Diet, and Life Cycle

Most wildlife pests are mammals, so are born live and weaned by their mother. However, snakes lay eggs, which later hatch into offspring, and young opossums develop in their mother’s pouch.

Commonly Asked Questions

Why do I have wildlife pests?

Often when wildlife pests invade homes or businesses, they are simply seeking a source of food, water, and shelter. Raccoons are extremely well adapted to this and like to live under porches, and in garages, abandoned buildings, and barns. They will eat anything they can find, including garbage, bird feeders, and unattended pet food. However, sometimes, wildlife invades trying to replicate their natural nesting habitat. Bats roost under bridges, caves, and rock crevices. Looking for somewhere similar, they sometimes enter homes through open windows and doors, and end up roosting, and giving birth to young, in attics.

How worried should I be about wildlife pests?

Urban wildlife can become major pests when they set up home in your property, causing structural damage, contaminating food, and devastating crop yields. Wildlife can also cause severe health issues, transmitting serious diseases, and attacking humans and pets. Skunk spray is so powerful it can cause skin irritation and blindness. Some snake bites can be deadly. However, animal control of some wildlife pests is highly regulated. For example, in some areas, it is illegal to remove a female raccoon and her kits from their nesting site until the young are able to leave with the mother. As a result, wildlife removal should be left to a professional pest control service. At Orkin Canada, we aim to strike a balance between animals and humans by offering integrated wildlife removal solutions that are environmentally sound and ecologically responsible. Our Orkin Canada technicians care about nature and work hard to ensure no wildlife is harmed during the pest control process. When removing an animal from your property, we always apply a “capture and release” policy and follow the wildlife removal regulations applicable in your area.