If you live in Toronto, Canada, you’re probably familiar with the wide range of wildlife that can be found in the area. While seeing these animals in their natural habitats can be exciting, it’s a different story when they invade your home or garden. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the risks of wildlife infestation and take necessary steps to keep them away. To do so, you must seek professional residential animal and pest control services that can effectively solve any existing pest issues and prevent future infestations. 

Learn more about common wildlife pests in Toronto and how you can prevent them from invading your property.

Wildlife Pests in Toronto

Raccoons

Raccoons are perhaps the most notorious wildlife pest in Toronto. They are known for their agility, intelligence, and ability to get into almost anything. They are attracted to food and often rummage through trash cans, compost bins, and gardens in search of a meal. 

Some of the problems caused by raccoons include:

• Tipping over garbage cans and scattering trash
• Damaging gardens and lawns
• Breaking into attics, basements, and crawl spaces to build nests

Prevention Tips:

• Cover garbage cans and compost containers with tight-fitting lids or coverings.
• Trim overhanging branches and shrubs near the house to prevent raccoons from climbing onto the roof.
• Seal any cracks or holes in the exterior of your property to prevent raccoons from entering.
• Install chimney caps and mesh screens on vents to prevent raccoons from entering the attic.

Skunks

Skunks are perhaps the most malodorous wildlife pest in Toronto. Their unique black and white stripes distinguish them and the smelly spray they deploy to protect themselves. 

Here are some of the problems caused by skunks:

• Spraying a foul-smelling odour when threatened or disturbed
• Digging holes in lawns and gardens in search of food
• Building nests under porches, decks, and sheds

Prevention Tips:

• Seal any cracks or holes to prevent skunks from entering.
• Install mesh fencing around gardens and other vulnerable areas.
• Remove debris or clutter from the property to discourage skunks from building nests.
• Use motion-activated sprinklers or noise deterrents to discourage skunks.

Squirrels

Squirrels are another common wildlife pest in Toronto. They are known for their acrobatic abilities and can often be seen darting through trees and across power lines. Squirrels are attracted to birdseed and often raid bird feeders for a snack. 

Some of the problems caused by squirrels include:

• Chewing on electrical wires might cause a fire
• Building nests in attics and crawl spaces can cause damage to insulation and ductwork
• Stealing bird seed from feeders and causing damage to gardens and lawns

Prevention Tips:

• Cover any openings in the exterior of your home to prevent squirrels from entering.
• Install chimney caps and mesh screens on vents to prevent squirrels from entering the attic.
• Trim overhanging branches and shrubs near the house to prevent squirrels from climbing onto the roof.
• Remove bird feeders and other food sources from the property to discourage squirrels.

Birds

Birds can add beauty to the natural surroundings, no matter the species, whether small songbirds or larger birds of prey. They perform a key function in ecology by controlling insect populations and distributing seeds to support plant development. However, when they enter homes or cause property damage, they can become a nuisance. 

Some of the problems caused by skunks include:

• Bird droppings can damage surfaces and vehicles.
• Nests and nesting materials can cause drainage problems and water damage.
• Bird activity can create noise disturbances, especially during nesting season.
• Some bird species can be aggressive and threaten pets or humans.
• Birds can carry harmful diseases like the West Nile virus and avian flu.

Prevention Tips

• Install bird netting or wire mesh to prevent birds from roosting or nesting in eaves, attics, and other areas.
• Use bird spikes or shock strips on ledges, rooftops, and other surfaces where birds may perch or land.
• Keep food sources, such as pet food and bird feeders, out of reach or use squirrel-proof designs to deter birds from feeding.
• Cover outdoor garbage cans and compost piles to prevent birds from scavenging for food scraps.
• Trim trees and bushes near your home to prevent birds from using them as a perch or access point to your roof.

Other Means to Safeguard Your Property Against Wildlife 

Here are some of the other things you can do to help keep wildlife pests at bay:

1. Keep your property clean and tidy – Wildlife pests are attracted to cluttered and unkempt properties. If your property is well-kept, you reduce the likelihood of attracting wildlife.
2. Secure all food sources – Food is the most common reason wildlife pests invade our homes and gardens. Keep all food sources out of reach to prevent wildlife from becoming problematic.
3. Seal all potential entry points – Wildlife pests can enter our homes through even the smallest gaps and holes. Eliminate points of entry to prevent wildlife pests from entering your home.
4. Practice responsible gardening – Wildlife pests are often attracted to gardens and landscaping. Be a responsible gardener by choosing less attractive plants to wildlife and keeping your garden free of debris and fallen fruit.
5. Contact a professional for home pest control services – If you are concerned about wildlife on your property, seek assistance from a professional wildlife removal service company. Attempting to remove wildlife pests on your own can be dangerous and may even be illegal in some cases. Professionals of wildlife removal in Toronto rely on their expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove wildlife pests from your property.

Wildlife pests can be a problem for homeowners in Toronto, but by following the above prevention tips and various steps, such as hiring wildlife pest control in Toronto, you can coexist peacefully with the wildlife in Toronto. 

Keep Your Home Safe from Wildlife Pests with Pro Pest Corp.!

Wildlife pests can still find their way into your home or garden, even with the best prevention strategies. That’s where Pro Pest Corp. comes in. As Toronto’s one of the trusted wildlife removal companies, we have the expertise and equipment to provide pest animal removal services safely and effectively. 

Our trained professionals are dedicated to providing humane wildlife removal and pest control services, ensuring the animals are removed safely and released back into the wild. We also offer exclusion services to seal off potential entry points and pest inspection services to prevent future infestations. We also do dead animal removal services for residential and commercial properties, ensuring safe and efficient disposal of the remains.

Don’t let wildlife pests take over your home or garden. Contact Pro Pest Corp. today at 416-487-4179 to schedule a consultation, and let us protect your property from unwanted wildlife!