Bill Dowd, Author at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control - Part 12
Bill Dowd

About the author: Bill Dowd is the Founder, President and CEO of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, a company he launched in 1989 with a mission to provide homeowners with humane, effective wildlife solutions. A graduate of Brock University with a Bachelor of Physical Education in Teaching and Coaching, Bill also played professional hockey with the New York Islanders from 1983 to 1985. His leadership, discipline and strong community values laid the foundation for building a business focused on making a meaningful local impact. Starting from his childhood bedroom in Hamilton, Ontario — with his mother as his first receptionist — Bill grew Skedaddle from a one-man operation into an industry leader. Recognizing early on that trapping and relocating wildlife was neither humane nor effective long-term, he pioneered prevention-focused solutions homeowners could trust. Today, Skedaddle continues to be guided by Bill’s original mission: delivering compassionate service built on integrity and trust.

Connect with the author via: LinkedIn

Do Bats Invade Basements?

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There’s no doubt bats play a vital role in our ecosystem. However, when they make your home their own, their vital role becomes a nuisance. While basements may not be their preferred roosting spot, bats can find their way into various parts of your home. Below, the pros at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control answer, “How… Continue reading

Ottawa Wildlife Control: Is Your Landlord Responsible for Rat Removal?

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Discovering the presence of rats in your Ottawa apartment is a stressful experience. Not only do these rodents carry disease but can also cause considerable damage to the space you rent. The question of who is responsible for rat removal in Ottawa, you or your landlord, usually depends on the lease agreement. However, both you… Continue reading

Simple Ways To Keep Squirrels Off Your Deck in Pickering

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Spending time grilling, sunbathing, or just chilling on your deck is one of life’s simple pleasures. Yet when bothersome pests like squirrels take over your outdoor living area, it impedes your ability to relax and enjoy the space. Squirrel droppings are both a nuisance and health hazard, and deck materials are easily damaged by gnawing… Continue reading

The Importance of Attic Restoration After a Mouse Infestation in Oshawa

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When rodents infest the attic of your Oshawa home, the resulting mess, including foul odours of rodent nesting, can seem overwhelming. Mice, in particular, chew, leave droppings and urine almost everywhere they go and might even tear out attic insulation to make their nests. After a mouse infestation, your attic space may look and smell… Continue reading

Tips to Keep Skunks Off Your Whitby Property At Night

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Skunks may not be aggressive creatures, but that doesn’t mean you want to have them living on your property. These animals look cute and cuddly, but they are capable of spraying a noxious odour on predators when they feel threatened. Skunks see humans as a potential threat, so if you have a skunk living in… Continue reading

Effective Ways to Safeguard Your Pickering Home Against Wildlife Infestations This Fall

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As fall approaches in Pickering, some of the wildlife in this area may be on the lookout for a winter hideout and may choose your home to wait out the cold weather. Rodents such as mice, squirrels and rats all require warm winter nesting sites. They may come closer to your home in search of… Continue reading

Hamilton Wildlife Removal: Protect Your Pets From Wildlife With These Tips

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As a Hamilton homeowner who loves your pets, you probably do everything you can to ensure their safety. However, one possible source of danger you may not realize is the possibility of your dog or cat coming into contact with local wildlife. Bites, scratches and the transmission of disease are all possible when encounters occur.… Continue reading

How to Keep Raccoons Away From the Exterior of Your Oakville Home

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Although raccoons are most active at night and usually prefer to avoid interactions with humans, sometimes they enter homes in search of shelter. Pregnant raccoons, especially, may be attracted to warm attics as good nesting spots where they can raise their babies safely. Unfortunately, having a raccoon as a roommate is never a good thing.… Continue reading

Ottawa Raccoon Removal: Handling Wildlife Problems in a Townhouse

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Townhouses are typically multi-floor homes that share at least one wall with an adjacent property, each with its own entrance. But here’s something interesting… If one of these homes has a raccoon problem or any other wildlife issue, chances are it’ll just pack its bags and move to the conjoined house next door. This was… Continue reading

Montreal Wildlife Control: What Time of Year Do Birds Lay Eggs?

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Watching birds build their nests is a relaxing pastime, but it can cause anxiety if the birds construct them inside your attic. Unlike chickens that lay eggs year-round, wild birds lay eggs in spring and early summer, so there are only certain seasons when you have to worry about this happening. Here are the answers… Continue reading

Avoiding DIY Squirrel Solutions: Why Expert Assistance is Key!

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If you notice a rodent problem in your house, you might consider dealing with the issue on your own. You may believe that you are good with wildlife and can eliminate your rodent problem quickly and easily, rather than contacting a professional service and setting up an appointment. However, there are many reasons why you… Continue reading

Niagara Wildlife Removal: Everything You Need to Know About Skunk Stripes

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Have you ever wondered why skunks have a white stripe or two on their backs? You may have additionally questioned why skunks don’t all have the same stripe pattern. Some have two stripes that look like a “V” shape, while others seem to be all white on top and black on the bottom. These markings… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Removal: Dangers of a Skunk Infestation

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Picture this: a serene evening in your backyard, the setting sun, and the air filled with chirping birds. Suddenly, an unwelcome guest arrives – a skunk! Skunks might seem cute from a distance, but their presence can pose significant dangers to your health and Oshawa property. Are skunks dangerous? Our experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife… Continue reading

Ottawa Wildlife Control: DIY Helps Bat Colony Get Inside the Attic

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When homeowners experience a wildlife problem, many resort to DIY measures in an attempt to quickly address the issue without spending much money. In reality, though, DIY methods can often cause more harm than good. The right solution is always to contact a professional for wildlife removal in Ottawa. In one recent incident, an Ottawa… Continue reading

Tips to Deter Raccoons From Your Deck

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Raccoons are clever creatures that are notoriously dexterous. Although they usually avoid interactions with humans, they sometimes seek shelter inside houses or under decks. Because these animals can be destructive to property and pose a threat to people by spreading dangerous diseases through their feces, it is best to deter the animals from your property.… Continue reading

Ottawa Wildlife Removal: How to Prevent Red Squirrels Infestation?

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Red squirrels are relatively common, and as the name implies, they are identifiable from their reddish fur. A red squirrel infestation can be just as destructive as any other squirrel infestation, requiring professional squirrel removal. Homeowners must be vigilant to reduce their risks of wildlife problems, especially invasions. Squirrels and other animals pose safety, health,… Continue reading

5 Signs You Have Squirrels in the Walls of Your Ottawa Home

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Most people find squirrels to be entertaining. The animals scurry around neighbourhoods barking at each other from branches and, for the most part, seem inconsequential. Still, when squirrels become too familiar with a house and its property, problems can arise, including those problems requiring squirrel removal in Ottawa. One such issue is when squirrels get… Continue reading

Will Light Keep Raccoons Away from Your Durham Home?

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With their chubby bodies and furry black masks across their faces, raccoons are adorable creatures that capture the hearts of many people. Raccoons are nocturnal and usually try to avoid interactions with humans, but occasionally they enter homes in search of shelter. Because raccoons can spread dangerous diseases, it’s best to keep your distance and… Continue reading

Squirrels Damage Peterborough Home

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Many rodent species that share urban areas in Peterborough are highly adaptable, but few are as clever as squirrels. These mammals have powerful hind legs and double-jointed wrists that allow them to climb in almost any direction and turn quickly. Here at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we handle the removal of squirrels in Peterborough homes… Continue reading

Montreal Wildlife Control: Why Do Skunks Dig Up Lawns?

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It is hard to deny that skunks are cute. For many adults, seeing the animals harkens to Saturday morning cartoons and Pepé Le Pew. Despite the sentimentality, you must get rid of skunks that make a home or feeding ground of your property. The animals can pose a significant risk to family and pet safety.… Continue reading

Keep Raccoons Off the Roof With These Tips

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Raccoons usually try to avoid humans, so having them on your property is not always a challenge. Unfortunately, the creatures sometimes enter homes in search of shelter, particularly pregnant females looking for a warm and safe place to give birth. Raccoons can be aggressive if they feel threatened, and they can also spread diseases through… Continue reading

Toronto Wildlife Control: Tips for Keeping Raccoons Out of the Attic

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Raccoons may look cute in kids’ movies, but they can do serious damage to your property and pose a danger to families and pets. These furry critters can carry diseases, including rabies. If you get bitten by a raccoon, you should get a rabies vaccine as soon as possible, as the illness is deadly if… Continue reading

Why Hire a Professional to Clean Bird Droppings Off Your Property?

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Many homeowners love the sight and sound of birds flying over their property. Appreciating birds for their beauty and nature is different from wanting the animals nesting in your yard or in your house. When birds get too comfortable, bird removal becomes necessary, but for more than just the removal of the animal. Nesting birds leave… Continue reading

Niagara Wildlife Removal: Identifying a Roof Rat Infestation

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Roof rats are a unique rodent species that live in nests above ground rather than burrows underground. The species comprises capable climbers and adept hiders, which can spell trouble for homeowners. Roof rats may see attic spaces as perfect nesting sites, places to establish a colony, which will require professional rat removal in Niagara  to… Continue reading

Oakville Wildlife Removal: Ways to Safely Enjoy Birds in Your Backyard

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While some homeowners do not like birds near their houses because of nests and droppings, many others love the sounds and sites of the colourful feathery creatures. Bird removal in Oakville  is an effective solution for homeowners that want to discourage larger avian populations around their properties, but how can those homeowners that love birds… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Removal: How to Keep Squirrels Off of Your Balcony?

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A balcony is a lovely addition to your home. It gives you a nice place to have a morning cup of coffee or enjoy an evening respite before bed. Unfortunately, homeowners are not the only ones to enjoy the exterior landing; wildlife, especially squirrels, may also take advantage of the space. Squirrels may find the… Continue reading

Ottawa Wildlife Removal: 4 Ways Bats Get Into Homes

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Do you ever hear something squeaking and scratching around your attic? Have you seen strange droppings near where your roofline meets the walls? You may have a bat problem! Bats can get into homes in several ways, so it’s important to understand how and why these critters enter. Discover the four most common routes that… Continue reading

Why You Should Avoid DIY Raccoon Removal in Kitchener?

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Most people never see raccoons in their neighbourhoods, even though the animals are regular visitors. Raccoons are nocturnal, so it keeps the critters out of sight and mind most of the time. However, when the animals nest on your property, they leave plenty of clues, including ripped-up trash bags and other damage. While many property… Continue reading

Ottawa Wildlife Control: Understanding More About Bat Roosts

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When bats aren’t flying around looking for food, they roost, e.g., sleep hanging upside down. A bat roost, then, is a place where bats have chosen to spend their inactive hours. During different seasons, bats use different roosts that need to meet certain criteria to keep the bats safe and healthy. If there is a… Continue reading

Obvious Signs There are Squirrels in Your Kitchener Home

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When you think of squirrels, you probably think of cute, furry creatures that scamper around your lawn looking for nuts to store away for the winter. Having squirrels on your property is not a problem, but the animals can cause damage to your house if they get into your home and start to build nests.… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Control: 3 Ways to Manage Bird Activity Around Your Pool This Summer

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Birds are attracted to water, whether it’s a lake, pond, river or backyard pool. Although chlorine can affect most birds, especially ducks and geese, they won’t realize your pool is filled with chemicals until it’s too late. Some birds may even play in the water regardless of the chlorine. Birds can be a real problem… Continue reading

Exploring the Common Entry Points Raccoons Use to Access Your Montreal Home

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As a Montreal homeowner, you share your surroundings with various adaptable wildlife that may invite themselves onto your property or even more alarmingly, into your house. Few of these creatures are as clever as raccoons, and they can do a great deal of damage when they attempt to enter your home. We at Skedaddle Humane… Continue reading

Mouse-Proofing Your Oakville Home: Simple Techniques to Keep Mice at Bay

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Not only can mice ruin your food supply, but they are notorious for spreading contagious diseases through their droppings and damaging various structures in your home. Keeping mice from taking up residence in your home should be one of your top priorities to protect the health of you and your family. Here are five simple… Continue reading

4 Ways to Prevent Wildlife From Getting Inside Your Durham Region Home

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From birds to skunks and various other mammals, many different species of wildlife live in the Durham area. Many of these animals possess a keen intelligence and adaptability that makes them bold when invading human homes. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we can get rid of skunks in Durham homes and provide you with helpful… Continue reading

Raccoons Prove Chimney Caps are Not Wildlife Proof

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As humane wildlife removal technicians, every job presents a unique learning experience. One of our technicians, Ben, was recently called to a Toronto residence to investigate scratching sounds from a chimney. He quickly figured out that raccoon removal would be necessary.  A Chimney With Caps And Screening The homeowners were perplexed as they thought they… Continue reading

Whitby Wildlife Control: Why Bats Aren’t The Answer to Mosquito Control?

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For years, the assumption that bats were nature’s mosquito control propelled a habit of homeowners installing bat boxes on their properties. While bats are a good form of natural pest control, encouraging them to nest near your home is probably not the best idea. An infestation of bats can result in health risks and property… Continue reading

Safely Removing Starling Babies From an Ottawa Attic

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A nice thing about living in Kanata is all the birds you can see around the Ottawa River and the South March Highlands Conservation Forest. Birdwatching is fun from afar but becomes complicated when birds try to nest inside your home. Our technician, Micheal Bryden, recently removed baby starlings from an Ottawa attic. He can… Continue reading

Wildlife Removal: Vital Raccoon Control Tips!

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Raccoons are adaptive animals that thrive in a wide variety of environments. While they often prefer dense woods and lush meadows to live in, raccoons are also found in urban and suburban neighbourhoods. They can cause incredible amounts of damage to your property, however, so you should take measures to keep the masked bandits away… Continue reading

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