Bill Dowd, Author at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control - Part 13
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

Summer Birds You’ll Find In Your Hamilton Backyard This Year

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Many songbirds in Canada migrate south when the weather turns cold but return with the approach of summer and warmer weather. The following species are examples of birds you are likely to see in Ontario in large numbers during the summer. Many people are delighted by these birds’ bright feathers or melodious songs, but if… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Control: Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Backyard and Garden

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While you might love watching the bushy-tailed critters scurry across your lawn or chase after each other, squirrels are some of the most destructive animals in the neighbourhood. The rodent family members are happy to tear into the garbage, soffits, and anything else in search of food, shelter, and water. You must always be mindful… Continue reading

How To Keep Your Pickering Home Rodent-Free This Summer?

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Rodents inside your home can cause a variety of issues, including fire hazards, damage to internal structures and health risks. The best way to keep your house and family safe is to prevent mice, rats and squirrels from entering in the first place. According to mice removal Pickering professionals, these tips can keep your residence… Continue reading

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control: Your Guide to Summer Mice Removal

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Rodents are small and intrusive; they are also intelligent and elusive. A homeowner’s only defence against the cute, whiskered critters is diligence mixed with extreme cleanliness — that and mice removal on speed dial. A mouse infestation can do a number on your property. From chewed wiring to urine and droppings, mice rack up an impressive… Continue reading

Durham Wildlife Control: Why Raccoon Removal Is Important During Summer?

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Commonly known as trash pandas or bandits, raccoons are often seen as a cute nuisance in neighbourhoods and cities. While people may have playful names for the critters, they can be pretty destructive, especially in the summer, requiring raccoon removal in Durham. Raccoons often make a mess of garbage collection, but they can also be… Continue reading

What To Do If You Believe You Have a Raccoon Infestation in Niagara?

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Because of the risk of property damage and exposure to diseases, you should get rid of raccoons on your property as soon as possible, but only with the help of a professional. Here are some important steps to take if you think you may have raccoons on your property. Verify That You Have Raccoons The… Continue reading

Squirrels in Durham and Property Damage: The Cost of Ignoring the Problem

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Squirrels are fun and mischievous creatures. When left to their own devices without any prevention strategies, they can invade and wreak havoc in your home and on your property. Obviously, the animals are not intentionally destructive, but they can cause significant and costly property damage if homeowners ignore their presence. Squirrel removal in Durham can… Continue reading

Ottawa Home With Two Different Birds Species Nesting Inside

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As a bird removal technician who works with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Removal, I come across unusual situations with each job. One recent Ottawa bird removal job was especially odd, as it involved several different species of birds nesting inside the vents of one home. The following story may help you understand the importance of calling… Continue reading

Raccoon Control in Oshawa: Common Wildlife Removal Mistakes

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Some people underestimate the difficulties of wildlife removal and prevention, often opting for DIY raccoon removal and other species removals. Unfortunately, DIY options result in several mistakes that are often harmful to wildlife and negligent from a legal standpoint. To limit any mistakes with wildlife, it is best to leave removals to professionals. Services understand… Continue reading

Pickering Wildlife Services: Preventing Rats From Invading the Attic

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People can appreciate wildlife and still find it unpleasant when it winds up on their property or, worse, inside their attic spaces. Rodents are notorious for finding small entry points and taking up residence in one of the darkest and quietest places in the home, which is why prevention is so important. Rat removal in… Continue reading

Avoiding a Raccoon Infestation This Spring

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Avoiding a raccoon infestation this spring is about understanding the animal and using preventative strategies. Spring is the time when most wildlife is more active, including raccoons. All homeowners should be aware of increased raccoon activity and contact raccoon removal if a problem arises. Correcting wildlife problems before they evolve into infestations and property damage is… Continue reading

Back-to-Back Baby Raccoon Removals in Ottawa

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Spring is the prime birthing season for many animals, and raccoons are no exception. Pregnant females typically give birth in early spring, and when they’re looking for safe dens to raise their babies in, attics make prime environments. The situation is not ideal for humans because raccoons often carry diseases and are notorious for damaging… Continue reading

Kitchener Wildlife Removal: Can Your Pet Get Rabies From a Mouse?

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One of the reasons to have professional wildlife removal in Kitchener is to protect your pets from catching diseases from wild animals that have adapted to live near humans, such as rodents. Rabies is one of the scariest of these diseases because it is almost always fatal if allowed to incubate and produce symptoms. Is… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Control: Common Reasons Squirrel Shake Their Tails

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Squirrel behaviour is influenced by the fact that squirrels are prey animals that have to be on constant alert against predators. That is the reason for a lot of their quick, twitchy movements; they are reacting to possible threats in their environment and assessing the danger. One common movement from squirrels is a tail twitch,… Continue reading

Oakville Wildlife Control: Safe Baby Raccoon Removal

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Safe removal of baby raccoons or any wildlife requires professional services. Federal and provincial laws protect wildlife against inhumane treatment and trapping methods. Most DIY raccoon removal techniques are dangerous and ineffective, putting homeowners and animals at risk. Regarding baby wildlife, their survival depends on maintaining access to a mother. Too many newborns and young… Continue reading

Skedaddle Wildlife Control: Vent Damage From Squirrels in Niagara Falls

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With such close access to water and natural areas, wild animals are able to thrive alongside their human neighbours here in Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, squirrels sometimes leave the city’s green spaces and make their homes inside residents’ HVAC systems. Here is the story of how Skedaddle helped one local family who experienced extensive squirrel damage… Continue reading

Montreal Wildlife Removal: What To Do If You Get Bitten By a Mouse?

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Mice are a frequent reason for calls to wildlife removal in Montreal. Mice pose health risks to humans, especially if they bite. Here are some things you should know if you get bitten by a mouse and also in the interest of preventing mouse bites. 1. Do Mice Bite Often? Mice are not particularly aggressive… Continue reading

Hamilton Wildlife Control: How to Keep Cat Food Protected from Raccoons?

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Cats are one of the most common pets in North America, which translates to many, many pet owners leaving food out for their cats to nibble on as they wish. While this keeps the cats happy, it can cause problems with pests such as raccoons who are out looking for a source of food. It… Continue reading

7 Ways to Protect Your Backyard From Raccoons

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Raccoons are familiar neighbourhood and city wildlife. While people are used to the animals scurrying down the street, no homeowner wants a raccoon taking up residence on their property. Raccoons make messy tenants, so it is best to encourage them to stay away. You can call wildlife control or follow fundamental property maintenance tips to… Continue reading

Durham Wildlife Removal: Is it Possible to Have a Rat and Mouse Infestation at the Same Time?

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Can you have mice and rats at the same time? You can, but it is highly unlikely. Rats kill mice, especially if competing for the same food source. If a habitat is large enough and food is plentiful, it is possible to have the two species within one area, but rare. The Likelihood of Mice… Continue reading

Skedaddle Wildlife Control: Removal of Baby Raccoons in Ancaster Home

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Ancaster is a thriving region that creates a perfect environment for raccoons. Not only does it have plenty of readily available food sources in urban areas, but Ancaster also has numerous trails and outdoor attractions with old trees that give the furry bandits a chance to move around without being bothered by people or other… Continue reading

Toronto Wildlife Removal: Mouse Gained Entry Into Home Through Drain Pipe

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As development in North York comes closer to rural areas, it encroaches on land where wild animals currently live. This increases the probability of mice making their way into human homes, where they can remain undetected for some time. Shoddy construction work can contribute to a mouse problem by providing points of entry that mice… Continue reading

4 Ways to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Durham Garden This Spring

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If your hobby is gardening, you are probably waiting eagerly for winter to be over so you can start spring planting. Unfortunately, wild animals are also waiting for the more plentiful food supplies that come with spring, and they may see your garden as an all-you-can-eat buffet. From your garden, it is easier to get… Continue reading

Tips to Prevent a Mouse Infestation in Your Niagara Home

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Mice are an important part of the ecosystem because they serve as food for larger predators. Their droppings also fertilize crops, so while you may not want mice inside your home, having them in the wild is important. Unfortunately, rodents often move into homes because they find an easy source of food and shelter. If… Continue reading

Oakville Wildlife Control: 3 Things to Know About Raccoon Mating Season

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Raccoons that have adapted to live near humans specifically seek out food and shelter close to human habitations. As a result, there is a chance you may need raccoon removal services someday to evict a raccoon family out of your house. Here are some valuable things to know about raccoon mating habits. 1. Your Attic… Continue reading

Taking a Closer Look at Why Birds Nest in Vents

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Birds nesting in vents can cause a multitude of problems for homeowners, including obstructed airflow, unpleasant odors, and potential health hazards from bird droppings and parasites. If you’re dealing with birds nesting in your vents, it’s essential to take action to remove them safely and effectively. In this blog post, we will explore how our… Continue reading

Wildlife Control on Vancouver Island: Commonly Asked Questions About Squirrels

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Some of the strong feelings people have about squirrels may be due to misunderstandings about them. Here are some answers to common questions about squirrels. 1. What Do Squirrels Eat? Acorns are among squirrels’ favourite foods but not the only thing they eat. Squirrels are happy to eat just about any kind of nut, including… Continue reading

Montreal Wildlife Control: What are Skunks up to at Night?

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Skunks are mysterious mammals best known for their black-and-white striped appearance and the unique smell they produce when they are scared. Many people wish for skunks to stay off their property because of the scent they emit and their propensity to dig in the garbage and eat fruit growing in the garden. People tend to… Continue reading

Guelph Wildlife Removal: Skedaddle Gets Rid of a Tenants Rat Infestation Problem

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Clayton Mallet is a Skedaddle technician recently called to get rid of rats infesting a property in Castor Centre, a rural community in Guelph. The landlord of the property attempted some renovations following the departure of a tenant. However, the landlord soon discovered signs of rat infestation, including droppings, staining, and chewing. Further investigation revealed… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Control: How To Avoid Attracting Mice?

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Getting rid of a mouse or rat infestation can be a struggle, especially during the spring and summer months when the rodent population peaks. Mice and rats are attracted to food, shelter, and warmth, so it’s essential to take steps to avoid attracting them. Following a few simple guidelines can help keep mice out of… Continue reading

Preventing Mice in Your Backyard

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Learning how to get rid of mice in backyard spaces is about knowing how to properly maintain your space. Mice are not plotting against you; they are only interested in your backyard because it provides all the bare necessities they need to survive. Proper outdoor maintenance can remove access to these essentials and urge mice… Continue reading

Why Expert Removal is Important When Getting Rid of Bats in Durham

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Bats, unlike rodents such as rats and mice, are fascinating creatures that share a closer genetic connection to humans. Despite their important role in sustaining the environment, they can also be a nuisance. When bats infiltrate homes in search of shelter and nesting spots, they are generally regarded as pests. In such instances, seeking professional… Continue reading

Kitchener Wildlife Control: Squirrels and Oak Trees

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You don’t want to share your home with squirrels, but if you have a lot of trees on your property, you probably see the creatures frolic in your yard early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Squirrels have a symbiotic relationship with oak trees, so having the creatures around is important for the… Continue reading

Whitby Wildlife Control: Do Bats Invade Attics in the Winter?

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While you may see many bats in the evenings during the summer, they seem to vanish when the weather gets cold. Where do bats go in the winter? Bats migrate and hibernate. The preferred activity depends on the colony and species. Many bats native to Whitby hibernate for the winter months. FAQs About Winter Bat… Continue reading

The Best Ways to Keep Skunks Away From Your Durham Property

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Skunks are cute, but you don’t want them making a home on your property. Prevention is the best tool you have for keeping these stinky neighbourhood animals at bay. If you have skunks consistently on your property, contact skunk removal in Durham for help. The odorous spray of skunks is potentially dangerous for you and… Continue reading

Pickering Wildlife Removal: When Is Squirrel Mating Season?

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Most squirrels mate in early winter, but a smaller percentage may not breed until the warmer months. The mating season depends on the species of squirrel. However, some squirrels will mate twice per year, as females have a gestation period of only 38 to 48 days, meaning squirrel births occur in the early spring and… Continue reading

Oshawa Wildlife Control: Why Do Mice Invade Storage Units?

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Mice invade storage units because they are quiet and often provide decent shelter from predators. Wildlife removal in Oshawa can help you deal with a rodent infestation in a storage unit, but it is best to avoid one to begin with. While it may seem impossible to predict wildlife infestations, a few habits encourage mice… Continue reading

Should You Be Afraid Of Bats?

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Most of the fears that people have about bats are based on information that is either exaggerated or completely untrue. Bats are not the bloodthirsty, disease-ridden creatures that they are often made out to be. In fact, they help humans by eating insect pests and pollinating food crops. The ecosystem wouldn’t function very well without… Continue reading

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Hamilton Backyard?

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Raccoons, your neighbourhood bandit-looking wildlife, can mean trouble for your home and vegetable garden. To learn how to get rid of raccoons in the backyard, you need to focus on prevention techniques. Raccoons are determined foragers, and if they find a property that offers food, water, and shelter, they will try hard to stay. The… Continue reading

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