Bill Dowd, Author at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control - Part 20
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

Kitchener Wildlife Removal: Do Squirrels Go Out At Night?

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Like other rodents, squirrels can make nuisances of themselves if they get into your homes by chewing on home structures, potentially spreading disease, and making noise by running around in your attic or walls. If you think that they have gotten into your home, you should hire a squirrel removal company in Kitchener right away.… Continue reading

How Trapping Can Have Negative Consequences?

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The wildlife we see scampering through our yards every day can be cute and highly entertaining to watch, under the right conditions. However, homeowners often think of our urban wildlife as a nuisance, especially when they end up in attics or tear up gardens and yards. There is no doubt these little critters do a… Continue reading

How an Unaddressed Wildlife Intrusion Can Worsen Over Time?

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Humans tend to think of themselves as separate from the environment. In reality, the only thing separating most people from the great outdoors is a relatively thin carapace of wood and drywall. While your home probably feels safe and secure from the elements, animals can also recognize and exploit these qualities. A single encroachment can… Continue reading

What You Need To Know About The Raccoon

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Once recognized as the sole “Automotive Capital of Canada,” Oshawa today is an education and health sciences hub. But don’t let that fool you into thinking there is no green space left in the city. Oshawa’s parks and trail system encompasses almost 410 hectares of parkland and more than 27 kilometres of paved trails. The… Continue reading

Effective Mice Removal For Your Toronto Home

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The COVID-19 lockdowns have had many negative consequences for Toronto residents, but there were also a few unexpected ones. Among these, an explosion in rodent activity in the area was particularly noticeable. According to research, rodent activity and populations have recently grown to a level that has not been seen in decades.  With the number… Continue reading

There Is No Alternative To Expert Wildlife Prevention

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Oshawa residents should be very particular when selecting a team to handle their wildlife control needs. Hiring technicians who are undertrained, ill-equipped or unprepared will do a sub-par job and you may end up incurring greater costs in the long run. There is really no alternative to expert and thorough wildlife prevention services. Wildlife Prevention… Continue reading

First Babies of the Season: Squirrels on a Rooftop

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One of the fun things about spring is seeing all the new little wildlife animals arrive. Like most people, we get excited about seeing raccoon kits and squirrel kittens as they begin showing themselves. Spring is a busy time for us. Many of our urban wildlife, including squirrels, seek out human structures to have their… Continue reading

Is Toronto One of Canadas “Rattiest” Cities?

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Every year we hear about the best North American cities to live in. There seems to be a never-ending procession of city lists regularly released including cities with the best quality of life, highest average salary, best access to nature and more. But the so-called ‘rattiest’ cities? That’s a list that nobody wants to appear… Continue reading

What are the Types of Raccoons You Will Find in Canada?

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Raccoons may be entertaining to observe as many viral videos have revealed, but they are certainly no joy to have in your backyard, let alone inside your building. They are of course nature’s notorious bandits. And,  Canada is no stranger to raccoon issues since they are commonly spotted in rural and suburban neighbourhoods. In fact,… Continue reading

Hamilton Wildlife Control: Raccoon Attacks On The Rise

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News reports from last year indicate that Torontonian raccoons have been much more active and aggressive than normal. What is causing this change in wildlife behaviour? Do raccoons really pose a threat to humans? Most importantly, what can residents do to promote wildlife control in Hamilton and prevent these sorts of events from occurring in… Continue reading

4 Reasons Why Wildlife Control Is Essential in Every Urban City

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Professional wildlife control services are essential everywhere in North America, especially in urban environments. The need for humane removal will only continue to grow as city borders expand and humans take over more areas that were once animal habitats. There are even fewer safe areas for wildlife to live in cities, making people’s homes that… Continue reading

Why is Squirrel Hunting not the Answer to Animal Control?

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Every year, between September 15th and December 15th, hunters, in their best hunting gear, journey into Ontario forests searching for squirrels. You see, among the legal game in the region are two of the city’s squirrel species, the gray and red squirrels. For more information on the hunting laws of Ontario click here.  You may… Continue reading

What are Common Wildlife that are Found in the Ajax Area?

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Ajax is home to a thriving population of wildlife citizens. Like many animals around the world who find themselves living with human neighbours, Ajax’s wildlife species sometimes find themselves in conflict with the human way of life. Usually, they move into buildings occupied by people which typically prompts the need for wildlife control strategies. The… Continue reading

Is the Starling Population Rising in Ontario?

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The name starling brings to mind a small sweet-sounding bird that you would expect to see helping transform Cinderella for the ball. Alas, these are not cute little bluebirds, but instead, are blackish-brown with spots. Their call is not that bad if you only hear one, but is almost deafening when they flock together to… Continue reading

What To Do When Colonies of Bats Roost In Your Building

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At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitby, we are called in to help homeowners, businesses and landlords with their animal control issues. From time to time, we have particularly noteworthy, large jobs which can sometimes mean the removal of large colonies of bats. Our wildlife control team is up for the challenge no matter how… Continue reading

What are Some Common Animals that Call Toronto Home?

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Toronto and its surrounding areas are an excellent place to call home. However, it is also a place that many animals call home, some more dangerous than others. Stay safe and keep your pets safe by learning how to spot common animals around the area. Explore reasons they can be dangerous, where you may spot… Continue reading

Why Do Raccoons Wash Their Food?

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There are several traits that people associate with raccoons. The most obvious of these is their masked face. They also have developed a reputation as thieving bandits that regularly abscond with human trash, leaving a giant mess in the process. Despite the mess they make when they steal last week’s leftovers, raccoons are viewed as… Continue reading

What To Do If A Bat Is Flying Around In Your House?

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Bats seem to terrify most people, but they are really very fascinating creatures. They hold the honour of being the only mammal that can truly fly, but they appear to fly erratically, which often heightens people’s fears when they find a bat in their house. Bats are protected species, so if you discover a bat… Continue reading

Brighten Your Mood This Spring With A Bird Song

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Even when temperatures are still chilly and patches of snow remain, there is something about opening the windows in spring and hearing a bird singing that lightens even the most sombre of moods. While birds inside the house may require bird removal Montreal services, there is scientific evidence to prove that listening to birds outdoors… Continue reading

Bird Nesting Facts: When Do Birds Lay Eggs?

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Most people consider birds majestic animals, soaring above the trees, adding music to the natural world. While birds are beautiful and provide many environmental benefits, they can still become a nuisance, especially if they find your home particularly inviting. During nesting and egg-laying seasons, you might experience problems requiring the assistance of wildlife control Durham,… Continue reading

When Wildlife Leave, What’s Left Behind?

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The attic and roof are such an integral part of the overall structure of a house. It is the one component that ties everything together, ensuring the structure’s stability, warmth, and safety below. Unfortunately, roofs and attic spaces are also the most vulnerable parts of our homes to wildlife intrusions. When animals decide to nest… Continue reading

10 Interesting Facts About Baby Raccoons

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While most people think that this mischievous critter is cute as an adult, the babies are even more adorable. But, you definitely don’t want one raccoon in your attic, let alone an entire family, so if you suspect an unwelcome masked houseguest, contact the professionals for raccoon removal Hamilton. As summer gets underway, you may… Continue reading

5 Things In Your Home Attracting Mice

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While people might have mice as pets that they feel affection toward, they do not have that same level of compassion for wild ones. Mice are fascinating creatures paramount to almost every ecosystem, aiding in pollination for plants, pest control with insects, and nutritional support for other species. Despite their varied contributions to nature, homeowners… Continue reading

Common Wildlife Activity During Spring

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In Canada, spring is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year – filled with brighter days, rising temperatures, and an abundance of wildlife activity. Most urban wildlife in Ontario remain tucked away over the winter months, but as the weather begins changing, our neighbourhood critters start exploring the world around them. Raccoons, skunks,… Continue reading

5 Fun Facts About Raccoon Intelligence

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Raccoons have a reputation for mischievousness. They make themselves at home in people’s yards and attics, steal their garbage and munch on their garden veggies. While they can be a nuisance, they are also entertaining and cute enough that some people keep them as pets. Raccoons are also smart, perhaps smarter than you think! When you… Continue reading

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ajax: What We Do

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Wildlife animals have adapted to the presence of human beings in spaces that were originally their habitats. Unfortunately for both people and animals, what results is the conflicting situation of wildlife intrusion in domestic spaces. This is the reality that many residents face. It is also what makes wildlife removal a necessary service in the… Continue reading

Wildlife Prevention Montreal: Wildlife That Re-emerge After a Long Winter’s Nap

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Spring is at our doorstep. Before we know it, the quiet of winter will disappear, to be replaced by the humming, buzzing, chirping, scampering sounds of spring. Animals that were holed up during the long, cold months crawl out of their cozy, sleeping spaces to seek out spring’s abundance. When any of these animals move… Continue reading

What Are the Signs That a Raccoon Is Living in Your House?

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The masked bandit is not a stealth creature. It does not try to hide its activities from people. However, it is a nighttime prowler by nature, so we don’t witness much of what it does. If a raccoon gets into your garbage bins, though, you know it. They don’t bother trying to hide the evidence;… Continue reading

When Do Migratory Birds Return to the North?

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Every year, migratory birds make the trip from north to south and back again, like clockwork. Canada hosts more than 450 species that split their residency between two different climates. With the arrival of spring, the skyways become highways jammed with solo travellers and larger flocks returning to their summer homes, where they will settle… Continue reading

The Difference Between Pigeons and Doves

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Have you ever sat outside in your backyard and watched the birds? If so, you are not alone. Most people enjoy birdwatching, even if they can’t tell the difference between a Blue Jay and a Cardinal. While most birds are beautiful, regardless of their name, some can be quite destructive, requiring bird removal Oshawa services.… Continue reading

Rat Allergies and House Safety

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While wildlife should be appreciated and respected, it should also be kept at a distance from yourself and your property. Wild species are not domesticated and do not receive the same level of veterinary care that pets do, meaning that the animals might have viruses and bacteria that are dangerous to people. Rodents, especially, are… Continue reading

Finding and Removing Wildlife From Your Home

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A home is a place where you should feel comfortable, without fear of intrusion or exposure. While society typically shares these boundaries, wildlife does not have the same sense of restraint. For small creatures, the goal is finding a safe and warm location to nest, and unfortunately, your house often presents an optimal location. The… Continue reading

Mouse Droppings vs Rat Droppings What You Need To Know

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Both rural and suburban areas deal with rodent populations and infestations. People tend to underestimate the number of mice and rats in the areas surrounding their homes, which can lead to lax maintenance behaviors, leading to nesting sites on their properties, requiring services from our rat and mice removal Oakville experts. If you believe you… Continue reading

How To Stop Skunks From Digging a Hole Under Your Deck?

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The only two things most people really know about skunks is that they are black with a white stripe and they stink. Even though their stench is overwhelming, these animals are really quite harmless. Though they are known to carry rabies, they do not tend to bite people even when they are sick, so transmission… Continue reading

Attic Invasions: How Damaging Are They?

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Your attic is a popular vacation destination for wildlife. Whether stopping off for a few days or setting up a full-time residence in a corner of this space, these furry guests can seriously damage your home and create major costs. Explore the many ways an attic invasion can cost you money and why it pays… Continue reading

Can Squirrels Chew Through A Brick Wall?

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They are the backyard gymnasts of wildlife, the court jesters of modern neighborhoods; who doesn’t enjoy watching squirrels? People all over the world have a love and admiration for the little furballs that scurry around trees and hide food by frantically digging and burying in yards. Unfortunately, these animals, while funny and cute, can also… Continue reading

Can Raccoons Get Into Your Basement?

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Raccoons are known for their mischievous and industrious natures. Their masks are no disguise when the masked bandit raids the rubbish bin. It is undeniably this creature’s most recognizable feature. Even when homeowners do not witness their thievery, they usually know what to blame. Raccoons are one of the only wild animals in these parts… Continue reading

Whitby Wildlife Control: Safe Squirrel Removal

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Ontario hosts a thriving squirrel population. They live among us, entertaining us with their acrobatics and shenanigans and sometimes causing a bother when they invade our spaces. When squirrels become a problem for you, our wildlife control experts in Whitby are there to help in restoring your space to its squirrel free state. Squirrel Basics… Continue reading

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