Bill Dowd, Author at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control - Part 21
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

Pickering Wildlife Control: Signs of a Raccoon in Your Attic

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There are many advantages to living in an area that is also occupied by wildlife. You get to witness the amazing interactions as animals go about their daily business. The environment benefits as well since each animal contributes to the maintenance of the natural space. One disadvantage, however, is that your home is susceptible to… Continue reading

How We Take Animal Welfare Seriously?

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When we see urban wildlife out in their elements, many of us have no problem with the idea that they have every right to be there and that their wellbeing is important. Raccoons, squirrels, birds and even skunks are cute and entertaining. For some, however, this consideration becomes challenging when the wildlife we are talking… Continue reading

Why Getting Rid of Raccoons With Ammonia Is A Bad Idea?

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Many people concern themselves with wildlife on or around their property, and for a good reason; animals can be unintentionally destructive. Raccoons are among the most notorious species for property damage, which is why many homeowners are obsessed with deterring the animal away from their properties using DIY methods. Our experts in raccoon control in… Continue reading

Why Do Skunks Smell So Bad?

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Oh, that notorious smell. We all know it well, and many dog owners know it far too well for their liking. If it weren’t for their stink, we would probably think much more highly of skunks. They are actually adorable little critters, with their distinctive black and white markings and fluffy tails. Unfortunately, though, it… Continue reading

Why Do Raccoons Have a Black Mask Around Their Eyes?

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The infamous masked bandit is known for its cleverness, its mischievous personality and, yes, the black mask around its eyes. The cute creatures are native to North America and are a common sight in our region. Though they are most active at night, it is not unusual for homeowners to spot them in the evening… Continue reading

Raccoons: Keeping Your Pets Safe From Wildlife

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Raccoons are common foragers in North America, but their familiarity does not make them welcome on most people’s property. The raccoon has gotten a bad reputation over the years for destructive behavior. As is typical with any rumor mill, it didn’t take long for these cute little scamps to become public enemy number one, with… Continue reading

Natural Enemies and Predators of Rats

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Rats are highly intelligent creatures. They are capable of learning new skills and solving problems very quickly. People who have rats as pets discover that they need consistent stimulation in their environment to keep them satisfied. Rats are often used in psychology experiments because the structure of their brains is similar to humans, providing insight… Continue reading

Are Some Squirrels More Aggressive Than Others?

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There are six different species of tree-dwelling squirrels in Canada. You’ve probably seen their energetic antics as they run along electrical wires and fences, jumping from tree to tree looking for places to store food for the winter. Even if you cannot tell the different species apart, you may have noticed their various coat colours,… Continue reading

How Can I Tell If I Have A Mouse Problem?

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Cartoon mice are cute and cuddly and regularly engage in shenanigans with hilarious results. Mice in real life, though, are nocturnal critters whose presence will give off a noxious odor and potentially spread disease. Furthermore, mice can infest any home at any time. While winter is typically a period of lower activity for these rodents,… Continue reading

Raccoon Prevention Tips: Keeping Your Home and Pets Protected

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Raccoons tend to move around a lot, seeking out places that offer shelter and plentiful food sources and returning to them when another of their homes becomes unsafe or inaccessible. They are always on the lookout for a new home, but with mating season taking place in late winter, mother raccoons will be particularly keen… Continue reading

Montreal Wildlife Control: What Do Raccoons Eat in Winter?

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Winter in Montreal is a time when many animals are either migrating south or hibernating. Raccoons don’t do either, so it’s important to learn what they eat, how they act and how Montreal raccoon control services can help you protect your property. Stay safe this winter with reliable removal services by Skedaddle. Wintertime Eating Habits… Continue reading

Why DIY Methods Can Bring More Harm Than Good

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Urban wildlife can be entertaining when you’re watching them from afar. Once they move into your home, they become much more of a nuisance. Sometimes, homeowners try to save money carrying out their own wildlife removal and control, but this can be extremely dangerous, and most times ineffective. Trying to do the job yourself can… Continue reading

How To Stop Raccoons From Making Your Deck Their Bathroom?

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The signs of a raccoon prowling your property may be bad enough, but raccoon feces adds insult to injury. Restore your property and tell local animals to relieve themselves elsewhere with Whitby raccoon removal services by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Find out why it’s safer and more convenient to turn to our services rather than… Continue reading

How to Prevent Mice From Entering Your Garage?

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During the cold winter months, mice that are normally happy to remain outside may seek shelter in a warm attic, basement or garage. There are several strategies to deal with an infestation, ranging from traps to repellent to prevention. However, many of these techniques are ineffective and inhumane. Preventing mice from entering your home in… Continue reading

Unattended Wildlife Entry Can Lead to Future Infestations

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Perhaps you had a problem with skunks, raccoons or another form of wildlife, but before you could contact us to get them removed, they moved out on their own. That’s great! Now you don’t have to worry about the problem anymore, right? Wrong! Unfortunately, unattended wildlife entries to dens and nests often create bigger issues,… Continue reading

Did you Know There are 8 Bats that Hibernate in Ontario?

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Do bats creep you out? If so, you are not alone! The mystery of the bat, its elusive nature and erratic flight patterns and some of its physical features lend to the fear factor bats instill in many people. They are, however, fascinating creatures that provide numerous benefits to ecosystems and human systems, and Ontario… Continue reading

Skedaddle Wildlife Removal: How Cold Is Too Cold For Mice?

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All mammals react differently as temperatures begin to drop. Bears, for instance, choose to spend the winter hibernating and reducing their sleep deficit. Humans protect themselves from the cold weather with warm blankets, hot cocoa, and blazing speed runs of their favorite binge-worthy TV shows. Mice, the smallest creatures mentioned here, also stay active even… Continue reading

6 Fun Wildlife Learning Activities for Kids

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With so many different types of wildlife in Pickering, there are many opportunities for your kids to learn about their habits, life cycles and where they live. This can help them understand the importance of these creatures and how many of them have adapted to living near people. We at Skedaddle, your wildlife removal service,… Continue reading

Why Raccoons Love the Yearly Salmon Jump?

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Ontario residents are treated every fall to the annual salmon run. Crowds flock to the rivers around Toronto to see the spectacle of this impressive speckled fish. Salmon live in Lake Ontario throughout the year, but each September, they begin their journey to the waters where they were born to spawn the next generation of… Continue reading

Why is My Dog Obsessed with Chasing Squirrels?

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Have you ever been out walking your dog when it suddenly goes nuts, pulling the leash and you along with it? Chances are, your pet saw a squirrel and couldn’t resist going after it. Maybe you’ve observed your dog obsessively chasing squirrels and other small animals in the backyard. It’s not just your pup that… Continue reading

Why Animal Repellents Don’t Work?

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If you have an animal infestation in your home, you may be wracking your brain trying to figure out a solution. Many companies and local shops take advantage of the desperation of homeowners with wildlife problems by selling “wild animal repellents.” At the end of the day, these do-it-yourself measures can have dangerous and unintended… Continue reading

Whitby Wildlife Removal: Is it Good to Feed Birds in Winter

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Birding is a popular pastime, especially in the winter when most of nature seems to be sleeping. Feeding wild birds can make them show up in your backyard for more enjoyment. The question is whether feeding wild birds is good for them and you. There are a lot of things to consider if you’re hanging… Continue reading

What To Do When Pigeons Invade Your Business?

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Historically, pigeons were domesticated birds. Owners used them to carry and deliver messages, which provided a significant system in many older wars. Unfortunately, over time, they have become the most common public nuisance. They are everywhere: in business parking lots, in public parks, on freeway overpasses, on top of buildings and under bridges. If your… Continue reading

Share This With Your Children: How Raccoons Survive Winter?

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Raccoons are nature’s little bandits but do not let those cute faces and fluffy tails fool you. They are masters of survival, especially in winter. Sometimes their survival means they can get too comfortable around your neighbourhood, and when that happens, it is best to let our Durham raccoon control experts at Skedaddle relocate them… Continue reading

Oakville Widlife Control: Will Bright Lights Keep Bats Away?

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Bats are nocturnal, so you might naturally assume they don’t like the light. You’re right! Bats don’t like light. Although they don’t rely too much on their poor sight, they can see, and they prefer dark areas. This is why bats are notorious for roosting in caves. Because you lose a little light with each… Continue reading

What are the Benefits of Humane Exclusion?

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Humane wildlife control is the most effective, and safest method of removing animals from your home and property for good. Animal exclusion is the best way to keep them from returning. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control we understand that animals taking up residence in your living space is unsettling, frustrating, and stress inducing. We assure… Continue reading

Kitchener Wildlife Removal: Do Rats Burrow Under Concrete?

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Around your property, you might notice various holes and cracks. While some of these might be the natural shifting of the earth, some might be the entry point for a rat’s habitat. Although some of these creatures seem cute and cuddly, you need to remember they’re wild. You should never approach any wild animals, including… Continue reading

The Unseen Entry Points of Squirrels

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Scratching and chewing sounds, the pitter-patter of feet, the unpleasant smell of animal droppings…these are all signs of squirrels in attic spaces. There are plenty of big trees around your neighbourhood, so why are squirrels making their home under your roof? An Easy Place To Take Shelter Squirrels are crafty and intelligent creatures, and at… Continue reading

Is it Okay to Feed Backyard Squirrels?

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We have all seen the viral videos of people getting so bored and lonely during the lockdown that they started befriending squirrels in their backyards. As cute as these images were, did feeding the squirrels help them? Or were the videographers actually killing the animals with kindness? Our Skedaddle team in Hamilton has inside information… Continue reading

Do Mice Live Alone?

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You might enjoy the silence of living alone, or if you live with others, it might be nice to have your house to yourself once in a while. Unfortunately, if you see a mouse, you’re not alone — not by a long shot! If you see one mouse, it’s highly likely you’ve got a lot… Continue reading

You’ll See Skunks Are Gentle Once You Get Past That Smell

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While you may never actually see a skunk close up, you definitely know when one has been threatened by just one whiff of their potent and very recognizable spray. Despite the noxious odour, skunks are actually very gentle and quiet animals. Let’s get past the smell and take a deeper look to learn a little… Continue reading

Protecting Your Home From Wildlife Entry Before Winter Arrives

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The arrival of another winter season means that homeowners must double their efforts to fortify their residences against entry from wildlife seeking shelter from the freezing temperatures. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers tips for winter wildlife control so property owners can feel safe and comfortable inside their homes while navigating the colder months of the year.… Continue reading

Will Mice Come Back if you Release Them?

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For many homeowners, the sight of a mouse scurrying across their floor is panic-inducing, especially when the rodent disappears behind a cabinet or piece of furniture. In their anxious state, many people assume the worst, that their home is infested, and they seek quick fixes. These solutions typically include poisons or traps, which are not… Continue reading

Wildlife I Should be Keeping an Eye out For This Winter

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During the winter, most people like to snuggle up in their homes and enjoy some much-needed downtime from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives. Wildlife isn’t much different. Mice, skunks and raccoons want to find enough food to survive the cold and look for a place to stay warm. While it’s a nice… Continue reading

Why do Squirrels Run Back and Forth?

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The fall is a difficult time to be a squirrel. It is rare to drive down busy city or neighbourhood streets without seeing the aftermath of roadkill. Regardless of how you feel about these playful furry rodents, you probably don’t want to see their little lives ended before they begin. However, sometimes collisions are unavoidable,… Continue reading

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