Bill Dowd, Author at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control - Part 24
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

Why are Red Squirrels More Aggressive than Other Squirrels?

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In folklore, squirrels are often notable for their noisy and aggressive behavior. They may be instigators of trouble or otherwise nuisances, but do they deserve these attributes? The American red squirrel might. This surprisingly small animal is known for being aggressive and territorial. Legend has it that black squirrels were introduced to the Battle Creek,… Continue reading

Spring Checklist: Protecting Your Home from Wildlife

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After another long, cold Canadian winter, spring has finally sprung! With this new season comes warmer weather, fresh air, and undoubtedly, more wildlife sightings across both urban and rural environments. In most of Ontario, wildlife baby season usually begins between mid-March and April, which means raccoons, birds, squirrels and skunks will soon become much more… Continue reading

A Recap of Skedaddle Technicians Finding March Wildlife Babies

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Last week, Montreal, North York, London, and Ottawa all found their first babies of the season!  Montreal, Quebec: In Montreal, our team was called late last Friday afternoon to remove a litter of newborn raccoons from a homeowner’s attic. This mother raccoon had returned to a home she had previously denned in to birth her… Continue reading

Can Bats Spread Coronavirus and Other Diseases?

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Since emerging from China a few months ago, the new coronavirus that causes the disease known as COVID-19 has become a worldwide health concern. Thousands of people in countries around the world, including Canada, have become infected. Researchers believe that the new virus originated from bats in China, which may have Canadians wondering if native… Continue reading

Why Are Raccoons so Active in the Spring?

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Raccoons, whether you call them trash pandas or masked bandits, might be cute little animals, but they’re often a nuisance to humans. These nocturnal animals are curious and intelligent. Raccoons have no problems living in the wild or in urban areas and they’re omnivores, eating fruits and vegetables as well as fish and snakes. A… Continue reading

A Quick Look at How To Read Wildlife Tracks

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Have you ever stepped outside and found some mysterious animal tracks around your home? At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we believe that our customers can greatly benefit from knowing how to identify what could be living around their homes. These are some of the most common nuisance animals and what their tracks look like. Raccoons… Continue reading

Can Skunks Crawl Under Fences?

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At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, this question comes up a lot. Unfortunately, it normally arises when someone is surprised to find skunks around their homes despite having a fence. We believe it is important to understand the wildlife that lives around us. With a better idea of what skunks do and how they behave, it… Continue reading

Are Starlings Misunderstood in Canada?

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Bird lovers have mixed feelings about the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). First introduced in the late 1800s, the starling now nests across Canada and the United States, where it is loved by some and hated by many. Aficionados celebrate its high intelligence and advanced mimicry skills; detractors claim it destroys crops and bullies other birds.… Continue reading

Stay Vigilant During Raccoon Baby Season

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Mating season for raccoons occurs in the winter. After a few months’ gestation, females give birth in the spring. Raccoon baby season can last from March until early June, but most babies will be born in April and May. Raccoons are clever, resourceful, opportunistic creatures, and the females have a strong maternal instinct to protect… Continue reading

Oshawa Bat Removal: Rabies Found in Region

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Though it sounds strange to say, many homeowners do not view bats as a problem. In most situations, they are not. Bats benefit the environment in multiple ways. From pollinating flowers to transporting seeds to controlling insect populations, there are many ways the small critters benefit the environment. Moreover, unless one gets into your home,… Continue reading

Will Your Home Insurance Cover Wildlife Damage?

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When a wild animal decides to make itself at home in your house, it can be a stressful situation. Even the least dangerous animals can cause damage to your home. Every year, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control helps thousands of homeowners remove wildlife and protect their homes against future intruders. Unfortunately, in some cases, wildlife may… Continue reading

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control’s Most Memorable Jobs of 2019

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There is never a dull moment at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Every day we take on new challenges to help ensure our customers’ properties are free of wildlife. During 2019, we had a few particularly memorable jobs. From new baby animals to some very creative dens, these are some of our best stories from the… Continue reading

Do Rats and Mice have Poor Eyesight

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If you have an infestation of rodents in your home requiring Whitby animal services, it can be helpful to know their strengths and play to their weaknesses in trying to manage the problem. Conventional wisdom holds that rats and mice do not have good vision. The truth is a bit more complicated. Rodents’ Visual Acuity… Continue reading

What To Expect and How To Prevent Wildlife Infestation

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We humans aren’t the only creatures that catch spring fever. So do the animals. During spring, wildlife awakens from its long slumber, returns from distant migrations and breeds. Animals are greeted by an abundance of food, such as ground shoots, leaves, wildflowers and insects. Lush foliage provides ample coverage, and dried up plant debris provides… Continue reading

Where Do Raccoons Go in the Winter?

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Although they have the potential to be dangerous, raccoons are fascinating animals. Their impressive intelligence and memory, combined with their mischievous nature, would be delightful if they didn’t use them to get into your trash. If you have ever seen raccoons around your home, you may wonder what happens to them in the winter. As… Continue reading

Where Do Raccoons Go in the Winter?

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Although they have the potential to be dangerous, raccoons are fascinating animals. Their impressive intelligence and memory, combined with their mischievous nature, would be delightful if they didn’t use them to get into your trash. If you have ever seen raccoons around your home, you may wonder what happens to them in the winter. As… Continue reading

Here‘s Why DIY Squirrel Prevention Methods Aren’t Effective

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If you discover a scurry of squirrels living in the attic, chimney or walls, you may be tempted to roll up your sleeves and tackle the problem on your own. Let us stop you right there: DIY squirrel removal is not only ineffective, but it can be dangerous. If you discover a squirrel nest or… Continue reading

What Months Do Skunks Have Babies?

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Baby skunks are adorable. Small and fluffy with black eyes and noses, they will waddle around your yard, investigating everything. People love to film them, and you can find almost as many “cute baby skunk videos” on the internet as you can videos of playful puppies and kittens. Like fall leaves, these tiny black and… Continue reading

What To Do If You Find Baby Animals on Your Property

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Many mammals mate in the winter and are ready to give birth by spring. This can be an exciting symbol of hope and renewal. However, it can cause practical concerns if it happens in your house or on your property. While some animals fear humans and give their habitations a wide berth when bearing and… Continue reading

Address a Rat Infestation Quickly With Wildlife Removal

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Have you seen rats around your property in Ajax or signs of infestation? If so, you are not alone. Approximately six months ago, a plaza with a significant rat population was demolished, leaving the rodents homeless and in search of a new place to settle. They chose the neighborhoods of Burden Crescent and Finley Avenue,… Continue reading

February Is Mating Season for Skunks

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February is strongly associated with love and romance due to Valentine’s Day. However, human beings are not the only creatures becoming amorous during this time of year. Mating season for skunks begins in February and extends into March or even April. During this time, you may notice increased signs of skunk activity around your home.… Continue reading

Will Chipmunks Enter Your Home?

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You may not have heard many (or any) stories about chipmunk intrusions in North York buildings, but that doesn’t mean they can’t or don’t occur. Before chipmunks move into your building you should get humane wildlife prevention services to help you keep them out. If they’ve already found their way inside then a removal service… Continue reading

Why it’s Important to Invest in Wildlife Control

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Ajax residents, like many others around Canada, share their surroundings with a number of wildlife animals. While it is definitely true that these animals ought to be respected, it cannot be denied that humane wildlife control is crucial if Ajax citizens are to avoid negative interactions with animals in the area. Wildlife Prevention – An… Continue reading

How One Way Doors are Used for Humane Mice Removal

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Protecting your home against mice can be challenging. They are one of the hardest wildlife issues to overcome. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we have found that conventional mice removal techniques (poison and traps) are not effective as long-term solutions. Instead, we focus on mouse-proofing homes. One of our most effective solutions for mice removal… Continue reading

Raccoon Removal: Even More Important Due to Rabies

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Raccoon control is a very important issue for cities like Whitby that have a strong population of the furry bandits. Since their presence in cities is so pronounced, residents are bound to encounter raccoon issues. Some of these raccoon issues are harrowing while others are amusing. Nonetheless, the dangers of diseases like rabies are so… Continue reading

The Difference Between Ground and Tree Squirrels

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Those furry little entertaining foragers have become the focus of many popular cartoons, partly because of their entertaining nature. But they are no fun to have inside a house. Their popularity in North American countries like Canada has resulted in numerous squirrel removal requests in places like Oshawa. Scientists have identified about 279 species of… Continue reading

Are Your Christmas Decorations Attracting More Than Just Reindeer?

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The holiday season is here and that means that it is time to decorate! Unfortunately, your new decorations may be bringing more than holiday cheer to your home; your festive display may also attract mice, insects and other unwanted interlopers. Read on to learn which decorations are most likely to become vectors for potential pests.… Continue reading

Keep Unwanted Animals Away From Your Home this Christmas

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This winter as you prepare to snuggle up with family and enjoy the warmth of the holiday spirit, don’t forget the wildlife species who may want to come and share the special moments with you. If they end up inside your holiday plans could be ruined. But the problems won’t end there. You and others… Continue reading

Just How Rare is the Albino Raccoon?

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Raccoons are pretty popular in North America. In fact, they are so popular that they’ve been captured in photographs and videos resulting in some becoming viral sensations.  But there is one raccoon that is actually quite rare- the albino raccoon. This unique raccoon has been spotted in Ontario which means that lucky Etobicoke residents may… Continue reading

How Dangerous is Skunk Spray to Dogs?

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Skunks and dogs around the world have had several negative encounters. These almost always end with dogs being doused with the smelly stuff associated with skunks. But there’s more to that smelly stuff that meets the … well nose. The potential side effects of skunk spray on dogs are quite serious but with the help… Continue reading

How Chimneys are an Entrance for More Than Just Santa

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Christmas is just around the corner and children all over the world are eagerly awaiting a visit from Santa. They are dreaming about him flying over snow-covered rooftops with his sleigh and sliding down the chimney to deliver their gifts. The last thing you want your toddler to do on the night before Christmas is… Continue reading

Bat Removal is Good for Your Health

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Pickering is home to many wildlife species, including bats. Like other wildlife species bats sometimes find themselves in conflict with their human neighbours. Usually, this happens when they fly into buildings accidentally and panic ensues as they try to leave or when they decide to roost or hibernate inside spaces occupied by people. Since the… Continue reading

Getting Rid of Raccoons and Keeping Them Out

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It’s easy to see why Oshawa residents would prefer to love raccoons from a distance… and a very long distance at that. Raccoons are notorious for causing significant damage to buildings and introducing diseases into the domestic space. From time to time, these animals find themselves in human spaces and that is when raccoon removal… Continue reading

Why We Need to Show More Compassion to Raccoons

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It’s easy to see raccoons as pesky intruders who bring inconvenience, disease, and damage to your Whitby home. But what do you see when you look beyond all this? Expert wildlife technicians will agree that what you’ll find underneath are some truly lovable wildlife citizens who are simply trying to survive. This is why raccoon… Continue reading

Why Raccoon Removal is a Year-Round Issue in Pickering?

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Raccoons never take a break. And why should they? After all, the need to survive is a continuous one for them. Unlike other animals whose activities are reduced in certain seasons like winter, raccoons remain active all year and since they never stop, you can’t afford to let down your guard. Instead, you must remain… Continue reading

Do Squirrels Have Super Senses?

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We all know squirrels are cute and busy but do they have super senses? Given the acrobatics they perform on a daily basis, their speedy and seemingly calculated motions in snatching and stashing nuts, it is easy to conclude that they must have some superpowers. It is these talents that make Squirrel removal so difficult… Continue reading

What Birds Can You See During Winter in Rexdale?

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They rule the skies and look down on the world from their towering vantage point. Yes you guessed it, they’re birds and Rexdale is full of them. But of course, different species of birds can be seen in different seasons. As you admire these winter defying avian wonders please remember to use humane wildlife control… Continue reading

What Are Raccoons Afraid Of?

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They portray fearless determined spirits as they ravage backyards and dumpsites relentlessly on their nightly escapades. But are they really all that fearless? Or is there some undiscovered raccoon kryptonite that householders and raccoon removal experts in Etobicoke can use to keep them out of residential spaces? Raccoons and the Reputation for Fearlessness The internet… Continue reading

What Raccoons use for Leverage When Breaking into Your Home

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Raccoons not only look like masked bandits, often they act like ones too. They are incredibly smart animals and their resourcefulness should never be underestimated. At Skedaddle we have witnessed countless times how raccoons can scale great heights, find obscure access points to sneak into the most unlikely places and use their strong paws to… Continue reading

Want to Know More About Mice? Here are Some Surprising Facts

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Mice are notorious around the world. We already know that they carry diseases, damage property and cause some smells that make living inside a building dangerous and uncomfortable. Given the many disadvantages of a mouse infestation, it is no wonder mouse prevention is a top priority for Bowmanville residents. But negatives aside, there are some… Continue reading

Durham Wildlife Control: Where Do Opossums Go in Winter?

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Some animals are outgoing while others prefer to live their lives behind the scenes. opossums, also known as opossums are in the latter group. But even though they go out of their way to avoid the spotlight, opossums sometimes wind up in human spaces, prompting the need for Durham’s wildlife control services to come and… Continue reading

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