Bill Dowd, Author at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control - Part 35
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

Rabies Baiting in Guelph

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In an attempt to control the Ontario rabies outbreak, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be dropping edible vaccines throughout the province. If you find bait it’s best to leave it alone. It’s intended to stop the virus from spreading among large mammals. Rabies in Guelph Ontario has seen a large spike in… Continue reading

Landlord Responsibilities When It Comes to Mice

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There can be a fine line between tenant and landlord when it comes to pest problems. It can be confusing to determine who is responsible for what. Rodent infestations happen all the time and not just inside rundown buildings and homes. Even new and well-maintained homes can get mice. If you find signs of mice… Continue reading

Rabid Bat Discovered in Woodstock

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Rabies in Ontario is starting to get out of control. There have been 128 proven cases of the virus since December 2015. Found in raccoons, bats and skunks. Keep away from wildlife. You never know when they’ll bite. Rabies can be fatal to humans. Rabies in Woodstock The first case of rabies in bats for… Continue reading

Kitchener Passes By-Law Against Feeding Wildlife

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Having wildlife in your yard helps to make it a more natural environment. It’s fun to watch them run and play but, they can also quickly become a nuisance to you and your neighbours. Kitchener recently passed a by-law to curb wildlife behaviour in the city. Kitchener’s new by-law Some Kitchener residents have been regularly… Continue reading

Is Wildlife Control Licensed in Ontario?

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Living with wildlife inside your home can be stressful. It can also be difficult to decide which wildlife control service to hire. Most homeowners don’t have experience dealing with wildlife so it’s crucial to find someone you trust. But, this is tough when the wildlife control industry is loosely controlled by the province. Here’s what… Continue reading

How Do Raccoons Get on Your Roof?

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Raccoons can pretty much climb anything. They’re strength and dexterous paws allow them scale trees and structures with ease. They also have the ability to descend head first by rotating their back feet 180 degrees. Your roof is a vulnerable place for raccoons gaining entry to your attic. There’s many different ways wildlife can get… Continue reading

How Mice Have Developed a Resistance to Warfarin Based Poison

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You’re using different rodent poisons, but noticing it’s doing nothing to reduce mouse activity inside your home. Well mice are advanced creatures adapting to different and new environments. They’ve become used to coexisting with people and the dangers that can bring. Mice can easily become immune to the poison you’re using. What is warfarin? Warfarin… Continue reading

Be Careful Using One-Way Doors to Remove Wildlife

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There are many do-it-yourself solutions to wildlife removal. Understanding how animals are getting into your home is the best place to start. One-way doors that allow wildlife to exit your home for food or water but prevent re-entry can be useful and inexpensive, but they can also cause unexpected complications for DIY pest controllers. What… Continue reading

Squirrels or Mice in the Attic?

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It is important to identify the difference between a squirrel and mouse infestation. Both can be bothersome to homeowners and cause severe property damage but the process to remove and control them is not the same. The best place to start is distinguishing the behaviour characteristics of both rodents. Signs of mice in your house… Continue reading

Protect Your Roof With a Fall Eaves Trough Cleaning

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Water is the arch enemy of your home. Dampened wood can lead to rot or mold. Also, it can create a softened area for wildlife to gain entry. As we move into fall it’s a good idea to do some maintenance to the eaves troughs around your home. Blocked waterways can mean moisture is sitting… Continue reading

Raccoon Rabies in Quebec

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Rabies quickly spreads throughout mammals. It’s transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s saliva. This can happen when the skin is broken by a bite or saliva gets into your body other ways. Quebec are trying to keep the province relatively rabies free. But, it’s difficult with recent outbreaks in bordering provinces and US states.… Continue reading

Fall Is a Busy Time for the Animals in Your Neighbourhood

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As we begin to reach for our hats and sweaters, raccoons, squirrels and mice are hard at work preparing for winter. Shorter days and cooler temperatures help let animals know that food and shelter are soon to be in short supply. While raccoons, squirrels and mice will slow down during winter, they do not hibernate… Continue reading

How to Safely Clean a Raccoon Latrine

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Raccoons are very adaptable creatures. They can get into anywhere and eat anything. But, like any other living thing all that food has to eventually end up somewhere. Raccoon feces can be very dangerous to the air quality of your home. Having raccoon latrines inside or around your home can lead to all sorts of… Continue reading

How to Stop Mice From Nesting in Your BBQ

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Rodents are very adaptable creatures. And when it comes to winter they’ll do anything to get out the cold. Regular food sources can attract mice from near and far. To coexist with humans mice developed unique skills to cope with environmental changes and difficulties. Mice will nest anywhere When the temperature drops and we move… Continue reading

The Difference Between Gray and Black Squirrels

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Gray Squirrels Native to eastern and Midwestern United States and southern eastern Canada the gray squirrel is a scatter-hoarder. So, it hides numerous food sources in different locations or caches. Every squirrel makes thousands of caches each season. Gray squirrels eat a range of foods including tree bark, tree buds, berries, seeds and nuts. Squirrels… Continue reading

How Raccoons in Your Attic Can Increase Your Heating Bill

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Bills are the last thing we want to see increase. They’re too expensive already. But, low insulation or wildlife damage can affect your home’s heating bills. Warm air easily finding its way out of your attic will cost you money. Insulation’s main purpose is to overcome the cool air outside. Raccoons in your attic can… Continue reading

How Mouse Poisons Work and Why They Don’t Solve Infestations

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Spot a mouse. Grab the poison. These are our first thoughts at the discovery of infestation. Although poison is deadly, there’s no way you can kill every rodent. Also, who knows what’s actually in these things. What are the different types of mouse poisons and how do they work? First-Generation Anticoagulants This type of poison… Continue reading

Does Predator Urine Keep Squirrels Away?

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Sprinkle urine here. Sprinkle urine there. Okay. My garden is covered in the coyote urine I got from the garden centre. Hopefully it’ll keep squirrels off my property. They’ve been getting in the attic. This smell of a large predator will keep them away. A squirrel has many natural predators There are many different species… Continue reading

Can a Dog Help Keep Raccoons Away?

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The addition of threatening species can be scary to smaller wildlife. So, realistically a big dog could scare away neighbourhood raccoons. But, a small lap dog might have a fight on their hands. The presence of dogs can help reduce raccoon problems Large predators are enough to scare just about anything away. The sounds of… Continue reading

Domestic Rabies Found in Hamilton After Man Bitten by Cat

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On August 25, 2016 the first case of domestic rabies for over two decades was found in Hamilton. A rabid cat came into contact with a Haldimand-Norfolk resident. The man is now receiving treatment after being bitten by the infected animal. Hamilton Public Health are investigating and testing to see if it’s related to the… Continue reading

The Difference Between Exterminators and Wildlife Control

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There’s an outstanding difference between an exterminator and wildlife control service. They have different priorities. One removes pests quickly, but for the short-term. The other uses more humane options and controls further infestation. They’re commonly confused by homeowners but when it comes to wildlife infestation knowing the difference can be critical. What’s an exterminator? Exterminators… Continue reading

Why You Shouldn’t Remove Bats During June and July

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Bats will roost throughout the year. But, what bats need from their roosts depends on the season. During winter they hibernate. In spring and summer they develop maternity roosts where they can raise their pups. It’s too late if you discover bats in your attic during June and July In Ontario, bats have babies during… Continue reading

How a Mice Infestation Affects the Property Value of Your Home?

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Mouse and house are a terrible combination for homeowners. During the fall, mice search for warm shelter inside houses, basements, and attics. Your home makes the perfect place to settle down. Mice make scratching noises in the walls, rip up wrapping paper and tissues to use for their nests, and tunnel through your attic insulation.… Continue reading

What to Do If My Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk

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We all know the smell. It’s so powerful. It’s a fear to be sprayed. It’s unbearable to have your dog sprayed. Pets will be defensive of their property. An intruding skunk could feel threatened. They stomp their feet. And suddenly the skunk sprays your dog. You let your pet back in and realize it’s covered… Continue reading

Does Insurance Cover Mouse Infestation?

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Many insurance policies have sections written that expressly exclude pest infestation coverage. It’s very specific. Mouse problems are so common that insurance companies would forever be forking out money for slight rodent issues. That’s not something they’re keen to do. You’re not insured for damage and removal Generally, mouse or rodent infestation is considered part… Continue reading

When to Call Wildlife Removal Professional

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It’s always tempting to do things yourself. Mainly because it’s cheaper. But, wildlife removal needs to be taken seriously and a in many cases it takes a professional to get the job right and safe. Do it yourself wildlife removal is troublesome Online there are tons and tons of different do it yourself solutions for… Continue reading

Raccoons in the City

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We all know raccoons can be annoying. They make huge messes around our homes. No matter the contraption we’ve developed to prevent them, they seem to outsmart us. Raccoons are quite intelligent mammals. They’ve evolved to survive in a complicated urban environment. A complete change from the wooded areas they evolved from. A lot of… Continue reading

Raccoons During the Day

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Sometimes animals do strange things. Out of the ordinary behaviour. We all know raccoons prefer the night, but sometimes we see them stumbling around the day. They’re not totally bound to the rules we impose on them. Raccoons are their own creatures with different priorities. Don’t always assume they always abide by their common characteristics.… Continue reading

Poison Won’t Solve Your Mouse Problem

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There are loads of remedies out there to help prevent rodent infestation. But, it’s important to keep things humane. There’s no way you can kill every mouse in your home or neighbourhood. It’s impossible. So what can you do to get rid of mice? Theories on mouse poison When it comes to poison it’s always… Continue reading

Can Mice Cause a Flood in Your Home?

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Yes, mice can cause a flood. They chew and chew without any regard for the important workings of our homes. If only they had that knowledge maybe we could live in harmony. Unfortunately sharing your home with mice means property damage, including floods. How mice cause floods They will pretty much chew anything. Constantly searching… Continue reading

Why Ammonia Won’t Keep Raccoons Away

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Raccoons are sneaky, sneaky critters. Hidden by darkness. During the night they look for food. Moving around between dens. If this is happening on your property it can become a nuisance. Maybe they’re in your attic or ripping up your lawn. The first things we research are home raccoon prevention and removal remedies. There are… Continue reading

What Attracts Skunks to My Yard?

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Always see skunks wandering your yard? Well there’s probably something bringing them there. Make sure you understand what a skunk wants from your yard. It will help in understanding the possibility of an infestation. Easily accessible food sources Skunks mainly alternate between eating plants and animals depending on the season. Commonly they eat insects, grubs… Continue reading

Trapping Squirrels Can Increase Their Population

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It doesn’t sound like it makes sense. How can trapping squirrels increase their population? I’m taking them away. But, that’s only for the time being. It’s only a little while until other squirrels or similar species move in. Then you’re no better off. Instead of trapping, removing the points of entry to your home are… Continue reading

Where Do Animals Go After Wildlife Services Remove Them From Homes?

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In Ontario it’s illegal to trap and move wildlife over a kilometre away. In many circumstances they don’t survive. They could be separated from their families or regular food source. It can also help to spread harmful diseases like rabies. When to remove wildlife from your home As soon as you discover any evidence of… Continue reading

What Is the Most Humane Way to Get Rid of Rats?

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Rustling in the walls. Scratching in the ceiling. Your first instinct is to trap or kill these annoying rats. But, there’s more humane ways to fix your infestation problems. Our minds shouldn’t always jump to the most violent. Although they’re rats, maybe the most humane route is the best route. Clean and remove possible food… Continue reading

The Humane Touch – Why It’s More Effective Than Killing

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Although it’s probably hard to believe, but there is plenty of wildlife in close proximity of your home. Species such as raccoons, squirrels and mice have adapted to living in suburban areas. Becoming scavengers and building dens where ever they can. This seems annoying and something we should control. But, each animal has its role… Continue reading

How to Keep Raccoons out Your Garbage?

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Raccoons are sneaky. They’ll get into the most locked up garbage cans. But, there’s steps you can take to prevent them from getting into your trash. Protect your garbage. The best way to keep raccoons out of your trash is to put it on lockdown. Make sure the container is impenetrable. Your best option is… Continue reading

How to Keep Pigeons Away From Your Business

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Town squares, commercial areas, downtown. Pigeons are everywhere. They have no fear of humans. They will peck a French fry right of out your hand. Pigeons have become rodents of the sky. Their reputation precedes them. Pigeons can do a lot of damage to buildings and structures We’ve all seen the statue covered in poop… Continue reading

How Bad Does Skunk Spray Actually Smell?

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Tomato juice is the automatic response to a skunk spray. Always tomato juice. However, the effectiveness of this remedy isn’t proven. Many different people swear it works. Tomatoes are supposed to neutralize the oils in skunk spray. But, others say it doesn’t. This is up to you to discover. Skunks are common in suburban areas… Continue reading

Does Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent Work?

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There are many rodent repellents out there. Chemical based, natural remedies, baited traps. However, mouse populations can quickly get out of control. Catching one mouse doesn’t mean the infestation is under control. There will always be more. Always. Electronic devices releasing electromagnetic frequencies or high pitched sound are a common repellent. However, they’re short-term fixes.… Continue reading

Blocking the Vent Isn’t the Only Solution to a Squirrel Infestation

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Squirrels are one of the most challenging species to remove from your property. They are prevalent in most neighbourhoods and can be very persistent. So, it’s not just as simple as scaring them away. Squirrels become adamant about their home. Once inside your attic they will chew on everything. This is dangerous to your home.… Continue reading

Bats in Ontario and How to Protect Your Home

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Squeek, squeek, squeek. Through the air. Squeek, squeek, squeek, squeek. Echoes, echoes, echoes. It’s difficult to tell what kind of bat is in the dark. Flap, flap, flap. It’s most likely a little brown bat or big brown bat. They’re common in Ontario. I think it’s headed for our home. Squeek, squeek, squeek. Luckily, I… Continue reading

7 Common Entry Points of Squirrels

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Any hole, any place, any time a squirrel can get into your home, roof or attic. They scurry around your attic. Build nests. Chew on wood or electrical cables. Cause major damage. Squirrels can make their own holes. Soft materials such as plastic, aluminum or wood are no feat for the small critter with powerful… Continue reading

3 Most Dangerous Birds Nesting in Homes

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We see birds all the time. Never think too much about it. But, some common bird species can be quite a nuisance. If they decide to nest in your home. Think about the mess pigeons can make on statues. Now imagine that inside in your attic. Also, birds carry a huge variety of diseases harmful… Continue reading

How Do Raccoons Prepare for Winter?

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Raccoons will eat anything. An opportunistic diet means they can survive and prepare for winter by eating whatever they can find. When it’s cold they generally consume acorns, fruit and garbage. But, they will take advantage of any food source and establish dens close to a reliable outlet. They will build dens in hollow trees,… Continue reading

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