Got wildlife? Got bugs? Got both?

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control president & CEO Bill Dowd was on CHML 900 this past weekend, discussing wildlife and bed bug issues with Judy Marsales on her show Sold on Hamilton. This weekly radio program highlights real estate and housing issues that every homeowner should be thinking about.

It’s close to the time of year when animals are beginning to hunker down and begin mating! This means in a few months, populations in urban areas will begin to boom, and there’s many opportunities for wildlife to make their way inside. If wildlife is already inside (and you’re not aware of it now), you will certainly be hearing the distinct sounds of critters mating very soon.

Bill outlined some key things homeowners can do to protect themselves against infestations of wildlife, including mice and raccoons. One preventative measure that should be taken is to inspect the exterior of the home at least quarterly, to ensure there are no visible gaps, loose siding, chewing through wood, rotting, etc.

Mice are a particularly difficult pest problem to solve, due to the rapid reproduction cycle (every 21 days they’re popping out more mice babies!). This is why if you see a mouse, there’s a strong likelihood you’ve got an infestation. There’s a hole somewhere — and the mice will always find it.

Another topic Bill discussed were ectoparasites and bed bugs. Over 70% of all wildlife have ectoparasites, which live on the animal and feed outside the skin of wildlife. These bugs will find their way into a home on the backs of critters, leaving them in nests and areas inside a structure.