If you’ve noticed signs of wildlife taking refuge in your home, you might think you’re dealing with just one species. However, it’s entirely possible to have multiple wildlife invasions at the same time. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve seen countless cases where different species decide to cohabitate in a home, much to the dismay of the property owners. 

Understanding why and how this happens is the first step to resolving the issue, and we’re here to help walk you through it.

Why Do Animals Enter Homes?

Wildlife seeks the same things we all do to survive and thrive: food, water, and shelter. These needs, combined with the instinct to protect themselves and their young, often bring animals into human spaces.

Homes in Mississauga provide an ideal setting for some animals, offering plenty of cozy places to hide, protection from predators, and resources to build nests or dens. The combination of these factors makes residential properties a sought-after spot for wildlife to settle in, especially in harsh weather when survival outdoors becomes a challenge.

Here’s why homes are an animal magnet:

• Safety: Predators can’t easily reach animals hiding under porches, in attics, or inside walls.
• Warmth or Shade: Extreme weather drives animals to seek consistent temperatures inside human dwellings.
• Abundant Food Sources: Garbage, pet food, birdseed, or even garden produce can attract wildlife.
• Family Protection: Mother animals look for secure locations to raise their young, away from danger.

These basic survival instincts explain why wildlife intrusions happen, but how do multiple animals end up sharing the same space?

How Do Multiple Wildlife Invasions Occur?

It’s not uncommon for homes to host more than one animal species at the same time. While it may sound strange, homes can become a crowded haven for a variety of wildlife. Here are a few ways this happens:

1. Larger Animals Displacing Smaller Ones

Sometimes, as larger animals like raccoons or squirrels seek shelter, they push smaller creatures like mice or birds out of prime nesting areas. These smaller animals don’t always leave the property entirely; instead, they relocate to different sections of the same home. A raccoon might take over an attic, forcing a squirrel to move into the walls or vents.

2. Seasonal Breeding Cycles

Breeding seasons play a significant role. During the spring and summer, many species, including raccoons, squirrels, and birds, seek suitable spaces to raise their young. A home with multiple possible entry points allows different animals to create their own dens in separate spots, such as an attic, chimney, or crawl space.

3. Improper Wildlife Exclusion

If wildlife isn’t properly removed, new animals may exploit the same entry points. For instance:

• • If mice or squirrels vacate a space naturally or after removal, raccoons might use the same holes to get in.
  • Animals may re-enter through gaps sealed incorrectly or partially.

Multiple wildlife invasions aren’t just a nuisance; they significantly increase the risk of property damage and health hazards for homeowners.

Signs You Have Multiple Wildlife Species in Your Home

Sometimes it’s obvious when different animals are present, like when you spot raccoons in your chimney and hear birds in your attic. Other times, however, the signs can be subtle. Knowing what to watch for can help you identify an infestation before it worsens.

Look out for:

• Vocalizations: Different species produce distinct sounds. You might hear chirping, scratching, growling, or squeaking at different times of the day or night.
• Varying Droppings: Wildlife leaves behind droppings that differ in size, shape, and texture. Spotting more than one type could indicate multiple species.
• Different Damage Patterns:
  • Chewing marks on wires or wood suggest rodents.
  • Torn insulation or larger openings could mean raccoons or squirrels.
  • Staining around vents or entryways might point to fur-covered animals squeezing through.https://www.skedaddlewildlife.com/location/mississauga/blog/the-role-of-insulation-in-preventing-squirrel-entry-and-damage/
• Nest Variation:
  • Birds create nests with twigs and leaves.
  • Rodents opt for shredded material like paper or fabric.
  • Larger mammals tend to burrow into insulation.

If you notice a mix of these signs, you’re likely dealing with several unwelcome visitors.

The Risks of Ignoring Multiple Wildlife Invasions

Failing to address multiple wildlife invasions can lead to a host of problems, both for your home and your family. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Property Damage:
  • Chewed electrical wiring increases fire risks.
  • Torn insulation leads to higher heating and cooling costs.
  • Structural damage weakens roofing, walls, and foundations.
• Health Concerns:
  • Droppings and urine can spread diseases like salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus.
  • Fur and nesting materials may exacerbate allergies or asthma.
  • Wildlife can introduce parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites into your home.
• Escalating Infestations:
  • More animals in close quarters often lead to territorial behaviour, aggression, or further destruction.
  • The longer animals are present, the more complicated and costly their removal becomes.

Taking proactive measures is crucial to managing these risks.

How to Prevent Wildlife from Moving Into Your Home

While they might be unwanted neighbours, animals are determined when it comes to survival. That’s why prevention is your most effective strategy. Here’s how you can keep animals from invading your property:

Inspect Regularly:

• Examine your home’s exterior for gaps, cracks, or openings.
• Check weak spots near the roofline, soffits, vents, chimneys, and under porches.

Seal Potential Entry Points:

• Use durable materials, like steel mesh or caulking, to block access.
• Repair damaged siding, roofing, or window screens promptly.

Maintain Cleanliness:

• Store garbage in secure bins with tight lids.
• Remove food sources like pet bowls, fallen fruit, or loose birdseed.

Trim Vegetation:

• Keep trees and branches at least six feet away from your home to prevent animals from climbing in.

If animals have already entered your home, prevention alone won’t solve the problem. It’s time to bring in professional help.

Why Professional Wildlife Removal Matters

Attempting to remove wildlife on your own might seem like a straightforward solution, but DIY methods often do more harm than good. Trapping animals or sealing entry points without understanding their behaviours can lead to:

• Animals being trapped inside walls or attics, causing them stress and potentially leaving you with a decomposing animal to deal with.
• Separation of mother animals from their babies, leading to orphaned young and worse outcomes for your home.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we take humane, effective approaches tailored to each species. Whether you’re dealing with a family of raccoons in the attic or squirrels in the vents, our knowledgeable team ensures a safe removal process that respects both animals and your home.

Here’s what we do:

• Comprehensive Assessment: We identify all entry points and evaluate the extent of the infestation.
• Safe Wildlife Removal: We use techniques that ensure animals are carefully removed without harm.
• Proper Exclusion and Prevention: After removing the animals, we seal entry points with durable materials to prevent future invasions.
• Attention to Young Animals: If babies are present, we allow mothers to safely retrieve them before removing or sealing the space.

Our goal is not just to solve your immediate problem but to give you peace of mind for the long run.

Work with Mississauga’s Trusted Wildlife Experts

Dealing with multiple wildlife invasions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, our team of professionals specializes in resolving infestations in a way that’s safe for both you and the animals. Whether it’s raccoons, squirrels, birds, or all three, we’ll assess the situation and implement lasting solutions.

Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today and reclaim your home from wildlife intrusions. We’re here to help Mississauga homeowners protect their properties with care and expertise.

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