Each year, many Brampton residents encounter wildlife problems in and around their homes. As Brampton grows and expands, the city remains a haven for a wide variety of wildlife species. These animals often seek shelter in attics, chimneys, vents, sheds, and garages, where they can cause significant damage and pose risks to residents’ health. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control understands the unique wildlife challenges Brampton homeowners face and offers safe and humane wildlife removal services throughout the region.
Brampton is situated on what was once a rich, natural landscape with forests, wetlands, and wildlife. As rapid urbanization has taken hold, much of the area’s original habitats have been replaced with residential, commercial and industrial development, but pockets of natural spaces remain. Brampton boasts several parks, ravines, and green corridors that attract and provide shelter for many urban wildlife species. Many of the most expansive green spaces in Brampton run north to south, following tributaries like the Etobicoke Creek and Fletcher’s Creek into Lake Ontario. These green spaces are essential in helping wildlife travel and thrive, even amidst the growing city.
While industrialization has pushed out some native species, others—like raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and birds—have adapted to Brampton’s urban environment, in part by finding shelter in human structures. Along with native species, invasive animals such as rats, house mice, and pigeons often make their way into homes, contributing to the common wildlife problems faced by Brampton residents. These animals thrive in cities due to ample food, shelter, and fewer natural predators, which creates a complex and often frustrating dynamic for homeowners.
BRAMPTON WILDLIFE PROBLEMS
Brampton, with its blend of suburban and rural characteristics, offers a unique environment for wildlife. As much as residents may appreciate the beauty of local wildlife, there are situations where this proximity to animals creates challenges. Squirrels, for example, can be a source of entertainment with their agility but may also damage homes and roofs by chewing. Raccoons, known for their nocturnal behaviour, can invade attics, tear apart insulation, and topple garbage cans. In fact, raccoons are often seen as the quintessential urban wildlife of Brampton, with their fearless and opportunistic nature leading them to explore attics and chimneys as potential shelters.
Rats and mice are also growing problems in Brampton as urbanization continues to increase. These rodents are notorious for finding their way into homes through cracks, holes, and even plumbing and drain systems. As Brampton’s housing market continues to expand, older homes, particularly those in more established neighbourhoods close to downtown, are especially vulnerable to rat infestations. Large scale infrastructure projects like the LRT expansion can lead to displaced rats seeking shelter in homes and buildings, making it important to safeguard your property against these pests.
THE SKEDADDLE APPROACH TO WILDLIFE REMOVAL
Founded in 1989, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been helping residents and business owners in Brampton for decades. We specialize in humane wildlife removal, utilizing expert exclusion techniques that provide long-term protection against wildlife entry. Our technicians are trained to handle the unique challenges that Brampton homeowners face with raccoons, squirrels, skunks, bats, birds and rodents. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen it all and know how to effectively address every wildlife situation.
During the spring and summer months, many animals—like raccoons, squirrels, and skunks—seek out warm, hidden areas in homes to give birth and raise their young. Removing wildlife during this time requires a careful and strategic approach. At Skedaddle, we use specialized techniques that account for the presence of babies, ensuring that mothers aren’t accidentally locked out of the home while their young are still inside.
This prevents the frantic, destructive behaviour that often results when adult animals try to force their way back in—tearing through shingles, soffits, or vents in the process. By locating and safely removing the entire family unit, then sealing entry points, we not only protect the animals involved but also reduce the risk of costly damage to your home. It’s a smart, proven approach that puts the well-being of your property and local wildlife first.
We take pride in providing customized removal, cleanup, and prevention plans designed to keep your home protected. Never attempt to handle or remove wildlife on your own—contact our trained professionals for a thorough inspection and removal plan. Our team’s expertise ensures that wildlife, including babies, are safely removed, preventing further damage to your property.
URBAN WILDLIFE FOUND IN BRAMPTON
Wildlife species in Brampton can cause a range of problems inside your home, and the damage they create can vary widely from situation to situation. Here are some of the most common culprits and some of types of problems they can cause for homeowners:
Raccoons
Widespread throughout the GTA, raccoons are notorious for their ability to create havoc once they enter a home, especially during the spring birthing season. Raccoons can damage roofing materials like vents, soffits and flashing while attempting to gain entry to an attic. Their dexterous paws allow them to exploit vulnerable areas of a home and target areas like attics and ceilings, where they can cause extensive damage. Additionally, raccoons can create significant messes by tearing up and trampling insulation and leaving behind feces, potentially leading to contamination and unpleasant odours.
Squirrels
Squirrels are most common in older Brampton neighbourhoods with lots of mature trees that provide them shelter, food and nesting material. They’re very opportunistic when it comes to gaining access to homes as well and establish nests in hard-to-reach areas such as attic spaces, wall voids, and vents. They only need a tiny gap or opening to begin chewing their way in through wood, aluminum and vinyl. Their gnawing behaviour can lead to significant damage; they often chew through electrical wires, insulation, and even structural wood.
Mice
Mice can infiltrate homes through remarkably small openings leaving both new and older homes vulnerable to entry. Once inside, they can be difficult to detect because they prefer to nest in attics, walls, or basements to stay away from human activity. Mice cause damage by chewing on various materials, including packaged food, dishwasher lines, and wiring, which can result in fire hazards and structural damage. They also leave behind droppings and urine, which can lead to health concerns, unpleasant odors, and further contamination of insulation and stored items.
Bats
Bats often roost in the walls and attics of buildings, where they find warmth and shelter. Most homeowners become aware of a bat problem inside their home when one of them makes its way into the living space of the home, usually during summer. Discovering a bat inside your house means there is a colony in the walls or attic. Bats can carry rabies so care must be taken when removing a bat from the living space to avoid a bite or scratch.
Skunks
Skunks typically establish their dens at ground level, often beneath decks, sheds, porches, or floating additions. Skunks can create unpleasant odors, which can infiltrate the home and are difficult to neutralize. A family of skunks living on your property also puts your dog at increased risk for being sprayed.
Birds
In Brampton’s newer subdivisions, the most common nuisance bird is the starling. Starlings are cavity nesters and would normally build their spring and summer nests inside the knots of old growth trees. In newer subdivisions, particularly in northwest Brampton where there are few trees they will instead nest inside the vent openings for stove, bathroom and dryer vents. For business owners in commercial and industrial sections of Brampton the main concerns when it comes to birds are sea gulls, pigeons and geese that can cause property damage and create unsanitary conditions.
Skedaddle Brampton Did You Know?
Can I Feed Wildlife in Brampton?
The City of Brampton has regulations prohibiting the feeding of wildlife. Feeding animals in public areas can lead to health and safety issues for both the wildlife and residents.
Are You Allowed to Trap Wildlife in Brampton?
The Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act has strict regulations on trapping, making it illegal to relocate wildlife more than one kilometre away without a permit. Professional wildlife services adhere to these laws, ensuring that humane and effective solutions are used to manage wildlife conflicts while prioritizing the well-being of both animals and residents.
Does Skedaddle Brampton Provide Pest Control Services?
In addition to our wildlife removal services, Skedaddle provides Brampton homeowners and businesses with safe and reliable pest control solutions. Common pests that invade Brampton properties include bedbugs, cockroaches, spiders, ants, and wasps.
Is rabies a concern in Brampton?
Yes, rabies is a potential concern in Brampton, particularly among wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. While large outbreaks like those seen in other regions have not occurred in Brampton in recent years, Peel Public Health continues to report isolated cases annually, normally involving bats. Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, and it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
