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How Raccoons Enter Homes During The Spring

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Spring is a time of renewal. Snow melts, flowers begin to bloom, and the days grow longer. Many Hamilton homeowners enjoy opening windows to let in fresh air. At the same time, local wildlife becomes more active. While returning birds are a welcome sign of the season, heavy footsteps in the attic are not. These… Continue reading

How Raccoons Can Turn Your Home Into A Nightmare

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You might think it starts small. A noise at night. A tipped garbage bin. A few missing shingles after a storm. But when wildlife gets comfortable around your home, things can spiral fast. What feels like a minor nuisance can turn into serious raccoon damage to homes before you realize what’s happening. You need to… Continue reading

Rats In The Workplace: Skedaddle‘s Commercial Services

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You might first notice a sound late at night, quick movement near inventory, or signs that simply don’t belong in a work environment. A rat infestation in the workplace is never just a small issue. These animals are drawn to food, warmth, and quiet spaces, which makes commercial buildings especially vulnerable once activity begins. You… Continue reading

Baby Season: What to Do If You Find Wildlife Baby Skunks on Your Property

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You see them and think, they’re just babies. How bad can it really be? The answer is simple. It can get bad fast. During baby skunk season, wildlife activity increases across yards, sheds, decks, and foundations. When young skunks appear on your property, it often means a den is nearby and an adult is close.… Continue reading

Why Wildlife Seek Shelter in Attics and Chimneys During Deep Freeze

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Wildlife in attics during freeze events is one of the most common issues Hamilton homeowners face each winter. As temperatures drop below freezing, animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds instinctively seek warmth and protection from the harsh elements. Attics and chimneys provide ideal shelter—quiet, insulated, and safe from predators. For many species, these spaces… Continue reading

How to Prevent Birds From Entering Homes While Staying Humane

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Humane bird prevention is about creating harmony between people and wildlife while keeping your home protected. In Hamilton, where pigeons, sparrows, and starlings are part of the urban landscape—from the neighbourhoods near Tim Hortons Field to the city’s busy downtown—birds often seek shelter in vents, chimneys, and attics during colder months. These intrusions can lead… Continue reading

Why Mice Target Storage Boxes, Garages, and Basements in Winter

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As temperatures fall across Hamilton and snow piles up in neighbourhoods, mice seeking shelter in storage boxes can become a growing concern for homeowners and business owners alike. These small intruders are drawn to garages, basements, and storage areas because they provide the perfect combination of warmth, shelter, and nesting materials. Cardboard boxes filled with… Continue reading

Skunk Encounters With Pets During Cold Months

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You let your dog outside for a quick bathroom break on a chilly evening. A minute later, you hear barking, hissing, and then… that unmistakable smell. If this sounds familiar, you’ve just experienced one of the most common skunk pet encounters in the winter. You might think skunks disappear when the snow arrives, but they… Continue reading

Noises in the Walls? Winter Squirrel Activity Explained

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You hear scratching behind the drywall or rustling above the ceiling and wonder, what’s that noise? When it happens early in the morning or just before sunset, it’s likely not the house settling. It could be squirrels in the walls in winter. You might be surprised how common this is. When temperatures drop, squirrels look… Continue reading

Chimney Blockages: Could Birds Be Nesting Inside?

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You hear soft fluttering or chirping from your fireplace and wonder if you’re imagining it. Then you smell smoke backing up into your home when you light a fire and that’s when you start asking the real question: Could birds be nesting inside my chimney? You could be right. Birds nesting in the chimney is… Continue reading

Mice In Your Business: How Commercial Wildlife Control Is Essential

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You work hard to build your business. The last thing you expect is for small animals to sneak in and put everything at risk. Yet for many owners, a mice infestation in businesses is a serious problem. These animals are quick, quiet, and able to squeeze into spaces no bigger than a dime. Once inside,… Continue reading

Raccoons And The City: How Their Mating Life Can Affect You

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When you think about raccoons in cities, you probably picture tipped-over garbage bins or paw prints across your driveway. But there’s another part of their lives that can affect you directly—urban raccoon mating habits. Each year, the season brings noise, damage, and health risks to homes and businesses across Hamilton and other cities. So how… Continue reading

Brantford Daycare Takes Action: Children Treated After Rabid Bat Discovery

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A Scary Discovery in Brantford A scary discovery in Brantford this past August. You never expect to hear that children at a daycare had to be treated for rabies. But that’s exactly what happened when a rabid bat at a Brantford daycare forced public health to step in. The daycare acted fast to protect kids,… Continue reading

What Could Be Getting Into Your Garbage? Could It Be Skunks?

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Have you noticed your garbage cans tipped over in the morning, trash scattered across your lawn, or peculiar holes dug around your property in Hamilton? These could be telltale signs of skunks in your garbage, a common issue for many homeowners, especially near green spaces like the Royal Botanical Gardens. At Skedaddle, we’ve seen firsthand… Continue reading

Wildlife And Your Swimming Pool: How To Keep Them Out

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Summer is here, and your backyard oasis is ready for endless days of swimming and relaxation. However, you’re not the only one eyeing that refreshing pool. Local wildlife views your swimming pool as an attractive water source, especially during hot summer days.  Keeping wildlife out of your pool is essential not only for maintaining cleanliness… Continue reading

Hamilton Wildlife Removal: Are Rats Timid?

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Rats are fascinating creatures, despite their often negative reputation. In Hamilton’s urban landscape, understanding their behaviour is crucial for effective wildlife management. Many homeowners question whether Hamilton rat removal is necessary if these animals are simply timid. The truth is more complex than a simple yes or no, as rat behaviour varies greatly depending on… Continue reading

Skunks In Hamilton: How They Can Cause Trouble This Fall

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Skunks in Hamilton are a common sight, especially as the temperatures start to cool and these nocturnal animals look for warm, secure places to shelter. While they play an important role in our local ecosystem, they can become a nuisance when they settle close to homes or businesses.  Here at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve… Continue reading

Do Bats Live In The City?

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Urban bats have become increasingly common residents in cities across Canada and around the world. As Hamilton’s concrete landscape continues to expand, many homeowners are surprised to discover that bats aren’t just creatures of remote caves and forests—they’ve adapted remarkably well to city life. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Hamilton, we’ve seen firsthand how… Continue reading

Squirrels and Your Garden: Friend or Foe?

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As every Hamilton homeowner knows, our gardens are shared spaces—not just with the human families who tend them, but with the local wildlife that considers them a personal buffet. Squirrels in gardens have become a familiar sight across neighbourhoods from Dundurn to Stoney Creek. These bushy-tailed creatures can be entertaining to watch, but they also… Continue reading

Raccoons In The City: How To Keep The Masked Bandits Out Of Your Garbage Cans

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Raccoons in urban areas have become a common sight in neighbourhoods. These masked bandits are clever and resourceful, often treating your garbage cans as all-you-can-eat buffets. For homeowners, this isn’t just messy; it can also lead to health risks and unwanted animal visitors. If you’re wondering how to keep raccoons out of your garbage and… Continue reading

How to Wildlife Proof Your Property in Hamilton: Could You Be Attracting Them?

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Living in Hamilton offers its share of urban landscapes and natural beauty, not to mention access to the scenic beauty of places like the Bruce Trail or the Royal Botanical Gardens. But sharing this space with nature means dealing with local wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, skunks, bats, and even birds. While these animals play… Continue reading

What To Do If A Squirrel Gets Into Your Home This Summer

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When temperatures rise in the summer, it’s not just people who look for a cool and comfy place to hang out. Squirrel activity often spikes, and occasionally, these curious little animals find their way into your homes. Whether they’re seeking refuge from the heat or exploring by mistake, having an uninvited squirrel in your house… Continue reading

What Animals Leave Behind: Protecting Your Hamilton Home

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Wildlife is essential to our ecosystem, but when animals find their way into your home, they can leave more than just footprints behind. From health risks to structural damage, the impact of wildlife intrusions can be serious and long-lasting. In Hamilton, addressing wildlife damage quickly is key to protecting your health, safety, and the value… Continue reading

Where Do Birds Sleep At Night?

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Have you ever wondered where birds go when the sun sets? Do they roost in trees, tuck themselves into hidden nooks, or take flight in search of safe shelter? The truth is, bird sleeping habits are as fascinating as they are varied, and understanding where birds sleep at night can offer a whole new appreciation for the… Continue reading

New Rabies Cases In Hamilton Have Health Officials Concerned

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Hamilton continues to face a growing challenge with rabies. Health officials recently confirmed a rabid bat in the area, marking the first case in months. This adds to the existing outbreak in raccoons and skunks, with 330 animals testing positive over the past nine years. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we understand the concerns this… Continue reading

A 60% Increase in Animal Rabies: What This Means For Your Family’s Safety

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Animal rabies risks are soaring in Ontario, with cases jumping 60% last year. This concerning surge isn’t just a statistic; it’s a serious reminder of the dangers rabies poses to your family. Recent data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) revealed that all 90 reported cases in 2024 involved bats. Tragically, this increase coincided… Continue reading

How Construction in Hamilton is Fueling Rat Problems

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Hamilton is grappling with an increasing rat problem that is disrupting neighbourhoods and making headlines. For homeowners, this is more than an annoyance; it’s a real threat to property, health, and daily life. While the issue has numerous contributing factors, one of the most significant catalysts is the ongoing construction associated with Hamilton’s Light Rail… Continue reading

Can Squirrels Spread Parasites? What You Need to Know

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Squirrels are a common sight, whether they’re darting across power lines or rummaging through backyards. While they may seem like harmless little creatures, there’s an important fact to keep in mind—they can carry parasites that pose risks to both humans and pets. It’s easy to overlook this while watching a squirrel scurry up a tree,… Continue reading

Raccoon Danger in Hamilton: Lessons from a Cautionary Tale

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Hamilton is no stranger to wildlife, and raccoons are among the most commonly encountered animals in the area. While their masked faces and nimble paws might seem cute, raccoons can cause significant problems if they find their way into your home or property. Ignoring or mishandling a raccoon infestation could leave you facing more than… Continue reading

Keeping Your Pets Safe From Rabid Raccoons

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At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we know how much Hamilton pet owners care about their furry companions. Unfortunately, pets don’t always sense the looming danger of a rabid raccoon in the way that humans might. A joyful romp in the yard or a curious sniff at an unfamiliar animal could result in a risky encounter… Continue reading

Raccoon Intrusion Through Pet Doors: Securing Your Home‘s Access Points

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Imagine this: It’s late at night, and you hear rustling near your pet door. Upon closer inspection, you discover a raccoon cautiously venturing into your home. For many homeowners, this situation is not only surprising but also a cause for concern. While raccoons may appear charming in their natural habitat, their presence indoors can lead… Continue reading

The True Cost of Ignoring a Bird Infestation in Your Attic

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Birds often enter attics through small gaps, damaged vents, or loose roofing, seeing them as safe spots for nesting. While it may seem harmless, birds in your attic can lead to serious problems. Over time, they can cause structural damage, block vents, and leave harmful droppings, creating health risks and costly repairs. At Skedaddle Humane… Continue reading

How Spring Cleaning Can Uncover Hidden Mouse Problems in Your Home

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Spring cleaning is a great time to freshen up your home, but it can also reveal hidden problems like mice infestations. Common signs include droppings in the pantry, noises behind the walls, chewed materials, or greasy trails near baseboards. Catching these early is crucial to prevent bigger infestations or damage to your home. At Skedaddle… Continue reading

Understanding Rabies in 2025: Protecting Your Home and Family

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Rabies remains a concern in 2025 for residents of Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton, with local experts and homeowners working hard to balance safety and coexistence with wildlife. To fully grasp where we are today, it’s essential to look back at 2016 when a notable outbreak of raccoon rabies gripped the region. This context highlights not only… Continue reading

Skunk Denning Under Decks: Preventing Structural Damage

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If you’re a homeowner, you’ve likely encountered wildlife around your property from time to time, but few issues are as disruptive and persistent as skunks taking shelter under your deck. Understanding how to keep skunks away is crucial to maintaining your property and preventing unpleasant surprises. Skunks are known for their distinctive spray and their… Continue reading

Bat Urine Stains on Ceilings: Identification and Remediation

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Bat infestations can cause significant issues for homeowners, one of which is unpleasant staining on ceilings due to bat urine. These stains are often an early indicator of bat activity and may signal the presence of other problems requiring immediate attention. Common signs of bats in the house include rustling or squeaking noises at dusk,… Continue reading

Mighty Mouse Multiplication: Breaking the Breeding Cycle in Your Walls

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If you’ve noticed signs of tiny visitors scurrying through your home, you might be dealing with an infestation that grows faster than you’d imagine. One key factor to understand is the incredibly short mouse gestation period, which accelerates their population growth. Combine this with how fast these creatures reproduce and the frequency with which they… Continue reading

Attic Acrobats: How Squirrels Use Tree Branches to Access Your Roof

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Squirrels are surprisingly skilled at finding their way into Hamilton homes, using their ability to climb and leap with precision. With powerful claws and an impressive sense of balance, they can scale rough surfaces and branches with ease. Squirrel tree climbing techniques allow them to reach rooftops quickly, and from there, the smallest gap or… Continue reading

Rabies in Hamilton: 8 Years After the Outbreak in 2016

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Rabies Outbreak in Hamilton Back in 2016 Reaches 33 Cases Back in 2016, an outbreak of raccoon rabies significantly impacted the Hamilton area. By February of that year, the total number of confirmed cases had risen to 33. Eight additional cases were confirmed in early February 2016, as noted on the City of Hamilton’s page… Continue reading

Bird Mites: The Hidden Danger of Nests in Your Eaves

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Finding out why birds nest in eaves is more than just a curiosity for homeowners—it’s an essential aspect of property maintenance. While the sight of nest-building can feel like a symbol of nature’s charm, the potential outcomes can be less endearing, especially when bird mites find their way into your home.  If you’ve been asking… Continue reading

Should You Feed Squirrels In The Winter Months?

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Winter is a challenging time for many animals, and you might be wondering if feeding the small, furry animals running around your yard is helpful. While many people enjoy watching these creatures scurry about, homeowners often ask, “What do squirrels like to eat during colder months,” and “Where do squirrels go in the winter to… Continue reading

How to Keep Your Basement Mouse Free This Winter

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Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes the potential for unwelcome guests in your home. It’s no secret that as temperatures drop, small animals seek warmth and shelter, making your basement an attractive location. Understanding mouse prevention is crucial for homeowners wishing to maintain a cozy, stress-free winter. If you’re wondering, “What are mice… Continue reading

Hamilton Wildlife Control: Raccoon Habits and How They Affect Your Home

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Raccoons are clever animals that can become a nuisance if they make your home their own. Understanding raccoon behaviour is important for homeowners in Hamilton. These nocturnal animals are active at night, searching for food and shelter. They are known for their curiosity and adaptability, which makes them quite resourceful when it comes to finding… Continue reading

What Types Of Birds Could Be Nesting In Your Hamilton Home?

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Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds, only to realize these sounds are echoing from your own attic. In Hamilton, our charming city with its mix of urban and natural spaces, it’s not uncommon to find unexpected feathered guests seeking refuge in attics, chimneys, or vents. Certain species, seeking warmth and shelter, may… Continue reading

What Skunks Are Doing In The Winter: Understanding Torpor and Other Behaviours

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When the chill of winter sweeps across our towns and backyards, it leaves many wondering: what do skunks do in the winter? While these intriguing creatures are less visible during the colder months, they aren’t fully hidden away in deep hibernation. Instead, skunks enter a state known as torpor—a period of reduced metabolic activity that… Continue reading

Little Brown Bats: What You Need To Know About Them

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Little brown bats, often spotted flitting through the dusky skies of Hamilton and other regions of Ontario, are both remarkable and essential creatures. Despite their small size, these bats play a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling insect populations. Their nocturnal acrobatics not only make them fascinating to observe but also underline… Continue reading

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