Have you noticed more animals showing up in unexpected places, like your attic or backyard? Across Ontario, climate change is changing how urban wildlife behaves and where they live. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and shrinking habitats are forcing animals to adapt, often bringing them closer to our homes. For homeowners, this means new challenges in keeping wildlife out.

When animals lose their natural spaces, they turn to urban areas for shelter, food, and water. That’s why humane wildlife removal is more important than ever. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Mississauga, we’ve seen how these changes are affecting local homeowners. From raccoons nesting in chimneys to squirrels hiding in walls, the shifting environment is creating new problems that require smart, humane solutions.

This guide will break down how climate change and urban wildlife problems are linked. We’ll cover what’s behind these changes, how they impact your home, and proactive steps to protect your space. Let’s get started!

Warmer Winters Are Allowing Wildlife to Thrive Year-Round

Ontario winters used to be a time when wildlife activity slowed down dramatically. Cold temperatures and heavy snow naturally kept populations in check, with many animals going into hibernation or struggling to survive harsh conditions. 

That’s changing. Milder winters mean fewer animals are dying off, and many are staying active year-round. As a result, we now see larger animal populations in urban areas, and with that comes more opportunities for conflicts with people.

Animals like raccoons and skunks, which used to hibernate for much of the colder months, are now cutting their hibernation periods short or skipping them altogether during milder seasons. This means they’re out and about for longer, trying to find food and shelter. 

We’ve also noticed something new and unexpected: more baby animals showing up during unusual times of the year. Mid-winter baby raccoons, for example, are becoming a more common sight. When these younger animals can’t find a proper place to stay outdoors, they often end up in attics, crawl spaces, or beneath decks.

These year-round activities make it crucial to prepare homes for potential intrusions. Installing preventative measures like sealing gaps and cracks can save you a headache later when animals start searching for warmth or safety in your house.

Increased Urban Flooding Is Driving Animals Into Homes

Wet weather is making it harder for animals to live outdoors comfortably. When heavy rain floods dens and burrows, where do these animals go? Straight into your home!

• Waterlogged Habitats: Animals like raccoons or skunks that normally live underground or in hollow trees find their homes soaked after big storms. This pushes them into attics, garages, and basements because they’re dry and warm.
• Nesting in Vents: Birds and small mammals might decide that your dryer vent or chimney is the perfect dry spot to set up camp. They often bring in nesting materials like leaves or twigs, which can even create fire risks.
• Emergency Help Needed: These floods lead to an increase in unexpected and urgent situations. We see higher calls during stormy seasons because animals are just trying to stay safe, but end up where they shouldn’t.

The combination of more flooding and displaced animals means we need to think ahead. Sealing off potential entry points is one of the simplest and smartest ways to stop them before they get in.

Extreme Heat Waves Are Shifting Animal Behaviour

Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable for us; animals are feeling it too. Heat waves are becoming more common, and they’re making animals adapt their routines in ways that bring them closer to human activity.

On particularly hot days, animals like raccoons and squirrels become more active at night when it’s cooler. This nocturnal behaviour makes it harder for homeowners to notice an issue right away. They might be nesting in your walls or under your deck without you even realizing it. Crawl spaces, shaded patios, and basements are especially appealing during extreme heat because they offer protection from the sun.

Another big shift we’ve noticed is animals moving closer to backyards, pools, and gardens in search of water. When natural water sources dry up, they’re left with few options but to approach human areas, which can lead to more frequent encounters. These changes reinforce the importance of staying prepared. Tiny adjustments like securing garbage cans and monitoring your outdoor spaces can make a huge difference in preventing unwanted visitors.

Food Scarcity Is Pushing Animals Further Into Urban Spaces

What’s for dinner? It’s a question animals are asking more than usual. When their normal food sources decline, scavenging becomes their only choice.

• Raiding Garbage and Compost: Animals like raccoons, squirrels, and skunks are going through trash bins and finding meals in pet food bowls or compost piles. It’s not just messy; it can lead to recurring visits.
• Disrupted Migration: Migration patterns are changing, with some birds and other species staying in Ontario longer than they used to. This keeps animal populations high in cities where they might not normally linger.
• Competition Rising: We’re also seeing animals become more aggressive as they fight over food. Bigger competition means animals are more determined to find and keep a food source, whether it’s outside or inside your home.

Addressing food-related challenges often starts with keeping everything secure. Storing trash in proper bins and cleaning up attractants can go a long way in keeping animals away.

Rising Wildlife Populations Are Increasing Home Damage Risks

With larger animal populations sticking around urban areas, damage to homes and buildings is becoming more common. It’s not just about animals looking for food or water; they’re also searching for safe spots to settle down and raise their young, often choosing roofs, chimneys, and attics for their nests.

Once animals find a way inside, the damage can quickly escalate. Insulation, wood structures, and even electrical wires can become targets as they dig in. This isn’t just frustrating; it can result in costly repairs and potential safety hazards. And, of course, there’s the noise. Scratching in the walls, thumping in the attic, and occasional growls or squeaks can make it nearly impossible to relax.

Wildlife Removal Challenges in a Shifting Environment

The way animals are behaving in response to these changes means we’ve had to adjust how we handle wildlife removal. At Skedaddle, we focus on safe, humane solutions that don’t harm the animals but are effective in keeping them out.

For example, one-way doors are a crucial tool we use. These doors allow animals to leave your home but prevent them from coming back in. They’re especially helpful when dealing with nocturnal animals or during unexpected breeding seasons. We also work on strengthening barriers in homes, like repairing vents or sealing entry points, so animals can’t get back inside.

With animals becoming more persistent and active, it’s important to have solutions that work long-term. By focusing on prevention and using humane methods, we’re able to help homeowners keep their spaces animal-free while respecting the environment.

Protect Your Home with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

Climate change is making urban wildlife in Ontario more active, clever, and persistent. Animals are finding new ways to adapt, often bringing them closer to human spaces. This means wildlife removal challenges are becoming more complicated, and homeowners need humane, reliable solutions that can adjust to these changing conditions.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Mississauga, we specialize in climate-conscious, humane wildlife removal. Our methods are safe, effective, and designed to provide long-term protection for your home. 

Don’t wait for small problems to become bigger ones. Call Skedaddle today to protect your home from the growing issues caused by these Ontario environmental impacts. Contact us to request a quote or learn more about how we can help!