As fall approaches in Pickering, some of the wildlife in this area may be on the lookout for a winter hideout and may choose your home to wait out the cold weather. Rodents such as mice, squirrels and rats all require warm winter nesting sites. They may come closer to your home in search of food and water sources, as well as a place to escape from predators.
Once these adaptable animals break into your home, removing them is usually not a simple task. Here at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, our technicians stand by to offer wildlife removal in Pickering and to show you how to protect your home from a wildlife invasion.
Signs of Wildlife Activity In Your Yard
If you suspect a certain species of wildlife is taking up residence in your yard and may be looking for ways into your home, the best defence is to identify their signs and then call us for wildlife removal in Pickering. Some species leave obvious signs, while others go to great efforts to hide themselves and their nests.
Rodents like mice often leave signs of their tendency to forage, and you can look for these around your yard. Keep an eye out for a few possible clues, including:
- Scattered seeds
- Gnawed fruit rinds
- Scattered pet food around your dog’s backyard dish
These animals may also chew into trash bags and knock over outdoor trash cans if they smell food. Raccoons have strong, clever fingers on their forepaws and can pry open trash can lids. You may also notice gnaw marks along exterior areas where mice or rats might be trying to chew their way inside. You can prevent wildlife encroachment with a few simple actions once the summer begins to wane.
Maintain Your Garden and Trees
One tactic to keep wildlife away is to maintain your garden and your backyard’s trees before cooler fall weather arrives. Leftover fruit or vegetables in your garden may attract rodents and larger mammals, like raccoons, to feast on what you do not harvest. Mice are especially fond of fruit but will help themselves to any tidbits they find.
Trimming tree branches that overhang your home’s roof can prevent rats, mice and squirrels from accessing this vulnerable area. Many rodents can jump and climb surprising distances, and raccoons have clever hands that can pry open vent covers to gain access to your attic. Fall tree pruning can block roof access for these animals.
Defend Possible Entry Points
Gaps and cracks around your home are like welcome signs for small rodents. Mice can fit through holes the size of a quarter, while rats can flatten themselves to fit under unprotected door thresholds.
You can learn how to keep wildlife out of your home with the help of our Skedaddle wildlife removal technicians. With their help, you can identify possible entry points all over your Pickering home, including faulty window door frames and holes in the foundation.
How We Help Protect Your Home
When you call our wildlife technicians to help prevent pests from entering your home, they first perform an inspection to ensure no animals have already taken up residence in your ductwork or attic. They can then help you defend your home by placing sturdy coverings over vents or vulnerable soffits. Finally, they can offer you year-round treatment services that keep wildlife away from your property and prevent costly damage to your home’s building materials and wiring systems.
Contact Us for Wildlife Removal In Pickering
As fall comes to Pickering, many different types of area wildlife spend their time searching for a cozy and safe place to spend the winter. The damage rodents and larger mammals can cause while nesting is usually considerable, but contacting us here at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control provides you with a defence system that keeps these animals away. Call us or fill out our online form for further assistance and information.