We humans aren’t the only creatures that catch spring fever. So do the animals. During spring, wildlife awakens from its long slumber, returns from distant migrations and breeds. Animals are greeted by an abundance of food, such as ground shoots, leaves, wildflowers and insects. Lush foliage provides ample coverage, and dried up plant debris provides the perfect material for nests and burrows.

Though spring is certainly a wondrous time, Scarborough animal control experts warn that the season can also be one riddled with problems. In Scarborough, those problems typically take one of three forms:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Bats

If you want to keep your home and yard safe and pest-free, it’s important that you take proactive measures. Below are a few to-dos you should add to your spring-cleaning list.

Look for Signs of Wildlife Infestation 

Signs of an overactive wildlife population vary from species to species. Raccoons leave small, hand-shaped tracks around Scarborough properties. Because raccoons prefer to use the same path frequently, you may notice well-worn trails. Finally, you may notice scat, which is about ¾” in diameter and 3” long. It is usually segmented and has blunt ends.

Signs of a squirrel infestation include sounds of scurrying, scratching, scampering or chewing. You may also notice teeth marks in your walls, wood or wires; wood chips throughout your home; nests in your insulation; or damage to your air vents. Outside, you may find squirrel footprints — the front tracks with four toes and the back with five — or notice squirrels fighting. Squirrel droppings around the points of entry to your home are also a sure sign of an infestation.

To determine if you have a bat problem, look for guano — dark-coloured, pebbly bat droppings — in piles around their points of entry and exit. You may notice oily streaks around certain parts of your home, such as near the eaves of your attic or around window casings. If bats have made nests in your home, you may hear scratching sounds behind the walls, or you may even see a bat indoors.

Check Your Vents, Chimney and Crawl Spaces

Whether you notice signs of wildlife infestation or not, you should make it a point to check all your home’s points of entry for signs of life. Those signs include nests, baby animals or the animals themselves. Birds, in particular, like to roost at the tops of chimneys, while bats, squirrels, mice and other pests enjoy warm, dark places.

Secure Your Garbage and Pet Food

Unsecured garbage cans and open pet food containers are like magnets for wildlife, especially raccoons and possums. If you’re dealing with raccoons, a lid will not suffice. Rather, you need garbage containers with locks. If that is not an option, weigh down the lids with pails with rocks, bricks or other heavy materials. As for your pet food, store it in a container that locks or bring it indoors. Also, be wary about feeding your pets outside, as the aroma from the bowls may attract unwanted guests.

Protect Your Gardens and Ponds

Your garden and koi pond may be great points of pride, but they’re also major attractions for pests. If you don’t want raccoons to eat your prized koi fish, install an electric fence around the pond. Do the same around your vegetable garden or install a wooden fence. To make your garden a less attractive target, consider raising it off the ground. Also, don’t let the harvest over-ripen, and clear the area of veggies that fall off the stalks.

Contact an Animal Removal Professional

The best thing you can do to keep your home and yard wildlife free is to work with a Scarborough animal control expert. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control will humanely and effectively remove the wildlife and help prevent future infestations. We’re so confident in our services, we offer a lifetime guarantee. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.