From raccoons rummaging through garbage bins to squirrels nesting in attics, the city’s unique urban landscape creates an inviting environment for various wildlife pests. These unwelcome guests can cause significant damage to property and pose health risks.
This blog aims to provide Toronto homeowners with practical and effective tips that are easy to implement, ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment. By following these guidelines, you can protect your home and reduce the chances of wildlife intrusion, feeling capable and confident in your actions.
Understanding Wildlife Pests in Toronto
Common Wildlife Pests in Toronto
Toronto is home to various wildlife pests that often intrude on residential areas. The most common pests include raccoons, known for tipping over trash bins and nesting in attics. Squirrels can chew through electrical wiring and create nests in roofs.
Skunks are notorious for their foul odour and digging under foundations. Birds, particularly pigeons, roost on rooftops and leave droppings that can corrode building materials, and bats which can inhabit attics and carry diseases like rabies.
Risks and Damages
The presence of these wildlife pests poses significant risks and can lead to various damages. Health hazards are a primary concern, as pests like raccoons can transmit diseases to humans and pets. Structural damage is another major issue, with pests chewing through wiring, insulation, and wood, which can result in costly repairs.
Bird droppings and skunk digging can damage roofs and foundations, further compromising homes’ safety and integrity. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of implementing effective wildlife pest prevention measures.
Identifying Signs of Wildlife Pests
Visual Clues
Homeowners can identify the presence of wildlife pests through various visual signs. Look for droppings around the property, as different pests leave distinct faeces. Tracks and footprints, especially near entry points like doors and windows, can indicate the type of intruder. Nests made of leaves, twigs, and other materials in attics, garages, or sheds are common indicators of pests like squirrels and birds.
Auditory Clues
Wildlife pests often make distinct noises that can help homeowners identify their presence. Listen for scratching or rustling sounds in walls, ceilings, and attics, typically caused by raccoons or squirrels. Squeaking or chirping sounds can indicate the presence of birds, while scurrying noises at night might suggest rodents.
Other Indicators
Other signs of wildlife pests include property damage, such as chewed wires, gnawed wood, or torn insulation. Unusual smells, like the musky odour of a skunk or the ammonia scent of rodent urine, can also be strong indicators. Finding damaged trash bins or garden areas can point to the presence of raccoons or other foraging animals. Recognizing these signs early can help homeowners swiftly mitigate pest problems.
Prevention Tips for Toronto Homeowners
Securing the Home Perimeter
- Fencing: Installing a sturdy fence is crucial in keeping wildlife pests at bay. For Toronto’s urban environment, consider using metal or vinyl fencing with no gaps larger than two inches to prevent small animals from squeezing through. Ensure the fence is at least four feet high and buried a foot underground to deter digging pests like skunks.
- Sealing Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, vents, and other openings that could attract pests. Use caulk or steel wool to seal small gaps and install vent covers and door sweeps. Pay special attention to areas around utility pipes, windows, and doors.
Yard Maintenance
- Landscaping Tips: Remote bushes and trees away from the house to eliminate easy access points for climbing pests like squirrels and raccoons. Maintain a clean yard by regularly removing leaf piles, fallen branches, and other debris that could provide shelter for pests.
- Waste Management: Properly dispose of food waste and secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent raccoons and other scavengers from accessing them. Be mindful of Toronto’s waste collection schedule, and avoid leaving trash bins out overnight.
Home Maintenance
- Roof and Chimney: Install chimney caps to prevent animals from entering your home through the chimney. Regularly inspect and repair roof damages, such as loose shingles or holes, which can serve as entry points for pests like birds and bats.
- Attic and Basement: Regularly inspect your attic and basement to ensure these areas are clean and dry. Remove any nesting materials and seal off potential entry points. Keeping these spaces well-ventilated and clutter-free can discourage pests from settling in.
Natural Deterrents and Repellents
Plants and Herbs
Certain plants and herbs thrive in Toronto’s climate and can naturally repel wildlife pests. Planting marigolds, lavender, and mint around your home can deter pests like raccoons and squirrels. These plants emit strong scents that wildlife pests find unpleasant, making them less likely to invade your property. Garlic and onions can effectively repel small animals and insects when planted in your garden.
Homemade Repellents
Creating DIY repellents using common household ingredients can be an effective and affordable way to keep pests away. For example, mix equal water and vinegar and add a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. Spray this mixture around entry points and areas frequented by pests. Another effective repellent can be combined with crushed garlic cloves, hot pepper flakes, and water. Let it steep overnight, strain it, and spray it around your yard to deter wildlife.
Sound and Light Deterrents
Motion-activated lights and ultrasonic devices can be excellent tools for repelling wildlife pests. Motion-activated lights can startle and scare away nocturnal pests like raccoons. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds unpleasant to many animals but inaudible to humans. These devices can be placed around your property to create an inhospitable environment for wildlife pests, encouraging them to stay away.
When to Call Professionals
Severity of Infestation
Certain signs indicate that a wildlife pest infestation has become severe and requires professional intervention. If you notice extensive property damage, such as chewed wires, large holes in walls or roofs, or structural weakening, it’s time to call in the experts. The presence of multiple pests, large nests, or frequent sightings of animals in and around your home indicates a severe infestation. Health hazards, such as droppings or signs of disease, also necessitate professional help.
Choosing a Wildlife Control Service in Toronto
When selecting a wildlife control service in Toronto, it’s essential to choose a reputable and humane provider. Look for companies with positive reviews and strong community ties. Ensure they are licensed and insured to handle wildlife pests. Ask about their methods to ensure they use humane and environmentally friendly practices. Recommendations from neighbours or local community groups can also be invaluable in finding a trustworthy service.
Professional Prevention Services
Pestong offers a range of services to prevent future infestations. These include comprehensive home inspections to identify potential entry points, installation of exclusion barriers, and repairs of any damage caused by pests. We can also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to ensure your home remains pest-free. We offer educational resources and guidance on maintaining a pest-resistant property, helping homeowners implement effective long-term prevention strategies.
Final Thoughts
Understanding common wildlife pests in Toronto, identifying signs of their presence, and implementing effective prevention tips are crucial to protecting your home. Homeowners should remain vigilant and proactive in their pest prevention efforts, regularly inspecting and maintaining their properties. For professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
