“Bark or Brick, there’s no difference to me!”

Many of our customers can’t believe that raccoons will climb the brick to get onto the roof of their home. This photo is proof of their ability to do that.

This raccoon was spotted climbing the wall between two homes. Some houses located downtown in Toronto are very close to each other making it even easier for a raccoon to climb to the roof.

Underground Raccoon Rescue

We are often called out to remove raccoons from underground parking garages. They often find their way inside the garage and can’t seem to find their way back out.

Although some raccoons may eventually find their way back out, most would be stuck down there until we arrive to help out.

If possible, we will catch the raccoon and bring them outside while on site. In situations where the raccoon can not be easily caught, we will set a trap to catch the raccoon and return to release them outside.

Why Do Pigeons Thrive In The City?

Cities became the perfect backdrop for the pioneering pigeons' success. "Pigeons are naturally cliff-dwellers and tall buildings do a pretty great job at mimicking cliffs," Carlen told Live Science. "Ornate facing, window sills and air-conditioning units provide fantastic perches for pigeons, similar to the crevices found on the side of a cliff."

Another trait that makes pigeons more adaptable is their appetite. While other bird species have to rely on supplies of berries, seeds and insects, pigeons can eat just about anything that humans toss in the trash.

The pigeon's unusual breeding biology seals the deal: Both parents rear their chicks on a diet of special protein- and fat-rich milk produced in a throat pouch called the crop. So, instead of having to rely on insects, worms and seeds to keep their young alive — resources that would be scarcer in cities — pigeons can provide for their offspring no matter what, Portugal says: "As long as the adults can eat, they can feed their babies, too."

The above information is credited to Live Science.

Check Your Vehicle Hood for Nests!

Rodents may nest in many different places in cars, which is a potential risk to anyone who uses the vehicle. Nests could be anywhere in the engine compartment, including in the ducts of the vehicles passenger compartment air intake system. This is potentially a danger to humans due to Hantavirus, which is a pulmonary syndrome. Humans can get infected by breathing in hantavirus contained in the droppings of urine of deer mice.

It is always important to take precautions when cleaning mouse nests and droppings. Wear a mask and disposable gloves to remove any nest you may find. If you find a nest in your car, it is best to move the vehicle into the open air, out of the garage, to clean the nest.

Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, nests or contaminated areas until after you’ve soaked them with a spray solution. (Recommended is a 1:9 bleach to water solution). This is because the dried droppings and urine containing the hantavirus particles can get into the air, making it easier and more likely to breathe in.

This mouse nest was found under the hood of my car this morning. The mouse had used straw and the insulation around the battery to build its nest. Be sure to take a moment to check your own car!

Rescuing a Family of Raccoons!

This mother raccoon and her babies found their way into the bottom of this window well. Once at the bottom, they realized they couldn’t get back out on their own.

The property manager of the complex discovered this family at the bottom of the window well and called us immediately to come rescue them.

Once on site, Gates Wildlife Technician David climbed into the window well with the raccoons. He knew he had to get mom out before he could attempt to help the babies. He gently used his catch pole to lift mom out of the window well. One by one he performed the same rescue for the babies, reuniting the family on ground level.

Golden Crowned Kinglet

While I was on my driveway this past Saturday, this bird collided with the small window on my garage door.

After observing the bird for a few minutes, I decided to pick it up and let it recover while perched on my finger. It slowly came around and after 10 minutes it appeared to completely recover and flew off into the trees.

Having not seen this bird before, I did some research and discovered it was a Golden Crowned Kinglet. For reference these birds are smaller than a chickadee but larger than a hummingbird.

They are tiny songbirds with a round body, short wings, and skinny tail. They have relatively large heads, and their bills are short and thin, which are perfect for gleaning small insects.

These tiny songbirds usually stay concealed high in dense trees, revealing their presence with thin, very high-pitched calls. They pluck small insects from clusters of conifer needles, often hovering briefly to reach them. In migration and winter, kinglets frequently join other insectivorous songbirds such as warblers in mixed flocks.

Content Credit: www.allaboutbirds.org

It’s Called Chicken Wire And Not Raccoon Wire For A Reason!

Chicken wire has been the go-to for homeowners looking for a DIY solution to their animal problem. They try nailing, screwing and stapling this wire to their decks, sheds and roofs in an attempt to keep raccoons and other animals from living in and around their home.

Chicken wire was originally designed to contain chickens in their coop. It was never intended to keep animals that can manipulate (claw, dig, and pull) the wire out. Chicken wire is very thin, breaks easily and will stretch, often forming a noose around an animals neck as they attempt to push through it. Over the years, we have been called out to perform many rescues of live animals stuck with chicken wire around their neck and other body parts. We sadly have also had to respond to many calls where the animal did not survive.

Gates Wildlife uses a sturdy galvanized 1” by 1” screen that can not be manipulated by wildlife.

Please do NOT use chicken wire as a means to animal proof your home and other structures.

The chicken wire was used in the situation to keep raccoons from living underneath the deck. Fortunately they were not harmed while gaining access under this deck.

Fear Mongering

Fear based sales techniques are wrong and unethical.

It is not uncommon for homeowners living with wildlife to experience some level of fear and anxiety. Some worry about the damage the animals may be causing and others are concerned about the health and safety of their family.

It is unfortunate that a large number of wildlife removal companies have resorted to preying on the fears of homeowners. Being untruthful about the health safety of the occupants is an unethical tactic used to get customers to immediately purchase their services. It is often a sign of desperation when company representative uses unreasonable fear as a sales tool.

Also, wildlife removal companies that use fear to close a sale often charge 2 to 3 times more money than it should cost to remove and exclude the animals. They recognize that if they can raise our level of concern then cost will not be an object to protect your family.

At Gates Wildlife we recognize that wildlife running in the attic can cause real concerns for homeowners but rarely do these situations warrant irrational fears. I feel it is our job to explain the reality of the situation and alleviate any worries by offering a comprehensive long-term solution.

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 36 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.