If you have discovered that wildlife has taken up residence on your property, it's important to take steps to remove them and prevent them from returning. One option for wildlife control is to hire a professional company, such as Gates Wildlife Control.

Gates Wildlife Control is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing wildlife control services to the greater Toronto area for over 38 years. Their team of experienced and certified technicians can safely and humanely remove wildlife from your property and prevent them from returning.

One of the benefits of hiring Gates Wildlife Control is their commitment to humane wildlife removal. They use humane methods to capture and relocate animals, ensuring that they are not harmed during the process.

In addition to removal services, Gates Wildlife Control also offers repair and prevention services. They can repair any damage caused by the wildlife and take steps to prevent them from returning, such as sealing up holes and gaps in your home's exterior.

Gates wildlife control is WSIB and liability insured, so you can trust that your property is in good hands. They also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so if you're not happy with their services, they will make it right.

If you're in need of wildlife control services, consider hiring Gates Wildlife Control. Their experienced and certified technicians will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your property is safe and free of wildlife.

If you're hearing strange noises or noticing signs of damage in your attic, there's a good chance you have some unwanted wildlife living in your home. This can be a serious issue, as wildlife can cause significant damage to your property and potentially pose health risks to you and your family. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common signs that may indicate you have wildlife in your attic and discuss the importance of seeking professional help.

Noise

One of the most common signs of wildlife in your attic is hearing strange noises. These can include scratching, scurrying, or other sounds that you don't normally hear in your home. Wildlife may be active in your attic at night when you're trying to sleep, which can be incredibly disruptive. If you're hearing these types of noises, it's important to investigate further to determine the source.

Damage

Wildlife can cause a variety of damage to your attic, including chewing on wires and insulation, creating holes, and leaving droppings. If you notice any signs of damage, it's possible that an animal is living in your attic. This can be particularly concerning if the damage is in areas that are difficult to access, such as behind walls or in crawl spaces.

Sightings

If you actually see an animal entering or exiting your attic, or if you spot an animal inside your attic, this is a clear indication that you have wildlife in your space. This can be a scary experience, as some wildlife can be dangerous and unpredictable. It's important to take caution and not try to remove the animal on your own.

If you suspect that you have wildlife in your attic, it is important to contact a professional wildlife control company such as Gates Wildlife Control. We have the knowledge and expertise to identify the animal and safely remove it from your home, preventing further damage and potential health hazards.

If you hear noises coming from your attic at night, it could be raccoons. These nocturnal animals make hissing, chittering, and screeching noises. They can also cause scratching and rustling sounds as they move around. Due to their heavy weight, you may even hear thumping noises when they walk.

Squirrels are often the cause of noises in attics during the day. You may hear the sound of nuts rolling around and fast scampering feet. Squirrels may also make squeal-like noises or a series of short, sharp sounds.

Bats are most active at night, so you may hear high-pitched chirps and rustling noises coming from your attic during that time.

Birds are typically active during the day, so you may hear chirping and flapping noises from your bathroom or dryer vent at that time. However, some bird species chirp the most in the early morning hours.

Rats and mice are known for making similar noises, such as pitter-patter running and scratching, as well as high-pitched squeaks. Both of these pests are nocturnal, so they may be the cause of noise at night. Dealing with pests like rodents can be especially difficult.

Squirrels are adorable creatures, but they can cause a lot of damage to your home if they decide to make it their own. One of their most frustrating habits is their love for chewing.

These rodents have incredibly strong teeth that never stop growing. In order to keep their teeth from getting too long, they need to constantly chew on things to wear them down. This means that anything made of wood, plastic, or rubber is at risk of being chewed on by a squirrel.

If you have squirrels in your attic, you may notice chew marks on the beams and rafters. They may also chew on electrical wires, leading to potential hazards. Squirrels have even been known to chew on plastic pipes, causing leaks and water damage.

To prevent squirrels from chewing on your home, make sure to seal off any entry points they may be using to get into your attic. Gates Wildlife can offer preventative services to secure any common areas that squirrels tend to enter through which include roof vents, plumbing mats, roof/fascia gaps etc.

If you're dealing with a squirrel infestation, it's important to call a professional for assistance. Gates Wildlife can safely remove the squirrels and repair any damage they may have caused. Don't let these cute pests ruin your home – take action to prevent their chewing habits.

When it comes to pests in your attic, two of the most common culprits are squirrels and raccoons. Both of these animals can cause a significant amount of damage to your home, but which one is more destructive?

First, let's take a look at the damage caused by squirrels. These rodents have incredibly strong teeth that never stop growing, so they need to constantly chew on things to keep them at a manageable length. This means that anything made of wood, plastic, or rubber is at risk of being chewed on by a squirrel. In an attic, they may chew on the beams and rafters, electrical wires, and even plastic pipes.

Raccoons, on the other hand, are known for their ability to tear things apart with their sharp claws and strong hands. In an attic, they may rip open insulation to make a nest, or tear apart roofing materials to create an entry point. They can also cause damage to electrical wiring and pipes.

So, which one causes more damage? It's difficult to say for sure, as it ultimately depends on the specific situation and the extent of the damage. However, both squirrels and raccoons can cause significant damage to your attic and should be dealt with by a professional. It's important to take action to prevent them from making your attic their home.

When it comes to urban wildlife, there are a few common animals that you may encounter in your backyard or even in your home. Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, and bats are all commonly found in urban environments, but what do you need to know about their behavior and biology?

Raccoons are nocturnal animals that are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are omnivores, meaning they will eat almost anything, including plants, fruits, insects, and even small animals. In urban environments, raccoons often make their homes in attics, chimneys, and under decks. They may also take up residence in exhaust vents or crawl spaces.

Squirrels are active during the day and are known for their love of acorns and other nuts. They have sharp teeth that never stop growing, so they need to constantly chew on things to keep them at a manageable length. In urban environments, squirrels often make their homes in attics and chimneys, and they may also nest in trees or in the eaves of buildings.

Skunks are most active at night and are known for their ability to spray a strong-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. They are omnivores, but they primarily eat insects and plants. In urban environments, skunks often make their homes in dens or burrows, and they may also take up residence under decks or sheds.

Birds are active during the day and are known for their singing and chirping. They build nests in a variety of places, including trees, bushes, and buildings. In urban environments, birds may build nests in attics, chimneys, and even in exhaust vents.

Bats are nocturnal animals that are known for their ability to fly. They are important for controlling insect populations, but they can also be a nuisance if they make their home in your attic or chimney. In urban environments, bats often roost in attics, chimneys, and under the eaves of buildings.

Overall, it's important to be aware of the behavior and biology of these common urban animals, as well as their preferred habitats. If you suspect you have any of these animals in or around your home, it's best to contact a Gates Wildlife Control for assistance.

If you're a homeowner, you may be aware of the potential for wildlife to enter your home. These animals can cause damage and create health and safety hazards, so it's important to be aware of the most common entry points. Here are five places where wildlife may enter your home:

Roof vents: These vents are designed to allow air to flow into and out of your attic, but they can also provide an entry point for animals. Squirrels, raccoons, and birds are known to squeeze through these vents to get into your attic.

Soffits: The soffits of your home are the horizontal panels that run along the underside of your roof. These areas are often not well-sealed, providing an entry point for animals. Squirrels, raccoons, and birds are known to enter through the soffits.

Roof edge: The edge of your roof is the area above the eavestrough. This area can be vulnerable because of an existing gap providing an entry point for animals. Squirrels and raccoons are known to put their noses in and chew allowing them to squeeze through gaps at the roof edge.

Chimneys: Chimneys are a common entry point for animals, as they provide a vertical pathway into your home. Squirrels, raccoons, birds, and even bats are known to enter through chimneys.

Plumbing vents: The plumbing vents on your home are designed to allow air to flow through your plumbing system, but they can also provide an entry point for animals. Squirrels, raccoons, and birds are known to enter through the base of these vents, which are easily chewed on.

If you're concerned about wildlife entering your home, it's important to take action to seal off these potential entry points. A professional at Gates Wildlife can help identify and seal any gaps or openings that may be providing an easy way in for animals. Don't let wildlife make your home their own – take action to prevent their entry.

If you've ever had birds make a nest in your home, you may have noticed that they seem to have a particular fondness for certain areas. Bathroom, stove, and dryer exhaust vents are all common locations for bird nests. But why do birds love these areas?

One reason is that birds are cavity dwellers. This means they prefer to build their nests in enclosed spaces, such as holes in trees or cavities in buildings. Exhaust vents provide a perfect cavity for birds to nest in, as they are often not well-sealed and provide a protected space.

Another reason is that exhaust vents provide a convenient location for birds to build their nests. The vents provide easy access to the outside, allowing the birds to come and go as needed. They also provide a safe, protected space for the birds to raise their young.

In addition, exhaust vents often provide a good source of warmth and shelter for birds. The warm air from the bathroom, stove, or dryer can provide a comfortable environment for the birds, especially during the colder months.

Overall, it's important to be aware of the reasons why birds may be drawn to exhaust vents in your home. If you're dealing with a bird problem, it's best to contact a professional for assistance. We can safely remove the birds and their nest, and help prevent them from returning in the future.

How Does Rain and Snow Not Go Down a Chimney?

If you have a chimney in your home, you may be wondering how rain and snow don't just go down the chimney and into your home. After all, it's an open shaft that goes straight up through your roof – how does it stay dry?

The answer lies in the clay liner that is typically installed in chimneys. This liner is made of a special type of clay that is extremely absorbent. When rain or snow hits the liner, the clay absorbs the moisture and prevents it from entering the chimney.

The clay liner also helps prevent heat from escaping the chimney, which can save energy and reduce your heating costs. It also helps prevent the formation of creosote, which is a byproduct of burning wood that can be dangerous if it builds up in the chimney.

Overall, the clay liner in your chimney is an important component that helps keep your home dry and safe. If you're concerned about the condition of your chimney, it's best to contact a professional for an inspection. They can help ensure that your chimney is functioning properly and keep you and your home safe.

If you're hearing noises in your basement ceiling, you may be wondering what kind of animal is causing them. There are a few common culprits that may be responsible, including mice and red squirrels.

Mice are small rodents that are known for their speed and agility. They are nocturnal, so you may hear them scurrying around in your ceiling at night. Mice can enter your home through small gaps and holes, and they are known to make their way into basements through ground-level entry points.

Red squirrels are larger than mice and are known for their reddish-brown fur and bushy tails. They are active during the day and are commonly found in wooded areas. Like mice, red squirrels can enter your home through small gaps and holes, and they may enter your basement through ground-level entry points.

In addition to entering through ground-level entry points, both mice and red squirrels may also enter your living space through the unfinished ceiling in the furnace room. This area is often not well-sealed, providing an easy way for the animals to get into your home.

If you're dealing with noises in your basement ceiling, it's best to contact a professional for assistance. We can help identify the type of animal causing the problem and take steps to prevent them from entering your home in the future. Don't let mice and red squirrels make your home their own – take action to prevent their entry.

If you've ever had bats flying around inside your house in the winter, you may be wondering how they got there. Bats are typically associated with warm summer nights, so what are they doing in your home during the cold winter months?

The answer has to do with the way bats hibernate. During the winter, bats enter a state called torpor, which is similar to hibernation. In order to stay in this state, they need to maintain a body temperature around 5 degrees Celsius.

However, if it gets too warm or too cold in their hibernation spot, the bats may move around to try and maintain their body temperature. This can cause them to get too warm and completely come out of hibernation. When this happens, they may fly around in search of a new, more suitable hibernation spot.

In many homes, the unfinished ceiling in the furnace room is a common location for bats to enter the living space of the house. However, the bats may fly out and end up in other areas of the house, such as the primary bedroom.

Overall, it's important to be aware of the potential for bats to end up flying around inside your house in the winter. If you're dealing with a bat problem, it's best to contact Gates Wildlife Control for assistance. We can safely remove the bats and help prevent them from returning in the future.

How Does Gates Wildlife Control Keep Wildlife Babies Warm during the removal process?

When it comes to removing wildlife from your home, one important consideration is the well-being of any baby animals that may be present. In cold temperatures, it's crucial to keep baby animals warm until they can be reunited with their mother.

At Gates Wildlife Control, we have developed a specially engineered reunion box to ensure the babies can maintain their core temperature. The box has a heating pad in the false floor to keep the babies warm while they wait for their mother to return.

In addition, the box has a sliding door to keep the babies contained in one place. This makes it easy for the mother to locate her babies and take them to an alternate den site. The sliding door also ensures the babies are safe and protected from predators or other potential dangers.

Overall, the reunion box is an important tool that helps us keep baby wildlife safe and warm during the removal process. If you're dealing with a wildlife problem in your home, it's best to contact a professional for assistance. At Gates Wildlife Control, we take great care to ensure the well-being of all animals involved in the removal process.

Why Is Gates Wildlife Control the Humane Company of Choice for Wildlife Removal?

At Gates Wildlife Control, we take great pride in our ability to provide humane wildlife removal services. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals involved in the removal process.

One way we achieve this is through our strict follow-up procedures. We carefully monitor the removal process to ensure that it is proceeding according to plan, and we take steps to minimize the stress to the animals involved.

We also use one-way doors, which are the most humane method of wildlife removal. This method allows the animals to leave the area on their own, without the need for trapping or physical removal and not get back in.

In addition, we work closely with our customers to ensure a successful outcome. We understand that wildlife removal can be a stressful and challenging situation, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Overall, our dedication to humane wildlife removal sets us apart from other companies. At Gates Wildlife Control, we are committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals involved in the removal process.

In simple terms, a one-way door is a device that allows the animals to exit the attic on their own, but prevents them from re-entering. The door is installed in a strategic location, such as an access point, and it is designed to swing open in one direction only.

This allows the animals to leave the attic and once outside move to alternative den site in the neighbourhood. Once they have left, the door is remove and the entry hole is sealed, preventing them from re-entering through the entry hole. 

While one-way doors can be effective in the right hands, they can also be deadly for dependent babies that may be left behind in the attic. This is why it's important to carefully inspect the attic for babies, and to have strict follow-up procedures in place to ensure that the entire family is reunited on the outside.

At Gates Wildlife Control, we take great care to ensure that all babies are safely removed from the attic and reunited with their mother. We use one-way doors as part of our humane wildlife removal process, and we carefully monitor the removal to ensure that it is successful and that all animals are safely removed.

Overall, one-way doors can be a humane and effective method of removing wildlife from an attic. However, it's important to have a professional Gates Wildlife Control expert handle the removal to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals involved.

If you're wondering if you have mice in your attic, one thing to consider is whether or not you would be able to hear them. Mice are generally only heard when they go underneath the insulation and nest directly on the drywall ceiling.

The reason for this is that mice are habitual chewers. They need to constantly chew to keep their teeth short, and this can create a lot of noise. If the mice are nesting on the drywall ceiling, the noise of their chewing can be easily heard by homeowners.

Some homeowners may confuse the noise that mice make in the middle of the night with that of a larger animal. This is because the house is so quiet in the middle of the night, and the noise of the mice chewing can sound louder than it actually is.

However, when mice travel in the middle or on top of the insulation, they are not usually heard. This is because the insulation absorbs the sound of their movement, making it much harder to hear.

When mice move around in the attic, they leave trails that can be seen on top of the insulation. These trails are often visible as thin, winding lines in the insulation, which can be seen in the photo.

Overall, if you think you might have mice in your attic, it's important to listen for the sounds of chewing on the drywall ceiling. If you hear this type of noise, it's a good indication that you have mice in your attic. It's best to contact Gates Wildlife for professional assistance with removing the mice and preventing them from populating into a larger colony in the future.