By far, the majority of the public believes that trapping and relocating wildlife is a good solution to a problem they are having with “nuisance wildlife."

The public thinks that if the offending animal is trapped and relocated and the number of animals in the neighbourhood is ultimately reduced, then the problem will go away. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

The vacancy created by moving an animal out of the neighbourhood offers an opportunity for other animals in the vicinity to move in to take advantage of the existing food and shelter. Since no overall reduction in the number of animals will be achieved in the long run, trapping and relocation is nothing but an exercise in futility and a waste of money.

Nevertheless, start-up operators are capitalizing on the public’s belief that trapping and relocating is the answer, causing a huge comeback of this once rarely used practice.

Why then do we outright ignore the sound arguments of the past that labelled trapping and relocation as inhumane, not scientifically sound nor a long-term solution?

• Trapping creates orphans by taking a mother animal away from her dependent offspring.

 

• Wildlife will do anything to escape the confinement of the trap, often causing serious self-injury and sometimes death.

 

• Relocating wildlife away from their known food sources and shelter causes stress and starvation.

 

• Studies have shown that trapped animals can die of stress related causes even days after being released.

 

• Dumping wildlife into the territory of another animal can end up in vicious territorial fights over food and shelter.

 

• Transferring a sick animal into a population of healthy animals spreads infectious diseases.

 

• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and inconsistent monitoring of the traps while confined can kill the animal.

Please speak-out against the inhumane use of traps as a means of wildlife control!

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.

Wildlife removal companies are not government licenced. Without any form of regulation governing the needed requirements to start a wildlife control business, homeowners are being exposed to fear mongering, incompetent advice, poor workmanship, health & safety issues and inhumane treatment of wildlife.The following guide has been prepared by Gates’ Wildlife Control to assist the homeowner in choosing an ethical and humane wildlife control company.  

Request a Referral

• Contact your local animal welfare (Humane Society, OSPCA etc.) or animal care and control agency to obtain a referral for a humane wildlife removal company. These organizations should also be able to give information on the few legal stipulations governing wildlife removal in Ontario.

Knowledge of Wildlife

• Ask the wildlife removal operator to describe the lifecycle of the animal causing the problem. An experienced operator will have an in-depth knowledge of the intruding animal’s biology and behavior at that particular time of year.

Years in Business 

• Make sure the company has been in business for more than five years. This inquiry is not to be confused with how many years in the Pest control business, since controlling insects is very different from controlling wildlife.

Insurance Coverage

• Be very sure that the company has at least a two million dollar business liability insurance policy and the employees are covered by the Workers Safety Insurance Board. Verifying this will protect you from any personal liability claim.

Company Size

• Only companies with sufficient staff and resources will be able to safeguard the lives of animals and meet customer expectations. Humane wildlife control is labour intensive as it requires frequent follow-ups of the work in progress. Small sized operations often take on too much new work in the spring, finding it difficult to effectively follow-up on their work in progress.

Awareness of Wildlife Birthing Seasons

• Verify if the company is aware of the fact that dependent offspring could be present the period from March to October. Raccoons give birth once a year (March to May)  and spend nine months training their young to survive on their own. Squirrels give birth twice a year (March/April and August/September) and spend three months with their young.

Don’t Hire Trapping Companies

• Contrary to popular belief cage traps are not necessarily more humane than kill traps. Wildlife can sustain serious self-injury as they attempt to escape the confines of the trap. Trapping companies often relocate wildlife outside the Ministry of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act Regulations. Also, trapping and relocation of adult animals (especially during the spring and summer) will in many instances separate mothers from babies, and will result in the death of dependent offspring.

Inspection of Attic

• Verify that the company intends to investigate the attic. A systematic attic inspection is vital to determine the intruding species, the presence of offspring and to explain to the customer the extent of the damage caused by the wildlife. 

Passive Removal Techniques

• More companies are using one-way-doors to permit the free exiting of the resident wildlife from the building while preventing re-entry. While this method appears to be a simple and effective means of solving wildlife intrusions, it can prove to be as inhumane as trapping and relocation. Inquire as to the design of the device (non-spiked), that a search for offspring will be undertaken and that the entire process will be frequently monitored. Failing to do so may result in the inhumane treatment of the animals.

On-site Release Methods

• Leaving animals on-site in their familiar territory allows uninterrupted access to known food and secondary shelter resources. This also allows for close monitoring of the adult female, especially during the birthing season, as her distraught behavior will indicate if babies have been overlooked during the removal process. If offspring are present, they should be placed in a weather protected, heated release box, allowing the mother to return and relocate her young to a predetermined alternative den site.

On-site Estimate

• Will the company arrive on location and provide a no charge written estimate, outlining the work required to solve the problem. Furthermore, does the company discuss the option to animal proof other potential wildlife entry areas.

Provide Guarantee

• Will the operator outline in writing the specifics of the guarantee. Usually a one year guarantee on the serviced area will suffice. Guarantees are only as good as the companies that offer them. If they go out of business, the guarantee means nothing.

First Impression of Company

• Professional wildlife operators will invest in staff training, equipment and well marked service vehicles. An established company will promote its public image through uniformed staff, brochures, business cards and invoices with the name of company, business address and phone number. 

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.

Many people enjoy feeding wildlife and do so with the best intentions. It brings wildlife near their homes for close viewing and they believe that by feeding the animals they are helping them survive. While seeing wildlife up close is enjoyable, providing them with food almost always leads to problems for the animals and humans alike. 

Why not feed wildlife?

1. Wildlife when fed by humans commonly lose their fear of people. Feeding that is meant for wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels and birds will often attract undesirable species. In fact, most coyote attacks on domestic pets occurred in areas where humans had established “feeding stations” for other species. The coyotes migrated into the immediate areas to live off the available food and began to lose their fear of humans.  Roaming in our communities with confidence, the coyotes learned that our pets are an easy food source. If not for the attraction of food, coyotes would have no reason to live in our communities.
2. Conflicts between humans and wildlife will increase. Larger numbers of animals will move into the immediate area where food is made available. Wanting to stay in close proximity to food they look to establish den sites nearby. Furthermore, the resident animals will give birth to more young, boosting animal populations in the vicinity. With the increase in numbers more damage to buildings stemming from wildlife intrusions are to be expected. Although not the intended recipient, mice and rats will benefit from the fallen seed of bird feeders and from there, find ways to move into the nearby homes.  
3. Wild animals become dependent on human-provided food sources. Young wild animals are not taught foraging skills by their mothers when fed by humans. If the supplied food source disappears their limited ability to find natural food will reduce their chance of survival. 
4. Wildlife diseases are readily transmitted at feeding stations. By bringing large groups of animals together to feed, diseases can be spread more readily and can reach epidemic proportions wiping out large numbers of animals. Since certain wildlife diseases such as raccoon roundworm are transferable to humans attracting defecating raccoons close to your home can result in serious health consequences. 

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry. 

As outside temperatures continue to drop, wildlife are seeking shelter from the cold winter weather. Among their favourite den sites are attics and chimneys. 

Wildlife living in attics are inclined to chew on electrical wires, posing the possibility of an attic fire. An even greater danger exists when the squirrels’ nesting material blocks the exhaust of a gas chimney causing odourless carbon monoxide fumes to back up inside the house. 

Recently, a technician of our company was called to two separate homes to investigate squirrels nesting in gas furnace chimneys. What he discovered could have developed into a very dangerous, if not lethal situation. In one case the squirrel had squeezed past an ill-fitted top plate and built a nest between the gas liner and the brick of the chimney. Gas furnace chimney liners, when improperly installed, can allow animals easy access to move inside. 

Once inside, squirrels will eventually chew open the flexible liner and then begin to fill it with nesting material. Once the liner is compromised the safe exhaust of carbon monoxide gas to the outside is no longer possible. Unable to find its way out of the top of the chimney, carbon monoxide gas begins to penetrate the house, causing the occupants to unknowingly slip into unconsciousness. If they are not rescued in time they will unfortunately die. This exact situation occurred in Toronto years ago. Over the course of two days it left two people dead and two more clinging to life. 

The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is always looming, therefore preventative steps should be taken to eliminate the risk. 

• Have all gas chimneys inspected, paying close attention to the top plates to en- sure they are firmly affixed to prevent animals from climbing in 
• Have all gas appliances inspected and cleaned to ensure safe functioning 
• Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home 
• Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions as to replacing the detec- tors and batteries 
• If there is suspicion of an animal living in a chimney, immediately call the gas company to investigate the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak. Furthermore, a reputable wildlife removal company should be hired to remove the animals and the nesting material 

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry. 

Throughout the winter months, wildlife are looking to get out of the wet, cold outside and into the dry, warm attics of our homes. Unfortunately, in their pursuit of warmer quarters, they are interfering with our way of life by causing structural damage, health concerns, noises, odours and anxiety.

Opportunistic by nature, they seek out structural weaknesses that exist on almost every roof. Whether they choose to chew or claw through roof vents, plumbing mats, soffits or shingles the aftermath is often a gaping hole in the roof, allowing water to seep into the attic and walls. It is therefore critical to treat the wildlife intrusion as an emergency because animals and water wreak havoc in a very short time. Any undue delay in remedying a leaky roof will definitely lead to deterioration of roof boards, insulation, drywall and promote the growth of harmful molds.  

Wildlife, once inside the roof, can also cause significant damage to the attic insulation, reducing its “R rating”. Raccoons and squirrels will travel about the attic, thus packing down and moving the insulation. Raccoons will clear large areas of attic insulation away from the attic floor where they intend to lay down. Squirrels will use the insulation for nesting material thereby reducing it in some areas and increasing it in others. Both raccoons and squirrels will also wet the insulation by defecating and urinating on it.

Wildlife activity exposes the electrical wiring that was previously hidden beneath the insulation. Because of the gnawing habits of animals, particularly rodents, chewed electrical wires will cause power interruptions and even house fires.  

From a cost-savings perspective, it is advisable for homeowner to animal-proof all potential entry points. Preventing wildlife damage to both the outside and inside of the roof before it occurs will definitely minimize the need for wildlife removal and roof repair costs.

A Homeowners Checklist for Preventing Wildlife Intrusions:

• Make food waste inaccessible. 
• Refrain from feeding wildlife. 
• Cut back trees and vines that provide roof access.
• Inspect roofs often and repair weather or animal related damage. 
• Install wildlife-proofing screening on porches, decks, sheds, exhaust vents, roof vents, plumbing mats and chimneys.
• Hire a professional humane wildlife removal company to humanely solve existing wildlife intrusions and to implement wildlife-proofing measures. 

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.

A mother skunk will establish multiple dens and choose a favourite one to make a grass and leaf-based nest, ready for her young. They typically give birth to a litter of 5 to 7 pups in April or May. 

It is always a good idea to inspect the perimeter of any structure on your property that lacks a solid foundation. It is pretty obvious when a skunk has decided to make a home under a given structure as the excavated dirt will be piled up on the outside of the hole. 

In most cases once the baby skunks are born, it can be very difficult to access them, which results in a 4-6 week waiting period for the babies to grow up and exit the den with mom. It is usually around 8 weeks of age that the baby skunks would be capable of following their mother outside.

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry. 

In 2018 we saw baby raccoons as early as February 21st.

Based on the mild weather we have experienced recently, we expect that both raccoons and squirrels will begin mating. 

In an urban environment it is easy to predict when some of our wild neighbours will begin their mating rituals. When the weather turns mild after a cold spell in December and January both squirrels and raccoons take this as a sign that warmer spring temperatures are on the way.

This does not mean that all animals are mating now. Most will wait until the January thaw. Mating can occur anytime over the next 2 or 3 months. Mother squirrels are pregnant for approximately 44 days and mother raccoons for about 62 days.

It is less expensive to remove wildlife before the babies are born. Call now to receive your no obligation, free estimate!

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.

For most homeowners, having to share their home with wild animals can be quite concerning. They lay in bed at night listening to this strange activity in the attic and they begin to have erratic thoughts of gapping holes in the roof, chewed wires, damaged insulation and even thoughts about their families safety should the animal fall through the drywall. Some homeowners envision less critical outcomes and later describe the noises as if the animals were bowling or moving furniture.

Personally I prefer that my customers think of the animals rolling a ball down a bowling alley rather than worrying unnecessarily about a rabid raccoon falling onto their bed. Though some wildlife removal companies may try to convince you that the latter is a real possibility in order to get the job. The fact of the matter is, the degree of damage caused by wildlife is directly proportionate to how long the animal is allowed to occupy your home and whether there is just one individual or a family living up there.

Wildlife problems should definitely be dealt with quickly after being first discovered. Many of my customers are wishful thinkers, they hope the animals will dislike living in their humble abode and will move out to live in their neighbours more luxurious quarters. For a wild animal any attic will do the job. The problem with waiting is that the animals will do significant damage if left to their own devices. Over time, as they travel in the attic they displace and pack down the insulation, costing the homeowner more in heating and cooling bills. Not to mention the cost involved to install new installation. Once disturbed the electrical wires that were once buried underneath the insulation are now visible and accessible. All wildlife like to chew and they do not discern between gnawing on a two by four roof truss or an electrical wire. Squirrels can cause considerable damage as they are rodents and continuously need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth to a manageable length.

The bottom line is if you have just discovered you have critters in your attic, don’t panic. While prolonged wildlife activity will cause damage, significant damage will not occur over night. Provided you call us within a week of the first sign of an animal problem there should not be a need to replace the insulation or have an electrician fix any chewed wires.

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry. 

It is quite common for homeowners to misdiagnose the noises that they hear inside their home. Over the years we have been called out by customers that were quite sure they had a specific wildlife problem, only to have us discover that it was not an animal at all that was causing the concern. 

One customer was sure they had an extremely large bird living in their attic, they were surprised to learn that the chirping bird was in fact the intermittent beeps from a smoke alarm with a low battery. This has left more than just a few homeowners quite embarrassed. Callers have also envisioned animals chasing one another back and forth in the attic but upon our close inspection the relief to their “wildlife problem” was provided by simply trimming a tree branch that was scrapping against the house on windy nights.

Usually when an actual wildlife problem exists, the nature of sounds emanating from the attic are usually easily distinguishable from animal to animal. The different patterns of noises that are exhibited by wild animals can offer clues as to what species is calling your home “their” home.

For example, when you watch a raccoon move about on the street or in your backyard it is fairly slow moving as it waddles from point A to point B. On the other hand, when you see a squirrel traverse the tree tops or travel on the ground, its movement are quick and erratic. Almost as if it had consumed an entire can of coffee beans.

Therefore, if the sounds from the animal moving above your ceiling are slow and methodical you probably have a raccoon that has made a hole in your roof. If the noise is in one corner of the room one second and then on the other side of the room the next, you more than likely have a squirrel that is not paying rent. 

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry. 

When someone thinks of animal proofing, capping the chimney comes to mind and not much else. Yet the reality is much different. To thoroughly understand what must be done to keep the animals out, one must first of all think like a wild animal, which requires years of experience.

Gates Wildlife Control, with over 35 years in the wildlife business, has witnessed countless and continuous efforts of animals wanting to gain entry into structures. Our extensive experience enables us to explore the exterior of a building like an animal would, ultimately identifying penetrable weaknesses.
Raccoons and squirrels prefer to den at lofty heights, which first requires getting onto the roof. Trimming back climbing vines and overhanging tree branches back from the roof edge will deter them from climbing onto the roof. While trimming is a good frontline defence, opportunistic wildlife may still find ways and means to end up on the roof.

The need to manage water caused by snow and rain, to control the adverse affects on the roof structure, is often overlooked. Failing to replace aging roof shingles and not cleaning eavestroughs causes wood to rot because of water damage. In turn, rotting wood offers little resistance against the chewing and clawing of a animal seeking a den site.

Building components such as roof vents  plumbing pipes/mats, overlapping roof sections and bathroom/stove exhaust vents are also targeted by persistent wildlife. By design, these building components are not manufactured to resist being tampered by intruding animals. Consequently, they are in need of being reinforced and securely fastened with heavy galvanized screen mesh.

Implementing animal-proofing measures before a wildlife intrusion occurs will ultimately save on wildlife removal costs, roof repairs, insulation replacement and rewiring. The cost savings will be significant indeed.

With baby season approaching, wildlife are looking to find warm, dry attics to give birth and raise their young. Unfortunately, in their pursuit of warmer quarters, they are interfering with our way of life by causing structural damage, health concerns, noises, odours and anxiety.

Opportunistic by nature, they seek out structural weaknesses that exist on almost every roof. Whether they choose to chew or claw through roof vents, plumbing mats, soffits or shingles the aftermath is often a gaping hole in the roof, allowing water to seep into the attic and walls. It is therefore critical to treat the wildlife intrusion as an emergency because animals and water wreak havoc in a very short time. Any undue delay in remedying a leaky roof will definitely lead to deterioration of roof boards, insulation, drywall and promote the growth of harmful molds.

Wildlife, once inside the roof, can also cause significant damage to the attic insulation, reducing its rating. Raccoons and squirrels will travel about the attic, thus packing down and moving the insulation. Raccoons will clear large areas of attic insulation away from the attic floor where they intend to lay down. Squirrels will use the insulation for nesting material thereby reducing it in some areas and increasing it in others. Both raccoons and squirrels will also wet the insulation by defecating and urinating on it. Wildlife activity exposes the electrical wiring that was previously hidden beneath the insulation. Because of the gnawing habits of animals, particularly rodents, chewed electrical wires will cause power interruptions and even house fires.

From a cost-savings perspective, it is advisable for a homeowner to animal-proof all potential entry points. Preventing wildlife damage to both the outside and inside of the roof before it occurs will definitely minimize the need for wildlife removal and roof repair costs.

A Homeowners Checklist for Preventing Wildlife Intrusions:

• Make food waste inaccessible.
• Refrain from feeding wildlife.
• Cut back trees and vines that provide roof access.
• Inspect roofs often and repair weather or animal related damage.
• Install wildlife-proofing screening on porches, decks, sheds, exhaust vents, roof vents, plumbing mats and chimneys.
• Hire a professional humane wildlife removal company to humanely solve existing wildlife intrusions and to implement wildlife-proofing measures.

Raccoon Roundworm
(Baylisacaris Procyonis)

Whether we like it or not raccoons are abundant in our urban environment. In their search for food and shelter it is not uncommon to have them in our backyards, on our decks and in our homes. As raccoons travel within our community they tend to deposit their feces in localized areas called latrines. These latrines are usually located on elevated surfaces such as roof tops, attics and decks but can also be found at ground level. Approximately 95% of raccoon feces contain the eggs of a parasite called Raccoon Roundworm, known as Baylisacaris Procyonis scientifically. The adult roundworm lives in the intestine of the raccoon and sheds millions of eggs that end up in the raccoons feces. Unfortunately, egg infested feces pose a serious health hazard to humans. Young children are at highest risk since they have a tendency of putting things in their mouths. However, older children and adults can also be at risk when working or playing outdoors. CHARACTERISTICS OF RACCOON ROUNDWORM Raccoon roundworm is a parasite that lives in the intestines of approximately 95% of all raccoons.

• Infected raccoons shed millions of eggs in their fecesNewly deposited eggs take a month to become infective
• Eggs live in the environment for many years
• Eggs are sticky and are extremely difficult to kill
• Infection is spread when eggs are accidentally ingested by a person or an animal
• Once ingested, eggs hatch into larvae
• Symptoms depend on how many eggs are ingested
• Accidently ingesting eggs may lead to very serious health consequences
• No effective cure is available
• This roundworm can also live in the intestines of dogs

REDUCING THE RISK The first line of defence in reducing exposure to this disease is to remove any food or secure any shelter that may exist on your property.

• Ensure that raccoons are removed and/or prevented from living in attics, chimneys, garages, decks, sheds etc
• Garbage should be kept in a secure location and placed at the curb the morning of pickup
• Inspect rooftops, decks, wood piles etc. for latrines
• NEVER clean up raccoon feces without taking precautions, use gloves, face masks and tools that are disposable
• Feces should be burned, buried or sent to landfill
• Washing the contaminated area with soap will remove the sticky outer coating of the egg, preventing it from attaching to other surfaces
• Deodorizing the infected area may alter the raccoon’s habit depositing feces at that location.
• Thorough hand washing will prevent possible contamination

For further information please contact Gates Wildlife Control at 416.750.9453 or toll free at 1.877.750.9453.

A Community Organized Wildlife Management Approach

Coyotes are becoming more frequent visitors to our neighbourhoods, whereas in the past they preferred rural environments. They have migrated into our cities to live off human provided food sources and over time have learned to be less fearful of people.

To reverse this trend and force the coyote to retreat to its more natural habitat, removing all potential food sources is the number one priority. Most coyote sightings occur during winter months as these relatively shy animals can roam within residential areas without being confronted by people. This is why most coyote reports and conflicts occur from December through March. Once the milder spring weather settles in and we spend more time outside, most coyotes will then return to forested areas to avoid human contact.

However, if the draw to food is irresistible, it could become an unwanted year-round neighbour. There is public concern that coyotes may approach young children or pets. While it is unlikely that a coyote would be attracted to children, caution should be exercised just the same.

As to pets, the coyote could view cats and small dogs as a food source. Large dogs may be seen as competition for food and the coyote may advance aggressively towards them. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pet while it is outside.

Listed below are some proactive steps that can be easily implemented:

• Do not feed wild animals
• Do not feed pets outside
• Remove bird feeders since coyotes are attracted to bird seed, birds, squirrels etc.
• Use green bins for food waste instead of odour producing backyard composters
• Keep all household garbage inaccessible
• Place garbage at the curb in the morning of pickup
• Do not leave small children unattended outside
• Do not allow pets to run freely, keep them on a leash
• Keep cats and smaller dogs inside or within sight
• Remove brush and dense weeds around property as coyotes may use it for protective cover

If you see a coyote, wave your arms aggressively, make loud noises and throw objects towards it. If the coyote does not retreat, back up slowly, do not turn your back and attempt to run away. If every member of the community is committed to follow these steps then a noticeable reduction in conflicts from all wildlife species will result.

 

January has arrived and with it the January thaw. Later this week, outside temperatures will be approaching the plus 8 degree Celsius mark. These warmer temperatures will trigger the age old ritual of mating within our urban wildlife. Although the ritual differs from species to species, the consequences for the homeowner are similar. The sounds emanating from the attic are thumping, screaming, growling and barking, often described as if a murder is being committed within the attic. The persistent pursuits by the male, is initially met with outright rejection. The female, fighting tooth and claw, causes the male to retreat time and time again. Bleeding from bites to the face, neck and ears the male is relentless. This fierce exchange is nature's way of making the female agreeable.

With respect to skunks, this process plays out at ground level usually under porches, decks and sheds. The female skunk is not opposed to utilizing her powerful defence mechanism to thwart her suitor. This obnoxious odor will find its way into the house by permeating the outside walls and windows.

In a little less than two months the birthing process will begin. One by one the babies emerge in their embryonic sack. By the end of this process one to seven new baby animals have been born. For these newcomers it is a dark and silent environment as they are born blind, deaf and hairless and will remain so for approximately three weeks.

It is the experience of Gates Wildlife Control that many homeowners delay the eviction of wildlife living in their home until early spring when the animals have already given birth. However, it is less difficult and therefore less costly to remove just the adult wildlife at this time of the year instead of having to locate and remove a protective mother and her 1-7 babies later on.

For more information call Gates Wildlife Control at 416.750.9453 or toll free at 1.877.750.9453