If you suspect that raccoons are living in your attic, there are several signs that you can look for to confirm your suspicions. Raccoons are nocturnal animals and may be active at night, when they are more likely to make noise. Some of the noises that you may hear if raccoons are living in your attic include scratching, scurrying, or thumping.

In addition to making noise, raccoons may also cause damage to your roof or attic as they try to enter or exit the space. You may notice holes, torn shingles, or bent flashing on your roof or in your attic. Raccoons have sharp claws and may use them to tear or dig at your roof or attic in order to create a suitable den.

Another sign that raccoons may be living in your attic is a strong, musky odor. Raccoons have a distinctive, musky odor that may be noticeable if they are living in your attic. This odor may be stronger if there are several raccoons living in the space.

Droppings or feces are another sign that raccoons may be living in your attic. Raccoons will leave droppings and feces in their den, which may be visible if they are living in your attic. Raccoon droppings are typically dark, cylindrical, and about the size of a dog's feces.

Finally, if you see raccoons on or near your property often, it is possible that they are living in your attic. Raccoons are typically active at night, so you may see them rummaging through your trash or exploring your yard after dark. If you see raccoons on or near your property, it is a good idea to call Gates Wildlife Control to inspect your home for signs of their presence.

Overall, if you suspect that raccoons are living in your attic, there are several signs that you can look for to confirm your suspicions. These signs include strange noises, damage to your roof or attic, a strong odor, droppings or feces, and sightings of raccoons on or near your property. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take steps to remove the raccoons and prevent them from returning.

Wildlife problems can be frustrating and difficult to deal with, but there are steps you can take to prevent animals from entering your home or causing damage to your property. Here are some tips on how to prevent wildlife problems:

Seal up entry points

Wild animals can enter your home through small gaps or holes, so it is important to seal up any potential entry points. This could include sealing up holes in your foundation, repairing damaged screens or vents, and covering openings in your roof or eaves.

Remove food sources

Wild animals are attracted to food, so removing sources of food from your property can help to prevent them from coming around. This could include securing your trash cans, cleaning up fallen fruit from trees, and keeping pet food indoors.

Keep your property clean and tidy

Wild animals are more likely to live on properties that provide them with shelter and hiding places. Keeping your property clean and free of clutter can help to discourage them from making a home there.

Use wildlife-proof trash cans

Trash cans that are not properly secured can attract wild animals, so using wildlife-proof trash cans can help to prevent this. Wildlife-proof trash cans have tight-fitting lids and locking mechanisms that prevent animals from getting inside.

Hire a professional

If you have a wildlife problem that you cannot handle on your own, it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal company. Gates Wildlife has the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely and effectively remove the animal and prevent future issues.

By taking these preventive measures, you can help to reduce the likelihood of wildlife problems on your property. However, if you do encounter a wildlife issue, it is important to contact a professional for help.

Trying to remove a wild animal from your home or property can be tempting, but it is important to understand the risks and dangers of doing so. DIY wildlife removal can be dangerous for both you and the animal, and it can also make the problem worse. Here are some of the dangers of DIY wildlife removal:

1. Risk of injury - Wild animals can be unpredictable, and they can cause injury if they feel threatened or cornered. They may bite, scratch, or use their natural defense mechanisms, such as spraying or clawing, to protect themselves.
2. Damage to your property - Wild animals can cause damage to your home or property as they try to escape or defend themselves. They may chew through wires, tear up insulation, or damage other parts of your home.
3. Ineffective solutions - DIY methods for removing wild animals are often ineffective, and the animal may simply return or find another way into your home. This can lead to a repetitive cycle of trying to remove the animal, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
4. Legal issues - In many areas, it is illegal to relocate wildlife. If you are caught relocating wildlife, you could face fines or other legal consequences.
5. Risk of harm to the animal - Wild animals have a right to live and thrive in their natural habitats, and removing them without proper training or equipment can cause harm or stress to the animal. This can be inhumane and can cause unnecessary suffering.

In summary, DIY wildlife removal is not recommended, and it is best to contact Gates Wildlife Control to handle the issue. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely and effectively remove the animal and prevent future problems.

The meaning behind the name “Raccoon”

The scientific name for raccoons is Procyon lotor which is neo-Latin for ‘before-dog washer’. In 1780, scientist Gottlieb Congrad created a separate genus for the species Procyon which translates to dog-like, however raccoons and dogs are not related while raccoons surprisingly remain a close relative of the bear family. In addition to the latin name, the English word raccoon was derived from the Proto-Algonquian language and means “one who rubs, scrubs, and scratches with its hands”, which accurately describes this species.

When do raccoons breed?

Male raccoons will attempt to mate with multiple partners each season whereas the female will mate with only one male, avoiding all others afterwards. Mating occurs during the winter months but can continue until June. This prolonged mating season makes it essential for wildlife technicians to detect if there are any babies present during the initial assessment.

Offspring are born about 9 weeks after mating. It is not uncommon for mothers to make a last minute den to give birth in which is why urban structures are so attractive.

Female raccoons produce litters between 1 and 7 offspring (typically 3 or 4).

Marvelous Mustaches

Lots of mammals use body hair for motion detection. Cats use their whiskers to identify objects in darkness, but these sensitive hairs can even detect changing air currents in a room. Useful if an obnoxious, cat-bothering child is silently on the prowl.

Underwater, this ability can be even more helpful. Whiskers, known as vibrissae, are present in animals as diverse as hippos, river dolphins, and sea otters.

Seals, the best-studied of these groups, have the largest “mystacial vibrissae” of any mammals. These luxurious mustaches grow to at least 41 cm in length and are vital to their hunting in low visibility.

Each whisker on a seal contains around 1000–1600 nerve fibers. That’s about ten times more than found in rats or cats. The vibrissae are extraordinarily sensitive. Seals can discriminate between objects of slightly differing sizes as well as monkeys can with their hands.

All information from naturetripper.com

GATES UPDATE: We are on day 28 of November and have raised $800! Keep up the good work team! Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.

One Reason To Solve Your Wildlife Intrusion Quickly

Pictured is a roof vent that is missing the cap. This piece was pulled off by a raccoon, leaving a large hole in the middle of the roof. Through the entry holes in the roof, rain and snow will enter. As you can see, snow is falling right into the attic.

It is important to have your roof checked if you suspect a wildlife entry especially before winter!

One Reason To Solve Your Wildlife Intrusion Quickly

Pictured is a roof vent that is missing the cap. This piece was pulled off by a raccoon, leaving a large hole in the middle of the roof. Through the entry holes in the roof, rain and snow will enter. As you can see, snow is falling right into the attic.

It is important to have your roof checked if you suspect a wildlife entry especially before winter!

Preparing for Winter

Squirrel nests that can see assembled in the forks of trees are called dreys. These nests are usually built of twigs, dry leaves and grass. You can typically see them if you look about 20 feet or higher in the trees.

Squirrels build nests to survive winter, survey their territory and care for their young in the Spring. Most squirrels will build several dreys in their territory, which will be close to their food supplies. Tree nests help squirrels survive winter by insulating them from cold winds.

Help ban the use of mouse and rat poison in Toronto!

Please take a moment to sign the attached petition.

British Columbia has banned the use of rat poison and Toronto could be next, with your help!

On October 28th 2022, the province of British Columbia decided to make the ban of use of rat poison permanent.

CBC News released an article on October 28th outlining the timeline of how this came into affect. 

“Last July, the government imposed an 18-month ban on the use of rodenticides over concerns the poison is inadvertently killing owls, among other wildlife.

The permanent regulatory changes announced Friday (October 28th 2022) will ban the widespread sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), which the province says risk the secondary poisoning of animals who consume poisoned rodents.

The province spent the last 15 months conducting a review of SGARS and their impact by speaking with technical experts and holding a public consultation which received almost 1,600 responses. It outlined proposed regulatory amendments in an intentions paper.

The permanent ban will come into effect on Jan. 21, 2023 to align with the end of the temporary ban.”

The BCSPCA states, “This is a big step forward for animal welfare – protecting wildlife from exposure to the most dangerous rodenticides, while promoting more effective and humane methods of pest control.”

Why is this important?

Rat poison has been widely criticized for how it moves through the food chain after it's ingested by a rat. Trace amounts are found in local wildlife and can be harmful to predators like owls.

To read more from the BCSPCA please click the following link: https://spca.bc.ca/news/province-seeking-feedback-on-the-future-of-rodenticides-in-b-c/

SIGN THE PETITION: https://www.change.org/p/ban-cruel-rat-poison-in-toronto?fbclid=IwAR08rwWEZvPl4Q2Nu9YJ3dqZmV9yMN0BF5j0WoRaSeuOPT6dwwQKtnJSO4g

Wild Animals with Mustaches | Movember Edition

This week we bring you the Mandrill, supporting Movember with his moustache!

Mandrills are the largest and most colorful of the Old World monkeys. They are related to baboons and even more so to drills. Their furry head crest, mane, and beard are quite impressive. But what grabs your attention is their bright coloration. They have thick ridges along the nose that are purple and blue, red lips and nose, and a golden beard.

An adult male mandrill that has the brightest and most distinctive colors on his face seems to be most attractive to females. But that's not all—those bright colors show up again on the mandrill’s rear end! Why? Well, those colors impress the ladies. And, they help mandrills to follow each other in thick forests. Adult females have duller colors and longer muzzles. They are also much smaller, about half the size of the adult males.

Mandrills live in the rainforests of equatorial Africa. They have long arms and can travel long distances on the ground. They do climb trees, though, and even sleep there, selecting a different tree each evening.

Mandrills live in small social units, but often join up with other small groups to form larger ones called hordes. One of the largest groups documented numbered over 1,200 mandrills! 

All information found from animals.sandiegozoo.org

GATES UPDATE: We are on day 9 of November and have raised $335 so far! Keep up the good work team! Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. 

Our Movember Page: https://moteam.co/gates-wildlife-control?mc=1

Gates Wildlife technicians are growing mustaches this month and fundraising for @movember 
During the month of November, Gates Wildlife will be donating $5.00 for every review that is posted about our company.

To help us reach our goal, we would appreciate receiving a review from anyone who has used our services over the years.

Reviews can be written on our Google account or HomeStars account.

https://homestars.com/.../193063-aaa-gates-wildlife-control

Robins are a protected migrating species. Do Not Disturb!

It is typically illegal to disturb a bird’s nest with eggs or chicks inside. The best solution is to wait a few weeks until the babies grow up. If there is a nest in an area that causes problems (above a building entrance, in a vent) you may need a permit from Environment Canada to move the nest legally.

Migratory birds, their nests or eggs can be harmed as a result of many activities. 

Activities that do not primarily target a bird, but which may cause harm, include:

• clearing trees or other vegetation
• draining or flooding land
• using fishing gear

Causing harm to migratory birds can have long-term negative effects on bird populations. This is especially true if there are many incidents that harm birds.

Our Canadian Government works with the public and industries to help:

• reduce the risk of harm to migratory birds
• ensure the laws and regulations are followed
• maintain healthy populations of birds

To achieve a long term solution it is critical to keep them out after you get them out. Animal proofing is key. Stove, Bathroom and Dryer Exhaust Vents provide a ventilation channel to remove moisture, heat, odours and smoke from inside the house.

Birds and squirrels will build their nests inside the metal vent often preventing it from exhausting the inside air. The only 100% protection against squirrels and birds from entering these vents is to fasten our galvanized screen vent box over the existing vent cover.