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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
Bird Netting on Balconies
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you’ve noticed an abundance of birds flocking to your balcony, not only can it be an eyesore, but it can also be a safety hazard for occupants, visitors, and nearby pedestrians. Before the problem gets any worse, talk to the team at Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control. We will assess your particular situation and provide you with effective pest bird control and removal solution options that meet your needs.
Why should I install Bird Netting on my Balcony?
While there are a number of different bird prevention measures available such as spikes, screening, wire, and other methods, Bird Netting ranks as one of the best solutions. Bird netting is a cost-effective and animal-friendly pest control measure that helps to prevent toxic fecal droppings, structural damage, and aggressive behaviour from our fine-feathered friends.
Installing balcony bird netting in Mississauga and the surrounding areas can deter birds from creating nests and habitually flying around your property. Whether you are a condominium owner or a property manager, there are significant reasons to install bird netting. Here are just a few of them:
New Toronto Bylaw prohibits feeding Wildlife
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Starting April 1st, 2023 a new bylaw will come into effect in the city of Toronto. While feeding wildlife was never permitted, the city will be clamping down harder on residents or visitors still insisting to feed urban wildlife, whether in parks or on private property.
Currently, anyone convicted of the offence of feeding wildlife can be fined up to $365. Stiffer fines may be expected after the new bylaw take effect, although they have yet to be announced.
10 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Home
- Written by: Dan Frankian
It’s never a pleasant surprise to discover you have uninvited guests living in your house - especially when those guests happen to be wild animals like raccoons!
Raccoons may look cute, but they can cause some serious damage if left unchecked in or around your home. In addition, they could also be harmful to your health. Not only will raccoons attack if provoked and defend themselves, especially during mating and nesting season, but they can also be carriers of serious diseases.
If you’ve noticed these tell-tale signs of an unwelcome intruder, read on for 10 key indicators that you may have a raccoon living nearby!
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Visible Raccoon Tracks
If the property has mud or snow, check for visible raccoon tracks on the ground that may lead to a newly built den. These may be seen along a fence line, near a garage or house, at the bottom of trees, around garbage cans, or other areas of the property.
Look for asymmetrical tracks measuring two to three inches in diameter in the shape of a handprint. It will have five finger-like toes on the back and front feet with small claw markings in the ground.
Read more: 10 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Home
Keep Raccoons at Bay: Effective Ways to Raccoon-Proof Your Home
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Do you have a raccoon problem? If so, you are not alone—raccoons are notoriously clever and agile creatures who can quickly make their way into seemingly inaccessible areas of your home. Whether it’s the roof or a window that has been left open, they know how to get in.
But instead of resigning yourself to months of trying to remove them after they already got access, why not focus on preventing them from entering in the first place? In this blog post, we'll be going over some effective ways for you to raccoon-proof your home and keep those pesky critters out for good.
Read more: Keep Raccoons at Bay: Effective Ways to Raccoon-Proof Your Home
How to Safely Remove Pigeon Nests from Your Property in Mississauga
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Pigeon nests can be a nuisance for commercial and industrial businesses, disrupting operations, clogging gutters, or hindering productivity. In order to protect your property and ensure the safety of customers and employees, it is important that you safely remove any pigeon nests from your premises as soon as possible. But before you do, there are a few things you should know.
Read more: How to Safely Remove Pigeon Nests from Your Property in Mississauga
Birds of Prey: A Natural Way of Bird Control
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Did you know that falconry is an environmentally friendly, humane, and effective way to prevent pest birds from nesting and gathering on piers, warehouses, and other commercial, industrial, or residential buildings?
When it comes to effective bird control methods in Toronto, here is what you need to know about using birds of prey to deter birds from roosting on your property.
7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Removing a Raccoon Yourself
- Written by: Dan Frankian
With raccoon removal in Toronto, it is best to leave it to the professionals! Those cute, furry little “rascals” are interesting to watch but only from a safe distance. Raccoons that reside under patios, in garages, and near public areas are still considered wild animals and should be treated as such. They can quickly become accustomed to people and domestic pets but are by no means domesticated themselves.
If you notice raccoons on your property, your best option is to hire a professional wildlife trapping service to remove them safely and permanently from your home, business, and property. Don’t attempt to remove them yourself!
Below are seven reasons why you should hire a professional raccoon removal company.
Read more: 7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Removing a Raccoon Yourself
What Should You Do if There Is a Dead Raccoon in Your Attic?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you have a dead raccoon in your attic, there are a few things you can do to remove it. With the high numbers of raccoons in the city, knowing what to do if you suspect one or more have died in your attic can protect the safety and health of your family.
Since raccoons are often carriers of disease, it is important to take precautions when handling them. In most cases, the best way to remove a dead raccoon is to hire a professional wildlife removal company.
Read more: What Should You Do if There Is a Dead Raccoon in Your Attic?
8 Key Reasons to Hire a Professional Animal Trapping Service Provider
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If your home or property has unwanted wildlife visitors, consider contacting a local animal trapping service. Do not try to handle the situation yourself unless you are a trained wildlife expert with the knowledge and proper tools for the job!
Whether they crawl or fly, wild animals can be dangerous and lead to scary situations that can put you and your family in harm’s way. Below are some of the reasons you should consider contacting professional animal trappers.
Read more: 8 Key Reasons to Hire a Professional Animal Trapping Service Provider
Why Should I Hire a Licensed Trapper to Trap Raccoons?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Have you noticed raccoons nesting on your property? These masked bandits may be cute, but they cause a lot of property damage, make a lot of noise, and can be destructive and dangerous to household pets and children.
Your best option is to remove them from your property before the situation gets worse. That said, Ontario laws prohibit trapping and relocating raccoons in the province without a proper license. Chances are you do not have a license. For this reason alone, you should not attempt to trap a raccoon yourself. In addition, trapping can be a risky endeavour, and in many cases, serious injuries can occur.
Keep reading to learn why you need to hire a professional trapper for your sake and the sake of the animal.
Read more: Why Should I Hire a Licensed Trapper to Trap Raccoons?
Pigeon Poop Removal in Toronto
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Aside from the ugly mess pigeon poop makes on balconies, solar panels, sidewalks, cars, and buildings, the composition of the poop can cause serious health conditions in humans, domesticated animals, and other wildlife. Left on premises, and other objects, pigeon poop can damage and destroy paint, bricks, concrete, and your roof.
If you notice an excess amount of pigeon poop on your property, you may want to invest in a professional company to remove it.
What Are the Diseases Associated with Pigeon Poop?
Pigeon poop is considered one of the more hazardous substances naturally produced. While the bird itself usually does not transfer disease to humans, we are still susceptible to diseases found in pigeon poop.
In areas of the city where pigeons tend to roost, the large number of droppings can produce airborne disease we can easily inhale. Most illnesses associated with pigeon poop require little to no medical intervention, except for those with immunocompromised systems. Pneumonia and meningitis have been connected to pigeon poop exposure.
Direct and indirect exposure to the droppings can also cause several diseases. While it is rare for humans to fall fatally ill from these diseases, they can produce serious health effects.
Below are some common diseases linked to pigeon poop:
- Salmonellosis: Salmonellosis develops from salmonella bacteria, like what is found in food poisoning cases. Symptoms of severe cramping, fever, and diarrhoea usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of inhaling pigeon poop and can last up to seven days for mild cases.
- Psittacosis: Psittacosis is sometimes referred to as parrot fever. The bacteria responsible causes flu-like symptoms over a two-week period of development.
- Histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis is linked to a fungus found in pigeon droppings. Inhalation can trigger symptoms of fever, coughing, chest pain, sweats, nausea, and weakness in those diagnosed with respiratory conditions.
- Cryptococcosis: Cryptococcosis is another fungus related disease seen with inhalation exposure to pigeon poop. This disease can travel from the lungs to the brain, leading to meningitis.
What Attracts Raccoons to Your Yard?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
The masked faces and ringed tails of raccoons are familiar creatures— but what exactly draws raccoons to your yard? And more importantly, how can you prevent them from destroying your property?
What Do Raccoons Need?
Food
Raccoons aren’t known to be picky eaters— the opposite, in fact. They’ll feast on just about anything they can get their paws on. From ripe fruits and veggies to juicy insects and small mammals, they have a varied diet. And what really gets their attention? Your garbage. Your overflowing trash bin is like a buffet invitation for these critters, and could be the reason why they’re returning to your yard night after night.
Water
Additionally, just like us, raccoons need to stay hydrated. They'll happily slurp from ponds, bird baths, or even a leaky outdoor faucet. If you've got standing water in your yard, you've basically set up a raccoon watering hole, which might not be ideal if you’re trying to keep these critters away.
Shelter
When the sun goes down, raccoons are on the lookout for a cozy place to crash. They'll nestle into dens, hollow trees, or even seek refuge under decks or in sheds. Your attic might seem like a secluded hideout to them too, so don't be surprised if you hear some unexpected guests scurrying around up there.
In addition to shelter, raccoons are also frequently on the hunt for building materials. Leaves, twigs, grass, and sometimes even bits of man-made stuff like insulation or paper make for prime nesting materials.
That’s why it’s important to keep your yard tidy to avoid inadvertently providing raccoons with the perfect construction site.
But aside from what attracts raccoons to your yard, let’s explore a little more about their behaviors.
Where Do Raccoons Live?
In the wild, raccoons typically make themselves at home in wooded areas close to water sources, like forests, marshes, or streams. But they won’t hesitate to find shelter in your attics, crawl spaces, and even abandoned buildings. Sometimes, raccoons are simply passing through. Storm drains, culverts, or the space under your deck might serve as temporary shelters.
Ultimately, what attracts raccoons to your yard is all about convenience and easy access to the three things we mentioned: food, water, and shelter.
What Attracts Raccoons to Your Yard?
Trash Cans, Bird Feeders, or Compost Piles
Those unsecured bins filled with tasty leftovers are irresistible to raccoons, so tighten those lids, invest in raccoon-proof containers, and keep your garbage secure.
Spilled birdseed or easily accessible feeders are also like an open invitation for raccoons, so to keep them at bay, try hanging your feeders more strategically, using counter weights or baffles and other techniques to prevent larger wildlife from access and to deter these sneaky snackers.
And while it might seem like a good idea to recycle your kitchen scraps, raccoons see your compost piles as an all-you-can-eat buffet. To deter them, consider using enclosed compost bins or turning your pile regularly to make it less inviting.
Decks, Attics, or Sheds to Stay Warm
When the chilly nights roll around, raccoons will look for a cozy place to crash — that's where your deck, attic, or shed comes in. They can and will tear through insulation or even set up camp under your deck.
To keep them out, try sealing off potential entry points and remove any debris or clutter from these areas.
Bodies of Water (Ponds, Birdbaths, or Leaking Outdoor Faucets)
Ponds, birdbaths, or even leaking outdoor faucets can attract raccoons looking for a drink or a dip. To deter them, repair any leaks and consider using motion-activated deterrents or covering ponds with netting. As far as your birdbaths go, empty them in the evening and refill in the morning to prevent raccoons from turning them into their personal watering holes.
What Attracts Raccoons to Your Yard?
You've spotted them sneaking around your trash cans, perhaps even heard their playful chatter late into the night. Here’s how to get rid of raccoons in yard, and keep them out.
Secure Your Trash
Start by locking down those trash cans, and investing in heavy-duty, animal-proof trash cans with secure lids, and clean up any spilled garbage or food scraps around your trash cans. Another way to prevent raccoons from being in your yard is by putting out trash bins on the morning of collection rather than the night before to reduce the chances of attracting raccoons during their nightly scavenging adventures.
Remove Food Sources
While we’re talking about food sources, consider the other food sources that might be in your yard attracting raccoons, like an outdoor pet’s dinner bowl, food residue left behind from your grill, or even fruits and vegetables growing in your harden.
Bring your pet’s food inside or clean it up promptly, clean your grill as soon as you’re finished, try harvesting your produce promptly, and remove fallen fruits from the ground to eliminate potential food sources for raccoons.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights can startle and deter raccoons from entering your yard, especially when they're most active at night. Consider installing them near potential entry points to your yard, such as around trash cans, sheds, or along fence lines. You may also be able to adjust the sensitivity of the lights to ensure they're triggered by raccoon activity but not by other wildlife or passing cars. Note, that this will only work for so long. Raccoons are smart and will determine that there is no actual threat.
Install Sprinklers
While raccoons might come and try to drink your sitting water, motion-activated sprinklers can be a great way to alleviate raccoons from your yard.
Strategically place sprinklers to cover areas where raccoons are likely to enter or frequent, such as near trash cans or vegetable gardens. And don't forget to set them to operate during the times when raccoons are most active, typically during the night.
Install Fences
A tall, smooth-surfaced fence can be an effective physical barrier that raccoons will struggle to scale. But if you find the raccoon is digging, you might need to use wire mesh fences, specifically ones that are at least 12 inches underground along the fence line. This creates an additional obstacle and helps deter raccoons from digging underneath. If you find they’re trying to climb over your face, you might need overhangs or electric wire to put a stop to that.
Use Legal Repellents in Canada
You may be able to use some legal, natural repellents to sway the raccoon away. Just make sure it’s legal to use in Canada, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply it properly in your yard (ensuring you’re not putting pets, children, or other wildlife at risk.).
Call Hawkeye for Safe and Efficient Raccoon Removal
Tried figuring out how to get rid of raccoons in yard but still stumped?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, those raccoons still won’t budge— which is where the professionals come in. Hawkeye Animal Control offers professional wildlife removal services that get the job done safely and humanely. We can identify raccoon entry points, implement exclusion techniques, and safely remove raccoons from your yard.