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Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 19 March 2025

The gulls (or seagulls) are back! Well, to be fair, they never left. They just all of a sudden seem to be noticeably more vocal than a month ago :) It seems as if as soon as the ice even partially leaves our lakes, the seagulls are there and loud and obnoxious as ever. 

Gulls enjoy a number of Federal and Provincial protections, so permits are required for all bird control activities involving seagulls. Hopefully, you have your permits in place, because once the gulls are nesting and have laid eggs, you're out of luck and will have to wait until the fledglings have left the nest. It's March now and nesting season is just around the corner. 

Gull Nesting

Seagull nesting season typically begins in late March/early April but can last into the month of May with mating and nest building. Both prospective parents partake in the construction of the nest, using materials available in the area they are in. Since there are so many different species of gulls and all of them are quite adaptable, their nesting locations vary from steep cliffs to flat roofs or an indentation in the ground. The female is usually in charge of the nest interior (she's the interior decorator) by sculpting it into a bowl like shape with her body. This will serve to hold and protect her eggs and chicks.

Gull Mating Behaviour

Gulls usually mate for life - and they can reach the age of 30 or more. The male often returns to the colony where he was hatched to find his mate, while a young female typically travels to visit a new colony in the search for her lifetime partner. Together, they will find and set up the perfect forever home, which may well be on your roof!

Gull Breeding

Once the nest is built and the weather is tolerable, the female will lay up to three eggs which her and dad-to-be will take turns sitting on for about 28 days. Now, interestingly, should those two lovebirds not be able to successfully produce healthy offspring, they will split up. Just like that, no lawyers needed. They will both go off and find themselves a new mate. And try again.

Nesting Communities

Gulls are social creatures and have a collective intelligence. They frequently live in nesting communities, where they'll time their nesting and mating so that eggs hatch at the same time and chicks can be cared for by the whole community. This provides the wee ones with a much better chance of survival.

Read more: Seagulls in Spring

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 18 March 2025

As a resident of Oakville, you've likely made the acquaintance of one or more raccoons around your home or neighbourhood. Especially, if you live near one of Oakville's many parks or ample green spaces, you probably have regular raccoon visitors. In this article we'll explore some common raccoon-related issues, how to spot them, and more importantly how to prevent ever increasing raccoon infestations in and around Oakville.

The Problem with Raccoon Infestations in Oakville

Property Damage

• Attics, Roofs, Siding, and Crawlspaces
  Despite their roly-poly appearance, raccoons are really quite nimble and prove to be excellent climbers. Seeking the most efficient and direct route to your attic, they will tear up your roof shingles, drainage systems or vents to gain access to the inside of your home. ,Once inside, they'll also damage wiring and insulation - possibly causing water or frost damage or even fires.
  
  
• Gardens and Lawns 
  Many avid gardeners have cursed the nighttime assault on their pristine lawns, flower beds, planters, and vegetable gardens. Raccoons (and skunks!) looking for grubs just below the surface will do a number on your painstakingly maintained landscape and gardens.
  
  
• Urine Damage
  Especially many of the older Oakville homes with wooden floors are prone to rotting and mold due to raccoon urine and feces. We have seen damage so severe that the entire floor/ceiling collapsed and the contents of a raccoon latrine from the attic landed on the kitchen table.
  
  

Health Risks Associated with Raccoons

• Rabies Risk for both Pets and Humans
  Raccoons are the most common vector species for Rabies - a fatal disease if contracted by humans and unvaccinated pets.
  
  
• Leptospirosis
  Leptospirosis is a bacterial infections with potentially serious consequences. It is spread through animal urine or feces, or water or soil contaminated with animal urine and feces.
  
  
• Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris Procyonis)
  Raccoon Roundworm is a parasite found in raccoon feces. Contaminated soil or water is the most common vehicle of transmission. This parasite is extremely dangerous due to its larvae being able to migrate into brain tissue and cause damage. Concerns are actually on the rise because of the number of raccoons and increasing interaction with humans in and around Oakville.
  
  
• Cleaning and Disinfecting a Latrine
  Safety protocols must be observed when dealing with raccoon feces and urine. Accidentally inhaling airborne spores or transferring bacteria to your face comes with dire consequences.
  
  

So, let's have a look then at how you can prevent or at the very least discourage raccoons from claiming your homes as their own.  Even without a professional raccoon control service, there are things you can do to keep raccoons away from your Oakville home or business.

1. Secure Your Garbage Bins

Raccoons are highly intelligent and opportunistic mammals. They much prefer a quick and easy meal over one they have to dig up or chase down. So, your trash bin becomes a treasure trough - full of ready made snacks. To make dining not quite so easy, use trash cans with lockable sturdy lids; use bungee cords to really secure the lids, if necessary. Or, even better, move your trash bins indoors or to a locked garden shed. 

2. Eliminate Food Sources in Your Yard

• Move food and water bowls intended for your pets indoors;
• Empty your bird bath in the evening;
• Remove fallen fruit from your fruit trees or orchard;
• If you are dealing with really persistent raccoons, move your bird feeders indoors overnight as well.
  
  

Read more: Top 10 Ways to Prevent Raccoon Infestations in Oakville

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 14 March 2025

Sprawling parks and an abundance of landscaped lawns and golf courses extend an open invitation to Canada Geese - to those about to arrive from the Southern U.S. and to the ones who chose to stay and overwinter right here in Mississauga. While most of us delight in the sound of honking announcing the arrival of spring, those owning or tending to any kind of green spaces, be it public, private, or corporate, do not. 

Ah yes - Spring! That means it's high time to put a well thought out geese management plan into action. Once the geese have settled and started nesting it will be too late. The time to act is now. You'll want to make your beautiful green space or pond  as unattractive to a flock of love-struck and set-on-reproducing Canada geese as possible. In this article, we'll explore how you can modify the environment to do just that and prevent goose invasions.

Understanding the Goose Problem in Mississauga

Geese show remarkable adaptability when it comes to living alongside humans, both in rural communities and Mississauga's urban areas. In fact, they are so successful, that overpopulation is now a concern. Especially in urban centres, geese rarely have to contend with predators and the amount of goslings surviving their first year of life (and coming back to start families of their own) is increasing each year.

Here are some of the more urgent concerns:

• Health Concerns
  Geese droppings aren't just unsightly, they actually harbour a number of diseases, parasites, and bacteria. Add to that their wet and slippery nature, and you're also looking at increased slip and fall accidents.
  
  
• Property Damage
  What geese love most are the green, young grass sprouts - and oh, boy, do they decimate those in no time at all. This prevents grass from regenerating, resulting in tired and sickly looking lawns. Damage sustained in automobile collisions (and potentially human life) adds up to considerable amounts annually.
  
  
• Safety Risks
  While nesting, geese become very territorial and aggressive. While mother goose sits on the eggs, it is her mate's sole job to keep her and the nest safe and fend off any and all intruders. Due to their considerable size, goose attacks can cause serious injuries.
  
  
• Pearson International Airport
  A flock of Canada Geese around airports in general and busy Pearson Int'l Airport in particular, carries the greatest threat to human life and aviation equipment. 
  
  
• Environmental Impact
  Overgrazing is definitely a concern; not just when it comes to manicured lawns but also near river banks and where land meets pond. With vegetation being decimated, soil erosion becomes an issue. The droppings of an entire flock of geese also contaminate waters with bacteria and lead to algae.
  
  

Tips to Prevent Goose Invasions in Mississauga

1. Prepare to Act Quickly Before Breeding Season

Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and ALL efforts revolving around geese management and geese removal in Mississauga require permits. These permits must be in place before work commences. The best time to start with any goose control methods in Mississauga is before the flock has settled in and started building nests.

2. Use Physical Barriers to Deter Geese

• Low fencing around ponds, pond wiring or netting
  All of these barriers discourage geese from nesting near and escaping to bodies of water that have been modified this way.

3. Modify Your Landscaping to Make Your Property Less Attractive

• One way to protect your property from geese is to consider letting your grass grow to a length of 4 inches or higher (geese prefer short cut grass).

4. Hire Professional Goose Removal Services in Mississauga

A licensed and experienced Mississauga Geese Removal Expert will use a number of control techniques in tandem to ensure that the geese won't settle in and that the breeding cycle is disrupted. Such methods include:

• Falconry
  An eagle flying overhead is of great concern to Canada Geese. The entire flock will take off in a hurry.
  
  
• Trained Dogs
  Well trained dogs will chase geese on land and in smaller ponds. Together with falconry, this makes for a VERY unsafe environment for geese.
  
  
• Lasers
  Used at night when geese feel more vulnerable, lasers play an important part in making the area unpredictable and feeling unsafe.
  
  
• Remote Controlled Vehicles (Boats)
  On larger ponds dogs are ineffective. The geese simply retreat to the far side of the pond. Here, ROV's are very successful in upsetting geese and other waterfowl. Like lasers, they are an unknown and unpredictable element in what geese usually perceive as their safe place.
  
  
• Nest Relocation or Destruction
  If you were unable to prevent nesting and you have the appropriate permits, nests can be destroyed. This is done in front of the geese and ideally includes covering up of the original nest site to discourage the birds from simply returning to rebuild their nest.
  
  
• Physical Capture and Relocation
  Later in the year, when geese are molting, they can be relocated to a designated area along their migration route to the south west.
  
  

Read more: Top Tips for Preventing Goose Invasions in Mississauga

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 13 March 2025

With spring in the air and female raccoons actively searching for a suitable spot in Mississauga that is fit to raise a family,  now is the time to pay special attention to sounds and sights around your home that may indicate that a family of raccoons is about to move in (or already has moved in!). 

Raccoon overpopulation is a concern in Mississauga as well as in other municipalities in the GTA. And, while some of us may want to be generous and share our home, here's why this is a decidedly bad idea:

• Health Risks
  Raccoons are carriers of a number of viral and bacterial diseases, the most concerning being rabies. Animal urine and feces contaminates floors and walls, posing serious risks to you and your family.
  
  
• Property Damage
  By exploiting existing structural vulnerabilities of your home or by creating new openings, raccoons looking to enter your home may damage the siding, roof, chimney, roof vents, etc. Once having access, they displace insulation and wiring and create potential fire hazards.
  
  

The Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Signs Early

The longer a raccoon has been allowed inside your home, the more difficult it will be to keep it out in the future. The main reason that a raccoon will come and pitch its tent in your attic at this time of year is to birth and raise a family in a safe and quiet environment. The longer the raccoon(s) stay, the more damage can be expected; the corrosive nature of urine and feces will eat through wood and drywall and contaminate other parts of your home.

Time Is of Essence

To prevent or limit extensive damage it is of utmost importance that you consult with a licensed and qualified professional raccoon removal service provider. All raccoons must be removed from your home and all access points must be repaired and reinforced immediately. 

5 Signs You Need Professional Raccoon Removal

1. Unusual Noises in the Attic or Walls

• Raccoons are most active at night; usually between the hours of 10pm and 5am.
• You may hear thumping, scratching, and foot steps.
• You may hear rustling noises from the animals collecting materials to line the den or even while rummaging through your garbage for food.
• Raccoons are also very chatty and vocal animals. You may hear chirping, cooing (especially when dealing with a mother and kits), whistling, chittering, or even growls and hisses.
  
  

Do not ignore these sounds or noises. The longer this goes on, the more damage your home is suffering. Contact a Mississauga Raccoon Removal Service for seasoned advice and a plan to evict your house guests.

2. Raccoon Droppings & Foul Odours

• Presence of raccoon feces poses serious health risks; bacteria such as leptospirosis or raccoon roundworm are shed and remain in animal droppings. Once dried, the bacteria can become airborne.
• Sudden or new strong, musky odors are a good indication that a raccoon has settled in to nest inside your home.
• Raccoons have one area where they 'use the facilities' - this is called a latrine. Clean-up and disinfection of the latrine is not a DYI project and requires expertise and proper safety protocols. Call the professionals.
  
  

3. Damage to Your Roof, Vents, or Chimney

Raccoons will use any existing opening or structural weak spot to gain access to your attic. And, in absence of existing vulnerabilities, they will simply tear off roof shingles or vents. You will want to pay close attention to any signs of damage or disturbance to:

• Roof shingles.
• Soffits and vents.
• Chimney caps and insulation.
  
  

Again, it is important that you address any structural deficits quickly - preferably before raccoons manage to get into your home. But, if prevention is no longer an option, you'll want to remove the raccoon as quickly as possible. Especially if the animals are hiding in your attic or walls, professional raccoon control and removal services in Mississauga are a must.

4. Frequent Raccoon Sightings Around Your Property

You may be able to detect signs that raccoons are scouting your home for food and shelter and if you do, now is a good time to seek professional help.

• Knocked-over trash cans and strewn about garbage.
• Scratch marks or paw prints on fences and decks.
• Raccoons repeatedly entering crawlspaces or garages.
  
  

5. Baby Raccoons (Kits) Nesting Indoors

The worst kind of scenario is to have a mother raccoon and her babies in your home. Any removal efforts will have to be executed carefully (momma raccoon will not be happy!) and ALL kits will have to be found and removed with their mother. If so much as one baby is left behind, the mother will move heaven and earth to get back to her little one. There will be no keeping her out. It is of utmost importance that the mother is not taken away from her offspring on her own. She herself will be in terrible distress but more importantly, baby raccoons are completely dependent on their mother for survival. Removing or detaining their mother would condemn the kits to a horrific death of starvation.

Let's look at why a mother raccoon may choose your attic as her nursery:

• Attics see little or no  traffic and disturbances compared to other areas of the house.
• The inside of your home affords safety from predators.
• Your attic also shields raccoons from the elements and provides a perfect environment for little kits to grow.
  
  

Read more: 5 Signs That You Need Professional Raccoon Removal in Mississauga

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 12 March 2025

Mississauga's numerous parks, streams, and wooded areas provide the perfect environment for raccoons willing and able to thrive alongside humans. There's water, food, and plenty of shelter in all seasons but there seems to be increased activity in spring and fall. Let's have a closer look at why that is and how understanding raccoon behaviour during spring and fall can help prevent your home from being invaded.

Why Do Raccoons Become More Active in the Spring?

Mating Season (Late Winter to Early Spring)

• Love is in the air for raccoons in the late stages of winter (January and onward)
  
  
• While solitary during other parts of the year, raccoons are more sociable and can be found in groups when it's time for competing for and selecting a mate.
  
  
• Male raccoons will posture and compete for the affection of females, going as far as fighting and tossing each other around. The ladies will watch and judge - and eventually choose the father of this year's litter.
  
  

Nesting & Denning Behavior

• House Hunting
  Early spring is the time where expecting females will put great effort into finding the perfect place to safely birth and raise their kits. 
  
  
• Common Nesting Locations in Urban Areas
  Attics, chimneys, spaces under porches and decks, garden sheds, and other outbuildings are among the favourite spots for a growing raccoon family.
  
  

Protective Mother Raccoons

• Increased Territorial Behaviour
  Like mothers of all species, female raccoons will be fiercely protective of their den and their babies and not tolerate disturbances.
  
  
• Signs that Your Home is Hosting a Raccoon Den
  You may hear scratching and thumping between the hours of 10pm to 5am.
  Raccoons are very vocal animals and common sounds you may notice include chitter, chirps, whistles, growls and hisses.
  The smell of urine and feces can be an indication of a raccoon latrine inside your home.
  
  

Why Raccoon Activity Increases in the Fall

Preparing for Winter

While raccoons don't hibernate all winter, they do enter phases of torpor. This is similar to hibernation but only lasts for days or perhaps a week at a time. During torpor, the animal's body temperature and metabolic rate decrease, so prior to winter raccoons will need to prepare. During this time increased sightings of raccoons are to be expected.

• Increased Foraging
  Building fat reserves before the cold months is vital for survival.
  
  
• More Aggressive Scavenging
  When the natural food supply winds down, raccoons will be even more determined to get into garbage bins, gardens, and compost piles.

Searching for Warm Winter Dens

Particularly if mother raccoon had invited herself into your attic or elsewhere in your home, she knows a good thing and will do her best to stay where she is or reclaim her space, should you have had her evicted. Mind you, that doesn't mean that a single gentleman raccoon can't also discover your home and decide to move in.

• Common Winter Den Locations
  Popular denning locations include hollow trees, attics, chimneys, garages, garden sheds, and under decks or porches.
  
  
• Break and Enter
  Now is the time to thoroughly inspect your home for any and all vulnerabilities that raccoons can exploit. Pay close attention to siding and roofing.
  
  

Young Raccoons Leaving Their Mothers

• Young Ones Leaving the Den
  Newly independent (mostly male) raccoons may be out searching for new territories. By the time fall comes around, the kits have grown up and are fully self sufficient. However, they often stay with their mother for their first winter - there is strength in numbers. More bodies produce more heat and make winter more survivable.
  
  
• Increased Sightings
  While the young ones that were born here will travel a fair distance in search of a new home range, others born elsewhere will have arrived here, looking to establish themselves.
  
  

Read more: Why Raccoon Activity Spikes in Mississauga During the Spring & Fall

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 07 March 2025

Markham, located in the Regional Municipality of York and part of the GTA, has inherited some of Toronto's raccoon population and related problems. Markham residents deal with issues ranging from nuisance level trash can raiding to serious damages relating to roofs and attics and consequent risks of fire or flooding.

In this article we'll explore what you can do to prevent or mitigate issues with raccoons safely on your own and when it's time to call for professional help. 

Understanding the Urban Raccoon Challenge in Markham

While Markham has departed from its rural, agricultural origin, its over sixty public parks and several golf courses still provide plenty of room for raccoons and other wildlife to roam. In fact, raccoons do so well in this area that overpopulation is becoming a real concern.

What Are the Main Concerns with Raccoons in Markham? 

• Property Damage
  Raccoons seeking access to homes (attics in particular) rip up roof shingles and siding and damage chimneys and roof vents. Once inside the home and looking for nesting materials, they will displace insulation and interfere with wiring. Mold and corrosion from raccoon urine and feces are also a concern. As you can see in the image here, even though all previous access points were closed off well and properly, the raccoon(s) simply ripped open the roof in a different place.
  
  
• Health Risks
  Raccoons, like all wildlife, carry a slew of bacteria and parasites. They are also the main vector species for Rabies, a viral disease that is fatal if contracted by humans.
  
  
• Human Conflict
  Like all mothers,  a raccoon mum will be fiercely protective of her young. If her den of wee ones happens to be in your house, you've got yourself a problem.
  
  
• Automobile Accidents
  An often overlooked consequence of urban raccoons is the very real possibility of a collision on Markham's roads. Hundres of thousands of dollars of damages are reported to insurance companies annually, never mind injuries to drivers and passengers (and usually death of the animal).
  
  

When to Get Professional Humane Raccoon Removal Services in Markham

Once a raccoon has entered your home, you need professional help. Not only to successfully remove the animal(s) but also to clean up the inevitable raccoon latrine inside your home.

How can You tell that a Raccoon is in Your home?

• Noise Coming from Your Attic or from within Walls
  Raccoons are nocturnal. If you hear scratching, thumping, chitter chatter or whistling between midnight and the wee morning hours, you probably have a raccoon.
  
  
• Smell
  You may notice a musky smell or straight up smell of urine or feces.
  
  
• Visible Signs of Nesting
  You may find bits and pieces of insulation or other materials repurposed for lining a den. Or, you may find droppings around your home.
  
  
• Animal Sighting
  Of course, if you lay eyes on the raccoon, you'll know for sure.
  
  

What should You do if Raccoons are in Your Attic or Walls?

Chances are that you have not one raccoon but a raccoon family. At this point, it's time to call in a professional raccoon control company in Markham. Here's why:

• Trapping Now is Difficult
  You cannot trap the mother without her babies and even if you could, there is NOTHING that will stop her from getting back to her kits. And if you did take the mother away on her own, you would condemn the kits to a horrific death by starvation. 
  
  
• Encountering an Aggressive Raccoon
  Mother raccoon will have no interest in humans interfering with her offspring and aggressively defend her den.
  
  
• The Latrine
  Raccoons are actually very clean animals. They do 'their business' in one spot - called a latrine. If you have raccoons in your home, you'll also have their latrine. Cleaning and disinfecting the latrine area is important and requires caution, expertise and proper safety protocols.
  
  

What Type of Health Concerns are Associated with Raccoons?

Any physical interaction with a raccoon or other wildlife should be followed by prompt medical attention. Please do not delay.

• Rabies
  The greatest risk to human health is Rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system. Transmission occurs through the transfer of saliva. If contracted by humans and not immediately treated, rabies is fatal.
  
  
• Raccoon Roundworm
  Caused by the parasite Baylisascaris procyonis, Raccoon Roundworm is another concern. Raccoons shed the eggs of this roundworm in their feces. If ingested by humans or pets, these eggs can develop into larvae, causing serious health issues.
  
  
• Leptospirosis and Other Bacterial Threats
  Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments and can be found in raccoon urine and contaminated water sources.
  
  

Read more: Humane Raccoon Removal in Markham: When to Call the Professionals

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 05 March 2025

Canada Geese are about to return to nest and spend their summer in Brampton and towns all over Ontario. Hopefully, you have your permits in place and you and your professional goose control partner have agreed on a geese management plan that focuses on disrupting the breeding and nesting cycle.

Like so many cities in our beautiful province, Brampton offers perfect breeding and feeding grounds for geese. Its many old cemeteries, parks, rivers, lakes, ponds and artificial bodies of water attract a large number of water fowl and other wildlife - and that doesn't come without challenges.

Geese Nest Removal in Brampton

Nest Removal is just one method to consider when making a geese management plan. Virtually all bird control measures require 2 or more methods employed simultaneously or one following another to ensure long term success. Canada geese have incredibly strong migration and nesting instincts. Geese will return to "their" Brampton nesting site year after year, so making that site unattractive is a non-lethal and humane way to make geese reconsider and change their choice of breeding location.

Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and any interference with nests or eggs requires a permit.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Geese Nest Removal Is Necessary

Overpopulation

Since Canada Geese have adapted so well to living alongside humans and as there are fewer natural predators in urban centers like Brampton, more goslings survive their first year of life and  go on to continue the cycle of migration and breeding. Many female geese will return to and raise families (up to eleven wee ones in one season) where they themselves hatched and grow the size of the flock exponentially.

Public Safety

• Aggression
  During nesting season, both parents-to-be have very defined roles. The female tends to the eggs and the male provides for her and keeps the nest safe. He takes his job very seriously and aggressively defends his mate and the nest. With a steady increase in the Brampton goose population, geese attacks are on the rise. 
  
  
• Slip and Fall Accidents
  When an entire flock of geese congregates in a public park, marina, or other greenspace, there will be goose droppings. They are plentiful, messy, smelly, and slippery.
  
  
• Spread of Disease
  Birds carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites on feathers, and expel them through their droppings. Once dried, goose droppings and potential diseases become airborne.
  
  
• Bird Strikes
  We mainly think of aircraft when we hear the word bird strike but did you know that thousands of automobiles collide with geese every year. Due to their size, those collisions can be fatal. With its close proximity to Pearson International Airport as well as Hwy 410, this is a real concern for Brampton.
  
  

Property Damage

Golf Courses in particular suffer substantial and costly consequences from grazing geese. Young, fresh shoots are the most popular and will be decimated in no time - leaving grass unable to regenerate.  Goose dropping are unsightly, unsanitary, and somewhat dampen the experience.

Environmental Concerns

• Water Quality
  With the ongoing overpopulation of geese come concerns about water quality. Algae and bacteria such as E-coli contaminate many ponds, especially smaller ones.
  
  
• Soil Erosion
  Overgrazing at river banks and other waters' edges leads to soil erosion.

Read more: Geese Nest Removal in Brampton: Best Practices and Legal Considerations

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 28 February 2025

The city of Toronto, with plenty of green spaces and natural as well as artificial bodies of water makes for a fine home for Canada Geese, from spring to fall, or even year-round. From well kept golf courses and public parks to manicured residential lawns, the city offers plenty of perfect feeding and breeding grounds.

Geese have adapted very well to living alongside humans; their growing numbers might suggest they are thriving, even, and overpopulation is becoming a real concern. Join us as we explore geese relocation as one of the many efforts to deal with urban geese populations in Toronto.

Why Geese Overpopulation Is a Concern

Environmental and Public Health Issues

• Contaminated Water Sources
  A goose can produce up to 1.5 lbs of droppings per day, and this influx of fecal matter contributes to the spread of water-borne disease and harmful algal blooms.
  
  
• Aggressive Behaviour
  Geese are fierce protectors of their nests and eggs and aren't afraid to attack pedestrians, cyclists or anyone else inadvertently getting too close for comfort.
  
  
• Property Damage
  Even a small flock of geese can decimate a grassy area in no time at all (a day or two). Young shoots are destroyed and grass has no chance to regenerate. Huge losses are also recorded in agricultural areas with geese feeding on sown crops.
  
  

The Need for a Humane Solution

• Anything other than humane and non-lethal methods is a public relations nightmare for owners or managers of the types of spaces that require Goose Management, All geese control methods require permits. Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
  
  
• Humane geese relocation as a follow-up to other control methods is a sustainable solution. When done correctly and at the right time, geese translocation eliminates further efforts for the rest of the year.
  
  

Benefits of Geese Relocation in Toronto

Long-Term Population Control

• Breaking the Cycle
  All geese control methods have one goal: to break the cycle and have the birds decide to not return on their own. After you've spent time and money to make the area unappealing for nesting geese, geese relocation is the last step in disrupting their habits. 
  
  
• You're Done for the Year
  After you've relocated your flock of geese to somewhere (far away) along their natural migration route, you no longer have a geese problem. The birds you've captured and dropped off in their new home will remain there until it's time to fly south for the winter.
  
  

Ethical and Humane Treatment

The control methods used before and including relocation are designed to annoy geese and disrupt their behavior, not harm them in any way. 

Reduced Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Around Airports and Busy Highways
  By far the greatest threat to human life is the occurrence of bird strikes.
  
  
• Parks and Public Spaces
  The green will be greener and your walk can be in a straight line instead of a zig zag around goose poop. The fear of aggressive geese and other health related concerns will be eliminated. 
  
  

Read more: Geese Relocation in Toronto: A Humane Approach to Population Control

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 27 February 2025

The Canada Goose - a well recognized and beloved bird - is making itself at home and creating quite the mess in urban areas, even going so far as foregoing the traditional migration south for the winter. In this post we'll explore why that is and how to deal with the challenges these geese present.

Cities like Toronto or many of the towns in the GTA (General Toronto Area) are seeing a pronounced increase in year-round geese population. After all, they provide a very suitable environment for geese what with all that water and green spaces, parks, golf courses, etc. It is time for municipalities to step in and deploy a sustainable urban goose management plan.

Why Are Geese Attracted to Urban Environments?

Availability of Food and Shelter

• Parks, Lawns, and Golf courses
  Geese love open green spaces with little obstruction; it makes for easy spotting of potential predators or nest robbers. Short cut grass areas provide the perfect feeding grounds for a flock of geese.
  
  
• Natural Bodies of Water or Artificial Ponds
  Geese 'shelter' on water, particularly at night. If threatened by a predator, geese will retreat to water.
  
  

Lack of Natural Predators

Urban environments often lack the natural predators that would control geese populations, like coyotes and eagles. In the absence of these predators, geese are free to roam and successfully reproduce, allowing more goslings to survive their first year of life and creating a necessity for Geese Control and/or Geese Removal.

Adaptability to Human Presence

Geese have learned to live alongside humans quite nicely. This is in part due to humans feeding them - either on purpose or unintentionally by carelessly making scraps available to geese. Humans also rarely pose a threat; most of us are content to enjoy watching a family with adorable goslings waddle by and wouldn't think to  interfere with them.

Climate and Year-Round Habitation

• Milder Winters
  Milder winters, especially in Southern Ontario, allow geese to stay put rather than migrate. Even during winter storms, they are well equipped to deal with the onslaught of cold. They face into the wind, so that their streamlined feathers protect their underlaying insulation. Their legs and feet have tendons, rather than muscles, so they have very little fluid to freeze, thus protecting them from frostbite.
  
  
• Open Waters
  Retention ponds and artificial water bodies often don't freeze and allow for year-round access.
  
  

Read more: Goose Management: Overcoming Challenges in Urban Environments with Hawkeye

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 26 February 2025

If you are a Brampton resident, chances are that you've made the acquaintance of a raccoon or three. Especially, if you are living near one of Brampton's many lovely parks or green belts, you likely have regular raccoon visitors. In this article we'll explore some common raccoon-related issues, how to spot them, and more importantly how to address the ever increasing raccoon infestation in and around Brampton. 

Common Issues Residents Face with Raccoons in Brampton

Property Damage

• Attics, Roofs, Siding, and Crawlspaces
  Raccoons are excellent climbers and the most efficient route to your attic is through your roof. Not only will they tear up your roof shingles, drainage systems or vents to gain access, but once inside, they'll also damage wiring and insulation - possibly causing water or frost damage or even fires.
  
  
• Gardens and Lawns 
  While we may not be all that fond of grubs and other creepy crawly things, raccoons are. And, they'll dig up your lawn, flower beds, and gardens to get to them. (So do skunks, by the way.)
  
  
• Urine Damage
  Older homes with wooden floors are especially susceptible to rotting and mould due to raccoon urine and feces. We have seen damage so severe that the entire floor/ceiling collapsed and the contents of the attic latrine ended up on the kitchen table.
  
  

Noise Disturbance

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, most active during the hours from dusk to dawn. They are also very vocal animals, often chittering or screeching to one another. They have a rich vocal repertoire producing sounds that can be differentiated and described as tonal or noisy calls. Tonal sounds, like whistles, have a clear, musical quality. Noisy calls, such as growls and hisses are more guttural and have a lower frequency; they are probably heard more often during breeding season.

Aside from vocalization, raccoons also scratch and thump - something that will definitely disrupt your slumber, especially when coming from your attic.

Health and Safety Risks

• Rabies Risk for Pets and Humans
  Raccoons are the most common vector species for Rabies - a fatal disease if contracted by humans.
  
  
• Leptospirosis
  This is a bacterial infections spread through animal urine or feces, or water or soil contaminated with animal urine and feces.
  
  
• Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)
  While human infections are not overly common, they are extremely dangerous due to the ability of the parasite's larvae to migrate into brain tissue and cause damage. Concerns are actually on the rise because of the number of urban raccoons and increasing interaction with humans.
  
  

Garbage Scavenging

• Raccoons knock over garbage cans and spread trash around your property.
  
  
• Strewn trash attracts secondary pests like rats and insects.
  
  
• Aside from the mess that is now yours to clean up, you may also be exposed to potential health hazards.
  
  

Effective Solutions for Mitigating Raccoon Problems

Secure Entry Points

• Inspect Your Home for Potential Access Points
  At least twice each year (spring and fall) it is wise to have a thorough look around your home. Pay special attention to siding and roofing, including the chimney and any vents.
  
  
• Find and Fix
  Install mesh screens and metal flashing over vents and chimneys and repair any small openings
  .
• Regular maintenance
  This can include trimming tree branches to prevent access to your roof, screening the space below your porch among many other wildlife exclusion techniques.
  
  

Read more: Raccoon-Related Challenges in Brampton's Residential Areas

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 21 February 2025

As night falls over the city of Mississauga, a mischievous masked bandit stirs and sets out on a food finding mission. He is cunning, intelligent, and learns by observing his surroundings - and YOU! He has figured a way around those pesky special locks intended to keep raccoons out of trash bins, he knows where the resident cat's food and water bowls can be found, and he watches you store the bag of bird seed away.

He is also very familiar with the park down the road, its many hiding spots and berry bushes, and he's quite fond of the little stream running through that park. You see, Mississauga's parks provide the perfect environment for a raccoon set on thriving alongside humans. There's water, shelter, and food - even if procured from a garbage bin on occasion. In short, our urban parks have everything a raccoon needs and desires.

In this article, we'll explore how the raccoon adapts to life in urban areas and its effect on the ecosystem.

How Raccoons Have Adapted to Urban Parks in Mississauga

Sprawling parks are a source of enjoyment, not just for us but for raccoons and other wildlife as well. Urban parks are a somewhat controlled environment with fewer natural predators, if for no other reason than the presence of humans. And of course, where there is perceived safety and food is plentiful, raccoons will gather and breed.

Abundant Food Sources

Raccoons are omnivorous - meaning, they source their food from both animal and plant life. They are foragers more so than hunters. They are also opportunistic and an easy meal is favoured over one that has to be chased down. Common food sources in urban parks include:

• Fruits, nuts, and seeds
  
  
• Aquatic life forms, like crayfish, minnows, etc.
  
  
• Unsecured garbage cans
  
  
• Humans intentionally or unintentionally feeding wildlife
  
  

Shelter in Urban Landscapes

From the natural shelters in hollow trees and under dense shrubs and foliage, to abandoned outbuildings, sheds, chimneys, attics and hidden crawl spaces found in communities bordering our parks, raccoons have all the shelter they need. And again, because of the proximity of humans, natural predators such as the coyote and fox aren't as much of a threat. This also means that litters have a better chance of survival and the urban raccoon population is ever increasing.

Nocturnal Behaviour and Intelligence

• Being the sleepy heads they are during the day and out 'n about from dusk to dawn limits the interaction of raccoons with humans and human inventions (such as automobiles) - and likely contributes to their continued success and survival in our neighbourhoods. 
  
  
• Their exceptional intelligence and curiosity is another trait that greatly assists with survival alongside humans. Raccoons are not only able to observe and learn, but have actual mad problem solving abilities of their own. Their intelligence is akin to that of a small primate. 
  
  
• And lastly, a keen sense of smell and good night vision enables our little trash pandas to secure a meal or five even during the darkest of nights.
  
  

The Impact of Raccoons on Mississauga’s Urban Ecosystem

Disrupting Local Wildlife

• Competition with other native species for food resources
  
  
• Raccoons are predators of birds and bird eggs and are shown to have a significant impact on bird populations. They may even contribute to the decline of certain bird species.
  
  

Property Damage and Human-Wildlife Conflicts

• Raccoons raiding garbage bins and creating messes
  
  
• Damaging roofs, insulation, and gardens in search of shelter and food
  
  
• Increased interaction with humans and domestic pets leading to conflicts
  
  

Disease Transmission Risks

Of course, the biggest concern is rabies. Raccoons are classified as a Rabies Vector Species (RVS) and hence can carry and transmit the virus. While there haven't been any widespread rabies outbreaks in a while, it is worth keeping in mind that rabies is almost always fatal, if contracted by a human. 

But, raccoons also carry Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Raccoon roundworm - all of which can lead to infections for your pets or family. It is of utmost importance that you use strict safety protocols when cleaning up a raccoon latrine.

Scientists do believe that the presence of raccoons may have some positive environmental impact as well. This includes:

Planting Seeds

Raccoons consume a fair amount of berries and nuts and what goes in must come out. As their territories are quite large (especially for males), they travel long distances and shed their waste along the way. The seeds contained in their feces are dispersed to new areas and aid with plant distribution and reproduction.

Soil Improvement

By digging for grubs in the ground, raccoons may help with soil turnover and aeration. Mind you, most of us won't likely look at our dug up grass or flower beds and think that's a good thing.

Insect Control

Raccoons also eat a whole lot of different insects. This acquired taste may help to control invasive species, such as the Japanese beetle, which threatens the health of trees, plants and other wildlife. It is doubtful though, that raccoons will resign themselves to eating insects in urban settings when there are so many trash cans ready to be explored.

Read more: How Urban Park Adaptation Is Increasing Raccoon Threats in Mississauga

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 20 February 2025

The short answer is Yes! For a few days, at least. Some lasers work better than others and time of day or ambient light also plays a role. Let's explore this in more detail:

What is a Laser?

The word Laser is actually an acronym. It stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Radiation? That sounds dangerous! Well, there are different kinds of lasers and with different strengths (wattage). A handheld laser used for Geese Control does not emit radiation harmful to the human who handles it or the bird it is aimed at. In Canada, the use of lasers is heavily regulated.

Lasers are designed to concentrate beams of light by forcing their waveforms and frequencies to align. Modern laser technology can amplify light rays in just about any part of the electromagnetic spectrum, with the exception of gamma waves. A laser can emit a narrow stream of light over a long distance.

Green Laser vs. Other Colours

Green lasers are definitely favored over any other colour. Green is the brightest wavelength for any eye that can discern colour. To give you an idea, a green laser beam is five to seven times brighter than any other laser color (at the same output power). So, yes.. when it comes to scaring geese away, a green laser is the way to go.

Why are Geese scared of Lasers?

We have no concrete statement from a Canada goose thus far, but it is believed that geese view a laser beam coming at them as something snake-like slithering toward them. Geese have a natural fear of snakes because of their predatory nature, lying in wait for their prey until it's too late. Snakes also go after eggs, so that surely doesn't help.

How does it Work?

The laser is never pointed directly at a bird. In fact, this would help the geese realize that there is no physical danger. A bird control technician will point a hand held laser in the general direction of offending geese from a distance of 10 feet or more. He or she will move the laser in a slow and methodical zig zag pattern on the ground and towards the birds. The goose or geese will immediately vacate the area.

Read more: Do Lasers Really Work for Geese Removal?