Canada Animal Control   

Professional Licensed Wildlife Removal

Wildlife Removal and Exclusion Specialist

Humane Wildlife Control    1-888-222-9453

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Problem nuisance animal links and information.

Opossum           Squirrel               Raccoon           Skunk Snake       Beaver    

  Birds   Feral cats Bats       Deer       Dead       Rodents Groundhogs

foxes  Bees

Squirrel removal and squirrel control can be very challenging.  It will require many different types of tools and ladders to complete this task. There are many different types of squirrel traps. Live traps in the attics aren't as effective as you might think. Trapping squirrels at the roof entrance and near the entrance can be very successful  Most squirrel control service work is at the roof line if the house or dwelling. Properly trained & licensed exclusion professionals will make squirrel control, problem free. State animal control officers will respond free of charge when a squirrel is in the living areas of your home. How to Trap Squirrels & trapping Squirrels Squirrel Removal Prevention

Raccoon control and removal is very dangerous work. Raccoons have a higher possibility of carrying rabies and will be aggressive if cornered in the attic or inside your chimney. See page on raccoon diseases  Most county and state animal control officials will respond to a raccoon inside you living areas of your home at no charge. Raccoons cause damage or nuisance problems around houses and outbuildings when they seek to gain entrance to attics or chimneys or when they raid garbage in search of food. In many urban or suburban areas, raccoons are learning that uncapped chimneys make very adequate substitutes for more traditional hollow trees for use as denning sites, particularly in spring. In extreme cases, raccoons may tear off shingles or facia boards in order to gain access to an attic or wall space. When the raccoon takes up residence in your yard, crawlspace, attic, and chimney then you need a professional. Most wildlife removal and control professionals have had a rabies pre-exposure vaccine administered to them. Trapping raccoons will be the best form of control. Raccoons that enter traps must always be treated as if they have rabies.    Tips on how to trap raccoons and raccoon trapping

Skunk control and removal will always be unpredictable. Trapping skunks pose a special problem. How do you get the skunk out of the trap? The best way to remove a live skunk from your trap is to talk to it. This lets the trapped skunk know where you are at all times. When talking to the skunk, you don't startle the trapped animal. The spray from a skunk can linger for weeks. unless you are very brave and or very confident, always have a professional remove these friendly but smelly creatures.

Opossum trapping and removal is less dangerous than most other wildlife control. it is still not for everyone. Trapping opossums to remove them from under your building will keep them from eating your trash. Removal is the best form of opossum  control. The opossum is part of the kangaroo family. usually the opossum resides in the lower areas of your dwelling. The opossum usually feeds on the dead caucus of other animals. Trapping, removal and exclusion is the best way to handle these creatures.

Snakes get the worst publicity of all. They have been feared since biblical times. Although snakes are sometimes thought to stalk humans that's quite untrue. they're very east to predict. Food, heat and water is all they pursue. Take any of these things out of the equation and the snake leaves. Wildlife control professionals know how to remove the factors and then remove the snake problem.

What Rebecca Hurst thought was the sound of sprinklers outside her Bluffton home Sunday night was actually the rattling of a venomous snake. Rebecca,her husband, John, and their 5-year-old daughter, Jenny, had recently returned from a four-day vacation. After relaxing on his rocking chair on the back patio, John Hurst went inside the house around 10:30 p.m. but left the patio door open. "I heard this sound that sounded like water gushing in the sink," Rebecca Hurst said. "I got out the flashlight. I shined it to the left where the sprinklers are, and there was a huge coiled-up snake." The Hursts called 911. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office responded and confirmed it was a canebrake rattlesnake. The Hursts asked the Sheriff's Office to remove the snake, and a deputy shot it, Rebecca Hurst said. "We had no choice; that thing was huge," she said. Canebrake rattle snakes typically grow to four to six feet long, according to DNR wildlife biologist Anna Tarter. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said snakes are on the move now to find mates and places to lay their eggs, and residents should be aware when they go outside to garden. With the recent rains, snakes also could be looking for dry ground if their holes have been flooded, said Tarter. If you find a snake in your yard, you should leave it alone and call an animal removal service or local law enforcement.  Liz Mitchell, staff writer

Beavers destroy man made habitat, but create much needed wetlands. The beaver will never stop tearing down trees and blocking waterways. Most humans cannot tolerate beavers when they devour the ornamental trees that humans plant . Hancock traps can remove beavers live.

Birds crap all over everything. from starlings nesting in vents to pigeons roosting at areas where humans do business, birds create many environmental hazards.  Removal and control of birds in attics and vents require specialized tools including rods, cameras and blowers to remove nests and to blow the loose debris out. Installation of  bird netting and bird spikes are preventive ways in which to deal with birds.

Bats  and Bat removal in the United States are considered dangerous carriers of rabies and should be excluded by professionals.  When doing bat removal there are to many variables in which to consider in bat control and exclusion. Every situation with a bat removal and cat control work are considered unique and should be evaluated and handled by a state licensed wildlife Bat removal, animal control professional. Experience is the key in removing these critters. From vents with a maternity colony to completely infested buildings, bat removal and bat exclusion work is the most detailed work that can be done by the certified bat removal professional. In most States Bat control is best done by a bat removal service using exclusion methods and repairing the building is recomended.  Bat removal And control season is now upon us.

SIAMESE CAT VS. BATS

I  live in an old farmhouse and have always had bats in the attic. My attitude was “they could have the attic and I would have the rest of the house”. I had no flies, mosquitoes, and very few other flying insects. It worked quite well for a number of years. We lived in harmony, more or less. Unfortunately, word got out and I soon had 4 colonies in the attic. Than a black snake took up residence. Harmony was destroyed and utter chaos took its place. Bats began to slip under the doors, through the keyholes, down the chimney etc.etc.  Princess Nephriti (the Siamese cat) thought that this event was on a par with the invention of Fancy Feast and as playmates, right up there with snakes (that‘s another story). She would sit on the newel post of the stairs, and when one would fly by, she would grab them in mid-air. She would then come to me with bat in mouth and wings flapping. I would grab the leather gloves, take it out of her mouth and pitch it outside. After a few episodes of this, she stopped bringing them to me and would instead play with them, throwing them in the air and jumping up after them. Than I noticed that she wasn’t sleeping much during the day anymore. Found her sitting in front of the woodstove patiently waiting for a bat to come out. They would come down the chimney and slip out through the air vents. After I shut those down, they would slip out where the stove pipes fit together: a bat would slip a wing through, than his body and head and than the other wing. Nephie always waited until they were all the way through before pouncing. She always got her bat. It got to the point where Nephie couldn’t keep up with the traffic and when I came downstairs one morning to find a row of bats hanging from a bookcase I gave up. Called in professional help, my bat removal service responded promptly. We all live in harmony once again, the snake is still in the attic, he got to fat to get out again. At least I hope it’s a he and not a she producing little snakes.

                                Janet Santen                                6/18/09

Rabies in Ontario

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, March 05, 2009. The arctic fox strain of rabies (carried mainly by red foxes and skunks) has been present in Ontario for decades.  A strain new to Ontario, carried mainly by raccoons, entered the province in 1999.

Baiting programs have proved very successful in the rapid decline of fox rabies in Ontario since their inception in 1994. There were 66 animals tested positive for rabies in Ontario in 2008. There were 106 animals tested positive for rabies in Ontario in 2007

BEAVERS

• Beavers usually cause damage to agricultural or residential property as a result of dam construction, flooding, bank burrowing and tree removal.  Habitat modification by beavers usually benefits fish, furbearers, reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl and shorebirds.
• Beavers often will dam: culverts, bridges or drainpipes resulting in flooding and property damage.
• Under section 9(1)(b) of the Wildlife Act, a person commits an offence if the person disturbs, molests or destroys a beaver house, den or dam without a permit.
• Under section 9(2)(b) a person can legally remove a dam to provide irrigation or drainage under lawful authority for the protection of property.  Under all other circumstances, a person must have a permit to remove beaver dams, dens or houses.
• Several permits are needed in order to remove or alter beaver dams or houses.  These approvals must be in place before any work can take place.
• A permit under the Water Act is required to divert or make any changes in or about a stream.
• A permit issued from Wildlife Branch is needed to remove beaver dams or houses
• A permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada is needed if there is going to be any alteration of fish habitat or depositing of deleterious substances (silt), as a result a beaver dam or house being removed.
• Water level control pipes can be installed in ponds to control water levels and prevent flooding.
• Usually the only way to control beaver related damage is to have the beavers removed through trapping.
• Beavers are classified as furbearers under the Wildlife Act and may be trapped in-season by a registered trapper.

BIRDS

• All birds are considered wildlife and are afforded full protection under the BC Wildlife Act.  A person commits an offence if the person except as provided by regulation or by an issued permit, possesses, takes, injures, molests or destroys a bird or its eggs.
• Under the Wildlife Act Designation and Exemption Regulation 253/2000 Schedule C, point 2, the following species of birds and their nests or eggs can be destroyed without a permit: crows (except common ravens), black-billed magpies, European starlings, house sparrows, rock doves and brown-headed cowbirds.
• Some species of birds are classified as game birds.  Hunting seasons and bag limits for game birds are published in the annual Hunting Regulation Synopsis.  This synopsis is available via a link on the Ministry of Environment's website.
• For injured birds phone the nearest animal rehabilitation centre.

BIRDS - Migratory

• Ducks, geese and all other migratory birds are under the mandated of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS).  Provide the caller with a contact phone number.  The CWS is the agency that issues crop damage and scare permits for waterfowl.
• Migratory birds include such species as: Ducks, Geese, Brant, Coots, Snipe, Mourning Doves and Band-tailed Pigeons and more.

BIRDS - Raptors (Hawks, Falcons and Eagles)

• Raptors will occasionally kill poultry, domestic rabbits and other small domestic animals.  Hawks and Eagles normally attack unconfined domestic animals during the day.  Occasionally hawks and owls will enter into poultry houses and cause severe losses.
• Covering coops with wire mess (chicken wire) or netting can help prevent raptors from gaining access to poultry.
• House poultry at night.  Poultry can be conditioned to move indoors by feeding them at dusk inside the coop.
• Raptors often survey an area from a perch to help them locate food.  Remove any perches (large isolated trees) within 100 metres of coops.
• Place metal shaped cones on top of poles to reduce perching sites.
• Use scarecrows - they must be moved regularly.
• Scare devices such as cracker shells can also be used to scare off raptors.
• Electric pole shockers are also an option.  Install the shockers approximately 30-50 metres from the problem area.  Information of pole shockers and their construction can be found on the following website Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management.  View the document Hawks and Owls for a diagram on how to construct pole shockers.
• Under section 34 of the Wildlife Act as person commits an offence if they possess, takes, injure, molest or destroy a bird, its nest or its eggs.

FOX

• Foxes can cause serious problems for poultry producers.  Foxes might also kill young pigs, lambs and small pets.
• Preventing poultry and livestock losses can be minimized and prevented by installing net wire or electrical fencing.
• Net wire fences/coops should have openings of less than 3 inches.  The bottom of the fence should be buried 0.3 m to 0.9 m (1 to 2 ft.) into the ground to prevent foxes from digging under the fence.
• The tops of coops should be covered with wire as well.
• Electric or combination electric and wire fencing is also effective at repelling foxes.
• Foxes are defined as fur-bearing animals under the Wildlife Act and can only be trapped in-season by a registered trapper.  Province wide, hunting is prohibited for foxes.
• If the caller is interested in contacting a trapper, provide them a contact phone number.
• Scare devices are an option to try and help protect poultry and livestock from fox predation.
• Local feed stores may carry these products.
• Provide website addresses that sell these products.
• Like other wild canines, foxes will quickly adapt to scare devices, but such devices may temporarily solve fox problems.  If the caller is interested in repellents and scare devices refer to COYOTES.
• Foxes that are harassing or menacing domestic animals (livestock) or birds can be hunted or trapped on a person's property under Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act.
• Under Section 2 (Property in Wildlife) - section 2(4) states that a person who by accident or for protection of life or property kills wildlife, that wildlife remains the property of the government.
• Persons must report the killing or wounding of any wildlife.  Failing to report the killing or wounding of any wildlife whether it is for protection of life or property is an offence under section 75 of the Wildlife Act.
• Persons must comply with all Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws surrounding the use and discharge of firearms or the setting of traps.
• Persons are liable for any wildlife that is wounded or injured as a result of them exercising their rights under section 26(2) and they are legally responsible for any misuse of firearms.

MARINE MAMMALS

• Marine mammals such as whales, porpoises, sea lions fall under the mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

PORCUPINES

• Porcupines will occasionally cause damage to fruit trees; crops and plywood sided cabins, sheds and buildings.
• Common wood preservatives may repel porcupines when applied to plywood.  Wood preservatives, which are based on metal-salt solutions shouldn't be used.  Porcupines are attracted to salt.
• The fungicide, Thiram has been registered in the United States as a squirrel and rabbit repellent.  It is noted that it may also repel porcupines.  Thiram is used in the Golfing and Turf business.
• Porcupines are considered wildlife and are afforded full protection under the BC Wildlife Act.  A porcupine can not be killed unless a permit has been issued - they aren't any hunting seasons for porcupines in BC.
• If you are experiencing property damage as a result of porcupines, contact a licensed pest control company.  Pest control companies can be found in the yellow pages.

RACCOONS

• Raccoons will kill poultry, cause damage to vegetable gardens, lawns, out buildings and residential properties.
• Use buildings or cages with tightly constructed doors and windows to protect poultry from raccoons.  Wire mesh and electrical fencing are also options
• Two-strand electrical fencing can protect lawn and gardens from raccoon damage.
• To prevent damage to residential property, remove all overhanging tree limbs to prevent access.  Cover possible access points with heavy wire mesh screen.
• Raccoons are classified as furbearers under the Wildlife Act and may be trapped in-season by a registered trapper.  Raccoons can also be hunted during an open hunting season if the person holds a valid BC hunting licence and they live in an area that is open to hunting and the discharge of firearms or bows.
• Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act allows a person to hunt or trap wildlife that is on their property and is a menace to a domestic animal or bird.
• Raccoons can not be captured or killed without a permit.
• Municipal bylaws may prohibit the use of traps, firearms and bows.  Contact the local bylaw department.
• Under section 26(1)(f) a person commits an offence if they hunt, take, trap, wound or kill wildlife with poison.
• If you are experiencing property damage as a result of raccoons, contact a licensed pest control company.  Pest control companies can be found in the yellow pages.

RABBITS

• Rabbits can consume approximately 1/2 kg of green vegetation daily.  Significant damage can occur when rabbits are attracted to orchards, gardens or agricultural crops.
• Damage to gardens, ornamental trees or agricultural crops usually occurs when the fixtures are located in close proximity to deciduous forests (rabbit habitat).
• Damage can also occur when natural rabbit food is scarce or has dried up in hot weather.
• Installing woven wire mesh fencing or electrical fencing can prevent rabbit damage.
• Placing wire mesh around individual trees can protect small ornamental trees.
• The fungicide, Thiram has been registered in the United States as a squirrel and rabbit repellent.  Thiram is used in the golfing and Turf business.
• In areas that area open to hunting and the discharge of firearms or bows, rabbits can be harvested by hunters possessing a valid BC hunting licence.
• Municipal bylaws may prohibit the use of traps, firearms and bows.  Contact the local bylaw department.
• If you are experiencing property damage as a result of rabbits, contact a licensed pest control company.  Pest control companies can be found in the yellow pages.  

SKUNKS

• Common skunk problems include burrowing under buildings and sheds, lawn damage, getting into garbage, damaging bee hives, killing poultry and stealing eggs, and minor crop damage.
• To keep skunks from denning or digging under buildings, seal off all foundation openings with heavy wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete.
• Fencing around yards should be buried 1^1/2 to 2 feet into the ground to prevent skunks from digging underneath the fence.  Skunks rarely climb fences.
• Garbage and other food sources such as rodents can attract skunks.
• A rodent control program may be necessary.
• Remove debris such as old cars, stacked lumber, decrepit sheds and buildings that can provide shelter and sources of food (mice).
• Mothballs and ammonia soaked clothes can be used to repel skunks.  Repellents must be replaced frequently and will likely only act as a short-term fix.
• Skunks are wildlife under the Wildlife Act.  It is an offence to trap or kill wildlife without a permit or authorization.
• Skunks may be trapped in-season by a licence trapper or a permitted pest removal company.
• Skunks can be hunted during open hunting seasons provided the hunter holds a valid BC resident hunting licence and the area that the hunting takes place is open to hunting and the discharge of firearms or bows.
• Municipal bylaws may prohibit the use of traps, firearms and bows.  Contact the local bylaw department.
• If you are experiencing property damage as a result of skunks, contact a licensed pest control company.  Pest control companies can be found in the yellow pages.

REFERENCES

HOME PAGES

1. Ministry of Environment - Wildlife Branch
   http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/
2. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.  Province of British Columbia.
   http://www.gov.bc.ca/al/
3. Canadian Wildlife Service.
   http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/
4. Alberta Department of Sustainable Resource Development – Fish and Wildlife.
   http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/
5. United States Department of Agriculture.
   http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/
6. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
   http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/
7. Margo Supplies Ltd.  Problem Wildlife Control Products.
   http://www.margosupplies.com/
8. Smarthome Inc.  Animal Repellers & Containment.
   http://www.smarthome.com/petrepel.html
9. Home Control Inc. Animal Repellers & Containment
   http://www.homecontrols.com
10. Miller Chemical and Fertilizer Corp.  Hot Sauce Animal Repellent.
    http://www.cdms.net/manuf/mprod.asp?mp=6
11. Deer Busters - Wildlife and Deer Specialists.  Deer Control Product Retailer.
    http://www.deer-busters.com/deerbusterscom/
12. Thiram - Fungicide.  Rabbit, Squirrel and Porcupine Repellent.
    http://www.barmac.com.au/thiram.html

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS

1. Preventing Raccoon Problems.  Ministry of Environment.
   http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/ipmp/Brochures/racoons.htm

BOOKS and RESOURCE MATERIALS

1. Beaver Damage Control in agricultural areas of British Columbia. Ministry of Environment.  Pamphlet.
2. Fencing With Electricity by Brian Kennedy.  Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Publishing Branch.  7000-113 Street, Edmonton Alberta T6H 5T6.  1995.
3. BC Agricultural Fencing Handbook.  Government Publications Services.  PO Box 9455 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9V7.  Phone: 1-800-282-7955.
   To order: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/publist/300series/307000%2D1.pdf