Since 1989, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been providing Kitchener-Waterloo residents with customized wildlife removal services for raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, mice, bats and other urban wildlife species. Urban wildlife thrives in Kitchener-Waterloo region in part because of their ability to find shelter in attics, vents, chimneys, sheds and other structures. When wildlife moves it can be a stressful and dangerous situation and knowing who to trust to get the job done right can make all the difference.

Skedaddle’s team of trained technicians use their understanding of wildlife behaviour and biology to implement customized removal plans. No wildlife challenge is too big or too small, we have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right safely and effectively using humane methods. We offer full-service wildlife removal, cleanup and prevention services to make sure your home and family are protected.

UNDERSTANDING URBAN WILDLIFE IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO

Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, like many urban areas in Ontario, provide an ideal environment for a diverse array of wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, skunks, bats, birds, mice, and rats. The region’s combination of natural spaces, such as parks and green corridors, alongside residential and commercial areas, creates a habitat mosaic that supports these species. Urban areas often have a greater diversity of food sources, from bird feeders and garbage bins to gardens and fruit trees, which attract and sustain wildlife.

The abundance of food is particularly important for species like raccoons and squirrels, which have adapted well to scavenging from human activity. These animals are intelligent and resourceful, often using their dexterity to access food in bird feeders, compost bins, and even inside homes. Bats find shelter in the attics of older buildings, while birds thrive in the urban canopy of trees and shrubs, feeding on insects and seeds.

Kitchener-Waterloo’s semi-urban environment, characterized by the presence of both natural and human-made structures, also plays a crucial role in supporting urban wildlife. Areas with a mix of older residential neighborhoods, industrial sites, and green spaces provide a variety of nesting, denning, and roosting opportunities. Skunks and mice, for example, often use burrows or hidden spaces under buildings or in dense vegetation. The region’s relatively mild climate compared to more northern parts of Canada, along with the availability of these varied resources, encourages wildlife to thrive throughout the year.

Additionally, the region’s urban planning, which includes the preservation of green spaces and tree cover, inadvertently creates corridors for wildlife movement, allowing these species to roam across large areas in search of food and shelter. This connectivity between habitats is essential for maintaining healthy populations of urban wildlife, enabling them to adapt to the changing landscape and continue to thrive in Kitchener-Waterloo.

SKEADADDLE’S APPROACH TO HUMANE WILDLIFE REMOVAL

At Skedaddle, we have designed a customizable range of services to address all your wildlife removal needs with care and expertise. It all starts when you connect with our friendly customer service team by phone or online to schedule a property assessment with one of our wildlife specialists.

Step One: Detailed Property Assessment and Humane Removal

During the initial assessment our team of trained professionals initiates the process with a complete inspection of your home. We aim to identify the species involved, their denning locations, entry points, and any resulting damage. After, we share our findings and prepare a personalized removal plan.

Step Two: Sanitization and Restoration

Following the safe removal of wildlife, our experts conduct thorough cleaning and sanitation of affected areas to remove any traces of wildlife presence and prevent disease transmission. Additionally, we offer restoration services to rectify any damage caused by wildlife intrusion, including attic insulation removal and replacement. We offer customized solutions tailored to address the exact damage and contamination found in your home.

Step Three: Prevention and Exclusion

To safeguard your home against future wildlife infestations, we implement proactive prevention and exclusion strategies tailored to your property’s specific requirements. From sealing entry points to installing wildlife-proof barriers, we secure your home against unwelcome intruders for the long term. Each home is different, and the risk for future wildlife entry will depend on how the home was built and the condition of the materials used. Our team of experts have the trained eyes needed to identify future wildlife entry points and secure them so your home stays protected.

COMMON URBAN WILDLIFE SPECIES IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO

Some of the most common wildlife species encountered by homeowners in Kitchener-Waterloo include:

Raccoons: Raccoons are skilled climbers and can make their homes in various places, including attics, chimneys and basements. They are strong enough to damage building materials like metal, wood and vinyl to make entry. During the spring and summer female raccoons give birth to litters that usually range in size from 2 to 6 babies.

Squirrels: The eastern grey squirrel is the most common species to take up residence in the attic or soffits of a home. They are attracted to older communities in Kitchener-Waterloo with strong tree canopies, providing them with reliable food sources and easy travel. As rodents they have powerful teeth they use to chew their way into houses.

Skunks: Skunks are attracted to backyard and gardens as they search for grubs and other lawn-dwelling insects. As they look for food, these stripped creatures will make the area under decks, porches, and sheds their preferred denning spots.

Bats: As the sun sets over Kitchener-Waterloo, nocturnal bats emerge to feast on insects during the warm summer months. Both the big brown and the little brown bat are the most common to be found within the confines of attics and walls in residential homes.

Birds: In Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada geese, pigeons, starlings create the most issues for business and homeowners, particularly during spring nesting season. Starlings will cozy up in vent openings for bathrooms, kitchens, and dryers. Meanwhile, pigeon activity in commercial environments can lead to expensive building damage and inventory loss. In large numbers, Canada geese can be a challenge for owners and users of wide open spaces like parks, campuses and golf courses near water sources.

Mice: Mice are resourceful critters, and they will make themselves at home even in the most pristine of residences. They slip through tiny gaps and crevices in building materials, setting up cozy nests in basements, walls, and attics. Mouse-proofing your home is the most effective method for resolving mouse problems in the long-term.

Rats: A growing concern in many municipalities in Ontario, Kitchener-Waterloo is no stranger to rat activity. Norway rats can be incredibly destructive inside homes, leaving behind harmful droppings and chewing through building materials.

SKEDADDLE’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF KITCHENER WATERLOO & STRATFORD PERTH

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth share a common goal to help share knowledge about protecting pets and wildlife. Our Skedaddle team demonstrates its commitment to public education by presenting about urban wildlife at camps and volunteer conferences hosted by the humane society. You can also catch us each year at fundraising events like the KW & SP Splash and Dash. Our crews even help brighten the mood at the shelter during the holidays by installing Christmas lights.

WHY CHOOSE SKEDADDLE KITCHENER-WATERLOO?

The truth is that wildlife in Kitchener-Waterloo is here to stay. Trapping and killing wildlife is both inhumane and ineffective at solving conflicts long-term. When urban wildlife species get too close for comfort the safest option is to have the problem dealt with by a professional that you can trust. Skedaddle has over 30 years of experience helping Kitchener-Waterloo residents protect their homes from unwanted wildlife.

You can trust our dedicated customer service team and trained technicians to respond to your needs swiftly and with the utmost professionalism. Our methods have refined over the years to ensure the very best results.

SKEDADDLE KITCHENER-WATERLOO, DID YOU KNOW?

Are you Allowed to Trap and Relocate Wildlife in Kitchener-Waterloo?
The province of Ontario regulates the trapping and relocation of wildlife. This practice is restricted to prevent disease transmission, ensure humane treatment, and maintain wildlife within their natural habitats.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Wildlife Infestation in My Home?
Signs of a wildlife infestation can vary depending on the species, but some common indicators include hearing noises in your attic or walls. You may also notice droppings, chewed food packages, or gnawed wood, which indicate rodents or other animals are present. If you find nests made of shredded materials, such as insulation or fabric, or if you smell foul odors, these can also be signs that wildlife is living in your home. Additionally, if you notice signs of damage to the exterior of your home, such as torn screens, broken soffits, or displaced roof shingles, it could be a sign that animals are trying to get inside. If you observe any of these signs, it’s important to call a wildlife control professional to assess the situation and prevent further damage.

Does Skedaddle Kitchener-Waterloo Provide Pest Control Services?
In addition to our wildlife removal services, Skedaddle provides home and business owners with safe and reliable pest control services. Common pests that invade K-W businesses and homes include bedbugs, cockroaches, spiders, ants and wasps.

Does Skedaddle Kitchener-Waterloo Provide Care for Sick, Injured or Orphaned Wildlife?
Skedaddle specializes in the humane removal of wildlife from homes and businesses. We do not have the facilities or expertise to provide care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.