URBAN WILDLIFE IN OAKVILLE

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been providing Oakville home and business owners with humane options for removing and excluding nuisance wildlife from their properties since 1989. We specialize in the humane removal of raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, mice, bats and other urban wildlife species.

Wildlife can be found throughout Oakville but homeowners in different parts of the town might experience challenges unique to their environment. Wildlife species have long made their home along Oakville’s lakeshore, south of the QEW, and the many watersheds that flow into Lake Ontario, the largest of which are the Bronte and Sixteen Mile Creeks. The area’s mature tree canopy and ample green spaces help to support large populations of wildlife, particularly squirrels and raccoons. Though cute from afar, both squirrels and raccoons can cause expensive home damage when they den inside an attic.

It’s not just older homes that are susceptible to wildlife entry. Further north, as Oakville has continued to develop around Dundas Street, homeowners in newer subdivisions might discover starlings nesting in their bathroom or kitchen fan vents. These clever birds make their spring and summer home in exhaust vents as a substitute for a lack of mature trees, clogging the ductwork and creating fire hazards. Newer homes built on former agricultural lands aren’t constructed to be rodent proof and often host a population of mice not long after construction.

Skedaddle’s 30 years of experience servicing Oakville gives us a complete understanding of the area’s wildlife issues. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for what we do, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled service to our valued clients across Oakville.

SKEDADDLE’S WILDLIFE REMOVAL SERVICES

At Skedaddle, we understand the stress and inconvenience that unwanted wildlife can bring into your home. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to address all your wildlife control needs with care and expertise:

Complete Inspection: To ensure a timely and successful wildlife removal our team of trained professionals begins with a thorough inspection of your home and property. During the initial visit our goal is to confirm the species involved, where they’re denning, the entry points they’ve made and any damage they may have caused. We then share our findings and provide you with a customized removal plan.

Humane Wildlife Removal: We specialize in the safe and humane removal of wildlife from your property, including raccoons, squirrels, skunks, bats, birds, and more. We utilize proven techniques and innovative technologies to ensure the swift and effective removal of unwanted guests from your home. We use hands-on techniques to ensure mothers and their babies are kept together during the spring and summer wildlife birthing season.

Clean-up and Restoration: Once the wildlife has been safely removed, our experts will thoroughly clean and sanitize the affected areas to eliminate any traces of wildlife presence and prevent the spread of disease. We also offer restoration services to repair any damage caused by wildlife intrusion, including insulation removal and replacement.

Prevention and Exclusion: To ensure long-term protection against future wildlife infestations, we employ proactive prevention and exclusion measures tailored to your property’s unique needs. From sealing entry points to installing wildlife-proof barriers, we’ll work tirelessly to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders.

COMMON URBAN SPECIES WILDLIFE SPECIES

Oakville’s picturesque landscapes and abundant green spaces make it an attractive habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. From bustling urban neighborhoods to tranquil suburban streets, Oakville’s diverse environment provides ample opportunities for wildlife to thrive. However, as the town continues to grow and expand, human-wildlife interactions are becoming increasingly common.

Some of the most common wildlife species encountered in Oakville include:

Raccoons: Known for their intelligence and adaptability, raccoons are found in large numbers throughout the GTA, including Oakville. Female raccoons give birth to babies during spring and commonly make their home in attics, chimneys, sheds and crawl spaces.

Squirrels: Whether nesting in trees or making their homes in attics and soffits, squirrels are a familiar sight in Oakville’s neighborhoods. The eastern grey squirrel is the most common but red squirrels can also be found in Oakville, especially in wooded areas.

Skunks: With their distinctive black and white markings, skunks are found in large numbers throughout Oakville. Skunks love to feed on grubs and other insects they find in lawns. They make their home under decks, porches and sheds.

Bats: As nocturnal creatures, bats can be spotted in Oakville at dusk as they feed on insects during the warmer summer months. Both the little brown and big brown bat commonly make their home inside the attics and walls of homes.

Birds: Starlings are the most common bird species to cause trouble for homeowners in Oakville, nesting during spring in openings for bathroom, kitchen and dryer vents. For larger commercial and industrial properties, seagull and Canada geese activity can lead to safety concerns and lost revenue.

Mice: Mouse activity is often associated with unsanitary conditions but these rodents can be found in even the most well looked after homes. They sneak into small gaps and openings they find in building materials to nest in basements, walls and attics.

SKEDADDLE IN THE COMMUNITY

We believe that education and understanding is at the heart of a healthy relationship between humans and wildlife. To help further that goal Skedaddle has been a proud partner and supporter of the Oakville & Milton Humane Society and the tireless work they do in the community to protect and care for domestic and wild animals. Through the years, Skedaddle has spoken at events, presented at children’s camps and attended fundraisers hosted by the O&MHS. Each year during the holiday season our team installs lights and decorations to help bring a festive spirit to the shelter. In 2023 we were honoured to receive their Outstanding Corporation Award.

CONTACT SKEDADDLE TODAY

Don’t let unwanted wildlife take over your home. Trust the experts at Skedaddle Oakville to provide fast, effective, and humane solutions to all your wildlife control needs. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards reclaiming your home from unwanted intruders.

SKEDADDLE OAKVILLE, DID YOU KNOW?

What areas does Skedaddle Oakville service?
Skedaddle Oakville services all of Halton Region, including Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills and Georgetown.

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

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.

Raccoons, skunks and foxes are also capable of carrying the virus but in recent years there have been no confirmed cases in Oakville.

Can I Feed Wildlife in Oakville?
In 2023, to help reduce wildlife conflict, Oakville Town Council approved an amendment to the Lot Maintenance By-law prohibiting feeding wildlife and leaving food out to attract animals.

Are you Allowed to Trap and Relocate Wildlife in Oakville?
The Province of Ontario has rules that govern trapping and relocating wildlife. In general, trapping and relocating wildlife is prohibited to prevent the spread of disease, ensure the humane treatment of wildlife and to ensure wildlife remain within their home ranges.

Does the Town of Oakville Remove Wildlife?
The Town of Oakville does not remove nuisance wildlife from homes and businesses. Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife can be reported to Animal Protective Services at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.