Frequently Asked Questions

OUR SERVICES

ARE SKEDADDLE’S SERVICES HUMANE?

Skedaddle is commited to the humane treatment of wildlife in everything we do. Since our founding in 1989, we have pioneered methods and techniques for removing wildife that reduce stress, prevent injury all while offering long lasting results for homeowners. Humane wildlife control aims to reduce conflict between humans and urban wildlife by using customized, targeted and hands-on removal techniques. Skedaddle’s understanding of wildlife behaviour and biology ensures they are safely removed without causing distress or injury. We then provide our client’s with a guarantee against reentry by securing all the entry points allowing them to relocate to one of their alternative den sites in the area.
To learn more about our services, head to https://www.skedaddlewildlife.com/services/

WHICH SPECIES CAN YOU HELP ME WITH?

Our services cover a wide range of different wildlife species that make their way into homes, and we are here to help you with any wildlife intruders. The most common urban animals that we remove are: raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, bats, mice, rats and insects.

ARE YOUR SERVICES GUARANTEED?

Our workmanship and materials are backed by a lifetime guarantee against wildlife reentry. Should they ever fail, we promise to return to your home at no charge and make it right. We expertly install high quality materials that can stand the test of time against all elements. In addition to removing wildlife, we put in place preventative barriers to protect your home and family that are backed by a lifetime guarantee against wildlife reentry.

WHAT IS A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT?

A property assessment is the first step of our three part process. After scheduling an appointment with a Skedaddle customer service representative, our technicians will visit with you to complete a thorough 35-50 point inspection of your home’s exterior and interior. We’ll be sure to take the time to walk you through our findings and share with you photos and videos from hard to reach places like your roof and attic. Our goal during this visit is to understand the exact nature of the wildlife problem you are experiencing so that we can arrive at a customized removal, clean up and prevention plan.

HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU GET ANIMALS OUT OF MY HOME?

Most wildlife removals can be completed in one day, including the removal itself, clean up and the installation of preventative measures. No two removals are the same, however, and the process can sometimes take longer depending on its size and scope, the amount of damage caused, weather conditions, and if there are any wildlife babies present.

WHAT DO I DO IF I LOST MY PET/ FOUND A LOST PET?

Humane Wildlife Control does not deal with domestic animals. Depending on your city, your best bet is to report a pet-related concern to your local animal control office or local SPCA.

HOW MUCH DO YOUR SERVICES COST?

No two wildlife removals are the exact same. Rather than offer a one-size fits all solution, Skedaddle prides itself on providing clients with customized solutions to wildlife problems. The exact cost for the service will depend on a number of factors, including the species involved, the amount of damage they have caused, and what will be required to prevent future reentry. Once we’ve completed your property assessment, we will walk you through our findings, answer any questions you may have and provide you with a written quote for the service.

WHICH AREAS DO YOU SERVICE?

WHERE WILL THE ANIMALS GO AFTER THEY ARE REMOVED FROM MY HOME?

When the wildlife have finally skedaddled from your home, rest assured they will not be homeless. Wild animals in our urban communities have multiple den sites to choose from to keep them safe from the elements and human activity. Raccoons, for instance, will maintain 5-10 den sites in a given area.

DOES SKEDADDLE TRAP AND RELOCATE WILDLIFE?

Skedaddle does not relocate wildlife. Firstly, relocating wildlife is inhumane as it may separate mothers from their babies, and subject them to a new unfamiliar environment that decreases their chances of survival. Secondly, our 30 plus years of experience has taught us that relocation does not provide a long term solution for homeowners. That is why Skedaddle focuses on wildlife-proofing your structure for long term protection against future re-entry.

HOW LONG HAS SKEDADDLE BEEN IN BUSINESS?

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control was founded in 1989, with the goal of providing homeowners and business owners with humane, effective solutions to wildlife conflicts. Since then, Skedaddle has expanded into communities across Canada and the United States as we continue to grow each year.

WHAT DOES SKEDADDLE DO IF THEY FIND BABIES?

During the spring and summer birthing, season the presence of babies adds a layer of complexity to any wildlife removal. Fortunately, Skedaddle’s technicians are trained to properly remove babies and reunite them with their mother outside your home. Once the babies have been retrieved, they are placed into Skedaddle’s proprietary baby reunion box, a heated box that keeps young wildlife safe while we complete the rest of our work. The baby reunion box is then positioned in a safe space near the previous entry point so that their mother can easily find and relocate them to one of her alternate den sites.

WILDLIFE

WHAT DO I DO IF I FOUND A BABY SQUIRREL/RACCOON/CHIPMUNK/BIRD?

It’s always best to resist the urge to handle or feed wildlife. This is especially true for babies. Most times baby wildlife are found alone, they are still being tended to by parents that are close by and should be left alone unless you are certain they have been abandoned. If you see or hear baby wildlife inside your home, our customer care team at Skedaddle will be able to assist you further.

WHAT DO I DO IF I FOUND A WILD ANIMAL THAT APPEARS SICK OR INJURED?

If you come across an animal that appears sick or injured, keep your distance and remain calm. Do not attempt to move or touch the animal. Depending on where you live, your local humane society, a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency will be able to further assist.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH A WILD ANIMAL?

All wild animals have the potential to carry dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to people or pets. It is strongly recommended you contact your local health department or your doctor if you believe you’ve been exposed or come into contact with an infected wild animal.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WILDLIFE LIVING INSIDE MY HOME?

Every wildlife species can carry parasites or diseases that are transferable to people and our pets. The urine and fecal matter wildlife leave behind on our properties contain bacteria that can be harmful to humans if ingested or handled improperly. The most serious diseases and infections that can be spread to you or your pets by wildlife are: rabies, leptospirosis, psittacosis and histoplasmosis. Skedaddle technicians have the training and protective equipment required to properly remove harmful contaminants left behind by wildlife.

WHAT CAN I DO IF ANIMALS ARE DESTROYING MY LAWN AT NIGHT?

If your lawn is being dug up at night, raccoons or skunks are most likely to blame. This damage can often be reduced or eliminated by deploying a grub treatment, which eliminates the food source and prevents future digging.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I SEE A NOCTURNAL ANIMAL OUT DURING THE DAY?

Just because an animal is nocturnal, does not mean you’ll never see them during the day. The sight of a raccoon or skunk during daylight hours is not necessarily a sign that it is sick or injured, the animal could just be moving between den sites or foraging for a day time food source. During spring and summer in particular, the usual patterns of mother skunks and raccoons are changed by the demands of raising a litter of babies. Unless you see obvious signs that the animals appear sick or injured you should be sure to leave them be.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY PET COMES IN CONTACT WITH A WILD ANIMAL?

Wildlife can often carry diseases, infections and ectoparasites that can spread to pets through a bite, scratch or their feces. If you believe your pet has come in contact with a wild animal or their excrement, contact your local veterinarian clinic or Humane Society for advice.

WHAT DO I DO IF A WILD ANIMAL ENTERS MY LIVING SPACE?

If a wild animal enters your living space, do not attempt to remove it on your own. While keeping your distance, open all windows and doors to allow the animal to exit, and immediately call Skedaddle for assistance in a safe removal. Even if the animal leaves, it is important to contact wildlife control services to find where they came from and prevent future entry.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT ANIMAL IS MAKING NOISE IN MY HOME?

If you are hearing noises in your home, they are most likely coming from your attic or wall cavities. One way to determine what species you are dealing with is to pay attention to what time of day you hear activity. Raccoons are nocturnal animals that walk around inside attics at night, while squirrels will be heard scampering in attics and walls during the day. If you are awakened by light scratching sounds coming from behind your walls or attic, you may have a mouse infestation. After performing a thorough property assessment of your home’s interior and exterior, Skedaddle can help you determine what animal is making noises inside your home and provide you with a removal, clean up and prevention plan.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE ANIMAL IN MY HOME HAS BABIES?

During the spring and summer birthing season, it is best to assume that if you have wildlife inside your home, there are babies as well. You can sometimes tell if the wildlife in your home has given birth by keeping an ear out. Raccoon babies vocalize from birth and the chittering sounds are often mistaken for birds. Baby squirrels tend to be less vocal than raccoons, but will produce high pitch squeaking sounds. While sounds can be helpful, the only way to be sure that there are no little ones in your attic, chimney or below your deck, is to gain access to the den site and perform a thorough visual inspection.

HOW ARE WILDLIFE GETTING INTO MY HOME?

Urban wildlife are crafty and opportunistic when it comes to finding den sites. Depending on the species involved, they may have created an opening by chewing or tearing at the home, or simply taken advantage of an existing opening. No two houses are the exact same and the vulnerability to wildlife entry will depend in large part on home’s design, the construction materials used and their condition. Skedaddle technicians are trained in wildlife behaviour and home construction to help us identify the sometimes subtle clues that indicate how wildlife are entering your home. Those clues could include damage to exterior finishes, droppings, fur, stains and paw prints.

IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE WILDLIFE ON MY PROPERTY/IN MY COMMUNITY?

Yes. Many species of wildlife have adapted to urban environments. Our communities provide easy access to food and den sites where wildlfie can find shelter from human activity and raise their young. Urban areas often have larger and denser populations of certain wildlife species including, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, mice and rats.