Protecting Your Home From Wildlife This Spring in Montreal

Spring has finally sprung in Montreal and as the weather warms up you will no doubt begin to see the familiar signs of urban wildlife in your neighbourhood. The sound of birds chirping, squirrels chasing each other around trees and maybe the odd whiff of skunk spray all help to let us know that spring has arrived. This is the time of year when many species of urban wildlife in Montreal and the West Island in particular are at their most active. Raccoons, squirrels, skunks and birds all give birth to babies during spring and summer. Unfortunately for West Island homeowners their attics, chimneys, vents and cabanons make ideal locations for wildlife to have and raise offspring. When wild animals decide to take up residence inside your home, it usually results in costly repairs and unsanitary conditions. [caption id="attachment_9100" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Raccoons were able to get inside this attic by damaging a gable vent on the roof.[/caption] Dealing with unwanted wildlife can be very stressful, but as they say, a pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. Let’s face it, these animals are here to stay so what can you do to keep your home and family safe from wildlife invasion? How to protect your home from wildlife this spring

• Inspect your roof. After a long Montreal winter it’s important to take a few minutes to inspect your home’s roof. All that snow and ice can be pretty hard on shingles and roof boards. Now is the time to repair and replace any vulnerability that wildlife could use to enter your attic. Keeping your gutters clear of leaves will help ensure a proper flow of water and extend the life of your roof.
• Do some spring cleaning. Wild animals concerned about predators generally steer clear of open spaces. Keeping your lawn and landscaping trimmed and free of clutter will help make your property less appealing to skunks, raccoons, squirrels and mice in your neighbourhood. Be sure to trim back tree branches and other vegetation that provide access  to the roof.
• Remove food sources. Raccoons, squirrels and skunks are successful urban wildlife species because of their ability to find food anywhere. Don’t let your property become a magnet for scavenging wildlife – be sure to secure garbage, keep pet food indoors and clean up bird seed from your lawn.
• Keep your eyes on the ground. Skunks and raccoons love to make their home under cabanons, porches, patios and decks. Keep an eye out for digging in your lawn or garden next to these structures. Your dog is more likely to run into a skunk if it’s living in your yard.

[caption id="attachment_9106" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A rotted roof is an invitation for a mother squirrel to make a den inside the attic.[/caption] Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Despite your best efforts, you may end up having to deal with unwanted urban wildlife living in your attic or on your property this spring. If there are babies are involved, the process can get tricky. It’s times like these that it’s nice to know there are professionals out there that you can trust to get the job done right. [caption id="attachment_9111" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A litter of baby raccoons removed from an attic.[/caption] Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been removing and excluding nuisance urban wildlife from homes and businesses since 1989. Our proven process is effective, humane and provides lasting results. Specializing in the removal of:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Skunks
• Birds
• Mice
• Bats

If you suspect wildlife is living in your roof or attic then call us today! 514-395-4555 Proudly Servicing: Montreal, West Island, South Shore, Laval and Vaudreuil - Soulanges