Critter Control in Pickering
When you need wildlife removal near you, Critter Control Canada offers trusted, local services to get animals out and keep them out. We specialize in humane wildlife control for squirrels, raccoons, rat, mice, bats, and any other critters causing problems in your attic, walls, crawlspace, or yards.
Proudly Serving
- Amberlea
- Bay Ridges
- Brock Ridge
- Duffin Heights
- Dunbarton
- Highbush
- Liverpool
- Rosebank
- Roughmount
- Rouge Park
- Town Centre
- Village East
- West Shore
- Woodlands
Local Laws in GTA
Toronto’s Municipal Code and Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act require humane animal control.
DIY trapping or relocation might violate bylaws.
Licenced professionals ensure removal is legal and humane.
Hours of Operation
Weekdays 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wildlife Issue?
Common Wildlife Issues in Pickering, ON
Pickering’s unique geography, combined with a mild lakefront climate, makes it a prime hotspot for urban wildlife. Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and rodents are especially active due to easy access to food and shelter, and the extended mild seasons mean homeowners should focus on year-round exclusion and prevention rather than seasonal control.
For homeowners in Pickering, wildlife issues are not seasonal but cyclical.
- Raccoons and squirrels nesting in attics or chimneys (spring–fall)
- Skunks and groundhogs burrowing under decks and sheds (spring–summer)
- Rodents and bats moving indoors in fall and winter for warmth
- Birds and wasps nesting in vents or eaves during summer
The Critter Control Difference
With an in-depth understanding of the diverse wildlife found in Burlington, our local team has invested significant time in identification and study. We harness our expertise and extensive experience to address both common and uncommon infestations across the city. Our approach revolves around three key stages: inspection, removal, and repair.
Inspection
In order to develop an effective removal strategy, our initial step is to identify the wildlife issue at hand. We carefully analyze the specific signs left behind by each animal, such as entry points, scat, footprints, and evidence of nesting materials. These crucial indicators aid us in accurately determining the species that has invaded your home or business. Additionally, during this stage, we pay special attention to identifying the presence of any offspring, which is frequently observed in cases involving raccoons or squirrels. By conducting a thorough inspection, we gather essential information to devise a plan that ensures the safe and humane removal of wildlife.
Animal Control & Removal
The methods employed during this stage can vary depending on the specific type of wildlife inhabiting your property. Removal techniques commonly involve the use of traps and bait strategically placed to entice the animals away from your property. It is important to note that our team strictly adheres to all applicable provincial regulations and relevant municipal bylaws throughout this process, ensuring ethical and responsible practices.
Once our removal methods are implemented, it may take some time for the animals to be entirely displaced, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Throughout this period, we conduct thorough inspections to monitor progress and ensure the effectiveness of our strategies.
Exclusion & Prevention
This is the most critical step for long-term prevention. Our exclusion services block all current and potential entry spots with durable materials that are proven to prevent wildlife re-entry. These materials are eco-friendly, chemical-free, and work immediately.
Remediation
Finally, we shift our focus to a critical stage: sanitization and repair. This phase is of utmost importance due to the potential health hazards associated with the urine and feces left behind by wildlife, as well as the risk of further structural damage.
- During this stage, our team diligently works to sanitize and disinfect the affected areas using techniques and products to eliminate any lingering odours, bacteria, or parasites.
- Simultaneously, we carefully assess the extent of the damage, such as gnawed wires, destroyed insulation, damaged ductwork, or compromised structural elements. We then restore your property to its pre-infestation condition.
Types of Wildlife for Removal in Pickering
Raccoon Removal
Raccoons are prevalent throughout the city and can become a nuisance, particularly during the evening hours, due to their nocturnal habits. Their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in urban environments, frequently invading sheds or attics in search of food and shelter, especially during changing seasons. Once inside, raccoons quickly establish their presence and can cause significant damage. This may include excessive urine and feces accumulation, as well as chewing on framing, wires, and ducts, depending on their point of entry. It’s important to note that raccoons pose several health risks, including the transmission of roundworms and diseases like rabies.
Squirrel Removal Near You
Although squirrels generally avoid buildings in the summer, the cold weather in Pickering prompts them to seek sheltered nesting sites, much like other rodents. With their ability to fit into small spaces, squirrels can easily damage insulation and building materials in small and concentrated areas, such as attics and chimneys. Roofs are often targeted by squirrels as a place for shelter, leading to destructive behavior such as tearing apart soffits and siding.
Bat Removal Near You
Bats, being nocturnal creatures, can easily go unnoticed when they inhabit attics or chimneys. While they provide ecological benefits by consuming insects, having them roost in homes or businesses is unsafe due to the presence of their urine and feces. These excretions can cause staining and create unsanitary conditions that pose potential health hazards. Additionally, bats may carry diseases such as rabies, such as a case in the area in 2017. Although transmission rates from bats are low, caution is warranted due to the severe implications of rabies on human health.
Do you need our help?
Rat Exterminator in Pickering
Rats are highly adaptive, opportunistic rodents that are deeply entrenched in urban life. They are drawn to human food sources and seek shelter within buildings, leading to rapid population growth. Rats not only pose health risks to humans but also present a structural threat as they can chew through various materials, including wiring, pipes, and insulation.
Mice Pest Control
Similar to rats, mice are capable of thriving in various environments throughout Pickering. They are a common reason for wildlife removal calls and can establish nests in almost any location due to their small size. Detecting mice in your home or business may be challenging until they reach an infestation level, making early prevention and intervention crucial.
Skunk Control
Skunks, although generally shy and elusive, can become a cause for concern when they feel threatened. Their infamous spray can linger for days, rendering their presence highly noticeable. Skunks may forage in gardens and green spaces in Pickering, seeking shelter under decks and porches while burrowing into the ground, often hiding in plain sight.
Bird Control
Urban areas, including Ajax, often face challenges with large bird populations, notably pigeons and starlings. These birds have adaptable roosting methods and can pose a danger to homeowners and businesses. Nesting in vents or chimneys increases the risk of fire hazards, while unsanitary conditions stemming from bird feces can spread various diseases.
How to Prevent Future Wildlife Infestations
Identifying the precise entry points through which wildlife gained access to your home or commercial building can be a challenging task. However, once the removal process is successfully completed, it becomes imperative to take the necessary steps to seal off these entry points effectively, eliminating any chance of a repeat infestation.
To minimize the need for wildlife removal in Pickering, preventive measures can be taken to safeguard your property. Here are some suggestions to help maintain a secure environment:
- Conduct seasonal inspections: Wildlife can invade at any time, although spring and fall are common entry periods. Regularly check for small holes, damaged siding, and torn soffits. Install screens on necessary vents to reduce the likelihood of animal intrusion. Make any required repairs to enhance the security of your home or commercial property.
- Eliminate accessible food sources: Wildlife is drawn to easily accessible food sources, whether inside or outside your property. Ensure that trash and recycling are sealed in appropriate bins and promptly put away any food after use.
- Maintain yard cleanliness: Animals often seek hiding places in plain sight before entering your property. Regularly cut the grass, clean up leaves, and trim back foliage to reduce potential hiding spots. Additionally, keep the area around your garage, shed, and firewood pile clear of unnecessary debris.
Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of wildlife encounters and the subsequent need for removal services.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Critter Control in Pickering
With a tenure of more than 40 years serving numerous communities, we take great pride in being a trusted wildlife removal company. Over the years, we have assisted countless property owners with their wildlife concerns, providing reliable and effective solutions. As professional wildlife experts, our team possesses extensive knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to carry out each step of our process with safety and efficiency.
We maintain all the necessary licenses and insurance, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Our team members have undergone rigorous training, equipping them with a deep understanding of the habits and signs of various wildlife species commonly encountered in Pickering.
When you choose Critter Control Canada as your wildlife removal company in Pickering, you can trust that our services are conducted with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. We prioritize the safety and well-being of both our customers and the animals we handle. Contact us today for a professional consultation, and let us assist you in resolving your wildlife concerns efficiently and effectively.