Safely and Humanely Remove Wildlife From Your Property

Spring is officially here and so are wildlife babies. With Mississauga being an urban city, wildlife can oftentimes roam around neighbourhoods and backyards. They can, in some cases, create homes on residential property such as attics, chimneys or under decks and porches.

Mississauga Animal Services would like to remind residents to not trap or relocate wildlife if they find them living in and around their home. Leave it to the professionals. Consider wildlife removal companies that specialize in mammals and those that offer removals to reunite mother and young.

Relocating wildlife is ineffective and illegal – Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act does not allow anyone to relocate wildlife beyond 1 km. Trapping can also harm animals, including those that are not meant to be trapped. A trapped nursing wildlife mother may also cause her young to die.

When choosing a wildlife removal company, consider the following:

• Insist on humane techniques such as reuniting wildlife families
• Ask for an inspection and written estimate
• Look out for unethical fees and practices
• Get specifics on how the issue and the animals will be handled
• Prevent the problem from happening again
• Get referrals from a trusted source and read reviews
• Make sure they are insured by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

The Region of Peel also has a Residential Rat Control Subsidy program for homeowners with rat issues.

A few reasons why wildlife can find a home attractive for nesting is the availability of food, water and shelter. Homeowners can prevent wildlife conflicts or costly home repairs by removing food attractants and taking some simple steps:

• Do not feed wildlife
• Remove all food attractants such as garbage, bird seed, fallen fruit, pet waste, pet food or leftover barbecue residue
• Place compost in rodent-proof containers – do not compost meat or palatable human food (e.g., processed foods)
• Ensure your home is in good repair – cap chimneys and install wildlife-proof vent screens
• Place screens under sheds, porches and decks to prevent animals from burrowing

For more information about urban wildlife, visit mississauga.ca/wildlife.

Tags

• Wildlife and Pets