Problems

We are fortunate to live in a part of the world where we can enjoy wildlife in our cities and our own backyards. It is one of the benefits of living in a country rich in natural resources. However, urban wildlife is opportunistic and their instinct to find food and shelter sometimes causes conflict with people.

At Urban Wildlife Control Inc. we understand that animals do not damage our homes out of ill intent or malice. They are simply and innocently just trying to survive. Everyday Urban Wildlife Control Inc. works to educate the public on the importance of prevention because we believe that wildlife in our cities deserves our respect and kindness and with good structural prevention we can keep human-wildlife conflict to a minimum.

Chimneys

To many species of wildlife, chimneys make a great substitute for a hollow tree. Raccoons, squirrels and opossums often move right in and start families and birds commonly fly into chimneys and discover they can’t fly out. Ensuring that all chimneys are securely screened can prevent this kind of problem. Be aware that most commercially available chimney ‘caps’ are not truly animal-proof.

Roof/Soffit Intersections

A roof/soffit intersection is an area on a building where a section of the overhang meets a lower section of a roof often where a garage roof meet the main roof of the house; this area is one of the most vulnerable areas on any home due to the way it is built. Many species of wildlife are capable of manipulating this area to gain access to the attic. Roof/soffit intersections are one of the most common areas of raccoon entry. As a part of a good prevention program this area can be secured and made wildlife proof.

Roof Vents

Roof vents are made of plastic or very light aluminum. In both cases they are easily chewed or torn by squirrels and raccoons to gain direct access to the attic space. Roof vents can be screened to secure them against animals.

Plumbing Mats and Pipes

These days plumbing mats are made of neoprene rubber or hard plastic however on older homes they may be lead or aluminum. In every case they are vulnerable to wildlife because they can be chewed or lifted allowing access to the attic space. Plumbing vent pipes can on occasion become blocked by trapped wildlife and in some cases squirrels do chew through ABS pipes to get into attics. Both mats and pipes can be screened to effectively protect them from wildlife.

Roof/Fascia

Roof/fascia areas are found around the roof edge of a building. If unprotected by drip-guard or screen the joint of the roof board and fascia board allows raccoons and squirrels a starting point. Very little chewing is needed for a squirrel to make a hole big enough for entry. In many cases the squirrels are evicted or eaten by raccoons as they enlarge the hole and take over. Installing screen or drip-guard easily protects Roof/Fascia gaps.

Wall Vents

If you have bathrooms or a kitchen in your house the chances are you have wall vents too. On most homes, wall vents are unprotected and are inviting birds and squirrels to move in. The results of these animals can be disgusting as nesting material and large accumulations of droppings can create strong odours and attract insects. These vents should be screened.

Decks and Sheds

Decks and sheds over many types of urban wildlife great opportunities for shelter. When unprotected, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs and opossums often take advantage. If these structures are properly screened, animals can no longer make use of them.