Prevention of Wildlife
Wildlife Prevention Services for Homes and Businesses
To prevent wildlife from re-entering your home or business, animal-proofing is the solution. This long-lasting approach avoids future removal and repair expenses and is a key part of our prevention of wildlife strategy. After removing skunks, raccoons, squirrels, starlings, pigeons, bats, and other wildlife from your home or business, Gates Wildlife Control will secure the point of entry and guarantee that the animals will not re-enter that area for a period of one year.
Unfortunately, the evicted animals are not so quick to move to a new location because they have already invested a lot of time and effort in making your house their home.
The animals carefully chose this location because it is safe from predators and because of its close proximity to food and water.
Furthermore, considerable time has already been spent renovating your attic to construct the perfect den site. Also, some animals store considerable amounts of food in their den and they are not easily persuaded to move on and leave it behind.
Below are examples of how wildlife can enter your home and how Gates Wildlife Control will keep wildlife out.
Roof Vents
Roof Vents create proper air flow in an attic, which prevents moisture and mold from building up. They are most often constructed of a thin plastic material making it very easy for raccoons and squirrels to chew and tear their way past and into the attic. A determined animal will also chew through vents made of metal. The only 100% protection against raccoons and squirrels entering the attic through any roof vent is to have our specially manufactured galvanized roof vent screen box installed.
Roof Plumbing Vent Mats / Pipes
Plumbing Vent Pipes allow water / waste to flow into the sewer system and keep sewer gasses from entering the home. The plumbing vent mats are made of rubber and plastic which is easy for raccoons and squirrels to chew and rip their way past into the attic. If a squirrel or baby raccoon climbs into the open pipe they can become stuck, causing the plumbing system to shut down, which can be an expensive fix. The only 100% protection against raccoons and squirrels entering the attic through the plumbing mat is to have our specially manufactured galvanized roof vent screen box installed. A screencap installed on the top of the pipe will prevent animals from entering the pipe.
Roof / Soffit Intersections
Roof / Soffit Intersections are areas where two different roof lines intersect. This design feature on a house is inherently structurally weak making it extremely easy for raccoons, squirrels and birds to gain entry into the attic. Where raccoons will simply push up with their back and dislodge a piece of the aluminum soffit to enter the attic, squirrels and birds will often squeeze into an opening that already exists. The only 100% protection against raccoons and squirrels entering the attic through a roof / soffit intersection is to reinforce all these areas with our galvanized screen.
Chimneys
Chimneys are ventilation channels that allow for carbon monoxide from a furnace and smoke from a fireplace to exit the house. Raccoons, squirrels and birds looking for nesting and den sites are attracted to uncapped chimneys. Animals nesting inside the chimney can block the chimney causing deadly carbon monoxide to enter the living space of the home. Wildlife can also enter the home via the chimney and cause considerable damage in their attempt to get back outside. The only 100% protection against raccoons, squirrels and birds entering the chimney is to install our galvanized screen chimney cap.
Decks, Porches and Sheds
Decks, Porches and Sheds provide ground level shelter for raccoons, skunks and squirrels etc. As these structures sit directly on soil it is easy for wildlife to dig and get underneath. The only 100% protection against raccoons, skunks and squirrels from digging is to trench around the entire perimeter of the structure and install our galvanized screen in an “L” configuration and then refilling the trench.
Roof / Fascia Space
Roof / Fascia Space is a structural opening between the roof board (supports the shingles) and the fascia board (supports the eavestrough). When this space exists on a house it presents an opportunity for raccoons and squirrels to put their nose into the opening and gnaw on the free edge of the wood. Once they have made the hole large enough they can climb through the opening into the attic. The only 100% protection against raccoons and squirrels chewing on this space is to fasten our galvanized screen on the roof edge.
Stove, Bathroom and Dryer Exhaust Vents
Stove, Bathroom and Dryer Exhaust Vents provide a ventilation channel to remove moisture, heat, odors and smoke from inside the house. Birds and squirrels will build their nests inside the metal vent often preventing it from exhausting the inside air. The only 100% protection against squirrels and birds from entering these vents is to fasten our galvanized screen vent box over the existing vent cover.
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Trust the Expertise of Gates Wildlife Control Team
Don't let wild animals take over your attic, chimney, deck, or shed. Contact Gates Wildlife Control today for a free consultation and estimate, and keep these wild animals out of your home for good.
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FAQs
During his youth, Brad Gates cultivated a love for wildlife while exploring the woods and ravines of the Scarborough Bluffs. Living with his family, their home became a haven for various urban species, including birds, rabbits, turtles, snakes, squirrels, and a raccoon named Mandy. Notably, Mandy played a pivotal role in shaping Brad’s future endeavors.
In 1984, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Guelph, Brad founded AAA Gates’ Wildlife Control. Drawing on his strong foundation in wildlife biology and behavior, Brad aimed to pioneer humane methods for addressing wildlife intrusions. Guided by the personal philosophy to “work with Mother Nature, not against her,” he embarked on a journey to develop effective and compassionate solutions for coexisting with wildlife.
Gates Wildlife Control is a renowned service dedicated to humane and effective wildlife control solutions. With over three decades of industry expertise, we specialize in resolving wildlife intrusion challenges with a focus on compassion and ethical practices. Our knowledgeable technicians employ state-of-the-art techniques to address a variety of wildlife issues, ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. From one-way door installations to expert exclusion methods, we tailor our approach to each unique situation. At Gates Wildlife Control, our commitment is to provide reliable, professional, and environmentally conscious wildlife control services.
If you’re experiencing strange noises, visible damage, or unpleasant odors in your home, it might be time to consider humane wildlife removal services. Signs such as droppings, tracks, and the presence of wildlife in or around your property can indicate an intrusion. Additionally, damage to your garden or landscape, changes in your pet’s behavior, and structural damage like holes in the roof are all red flags. These signs collectively suggest the need for professional assistance. Gates Wildlife can address the issue safely, ensuring the well-being of both you and the animals involved. If you observe any of these indicators, contact us for ethical and effective wildlife control.
For those who may be tempted to take on the task of removing animals and animal proofing themselves, it is important to remember that it can be a dangerous undertaking. Falling off ladders and roofs while attempting to remove animals or seal entry points can result in serious bodily harm. In some cases, even aggressive animals can pose a danger to those trying to remove them. It is best to leave these tasks to experienced professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to safely and effectively handle wildlife removal and animal proofing. Attempting to do it yourself can put you at risk of injury and potentially even more damage to your home.
To prevent the need for wildlife removal, take preventative measures such as securing entry points like gaps and openings, screening roof vents, plumbing mats, and chimneys. Regular inspections of your property, coupled with prompt repairs to damaged areas, help create a less enticing environment for wildlife. Trim vegetation away from your home, and remove potential food sources to discourage animals from making your property their habitat. Consulting with Gates Wildlife can provide tailored strategies for effective wildlife prevention on your home.
