Hello World! Welcome Friends! Ontario – a picturesque province known for its maple syrup, vast wilderness, and friendly folks – also harbors a seasonal phenomenon that’s a mix of cute and potentially catastrophic. This time of the year, the vibrant woodlands, sprawling urban parks, and tree-lined neighborhoods pave way for a sensational surge, the baby boom of the squirrel and raccoon populations. And while cartoon renditions of these critters might invoke awws, the reality of sharing close quarters with wildlife parents during their most territorial and protective phase could be, at best, an unnerving experience and, at worst, a property-damaging nightmare.
This article will traverse through the quintessential Ontario problem of seasonal wildlife invasions, particularly focusing on the months leading into summer, and offer valuable insights into why professional wildlife removal Brampton services are crucial, shedding light on the how, when, and what of this important homeowner responsibility.
Understanding Squirrel and Raccoon Baby Season
In Ontario, squirrel and raccoon baby season generally spans from March to September. During this time, female squirrels and raccoons nurture their newborns inside what they believe to be the safest place – which, unfortunately, is not mutually exclusive with their human cohabitants’ attics.
The Busy Raccoon Progeny
For raccoons, this period is no joke – females, also called sows, spend around 63 days pregnant before giving birth to a litter of 3-5 kits on average. Once born, the kits are entirely dependent on their mother’s care and protection for the first few months of their life, during which they hardly leave the den.
The Energetic Squirrel Kits
Squirrels, on the other tree-climbing hand, give birth to a smaller litter of 2-6 kits, with a much quicker gestation period. These kits are born blind and rely heavily on their mother for warmth and nourishment, often curling themselves up into tiny balls atop their sibling.
The Problem with Pests
While it is natural for wildlife to seek shelter in the face of urbanization and fluctuating climate patterns, the repercussions of their cohabitation with humans can be substantial.
Prevention is Prudent
The prevention of wildlife infestations is a year-round effort, from tidying the yard to repairing entry points on your property. But, in truth, these exigencies tend to be more pronounced in squirrel and raccoon baby season, as desperate parents are liable to take more risks to secure a stable and nurturing home for their young.
Property Damage
When squirrels or raccoons set up camps in places where they shouldn’t – like the attic, chimney, or wall voids – property damage is inevitable. These pests are not just visitors; they’re serial re-decorators, quite literally making your house their home by tearing insulation, chewing on electrical wires, and soiling the space with their feces and urine.
Health Hazards
Beyond the physical structure, the presence of these animals poses health risks. Baby raccoons and squirrels are often carriers of diseases, not to mention the parasites they can introduce into your living space. Their droppings, if not handled properly, can lead to serious health issues.
The Ethical and Humane Angle
While the first instinct of a distressed homeowner might be to reach for the phone, the manner in which wildlife is removed is just as crucial as the act of removal itself.
Professional Intervention
When dealing with wildlife, there is a code of ethics that should underline every interaction. Professional wildlife removal services are often the best course of action, as they adhere to the regulations and guidelines set forth by wildlife protection agencies.
Relocation and Release
Ideally, captured animals should be relocated and released in a safe area, one that is conducive to their survival and within their natural habitat. This is particularly important during baby season, as the mother’s ability to relocate her young efficiently may be hampered by human intervention.
DIY Versus Professional Wildlife Removal
Now that we understand the significance of wildlife removal – and the delicate matter that it is – it’s time to weigh the options.
Risks of DIY Methods
DIY wildlife removal approaches, such as using traps or deterrents, can be dangerous and legally ambiguous. In many municipalities, disrupting a wild animal, especially one with offspring, can be illegal and attract fines. There’s also the possibility of separating a young animal from its mother, leading to a worse fate for the baby.
The Expert Touch
Professional wildlife removal services not only have the right tools and traps but also the experience to know when and how to use them effectively. They are equipped to deal with the specialized care and handling required during baby season. They come with a know-how of the behavioral patterns and habitat needs of squirrels and raccoons, ensuring relocation is carried out responsibly.
When to Call for Help
One may wonder, “When is the right time to call a wildlife removal service?” The answer is relatively simple – as soon as possible.
Signs of an Infestation
Watch out for tell-tale signs like strange noises in the attic, scratching within the walls, droppings, or noticing the wildlife frequenting your property at odd hours. These are indicators that you’re not alone in your own home.
Quick Response is Key
The quicker you can address a potential infestation, the better. This is not only for your home’s sake but also for the peace of mind that you haven’t inadvertently disrupted the lives of a wild family.
The Aftermath of Removal
Once the wildlife has been successfully removed, there are lingering precautions that should be taken to fortify your home against future invasions.
Preventing Future Incursions
Seal off all possible entry points. Ensure your attic is secure, that your chimney has a cap, and that your vents are screened. Create a barrier between the outside and inside of your property that only you and the humans you invite in can breach.
Clean Up and Restoration
Assess and repair the damages done. Ensure that any waste is removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned. Repairs should not just be structural but also about the removal of scent markers that can attract other wildlife to your home.
The advent of squirrel and raccoon baby season in Ontario isn’t just about observing from afar; it’s a time of active coexistence or conflict. The choice between letting wildlife cohabit ad infinitum with us and preserving our spaces for their intended inhabitants – without risking the spread of diseases, damaging properties, or tampering with ecological systems – is in our hands. And it’s not just about removing the pests; it’s about respecting the lives and habitats that we temporarily intersect with as we each carve out our existence in this beautiful and bountiful province.
In sum, wildlife removal in Ontario, especially during baby season, is an art married to science, and when performed comprehensively, it offers a peaceable kingdom for both the creatures and the humans. It’s a shared space where each entity can thrive in its own right, without encroaching on the other’s domain. For Ontarians, mastering this art will not only pay dividends in the longevity of their properties but also in the conservation of the province’s natural heritage – one carefully cohabited home at a time.
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Toodles,
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