Winter can be a tough time for wild animals, as they must adapt to the colder temperatures and limited resources. However, these creatures have developed a variety of strategies and adaptations that allow them to survive and even thrive during the winter months. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that wild animals stay warm and survive the cold.

One common way that wild animals stay warm in the winter is through insulation. Many animals have thick fur or feathers that help to keep them warm by trapping a layer of air next to their skin. This insulation works like a natural coat, helping to keep the animal's body heat in and the cold out.

Another way that wild animals stay warm in the winter is through migration. Many species of birds, for example, fly to warmer regions during the winter months in order to avoid the cold. This allows them to access more food and other resources, as well as to escape the harsh winter conditions.

Hibernation is another strategy that some wild animals use to survive the cold winter months. During hibernation, animals enter a state of torpor, in which their body temperature and metabolism drop significantly. This allows them to conserve energy and survive on minimal resources until the weather warms up again.

Finally, some wild animals survive the cold by hoarding resources. Many animals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, gather and store food during the warmer months in order to have something to eat during the winter. They may also cache food in hidden locations, returning to these stores when they need a snack.

As you can see, wild animals have a variety of strategies for staying warm and surviving the cold winter months. From insulation and migration to hibernation and resource hoarding, these creatures have developed a range of adaptations that allow them to thrive in even the toughest conditions.

Relocation can be inhumane and cause unnecessary suffering for the animals. Here are some reasons why relocation of wildlife is considered inhumane:

Relocating animals can disrupt their natural habitat and social bonds. Many animals, such as birds, fish, or mammals, have complex social structures and rely on their natural habitat for food, shelter, and other resources. Moving them to a new location can cause them to lose access to these resources and to become isolated from their social groups. This can cause stress, hunger, and other negative effects for the animals.

Relocating animals can expose them to new predators or diseases. In some cases, the animals may not have the necessary adaptations or immunity to survive in their new environment. They may be more vulnerable to predators or diseases that are common in the new location, which can cause them to suffer or even die.

Relocating animals can be stressful and traumatic for them. The process of capturing, transporting, and releasing animals can be very stressful and distressing for them. They may be injured, scared, or confused during the relocation process, which can cause them to suffer.

Relocating animals can be ineffective or even counterproductive. In some cases, the animals may not be able to adapt to their new environment and may end up returning to their original location. This can cause them to suffer unnecessarily and can also create new conflicts with humans in their original location. Additionally, moving animals to a new location may not solve the underlying problem that led to their relocation in the first place. For example, if the animals were relocated because they were causing damage to property, they may simply cause similar damage in their new location.

Relocation of wildlife can be inhumane and cause unnecessary suffering for the animals. The process of relocation can disrupt their natural habitat and social bonds, expose them to new predators or diseases, be stressful and traumatic for them, and may be ineffective or even counterproductive. It is important to consider these potential negative impacts when deciding whether or not to relocate wildlife and to try to find more humane and effective solutions whenever possible.

If you are experiencing a wildlife intrusion and are considering relocation as a solution, you should look into alternative options that are more humane and effective. One option is to contact a professional wildlife control company, such as AAA Wildlife, to help solve the problem.

AAA Wildlife l is a reputable and experienced company that specializes in humanely resolving wildlife intrusions. They have a team of trained professionals who use a variety of techniques to safely and effectively remove animals from your property without causing them harm. In addition to removing the animals, Gates Wildlife Control can also help to prevent future wildlife intrusions by sealing off entry points and providing other deterrent measures.

As the colder weather sets in, many people assume that wildlife activity will slow down and that it's not necessary to address any problems until the spring. But this can be a dangerous assumption, and ignoring wildlife problems during the winter can lead to a range of risks and hazards.

First and foremost, failing to address wildlife problems can result in damage to your home and property. Many species of animals, such as rodents and birds, will seek shelter indoors during the winter, and they can cause significant damage to buildings and structures. They can chew through walls and electrical wires, and can even cause fires if they come into contact with heating and cooking equipment.

Additionally, ignoring wildlife problems can also pose risks to human health and safety. Many species of animals, such as rodents and birds, can carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans. These diseases can range from mild illnesses, such as the flu, to more serious conditions such as salmonella and Lyme disease. By failing to address the problem, you are putting yourself and your loved ones at risk of contracting these diseases.

Furthermore, ignoring wildlife problems can also cause the issue to escalate and become more difficult to control. Many species of animals, such as rodents and birds, reproduce quickly and can produce large numbers of offspring. If a small problem is allowed to go unchecked, it can quickly grow into a larger and more serious issue that is more difficult and expensive to address.

So if you have a wildlife problem, don't wait until the spring to address it. Take action now, and protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind. By working with a professional wildlife control company, you can ensure that the problem is resolved safely and humanely, and that your home and property are protected from future invasions.

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, many people assume that wildlife activity will slow down and that it's not necessary to address any problems until the warmer months. But in reality, winter can actually be the perfect time for addressing wildlife issues.

For one, many species of animals are less active during the winter, which can make it easier to spot signs of their presence and to take action. For example, wildlife such as squirrels and raccoons will often seek shelter indoors during the colder months, and their tracks and droppings can be more easily spotted in the snow. This can provide valuable information on their location and movements, which can be used to target control efforts.

Additionally, winter can also be a good time to address wildlife problems before the spring breeding season. Many species of animals, including birds, raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, will start to breed in the spring, and a single female can produce a large number of offspring. By addressing the problem before the breeding season begins, it's possible to prevent the population from growing and becoming even more difficult to control.

Furthermore, winter is also a good time to take preventative measures to prevent wildlife from entering your home or property. Cold weather can cause animals to seek shelter and warmth, and they will often try to find their way into buildings through gaps and openings in the walls and roof. By sealing these entry points and making your home or property less attractive to wildlife, you can reduce the chances of encountering a problem in the future.

So don't wait until the spring to address your wildlife problems - take action now, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home and property are safe and secure. And who knows, maybe you'll even get to enjoy some winter wildlife sightings along the way!

Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable animals that are able to thrive in a variety of environments. Many people assume that raccoons hibernate during the winter, but this is actually not the case. Here is what raccoons do in the winter:

• Raccoons do not truly hibernate. Hibernation is a state of deep sleep in which an animal's body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate decrease in order to conserve energy. Raccoons do not enter this state, and they do not significantly lower their body temperature.
• Instead of hibernating, raccoons will den up in a warm and sheltered place during the coldest parts of the winter. Raccoons often choose to live in attics because they provide warmth, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young in the upcoming Spring. Attics are also typically quiet and secluded, which can be attractive to raccoons.
• Raccoons will eat a variety of foods in the winter, including fruits, nuts, insects, and small mammals. They are opportunistic feeders, so they will eat whatever food is available to them. They may also cache, or store, food for later use.
• Raccoons may become less active in the winter, as they try to conserve energy. They may sleep for longer periods of time, or move around less. However, they are not true hibernators, so they will still need to find food and shelter during the winter months.

In summary, raccoons do not hibernate during the winter. They use a variety of strategies, such as denning and caching food, to survive the cold weather. It is important for homeowners to take steps to prevent raccoons from living inside their attic, even at this time of year. Removing the raccoons now, will prevent long term damage caused by a full winter of the wild animal living inside your home.

As human populations continue to grow and urban areas expand, it's becoming increasingly important for us to learn how to coexist with urban wildlife. From birds and squirrels to raccoons and deer, urban areas are home to a diverse range of wildlife species, and it's important for us to understand their needs and behaviors in order to coexist peacefully.

Here are some tips from the experts at Gates Wildlife on how to coexist with urban wildlife:

Don't feed the animals

It may seem like a kind gesture to feed wildlife, but it can actually do more harm than good. Feeding animals can cause them to become dependent on human food and lose their natural foraging instincts. It can also lead to conflicts with other animals and humans, and can spread disease. If you want to help wildlife, the best thing you can do is to provide natural food sources like bird feeders and native plants.

Keep your distance

It's natural to want to get close to wildlife, but it's important to remember that these animals are wild, and they can be unpredictable. To avoid conflicts and keep both yourself and the animals safe, it's best to keep a respectful distance. This means not approaching or touching wildlife, and giving them plenty of space to move freely.

Protect your property

Urban wildlife can sometimes cause problems for homeowners, such as damage to gardens and buildings. To prevent these issues, it's important to protect your property. This can include keeping trash cans securely covered, sealing off potential entry points to your home, and installing preventative screens on common entry points on your home. This can include, but is not limited to, roof vents, plumbing mats, bathroom vents and chimneys.

Respect their habitats

Urban areas can be challenging for wildlife, as natural habitats are often limited. To help wildlife thrive in urban environments, it's important to respect their habitats and minimize our impact on them. This can include protecting green spaces, conserving water, and reducing our use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Be patient

Wildlife is not always predictable, and sometimes it can take time for animals to adapt to our presence. If you're trying to coexist with urban wildlife, it's important to be patient and give the animals the time and space they need. With patience and understanding, we can learn to live peacefully with urban wildlife and coexist in harmony.

At Gates Wildlife, we are experts in understanding and coexisting with urban wildlife. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you coexist with wildlife in your urban environment.

Humane wildlife control is a method of addressing wildlife conflicts that prioritizes the well-being of the animal. Being humane to animals means treating them with compassion, respect, and dignity. Humane treatment of animals involves providing them with adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care, and avoiding causing them unnecessary suffering or distress.

Humane wildlife control is the practice of safely and humanely removing animals from residential or commercial areas. This is typically done when animals have found their way into buildings or are causing damage to property.

One way doors, also known as exclusion devices, are a popular method of humane wildlife control. These doors allow animals to exit the building or area, but prevent them from re-entering. The use of one way doors allows animals to be removed without causing them harm or stress. It also allows them to return to their natural habitat, where they can continue to thrive and live their lives.

One way doors are typically installed on areas where animals are known to enter, such as chimneys, roof vents, or gaps in foundations. Once the animal exits through the one way door, it is unable to re-enter the building.

In addition to being humane, one way doors are also an effective method of wildlife control. They allow animals to be removed from the area without the need for traps or other harmful methods.

Humane wildlife control also involves education and prevention. This can include providing homeowners with tips on how to prevent animals from entering their property, such as sealing off entry points and removing attractants. It also involves educating the public on the importance of coexisting with wildlife, and the consequences of lethal control methods.

In summary, being humane to animals means treating them with compassion and respect, and using methods of control that do not cause them unnecessary suffering or distress. This is an important principle that AAA Wildlife Control adheres to in its approach to wildlife management.

Attempting to remove wildlife from your property on your own can be dangerous, and it is important to leave this task to professionals. Wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and rats can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, and they can also cause significant damage to your home if they are not removed properly.

One of the dangers of DIY wildlife removal is the risk of exposure to diseases. Raccoons, squirrels, and rats are known to carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with bodily fluids. If you are not properly trained and equipped to handle wildlife, you may be at risk of exposure to these diseases.

Another danger of DIY wildlife removal is the risk of causing harm to the animals. Wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels are intelligent and sensitive animals, and they can suffer if they are not handled humanely. If you attempt to remove wildlife on your own, you may cause unnecessary suffering to the animals, and you may also violate local laws and regulations.

DIY wildlife removal can also be ineffective, and it may not solve the problem in the long term. Wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels are adaptable and resourceful animals, and they may find new ways to enter your home if you do not seal off all potential entry points. In addition, if you do not remove all of the animals and their young, you may face a resurgence of the problem in the future.

In conclusion, the dangers of DIY wildlife removal include the risk of exposure to diseases, the risk of causing harm to the animals, and the risk of ineffective and incomplete removal. It is important to contact a professional wildlife removal specialist to remove wildlife from your property safely, humanely, and effectively.

Wildlife removal can be a complex and confusing topic, and it is common for people to have questions about the process and how to handle wildlife problems. Here are some frequently asked questions about wildlife removal:

What are the most common types of wildlife that need to be removed from homes?

The most common types of wildlife that need to be removed from homes are raccoons, squirrels, and rats. These animals are attracted to attics, crawl spaces, and other areas of homes because they provide warmth, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young.

What are the signs that I may have wildlife in my attic?

There are several signs that you may have wildlife in your attic, including noises such as scratching, thumping, or rustling; a strong, musky odor; damage to your roof or attic; droppings; and the presence of nesting materials. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a wildlife removal specialist, such as AAA Wildlife to humanely remove the animals and prevent further damage.

How do I prevent wildlife from entering my attic?

To prevent wildlife from entering your attic, it is important to seal off any potential entry points, such as gaps in your roof, eaves, or chimney, and to keep your garbage and other potential food sources securely stored. AAA Wildlife can install preventative screens on vulnerable areas of your home to ensure wildlife can not gain access inside.

What should I do if I find a sick or injured animal on my property?

If you find a sick or injured animal on your property, it is important to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. These organizations are equipped to care for sick or injured wildlife and to release them back into the wild when they are healthy.

In summary, wildlife removal can be a complex and sensitive issue, and it is important to understand the signs, risks, and solutions. If you have a wildlife problem on your property, it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal company for help.

If you have noticed any signs of wildlife in your attic, it is important to take action to remove them and prevent further damage. Wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and rats can cause significant damage to attics, and they can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans.

One of the most common types of damage caused by wildlife in attics is the tearing of insulation. Wildlife will often tear open insulation to create a comfortable space for their den, and this can result in significant damage. Insulation is an important part of a home's energy efficiency, and the loss of insulation can result in higher heating and cooling costs.

Another common type of damage caused by wildlife in attics is the chewing of wires and other materials. Wildlife such as rats and squirrels are known for their ability to chew through wires and other materials, and this can result in short circuits and fires. In addition, the chewing of wires and other materials can also result in costly repairs.

Wildlife can also cause damage to roof vents and other openings that provide access to attics. Raccoons are skilled climbers and skilled at opening doors and other objects, and they can tear through weak spots in roof vents and other parts of a building to gain access to an attic. This can result in costly repairs and damage to a home.

If you have noticed any signs of wildlife in your attic, it is important to contact a wildlife removal specialist to remove the animals and prevent further damage. AAA Wildlife has the experience and equipment to safely and humanely remove the animals and prevent them from returning. Contacting us will help protect your home and prevent costly repairs.

If you suspect that raccoons are living in your attic, there are a few signs that you can look for to confirm your suspicion. Raccoons are large, noisy animals, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home if they take up residence in your attic. Here are some signs that raccoons may be living in your attic:

Noises: Raccoons are nocturnal animals, and they are most active at night. If you hear noises coming from your attic, such as scratching, thumping, or rustling, it could be a sign that raccoons are living there. Raccoons are also vocal animals, and they may make chattering or purring noises, which can be heard from inside your home.

Odor: Raccoons are messy animals, and they may leave behind a strong, musky odor in your attic. This odor can be difficult to remove, and it may linger for a long time if not addressed. If you notice a strong, musky smell in your attic, it could be a sign that raccoons are living there.

Damage: Raccoons are strong and agile animals, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home if they take up residence in your attic. They may tear off shingles or fascia boards to gain access to your attic, and they may also damage insulation, wiring, and other materials inside your attic. If you notice damage to your roof or attic, it could be a sign that raccoons are living there.

Droppings: Raccoons are omnivores, and they will eat just about anything they can find. This includes trash, pet food, and other food sources that may be available in your attic. If raccoons are living in your attic, they will leave behind droppings, which may be visible in your attic or on your roof. Raccoon droppings are dark and cylindrical, and they may contain seeds, bones, and other debris.

Nesting materials: Raccoons are intelligent animals, and they will use insulation inside attics for their nest. If you notice pink insulation on the ground outside your home, it could be a sign that raccoons or another animal is living there.

If you suspect that raccoons are living in your attic, it's important to take action to remove them. Raccoons can cause a lot of damage to your home, and they can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans. To remove raccoons from your attic, you can contact AAA Wildlife who has the experience and equipment to safely and humanely remove the raccoons and prevent them from returning.

Roof Vents are a very common point of entry and are constructed of various materials such as light weight aluminum (which most people refer to as metal) or plastic.

We often have customers saying “I have the metal roof vents, the animals can’t get through those.” All roof vents, no matter what type, are no obstacle for animals seeking entry into attics.

This picture was taken on a job site where our customer had squirrels inside their attic. The squirrels were very easily able to chew through the metal siding of the roof vent and gain access into the attic.

Squirrels are rodents and are habitual chewers, meaning that their front teeth are always growing and they must continuously chew on anything and everything to grind those teeth down, including metal roof vents!

Raccoons are also able to break open metal roof vents very easily. They are highly intelligent (they can twist handles, open doors and even figure out how to open “animal proof” green bins!) and have very dexterous paws.

Roof vents are no match to both raccoons or squirrels. We highly recommend screening your roof vents to prevent any future wildlife intrusions into your home. It is very important to protect your #1 investment!

Mostly birds and the occasional squirrel will use wall vents as ready-made nesting boxes. The existing plastic vent cover presents no obstacle whatsoever against animals seeking entry.

Once inside the vent pipe starlings will construct large nests, sometimes 1 meter in length, often blocking the air flow. With up to 6 fledglings defecating in this confined space, breeding insects and obnoxious odours are a most undesirable consequence. An easy solution to prevent these intrusions is to fasten galvanized screen on top of the plastic vent cover. The screen installation must, however, not interfere with the normal functioning of the vent flaps.

Warning: Dryer vents should not be screened, as this would cause the accumulation of lint against the screen and inside the pipe, thus presenting a fire hazard.

Call AAA Wildlife Today. We are able to install screen on your Stove and Bathroom vents as a preventative measure.

In our Canadian climate roofs are exposed to a wide variety of weather conditions. Strong winds, freezing and hot temperatures, heavy rain and snow all take their toll. Furthermore, animals looking for den sites will break off shingles resulting in exposing roof boards to the elements.

Conducting a minimum of two inspections per year will reveal areas where the roof repair is needed, thereby avoiding water damage and potential mold. Wildlife has the innate ability to locate and exploit areas where damage went undetected and water has caused the rotting of roof and fascia boards.

In this context, eavestroughs need to be cleaned before winter sets in to assure unimpeded water flow away from the building. Twenty percent of all wildlife entry holes are created where water from clogged eavestroughs has caused the fascia board and overhang to deteriorate.

When wildlife is drawn to continuously available food sources, there are noticeable repercussions to contend with. Increasing numbers of wildlife will migrate into the immediate area to live off the available food. Wanting to stay in close proximity to food they look to establish den sites nearby. With an increase in animal populations in the immediate area, more intrusions into buildings can be expected.

Occupants should be advised not to feed wildlife since it attracts raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, rats and mice. Of even greater concern are the documented cases where the feeding of one species has attracted another species, such as coyotes. Not to be neglected, green bins, garbage cans and dumpsters containing food refuse must be locked shut or kept indoors until the morning of garbage pickup.

This mother raccoon not only took advantage of the food source but also thought the large recycling bin would be a perfect den site for her and her babies. Thank you to this homeowner for being observant and realizing the mother and babies were living inside the bin. This photo was taken as the babies were feeding.