Living in Mississauga, it is not uncommon to encounter skunks. These striped nocturnal animals are part of Southern Ontario’s wildlife landscape and are known for more than just their scent. One of their most noticeable behaviors is digging. But why do skunks dig, and how can homeowners protect their yards from this activity?

Skunks Are Natural Diggers

Skunks in Mississauga are equipped with strong front claws, perfectly evolved for digging. This behavior is not destructive out of spite—it is instinctual and critical for their survival. They use these claws to excavate soil while foraging or building dens. Understanding this natural behavior is the first step in managing unwanted digging around your home.

Seeking Shelter Beneath Your Deck or Shed

Skunks prefer to build their dens in quiet, dark, and enclosed spaces. In Mississauga, the undersides of decks, sheds, and porches offer perfect conditions:

• Protection from Weather: Skunks seek shelter from Ontario’s harsh winters, spring rains, and summer heat.
• Security: Enclosed areas limit exposure to predators like foxes and coyotes.
• Proximity to Food: Gardens, compost bins, and fallen fruit provide easy meals.
• Minimal Disturbance: Areas with low human activity are ideal denning spots.

Skunks Dig for Dinner

Besides shelter, food is a major motivator for digging. Skunks use their keen sense of smell to locate grubs, beetles, and other insects under the lawn. This results in small, round, cone-shaped holes peppered across yards. If your lawn in Mississauga looks like it’s been poked with a screwdriver—skunks are likely the culprit.

Mating and Raising Kits

Female skunks in Mississauga begin looking for den sites in early spring to prepare for raising their young. A dug-out den provides insulation and security for their kits. These dens are usually larger and more reinforced than simple foraging holes.

How to Prevent Skunks from Digging in Mississauga

Preventing skunks starts with eliminating what attracts them and physically blocking access to potential denning sites. Here’s how:

Maintain a Skunk-Unfriendly Yard

• Mow Regularly: A short lawn discourages insects and gives fewer hiding spots.
• Secure Waste Bins: Use tight-fitting lids on garbage and compost.
• Remove Outdoor Food: Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside.
• Collect Fallen Fruit: Rotten fruit attracts more than just wasps.
• Pick Up Pet Waste: Regularly clean areas where your dog or cat relieves themselves.
• Clear Debris: Remove brush piles, wood, and rocks that provide shelter.

Install a Skunk Barrier

Using galvanized steel mesh is one of the most effective ways to keep skunks out from under decks and sheds:

1. Identify Vulnerable Structures: Inspect decks, sheds, porches.
2. Dig a Trench: 12–18 inches deep and 12 inches wide along the perimeter.
3. Install Mesh in an L-Shape: Vertical against the structure, horizontal outward.
4. Secure It Well: Staple or screw it into the frame.
5. Backfill Soil: Compact the earth to prevent future digging.

Additional Skunk Deterrents

While not as foolproof as physical barriers, these deterrents can support your prevention strategy:

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Surprise and deter skunks at night.
• Citrus Peels: Orange and lemon peels may repel them (must be reapplied).
• Predator Urine: Creates the illusion of a nearby threat (also needs reapplication).
• Professional Wildlife Control: Essential if a skunk has already established a den.

Humane Coexistence with Local Wildlife

At Pest Protection Plus, we believe in humane wildlife management. Skunks in Mississauga are a natural part of the environment, but they don’t have to take over your yard. Through thoughtful prevention, respectful deterrents, and expert removal when needed, homeowners can maintain peace without harm.

Our team of licensed professionals has over 13 years of experience managing skunks and other wildlife in the GTA. If you suspect skunk activity or need help securing your property, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Learn more about our skunk removal services: Skunk Removal

Helpful Video:

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Raccoons and squirrels in the attic are more than a nuisance. They damage your home, disrupt your sleep, and can cause serious property issues. In the Greater Toronto Area, many homeowners don’t realize that roof vents are one of the most common entry points.

In this post, you’ll learn how these animals get in, the signs of an infestation, and what you can do to stop them—before they do more damage.

Why Roof Vents Attract Raccoons and Squirrels

Roof vents are designed to let air circulate through your attic. However, many are made from lightweight plastic or thin metal. These materials are easy for animals to chew, rip, or bend.

Squirrels Chew Through Weak Materials

Squirrels are relentless chewers. Their teeth grow constantly, so they gnaw on anything—especially plastic. If they hear warmth, airflow, or activity inside your attic, they’ll chew through a vent cover to get in.

Raccoons Pry with Their Paws

Raccoons don’t need to chew. Instead, they use their strength and dexterity to pull, lift, or tear vents open. Once they identify a weak spot, they exploit it quickly.

As a result, even new homes are at risk.

Common Signs of Raccoons and Squirrels in the Attic

Wondering if something is living above your ceiling? Look for these warning signs:

•Scratching or thumping sounds at dawn or dusk

•Bent, broken, or missing roof vent covers

•Insulation ripped apart or moved

•Droppings and strong, musky odours

•Visible entry points near vents or eaves

These symptoms often appear before homeowners realize there’s a problem. For that reason, regular inspections are important.

Why You Should Act Quickly

A few noises in the attic may not seem urgent. However, delays lead to bigger issues:

•Chewed electrical wires can cause fires

•Damaged insulation reduces energy efficiency

•Nesting materials attract insects and mites

•Feces and urine create harmful indoor air conditions

In other words, the longer animals stay, the worse it gets.

How to Stop Wildlife from Using Roof Vents

Fortunately, you can take effective steps to stop animals before they get in—or remove them safely if they already have.

Install Chew-Proof Roof Vent Covers

Replace plastic or soft metal covers with galvanized steel. These are strong enough to withstand chewing, clawing, and prying.

Use One-Way Doors for Humane Removal

If animals are inside, our trained wildlife technicians install one-way doors. These allow animals to leave—but block them from re-entering.

Book Seasonal Wildlife Inspections

Regular inspections catch early warning signs. This helps you avoid emergency repairs. Download our free seasonal prevention calendar to stay on top of wildlife activity year-round.

Real-Life Examples from the Field

Trapper Tony from Pest Protection Plus shows real examples in action:

• Raccoon tearing open a roof vent

• Squirrel-chewed plastic vent with bite marks

•A close-up of a one-way door in use

•Damaged insulation from wildlife nesting

These visuals help homeowners understand the urgency—and the solution.

Why Choose Pest Protection Plus

Since 2012, Pest Protection Plus has protected homes across the Greater Toronto Area from unwanted wildlife. We use humane, proven methods to remove raccoons and squirrels from attics.

We don’t just patch problems—we prevent them. With expert technicians, durable materials, and smart exclusion tools, your attic stays animal-free.

Check out this helpful video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30B7CJ33ZBU

Here is information on humane wildlife removal services: Wildlife Removal

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If you are trying to trap skunks without getting sprayed, you are not alone. In Southern Ontario, skunks often wander into yards looking for food or shelter. Handling the situation properly can keep you safe and smell-free. This guide will walk you through each step to successfully and humanely trap skunks on your property.

Understand Skunk Behavior Before You Set a Trap

Knowing how skunks behave is the first step if you want to trap skunks without getting sprayed. Skunks are nocturnal and most active at night. They search for food like insects, grubs, garbage, and fallen fruit. They also look for shelter under decks, sheds, porches, and woodpiles. Watch for tracks, droppings, and dug-up soil near fences, gardens, and compost piles. Identifying where skunks travel will make your trapping efforts much more effective.

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Skunk Trap

Where you place your trap is critical. Always put the trap directly on the path the skunk uses. Look for signs of regular travel like beaten-down grass or visible trails. Set the trap on a flat and stable surface to prevent tipping. A trap that rocks or moves can spook a skunk and increase the chances of getting sprayed. The more natural and undisturbed the trap looks, the more likely the skunk will enter without hesitation.

Why You Must Cover the Skunk Trap for Safety

Using a cover over your trap is one of the best ways to trap skunks without getting sprayed. A dark tarp, thick towel, or specially designed trap cover will reduce the skunk’s stress. When a skunk feels hidden and secure, it is much less likely to spray. Ensure there is still enough ventilation so the skunk remains safe while inside the trap. Covering also helps you stay shielded while moving the trapped animal.

Best Baits to Successfully Trap a Skunk

Choosing the right bait makes a big difference. Skunks have a strong sense of smell and are easily lured by certain foods. Sardines are one of the most effective baits because their strong smell attracts skunks from a distance. Grape jelly is another excellent choice due to its sweetness. Place a small amount of bait at the very back of the trap so the skunk has to walk fully inside, triggering the door to close behind it.

How Patience Helps You Trap Skunks Without Getting Sprayed

Patience is key when trapping skunks. These animals are naturally cautious and may not enter a trap the first night it is placed. Leave the trap in the same location without moving it. Refresh the bait if necessary but avoid making sudden changes. Check the trap every morning and evening to ensure the skunk is not left inside too long. Being consistent and patient greatly increases your chances of a successful, spray-free capture.

Tips for Moving a Trapped Skunk Safely

Once you have successfully trapped a skunk, move slowly and stay calm. Approach the trap quietly, keeping yourself visible but non-threatening. Gently cover the entire trap if it is not already covered. Lift and carry the trap smoothly without shaking or tipping it. Always hold the trap away from your body and walk steadily. Stay calm and controlled. It is the best way to avoid startling the skunk and getting sprayed.

Learn more about our humane skunk removal services: Skunk Removal

Here is a helpful video:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fo2H7PRTVK8

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Can I Legally Have a Pet Raccoon in Ontario?

Short answer: No.

Under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA), raccoons are classified as wildlife. While the law doesn’t say exactly “you can’t have a pet raccoon,” it creates strict regulations that make it almost impossible.

Keeping a raccoon could lead to:

• Fines

• Animal seizure

• Legal trouble with local wildlife authorities

Raccoons Are Wild Animals, Not Pets

Raccoons are not domesticated animals. Unlike dogs or cats, raccoons have wild instincts that can’t simply be trained away.

Raccoons naturally:

• Climb everything

• Rip into walls, wiring, insulation

• Explore obsessively

• Bite or scratch when scared

Having a raccoon indoors can quickly turn into expensive home repairs — and serious safety risks.

Health Risks of Keeping a Pet Raccoon

Wondering “Can I have a pet raccoon?” Think about the health risks first. Raccoons can carry:

Their feces can contaminate your home, yard, or garden with dangerous parasites that are hard to remove.

Emotional & Social Needs of Raccoons

Raccoons are highly social wild animals. They thrive when:

• Climbing trees

• Foraging for food

• Living with other raccoons

• Raising their young in family units

Removing a baby raccoon from its mother causes stress and trauma — for both the animal and the parent. Even with the best intentions, a home environment can’t meet these needs.

 How Keeping a Pet Raccoon Harms Wildlife

The biggest reason not to keep a pet raccoon? It damages Ontario’s ecosystem.

By removing raccoons from their environment, humans disrupt:

• Natural food chains

• Wildlife population balance

• Raccoon family structures

Wild animals belong in the wild — it’s better for them, and better for us.

What to Do if You Find a Raccoon

If you find a raccoon that looks injured, orphaned, or is causing problems on your property, don’t try to care for it yourself.

Instead:

• Call your local wildlife rehabilitation center

• Contact a professional pest or wildlife control company like Pest Protection Plus

• Let trained experts handle wildlife safely and legally

Final Thoughts on Having a Pet Raccoon

Raccoons are fascinating and beautiful animals — from a distance. Bringing one into your home isn’t just difficult — it’s unsafe, unsanitary, and often illegal.

Wondering “Can I have a pet raccoon?” The answer is clear: No — and for good reason.

Let raccoons live wild. And if one shows up where it shouldn’t? Call Pest Protection Plus. We’ll handle it safely, humanely, and professionally.

Learn more about our raccoon services: Raccoon Removal

Here is a helpful video:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jB-OvgI85d8

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Southern Ontario’s natural beauty comes with its wild neighbours—raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and more. While sharing space with wildlife is part of the charm, it becomes a problem when animals find a large enough opening to get into your home. Early detection is key. In this guide, a Pest Protection Plus Wildlife Specialist explains how to identify and secure common wildlife entry points before they turn into costly infestations.

Why Identifying Wildlife Entry Points Matters

Wild animals seek shelter, warmth, and food—your home offers all three. Regular inspections for large gaps or damage help prevent infestations, property damage, and health hazards. Don’t just inspect ground level—wildlife entry points can be above, below, and all around your property.

Roof & Eavestrough Wildlife Entry Points

• Eavestroughs: Loose or damaged gutters are prime raccoon, squirrel, and bird access routes. Ensure they’re clean and secure.
• Soffits: Holes, cracks, or loose panels are frequent squirrel and raccoon points of entry.
• Shingles: Missing or damaged shingles create gaps bats and birds can exploit.
• Roof Gaps: Where your roof meets your walls is a hotspot for wildlife entry points. Check chimney caps too.

Ground-Level and Below Entry Points

• Shed Foundations: Rodents dig beneath and slip through gaps in doors and windows.
• Under Decks: Popular for nesting. Block with wire mesh to prevent skunk and groundhog entry.
• Home Foundations: Cracks and holes let in mice and rats. Seal all foundation-level entry points.

Around the Yard: Trees, Utilities, and Vents

• Overhanging Trees: Trim branches touching your home—these are natural bridges for wildlife.
• Fences: Broken or bent fencing makes for easy access to your yard.
• Utility Line Gaps: Where cables enter walls are often overlooked access points.
• Garages & Outbuildings: Check for unsealed vents or wall gaps.
• Dryer & Attic Vents: Always install screens. Unprotected vents are open invitations.

Signs of Wildlife Entry Points and Activity

If you see any of the following signs, it’s likely you already have an active entry point:

• Droppings: Each species leaves a unique trail.
• Tracks: Mud or snow around the foundation tells you where they enter.
• Nesting Material: Shredded insulation, paper, or leaves = nesting zone.
• Gnaw Marks: Common on wood, siding, or wires.
• Noises: Scratching or chirping at night? Time to inspect those wildlife entry points.

Protect Your Home from Wildlife Intrusions

Routine inspections for gaps & holes should be part of every Southern Ontario homeowner’s checklist. Sealing these areas early keeps pests out, protects your structure, and saves money. If you’re unsure where to start, contact Pest Protection Plus. We specialize in humane wildlife removal, exclusion, and prevention—protecting your home before animals make it theirs.

Learn more about our humane wildlife removal services: Wildlife Removal

Here is a helpful video:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HkvXqyJqMDI

The post How to Identify and Seal Wildlife Entry Points in Your Home appeared first on Pest Protection Plus.

Spring in Southern Ontario brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and…squirrel baby (kit) season! These adorable, bushy-tailed creatures can quickly become a nuisance when they decide your attic or walls are the perfect place to raise their young. Protecting your home from squirrels during (kit) baby season requires proactive measures and a good understanding of squirrel behavior. We provide tactical ways to protect your home from squirrels below.

Squirrel Baby (Kit) Season:

A Time of Vulnerability Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons, one in late winter/early spring (February-April) and another in late summer/early fall (August-September). During these periods, mother squirrels, called “dams,” seek safe and cozy locations to build their nests and raise their kits. Unfortunately, our homes can offer just the right conditions. “Squirrel kit season is a critical time to inspect your attic and vents. Seal entry points early to avoid a furry family moving in.” This statement highlights the importance of preventative measures. Early detection and proactive sealing are key to avoiding a squirrel infestation.

Why Squirrels Choose Our Homes

Our attics, soffits, vents, and wall voids provide ideal nesting sites for squirrels. They offer protection from the elements, predators, and are often warm and insulated. The abundance of nesting materials readily available in our yards (leaves, twigs, insulation) makes our homes even more attractive. The Importance of Early Inspection Inspecting your home before squirrels move in is crucial. Once a mother squirrel has established a nest and given birth, removing them becomes much more complicated and requires specialized, humane handling.

Where to Focus Your Inspection To Protect Your Home From Squirrels

Attic: Carefully inspect your attic for any signs of squirrel activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Pay close attention to areas near vents, chimneys, and where the roof meets the walls.

Vents: Check all exterior vents (attic, dryer, bathroom) to ensure they have secure screens. Squirrels can easily squeeze through even small openings.

Soffits and Fascia: Inspect the soffits (under the eaves) and fascia boards for any damage or gaps. These are common entry points for squirrels.

Roof: Look for any missing, damaged, or lifted shingles. These can create easy access to your attic. Trees: Trim any tree branches that are close to your roof or siding. Squirrels can use these as bridges to access your home.

Sealing Entry Points: A Proactive Approach

If you find any potential entry points, seal them immediately. Use sturdy materials that squirrels can’t chew through, such as:

Galvanized Steel Mesh: This is a highly effective barrier that squirrels can’t gnaw. Steel Wool: Stuff steel wool into small cracks and crevices.

Caulk: Use a high-quality caulk to seal gaps and cracks.

What to Do if You Find a Squirrel Nest

If you discover a squirrel nest with babies, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact a professional wildlife removal company immediately. They are trained to handle these situations humanely and safely, ensuring the well-being of both the mother squirrel and her kits. Why

Professional Help is Essential Humane Removal: Professionals understand the importance of keeping families together. They will make every effort to remove the mother squirrel and her kits together and relocate them to a suitable habitat.

Safe Handling: Squirrels can be aggressive, especially when protecting their young. Professionals have the training and equipment to handle them safely.

Preventing Future Infestations: After removing the squirrels, professionals can advise on steps to prevent future infestations, such as sealing entry points and removing attractants.

Beyond Sealing: Other Ways to Deter Squirrels

Remove Food Sources: Keep your yard clean and free of debris. Store birdseed and pet food in secure containers.

Secure Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent squirrels from accessing food scraps.

Yard Maintenance: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and maintain your yard to eliminate potential nesting sites.

Protecting Your Home From Squirrels In Ontario: A Year-Round Effort Protecting your home from squirrels is an ongoing process. Regular inspections, proactive sealing, and professional help when needed are all essential components of a comprehensive squirrel management plan. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of squirrels in your neighborhood without the headache of them nesting in your home.

Learn more about our humane wildlife removal services to help protect your home from squirrels: Squirrel Removal

Here is a helpful video:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FmlgdXIzNrA

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Pest Protection Plus answers the question, do skunks hibernate in the winter? Skunks are a common sight in Southern Ontario, known for their distinctive black and white markings and, of course, their potent odour. These small mammals play a vital role in our local ecosystem, but they can also become a nuisance if they decide to take up residence under your shed or deck. Understanding their behaviour, especially during the winter months, can help you coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures.

What are Skunks?

Skunks are mammals belonging to the Mephitidae family, known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defence mechanism. In Southern Ontario, we typically encounter the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). They are about the size of a house cat, with a bushy tail and a distinctive black and white pattern that varies between individuals.

The Role of Skunks in the Ecosystem:

Before we talk about: do skunks hibernate in the winter, lets understand their role in the ecosystem more. Skunks are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, which means they play a crucial role in keeping our ecosystem in balance. Their diet includes insects, grubs, rodents, small mammals, birds, eggs, and even fruit and berries. By consuming grubs and insects, they help control populations that can damage gardens and crops. They also help to keep rodent populations in check.

Skunk Behaviour:

Skunks are generally nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they seek shelter in burrows, under decks, or in other protected areas. They are not particularly aggressive animals and will usually only spray if they feel threatened or cornered. Before spraying, a skunk will often give warning signs, such as stamping its feet, hissing, or raising its tail.

Skunk Spray:

The infamous skunk spray is a highly volatile, oily liquid produced by glands located near the skunk’s anus. It contains sulphur-based compounds that give it its characteristic foul odour. The spray can travel up to 10 feet and can cause temporary blindness and nausea if it comes into contact with the eyes or face. The smell can linger for days or even weeks, making it a truly memorable experience!

Do Skunks Hibernate in Winter?

Now, to answer the burning question: do skunks hibernate in the winter? The answer is no, but it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Skunks don’t go into full hibernation like bears or groundhogs. Instead, they enter a state of torpor. Torpor is a lighter form of dormancy where the skunk’s body temperature, heart rate, and metabolic rate decrease. This allows them to conserve energy during the colder months when food is scarce. Unlike hibernation, skunks in torpor can wake up and move around on warmer days to forage for food. During the winter, skunks often den together in groups to stay warm. These dens can be found in a variety of places, including under porches, sheds, woodpiles, and even abandoned burrows.

Living with Skunks in Southern Ontario

While skunks play a beneficial role in our environment, they can become a nuisance if they decide to den on your property. To prevent skunks from taking up residence:

Secure your property: Seal any potential entry points under decks, sheds, and foundations. Remove food sources: Keep garbage cans securely sealed and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Motion-activated sprinklers: These can deter skunks and other wildlife from entering your yard. If you do encounter a skunk, remember to give it plenty of space and avoid making any sudden movements that could startle it.

Help with humane skunk removal:

If you have a skunk problem on your property, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service like Pest Protection Plus. We can safely and humanely remove skunks and help you prevent future encounters. Remember: Never attempt to handle a skunk yourself. If you or your pet are sprayed by a skunk, there are several home remedies and commercial products available to help neutralize the odour. By understanding skunk behaviour and taking preventative measures, you can coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures and appreciate the role they play in our Southern Ontario ecosystem.

Learn more about our humane skunk removal services: Skunk Removal

Here is a helpful video: do skunks hibernate in the winter:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uWanNeOTHBY

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What You Need to Know:

Pest Protection Plus answers the question: “do raccoons and squirrels have rabies?”  we talk about signs of rabies in animals, how rabies works in the central nervous system, we caution people to stay away from wildlife animals that have signs of rabies. Southern Ontario is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raccoons and squirrels. While these creatures can be fascinating to observe, it’s important to remember that they can also carry diseases, including rabies. At Pest Protection Plus, we understand the importance of keeping your family and pets safe. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand the risks of rabies in Southern Ontario and how to protect yourself.

Do Raccoons and Squirrels Carry Rabies?

Yes, both raccoons and squirrels can carry rabies. However, it’s more common in raccoons. Recognizing the Signs of Rabies in Animals Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of rabies in animals to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Here are some common symptoms:

Changes in behavior: A typically nocturnal animal is out during the day, or a diurnal animal is out at night. Wild animals may seem unusually friendly or exhibit a loss of fear towards humans. They may also appear agitated, aggressive, or disoriented.

Difficulty moving: The animal may have trouble walking, appear paralyzed, or have seizures. Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth: This is a classic sign of rabies, as the virus affects the animal’s ability to swallow.

Self-mutilation: The animal may bite or chew at itself. Important Note: It’s essential to remember that these signs are not exclusive to rabies. Other illnesses or injuries can cause similar symptoms. If you see an animal exhibiting any of these signs, do not approach it. Contact your local animal control or Pest Protection Plus immediately.

How Rabies Affects the Central Nervous System

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch.

Here’s how rabies progresses:

Entry: The virus enters the body through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.

Replication: The virus replicates in the muscle tissue near the bite. Spread: The virus travels through the nerves to the central nervous system.

Brain Infection: Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes inflammation and damage, leading to the characteristic symptoms of rabies.

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets

The best way to protect yourself and your pets from rabies is to avoid contact with wild animals. Most commonly Raccoons, and Squirrels.

Here are some essential tips:

Do not feed or approach wild animals: No matter how cute or friendly they may seem, keep a safe distance.

Vaccinate your pets: Ensure your dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. This will protect them if they come into contact with an infected animal.

Supervise pets outdoors: Keep your pets on a leash or in a fenced yard to prevent them from interacting with wild animals.

Report any unusual animal behavior: If you see an animal acting strangely, contact your local animal control .

“Rabies-proof” your home: Seal any potential entry points for wild animals, such as gaps in your foundation or openings in your attic.

What to Do if You Are Bitten or Scratched

If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, it’s crucial to take immediate action:

Wash the wound thoroughly: Use soap and water to clean the wound for at least 15 minutes.

Seek medical attention: Contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. You may need to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of shots that can prevent rabies from developing.

Report the incident: Contact your local public health unit to report the bite or scratch. They will investigate the incident and may need to test the animal for rabies. Pest Protection Plus is here to help. If you have any concerns about rabies or wildlife in your area, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team of experts can provide professional advice and assistance to ensure your property is safe and protected. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to rabies. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from this deadly disease. For more information about Southern Ontario wildlife, subscribe to our YouTube channel @pestproplus and follow us on social media @pestproplus.

Learn more form this helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3_7ontL1DE

Learn about the humane wildlife services we offer: Wildlife Removal

The post Do Raccoons & Squirrels Have Rabies? appeared first on Pest Protection Plus.

Skunks are common throughout Southern Ontario, and while they’re generally harmless creatures, they have a unique defence mechanism that can cause quite a stink – literally! If you’re a dog owner in this region, it’s essential to be prepared for the unfortunate event of a skunk encounter. Here’s what you need to know about Pest Protection Plus, and what to do if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk.

Understanding the Skunk’s Defence Mechanism

Skunks are notorious for their foul-smelling spray, a potent mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals. They use this spray to defend themselves against perceived threats, and unfortunately, curious dogs often become targets. The spray itself is not poisonous, but it can cause significant discomfort and lingering odour if not addressed promptly.

What to Do When a Skunk Sprays Your Dog:

Remaining calm is crucial when dealing with a skunk-sprayed dog. Panicking will only stress your pet further.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage the situation effectively:

Initial Assessment: Before approaching your dog, check for any signs of injury. Skunks may bite or scratch in defence, so look for any wounds or indications of pain. If you notice any injuries, especially around the eyes, nose, or ears, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Isolate and Ventilate: Do not immediately bring your dog back into the house. The skunk spray’s odour is potent and can linger on furniture, carpets, and other belongings. Instead, keep your dog in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to prevent the smell from spreading.

The First Wash: The sooner you wash your dog, the better. Use a combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap to neutralize the odour. This home remedy is often more effective than commercial skunk odour removers. Be careful around your dog’s eyes and face, as the mixture can cause irritation.

Repeat as Necessary: A single wash may not be enough to completely eliminate the odour. You might need to repeat the process several times, ensuring you rinse your dog thoroughly each time. Remember to use lukewarm water and avoid getting any of the solutions in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

Professional Help: If the odour persists despite your best efforts, or if your dog shows signs of distress, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian. They may have specialized products or techniques to help manage the situation.

Preventing Skunk & Dog Encounters:

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of your dog getting sprayed:

Supervise Outdoor Time: Keep your dog on a leash during walks, especially at dawn and dusk when skunks are most active.

Secure Your Yard: Fence your property to deter skunks from entering. Regularly check for any gaps or openings that they could exploit.

Avoid Attractants: Secure garbage cans tightly and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, as these can attract skunks and other wildlife.

Educate Your Dog: Train your dog to avoid skunks. If you see a skunk, calmly and firmly lead your dog away from the area.

Pest Protection Plus: Your Partner in Skunk Prevention

While taking precautions can significantly reduce the risk of skunk encounters, sometimes these situations are unavoidable. That’s where Pest Protection Plus comes in. We offer comprehensive pest control solutions for homeowners in Southern Ontario, including skunk removal and prevention services. Our experienced technicians can help you identify potential skunk attractants on your property and implement effective strategies to keep these critters at bay.

Remember: Dealing with a skunk-sprayed dog can be a challenging experience. By staying calm, acting quickly, and seeking professional help when needed, you can minimize the discomfort for your pet and restore peace to your home. Contact Pest Protection Plus today for expert advice and assistance with all your pest control needs in Southern Ontario.

Here is some more info on humane skunk and wildlife removal: Wildlife Removal

Check out this. helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvZVhwNywCE

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