How to Get Rid of Wild Animals in The GTA
Wildlife animals can become a problem when they enter your attic, nest under your deck, damage your garden, or search for food around your home. Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, rabbits, and birds are common examples of animals that may live close to residential properties. Although these animals play an important role in nature, their presence inside or around a home can create noise, property damage, and sanitation concerns.
The best way to get rid of wildlife animals is to identify the species, understand why it is attracted to your property, remove the conditions encouraging it to stay, and prevent access to buildings. When an animal is trapped inside a structure, has young, or may be protected by wildlife regulations, professional assistance may be necessary.
This guide explains how to recognize wildlife problems, discourage animals from entering your property, protect your home, and decide when to contact a wildlife removal professional.
Why Do Wildlife Animals Enter Residential Properties?
Wildlife usually enters residential areas in search of food, water, shelter, or a safe place to raise young. Houses, garages, sheds, and decks can provide many of the same resources that animals find in natural habitats. Understanding what attracts wildlife is the first step towards preventing repeat visits.
1. Easy Access to Food
Garbage bins, compost, pet food, fallen fruit, bird feeders, and outdoor cooking areas can attract animals. Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and other wildlife may return regularly when food is easy to find.
Keep garbage in secure containers with tightly fitted lids. Clean up food scraps after outdoor meals and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
2. Warm and Protected Shelter
Attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and spaces beneath decks offer protection from harsh weather and predators. Squirrels may enter roof spaces through openings, while raccoons may use weak roof sections or damaged vents to access attics.
Inspect the outside of your property for damaged soffits, loose roof materials, gaps around pipes, and broken vent covers.
3. Water Sources
Leaking outdoor taps, standing water, uncovered containers, and poorly maintained drainage areas can attract animals. Fix leaks, empty containers that collect rainwater, and keep outdoor areas maintained.
4. Safe Nesting Areas
Wildlife may choose quiet areas to build nests or raise young. An animal that repeatedly enters the same space may already have established a nesting site.
Before blocking an opening or attempting removal, determine whether young animals may be present. Sealing an entrance without checking can separate adults from their young or leave animals trapped inside a building.
How to Identify a Wildlife Problem Around Your Home
Different animals leave different signs. Identifying the species helps you choose an appropriate and humane response.
Look for the following clues:
Scratching or movement in the attic: Squirrels, raccoons, birds, or other animals may be using the roof space.
Damaged garbage bags: Raccoons and skunks may be searching for food.
Small holes in lawns: Skunks or other animals may be digging for insects or other food sources.
Droppings near entry points: These may indicate repeated animal activity, although droppings alone cannot always identify a species.
Chewed materials or damaged vents: Squirrels and other animals may exploit weak areas to enter a structure.
Tracks near sheds or decks: Footprints can help indicate which animals are visiting the property.
Nesting materials: Leaves, insulation, feathers, or other materials may suggest that an animal has established a nesting area.
Avoid touching wildlife, nests, or droppings with bare hands. If you find damaged insulation, animal waste, or a suspected nesting area indoors, take precautions and arrange suitable professional advice when needed.
For more information about common species, read our guides to what raccoons are and what squirrels are.
How to Get Rid of Wildlife Animals Naturally
Natural prevention methods can make your property less attractive to wildlife. However, no single repellent or home remedy works for every species. The most reliable approach is to remove attractants, block access after confirming animals have left, and maintain the property.
1. Remove Food Sources
Start by identifying anything wildlife can eat.
Store garbage in secure bins with tight-fitting lids.
Keep pet food indoors when it is not being used.
Collect fallen apples, berries, and other fruit.
Clean barbecue grills and outdoor cooking areas.
Secure compost bins and avoid leaving food waste exposed.
Clean up spilled birdseed around feeders.
These steps are particularly useful when raccoons, skunks, and squirrels regularly visit your yard. The Government of Ontario also recommends removing food sources to help prevent conflicts with small wildlife.
2. Seal Entry Points Around the Home
Inspect the roofline, soffits, fascia boards, vents, foundation, and spaces beneath porches. Look for damaged materials, loose covers, and gaps that could allow animals to enter.
Once the animal has left, repair the opening with durable materials suitable for that location. Metal mesh can help protect some vents and openings, while properly installed barriers can prevent animals from getting underneath decks.
Important: Never seal an opening until you are confident that no animals or dependent young remain inside. An animal trapped in a wall or attic may die there or cause additional damage while trying to escape.
3. Secure Spaces Under Decks and Sheds
The space beneath a deck or shed can provide wildlife with a protected nesting area. Check for burrows, disturbed soil, tracks, and signs of nesting before installing barriers.
Once the area is confirmed empty, install a suitable wildlife-resistant barrier. Where digging is possible, the design may need an underground section or another method of preventing animals from burrowing underneath.
Do not cover an active burrow without identifying its occupant. The correct response depends on the species and whether young animals are present.
4. Maintain Trees, Shrubs, and Landscaping
Overgrown vegetation can provide shelter and concealment. Trim shrubs where practical, remove accumulated branches, and keep storage areas tidy. Branches close to a roof can sometimes provide squirrels with access to upper parts of a building. Pruning may reduce access, but check for nesting activity before cutting branches that could prevent a parent animal from reaching its young.
You do not need to remove all your garden plants. The goal is to reduce convenient access and hiding places near vulnerable parts of the home.
5. Use Deterrents Carefully
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and certain species-specific deterrents may discourage some animals from visiting particular areas. Results vary according to the animal, the setting, and how consistently the deterrent is used.
Before relying on a deterrent, consider these points:
Lights: May discourage some animals temporarily, but wildlife can adapt.
Noise: May encourage an animal to leave an unoccupied space, but can also disturb neighbouring residents.
Repellents: Effectiveness varies, and products must be used according to their labels.
Physical barriers: Often provide a more durable solution when correctly installed.
Motion-activated sprinklers: May help protect gardens where the setup is appropriate.
Avoid pouring chemicals into burrows, using smoke to drive animals out of chimneys, or applying mothballs and other household chemicals as wildlife repellents. These methods can expose people and animals to harmful substances without solving the underlying access problem.
How to Get Rid of Different Types of Wildlife Animals
The best wildlife removal method depends on the animal’s behaviour, its location, and the circumstances. Here are practical considerations for common wildlife problems.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons
Raccoons are adaptable animals that may visit gardens, search through rubbish, or shelter in attics, chimneys, and spaces beneath decks.
To discourage raccoons:
Secure garbage and compost bins.
Remove pet food and accessible food waste.
Inspect roof vents, soffits, and other possible entry points.
Check whether a mother raccoon has young in the nesting area.
Arrange appropriate removal if an animal has entered a building.
Avoid approaching or cornering a raccoon. If it is inside your living space, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified wildlife professional.
For more species-specific information, read our guide on what raccoons are and the article on the best way to get rid of raccoons.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Squirrels may enter attics through damaged vents, gaps in roof edges, and openings in deteriorated wood. They may also build nests in sheds or other protected spaces.
To reduce squirrel activity:
Inspect roof edges and vents for damage.
Remove accessible food sources.
Check for nesting activity before blocking an opening.
Repair entry points once the animals have safely left.
Inspect damaged areas for chewed materials or wiring.
If squirrels are moving around inside your attic, avoid reaching into insulation or trying to catch them by hand. Electrical damage may also require inspection by a qualified electrician.
Our guide on how to get rid of squirrels in the attic explains this problem in more detail.
How to Get Rid of Skunks
Skunks may dig in lawns while searching for insects and other food. They can also shelter beneath decks, porches, and sheds.
To discourage skunks:
Secure rubbish and compost.
Remove food scraps and fallen fruit.
Inspect sheltered spaces beneath outdoor structures.
Use suitable barriers once you have confirmed the area is empty.
Avoid approaching or frightening a skunk at close range.
If a skunk is living beneath a deck, do not block the entrance immediately. Determine whether young are present and whether the animal has another way out. A professional can help assess the safest approach.
Read our related guides on what skunks are and skunks and wildlife management.
How to Get Rid of Birds Around Your Home
Birds may nest on roof ledges, in vents, beneath eaves, or in other sheltered spaces. Droppings and nesting materials can create cleaning and maintenance problems.
Consider these preventive steps:
Cover suitable openings with correctly installed screening.
Remove food sources that attract unwanted birds.
Keep outdoor areas clean.
Use appropriate physical deterrents where permitted.
Check for active nests before disturbing nesting areas.
Bird species and nesting circumstances matter. Some birds and nests are subject to legal protections, so check the applicable rules before removing a nest or using deterrents.
For additional advice, visit our article on how to keep birds away from your house.
How to Get Rid of Rabbits
Rabbits may eat vegetables, flowers, and young plants. They often return to gardens that offer both food and cover.
To reduce damage:
Install suitable fencing around vulnerable garden beds.
Protect young plants with appropriate guards.
Remove dense debris that provides unwanted shelter near gardens.
Use suitable plant protection and wildlife-resistant barriers.
Check beneath sheds and other structures before closing gaps.
Fencing should be designed for the animal and the area being protected. A short barrier may not be sufficient in every situation.
You can learn more in our guide to rabbits and their behaviour.
How to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Attic
Wildlife in an attic requires more than a quick patch over a hole. The aim is to remove the animal safely, prevent re-entry, and repair any damage.
Step 1: Identify the Entry Point
Look for damaged roof vents, loose fascia, gaps near eaves, and openings around exterior features. Scratching sounds or disturbed insulation may help identify the area being used.
Do not climb onto a damaged roof or enter an unsafe space to investigate. Use a qualified professional if access is difficult or dangerous.
Step 2: Check for Young Animals
Nesting seasons vary by species and weather conditions. If young are present, the removal plan must account for their needs.
Sealing an entrance too early can trap young animals inside. A professional may recommend waiting until the young can leave with their parent or using an appropriate exclusion method.
Step 3: Plan Safe Removal
The method should match the animal and the building. Depending on the circumstances, it may involve allowing the animal to leave naturally or using a suitable exclusion technique.
Do not smoke animals out of a chimney, pour chemicals into openings, or use improvised traps. These methods can injure wildlife and create additional hazards.
Step 4: Confirm the Animal Has Left
An opening should not be permanently sealed simply because the property has been quiet for a short period. Wildlife activity can change with weather, time of day, and nesting behaviour.
A professional can assess signs of activity and determine when it is appropriate to close the opening.
Step 5: Repair and Inspect the Area
Once the space is clear, repair damaged vents, roof edges, and other access points. Check for damaged insulation, chewed wiring, and contaminated materials.
For further advice about the species involved, see our guide to what wildlife is
What Should You Avoid When Removing Wildlife?
Some removal methods may appear convenient but can create more problems. A safe, lasting solution considers the animal’s behaviour, the condition of the building, and applicable wildlife regulations.
1. Do Not Use Poison
Poison is not an appropriate general solution for wildlife problems. It may harm non-target animals and create additional hazards if an animal dies inside a wall or attic.Instead, identify the animal, remove attractants, and use suitable exclusion or professional removal methods.
2 . Do Not Trap and Relocate Wildlife Without Checking the Rules
Relocating a wild animal may seem humane, but it can expose the animal to unfamiliar surroundings and create legal issues. Ontario generally restricts the capture and relocation of wildlife, with limited exceptions and specific conditions. Review the Ontario government’s wildlife capture and relocation guidance before taking action.
3. Do Not Block Active Entrances
Sealing an entrance while an animal remains inside can trap it in the building. If young are present, the parent may be unable to reach them. Confirm that the space is empty before completing permanent repairs.
4. Do Not Handle Wildlife Directly
Even an animal that appears calm may bite or scratch when frightened. Keep children and pets away, and never attempt to handle an unfamiliar wild animal. If an animal appears injured, sick, or orphaned, contact an authorised wildlife rehabilitator or the appropriate local authority for guidance.
When to Call Wildlife Removal Experts?
DIY prevention may be sufficient when wildlife is simply visiting your garden and there is no sign of nesting or building damage. Professional assistance is more appropriate when an animal has entered an enclosed space or the situation presents a safety concern.
Consider arranging an inspection if:
You hear repeated scratching, movement, or vocal sounds in the attic or walls.
An animal is trapped in a chimney, vent, or living space.
Wildlife has damaged roof materials or electrical wiring.
You suspect a mother animal and dependent young are present.
An animal repeatedly returns after you remove food sources.
Droppings or damaged insulation are present in an enclosed area.
You cannot identify the animal or determine how it is entering.
A suitable wildlife removal service should assess the species, possible entry points, nesting activity, and building damage before recommending a solution.
Acme Pest Solutions provides wildlife removal and related pest management services. Homeowners can explore the company’s wildlife control services in Oakville, wildlife control in Mississauga, or wildlife removal in Brampton, depending on their location.
How to Prevent Wildlife From Returning
Removing an animal is only part of the solution. If your property still provides easy food, shelter, and access, another animal may eventually use the same space.
Follow these preventive measures throughout the year.
Inspect Your Property Regularly
Check roof edges, vents, exterior walls, sheds, and spaces beneath decks for new openings or damage. Repair vulnerable areas before animals can use them as entry points.
Keep Waste Secure
Use tightly fitted garbage lids, clean up spilled rubbish, and avoid leaving food waste outside overnight. Maintain compost containers and remove fallen fruit from the garden.
Protect Gardens and Outdoor Structures
Use suitable fencing, plant guards, and durable barriers to protect areas vulnerable to digging or feeding. Inspect the barriers periodically for damage.
Maintain Your Roof and Vents
Repair damaged roofing materials and install suitable covers over vulnerable openings. Ensure ventilation remains adequate and that protective materials are appropriate for the structure.
Monitor Changes in Wildlife Activity
Pay attention to new noises, disturbed soil, damaged plants, and repeated visits to the same area. Early action can help prevent a small access problem from becoming a larger repair issue. For broader information about managing unwanted animals around your property, visit Acme’s pest control services guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get rid of wildlife animals?
The best approach is to remove food sources, identify the animal, prevent access to buildings, and address any nesting or sheltering activity safely. If wildlife is inside your home, professional assessment may be necessary before sealing entry points.
How can I keep wild animals away from my house naturally?
Secure garbage, remove fallen fruit, keep pet food indoors, maintain your landscaping, and protect vulnerable openings with suitable barriers. Lights and motion-activated sprinklers may help in some situations, but their effectiveness varies by species.
Will wildlife leave my attic on its own?
Some animals may leave naturally, especially when they are not nesting or raising young. However, you should not assume an attic is empty just because you no longer hear noises. Confirm that the animals have left before closing entry points.
Is it safe to remove wildlife myself?
Basic prevention is often manageable, but handling, trapping, or removing wildlife from enclosed spaces can be risky. The correct method depends on the species, its behaviour, the presence of young, and local regulations.
How do I stop raccoons from entering my garbage?
Use secure bins with tight-fitting lids, store them in a protected area when practical, and clean up food waste around the property. Avoid leaving pet food or fallen fruit accessible overnight.
How do I know if an animal is living in my attic?
Common signs include scratching sounds, movement above ceilings, disturbed insulation, droppings, nesting materials, and damage around vents or roof edges. These signs can indicate activity, but a proper inspection may be needed to identify the species.
Does wildlife removal include preventing future entry?
The scope varies by service provider. Ask whether the proposed service includes inspection, animal removal, exclusion, entry-point repairs, and advice on preventing future activity. Removing an animal without addressing the access point may leave the property vulnerable to another visit.
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of wildlife animals starts with understanding why they are visiting your property. Secure food sources, maintain your landscaping, inspect potential entry points, and use appropriate barriers to discourage unwanted activity.