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Vertebrate Pests
Bird Hazards
The general public's affection towards birds translates into a serious underestimation of the health risks associated with pest birds. People who would never tolerate a colony of rats living in their attic will turn a blind eye towards pigeons entrenched in the rafters of their roof. Yet, in terms of disease and damage, the two pests are quite similar. In order to better understand how nuisance birds (or rats for that matter) spread diseas, we need to understand the basics of disease and transmission.
Deer Mouse
The deer mouse is the most abundant and widely distributed mouse in North America. It is found around homes and buildings in rural and semi-rural areas, but it is not normally found in cities. It can be found in forests and grasslands, meadows and marshes.
House Mouse
The house mouse is common in all parts of Canada and the U.S.A.. The house mouse is dusty grey in colour and measures from 110 to 150 mm in length with large ears and small eyes. The tail is usually the same length as the mouse. The house mouse is sometimes confused with the deer mouse which is pale grey to reddish brown in colour and has a bi-coloured tail, with a white underside.
Moufettes
Les moufettes font partie de la famille des mustélidés (belettes). Il existe 4 espèces de moufettes en Amérique du Nord. Elles sont principalement reconnues pour émettre une odeur répugnante lorsqu'elles sont en détresse. L'espèce la plus commune retrouvée au Canada et au nord des États-Unis est la moufette rayée reconnue par son pelage noir marqué de deux lignes blanches sur son dos et sa queue.
Norway Rat
The Norway rat is common in most parts of Canada and the United States. Rats attack the food of man in the farm fields, orchards, and livestock facilities, during its processing, storage and transport, and while it is in our supermarkets, restaurants and homes. What rats do not eat, they spoil by contaminating it with their urine, feces or fur. It is estimated that rats and mice destroy enough food each year to feed 200 million people.
Pigeon
| Order / Family: | Columbiformes / Columbidae |
| Scientific Name: | Columba livia (Feral / Rock Pigeon) |
Pigeon
Pigeons are found in nearly all environments where people are found. Most people are familiar with seeing pigeons around farm yards, parks, city buildings, bridges and other structures. This is because they are highly dependent on people to provide them with food and roosting sites. Pigeons are primarily seed eaters, however, they will also feed on nearly anything provided for them by people.
Raccoon
Raccoons are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal foods. They have very versatile front paws which make them excellent climbers, and allow them to handle and manipulate objects in a way unlike most other animals. Consequently, they are capable of various types of damage.
Rats d'égout
Les rats d'égout sont communs presque partout au Canada et aux États-Unis. Les rats s'attaquent à la nourriture des humains dans les champs, les vergers, et les bâtiments d'élevage. On la retrouve également lors de la transformation, l'entreposage et le transport de la nourriture, puis aussi dans nos magasins d'alimentation, nos restaurants et nos maisons.
Skunk
Skunks are members of the weasel family. They are represented by four species in North America. and are primarily known for emitting a foul smelling odor during times of distress. The most common species found in Canada and the Northern United States is the Striped Skunk, recognized by the prominent, lateral white stripes which run down its back and tail.
Souris sylvestres
La souris sylvestre est l'espèce la plus abondante et la plus répandue en Amérique du Nord. On la retrouve près des maisons et des immeubles dans les régions rurales et semi-rurales, mais très peu souvent dans les villes. Elle se cache dans les forêts, les prairies, les prés et les marais.
