Raccoons, Skunks, Bats and Squirrels

Burlington’s mix of suburban neighbourhoods, parks, conservation areas, and lakeside communities along Lake Ontario creates an inviting environment for wildlife. Raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels often seek shelter in attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and under decks, particularly in spring and fall. Even a small wildlife intrusion can lead to chewed electrical wires, damaged insulation, and potential health hazards.

Abell provides humane, fast, and professional wildlife removal in Burlington. Our team safely removes animals, seals entry points, and implements long-term prevention strategies to keep wildlife out. Whether your home is near the Niagara Escarpment, local conservation parks, or residential green spaces, we protect your property year-round. Schedule a professional inspection today.

Common Wildlife Problems in Burlington

Skunks are common in Burlington and can damage lawns and gardens.

• Skunks dig up lawns and gardens looking for grubs and insects
• They burrow beneath decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces, potentially compromising foundations
• Skunks can carry rabies, leptospirosis, and roundworms, posing risks to people and pets
• Their spray produces strong, lingering odours that may require professional deodorization
• Licensed wildlife control professionals are needed for safe, humane removal
• Installing wildlife exclusion barriers is essential to prevent skunks from returning

Raccoons are highly adaptable and frequently enter homes near wooded areas, conservation lands, and parks in Burlington.

• Raccoons climb trees, fences, and structures to reach roofs and tear through shingles, vents, or soffits
• Inside attics, they damage insulation, ductwork, and electrical wiring, increasing fire and repair risks
• Raccoon droppings can carry parasites and diseases such as raccoon roundworm and leptospirosis
• Many raccoons den under decks, garages, and sheds, causing structural damage
• Humane exclusion and sealing entry points prevents re-entry
• Attic restoration may be required if insulation or wiring has been damaged

While  Bats are beneficial for controlling insects, they can cause issues when they roost in homes.

• Bats enter homes through tiny gaps in rooflines, vents, chimneys, and soffits
• Droppings and urine contaminate insulation and attic spaces, posing respiratory risks
• Accumulated guano can damage structural materials over time
• Bats may carry rabies, making professional handling essential
• Removal requires specialized techniques such as one-way doors
• A thorough attic inspection identifies roosts and all entry points
• Bat-proofing and preventive measures ensure bats do not return

Squirrels  are very active in Burlington, especially during cooler months.

• Squirrels homes through gaps in soffits, vents, rooflines, and chimneys
• Tear insulation and use wiring and debris to build nests inside attics
• Gnaw on electrical wiring, creating fire hazards and potential outages
• May damage roof vents while expanding nesting areas
• Can carry parasites and diseases such as salmonella and leptospirosis
• Professional removal includes animal-proof repairs and long-term exclusion

How to Keep Wildlife Away from Your Burlington Home

• Inspect rooflines regularly for damage or loose shingles
• Install chimney caps to prevent raccoons and bats from entering
• Secure attic vents, fans, and soffit openings with wildlife-proof materials
• Trim tree branches near the roof
• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed
• Keep decks, sheds, garages, and crawl spaces sealed and well-maintained
• Ensure garbage bins are tightly closed
• Consider professional wildlife barriers and exclusion systems for long-term protection

Leave Wildlife Control to the Professionals

Wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous. Attempting removal yourself may lead to injury, property damage, or legal issues. Professional wildlife control is the safest and most effective solution.

If you suspect wildlife in your attic, crawl space, or yard, call Abell today for expert removal in Burlington. Our local team provides fast, professional service backed by years of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.

FAQ

How do I know if wildlife is living in my attic?

Look for scratching or thumping noises, damaged roof vents or soffits, droppings, strong odours, or disturbed insulation.

Can squirrels and raccoons damage my home?

Yes. Squirrels and raccoons can tear through roofs, vents, and soffits, chew wiring, and damage insulation, creating fire hazards and costly repairs.

Are raccoons or skunks dangerous to people or pets in Burlington?

Yes. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm, and may also become aggressive if cornered or if their young are nearby, posing a risk to both humans and pets.

Why do wildlife animals choose attics and spaces under decks?

Wildlife seek quiet, warm, enclosed spaces for protection from predators and weather, especially during spring nesting and fall sheltering.

When are raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels most active in Burlington?

Wildlife activity peaks in spring and fall. Spring is nesting season, while fall is when animals seek shelter near wooded areas, conservation lands, and parks.

Why are raccoons or skunks digging up my lawn at night in Burlington?

Raccoons and skunks are digging up your lawn searching for insects and grubs. Repeated digging may indicate wildlife is nesting under a deck, shed, or garage.

Is wildlife control humane?

Yes. Humane wildlife control focuses on safely removing animals without harm and preventing re-entry. Abell uses one-way doors, exclusion techniques, and live trapping where permitted, all while following local regulations and ethical standards. The goal is always to protect both the homeowner and the animal.

How long does wildlife removal take?

Some removals are completed in a few days; others take longer if young animals are present or extensive exclusion work is required.

Can I seal an entry hole myself to keep animals out?

Sealing without inspection can trap animals inside, causing damage and health risks. Professionals ensure safe removal before repairs.

What diseases can raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels carry?

Raccoons, skunks, bats and squirrels can carry a range of diseases that pose risks to people and pets. Raccoons are known carriers of rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, and their droppings can also harbor histoplasmosis. Skunks may carry rabies and leptospirosis. Squirrels can transmit leptospirosis and salmonella through their urine, droppings, or bites, and may also introduce parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks into your home. Droppings and urine from any of these animals can contaminate attic spaces and pose serious health risks, especially in enclosed areas.

What should I do if I find a sick, injured, or dead wild animal on my property in Burlington?

Do not touch wildlife. Contact Abell for safe handling and removal.

What should I do if my pet has been sprayed by a skunk or contacted wildlife?

Keep pets away from the animal and avoid contact with wildlife. Skunk spray often requires professional deodorization, and any contact with wildlife should be monitored by a veterinarian due to potential disease exposure.

How much does wildlife removal cost in Burlington?

Costs vary depending on species, damage, and services such as exclusion or repairs. Contact Abell for an on-site inspection and customized estimate.