Raccoons, Skunks, Bats and Squirrels
If wildlife has found its way into your attic, crawl space, shed, or beneath your deck, Abell provides reliable and humane wildlife removal services across Gatineau, Quebec. Our trained specialists help protect homes, families, and businesses using proven, ethical wildlife control methods supported by industry standards and government regulations.
Gatineau’s proximity to the Gatineau River, Parc de la Gatineau, wooded neighbourhoods, and green corridors creates ideal habitat for wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. These animals are especially active in spring and fall when they search for safe locations to nest or shelter from the cold.
At Abell, we understand that even a single animal entering your home can lead to costly damage and serious health risks. From chewed wiring and contaminated insulation to structural deterioration, wildlife intrusions should be addressed quickly. Our approach focuses on humane removal, professional exclusion, and long term prevention to keep animals out safely. Book a professional inspection today and safeguard your Gatineau property.
Common Wildlife Issues in Gatineau
Raccoons are highly adaptable and frequently enter residential properties across Gatineau in search of shelter.
Skunks are common throughout Gatineau and surrounding areas and can create significant property and health concerns.
While Bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, they can cause serious issues when they enter homes.
Squirrels are common throughout Gatineau and often invade homes during colder months.
Raccoons are intelligent and highly adaptable mammals that frequently take advantage of residential structures for shelter. In Gatineau, they are commonly found in attics, rooftops, garages, sheds, and beneath decks.
How to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Gatineau Home
Leave Wildlife Control to the Professionals
Wild animals are unpredictable and can pose safety risks if handled without proper training. Attempting to remove wildlife on your own may lead to injury, property damage, or legal issues under Quebec wildlife laws.
Abell provides safe, humane, and science-based wildlife control services throughout Gatineau. Our process begins with a comprehensive inspection to locate entry points, assess damage, and identify health concerns. We use one way exit devices, humane trapping where permitted, and durable animal proof repairs to stop future intrusions
If you suspect wildlife activity in your attic or home, contact Abell today for expert wildlife removal in Gatineau. Our local team offers prompt, professional service backed by decades of experience, ethical standards, and our satisfaction guarantee or your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wildlife control a humane process?
Absolutely. Humane wildlife control is built around safely relocating animals and blocking future entry without causing harm. Abell relies on one-way doors, exclusion methods, and live trapping where the law allows, always in line with local regulations and ethical practices. Protecting both the homeowner and the animal is the priority.
How can I tell if an animal has moved into my attic?
Watch for scratching or thumping sounds overhead, gnawed or broken roof vents and soffits, animal droppings, strong unexplained odours, or insulation that's been disturbed or displaced.
Are raccoons a threat to my family or pets?
They can be. Raccoons are known to carry serious illnesses including rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. They can also turn aggressive when cornered or when protecting their young, making them a genuine risk to both people and household pets.
Can raccoons and squirrels cause structural damage to my home?
Yes, and the damage can be significant. Both animals are known to rip apart insulation, breach roofing and ventilation systems, and gnaw through electrical wiring, creating expensive repair bills and potential fire hazards.
Why do raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats gravitate toward attics, chimneys, and spaces under decks?
These animals are drawn to sheltered, low-traffic spaces that offer warmth and protection from predators, particularly when nesting or preparing for winter. Attics, chimneys, wall cavities, and the areas beneath decks check all those boxes. Intrusions spike in spring, when females are looking for safe places to raise litters, and again in fall as animals prepare for the cold. A surprisingly small gap in a roofline, vent, or soffit is all the access they need.
What should I do if a skunk or raccoon shows up on my property?
Give it space and don't attempt to interact with it. Reach out to Abell for a professional evaluation to find out whether the animal has already found a way inside your home.
How do I stop wildlife from returning after removal?
Close off all potential entry points, add chimney caps and protective vent covers, cut back tree branches that hang over the roofline, eliminate accessible food sources, and invest in professional wildlife exclusion services for long-term protection.
When is wildlife most active around Gatineau homes?
Spring and fall are peak seasons for wildlife activity in Gatineau. Animals enter nesting mode in spring, searching for secure spots to raise their young, while fall sends them looking for warm places to wait out winter. Attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and under-deck areas are especially vulnerable during both periods.
Why is something digging up my lawn overnight?
Raccoons and skunks are the most likely culprits, they tear up grass hunting for grubs, insects, and larvae beneath the surface. In Gatineau, this is especially common in neighbourhoods close to green spaces. If it's happening repeatedly, there's a good chance an animal is denning nearby, possibly under a deck or shed.
What happens to wildlife once it's been removed?
Abell prioritizes exclusion over trapping whenever possible. In most cases, one-way doors are installed to let animals exit naturally, without any handling required. When trapping is necessary, it's carried out humanely and in full compliance with applicable local regulations.
How much time does wildlife removal typically take?
It varies by species and circumstances. Straightforward situations may be resolved within a few days, while cases involving young animals or extensive entry point repairs can take considerably longer.
Can I just seal the hole myself to keep animals out?
This is strongly discouraged. Closing off an opening before confirming all animals have exited can trap them inside, leading to further damage, persistent odours, and serious health concerns. The right approach always starts with a full inspection to locate every access point and verify the space is clear before any sealing begins.
What diseases can raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats transmit?
Each of these animals carries health risks worth taking seriously. Raccoons can spread rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, and their droppings may also contain histoplasmosis. Skunks are potential carriers of rabies and leptospirosis. Squirrels can pass along leptospirosis and salmonella through droppings, urine, or bites, and may introduce fleas, mites, or ticks into your home. Waste from any of these animals can contaminate attic spaces and create significant health hazards, particularly in enclosed environments.
What should I do if I come across a sick, injured, or dead animal on my property?
Don't touch it. Sick or injured wildlife is unpredictable and may be carrying disease. Call a professional wildlife control company to assess and handle the situation safely.
My pet encountered wildlife or got sprayed by a skunk, what now?
Keep your pet away from the animal and avoid contact yourself. Skunk odour typically calls for professional deodorization treatment, and any wildlife encounter involving a pet should be followed up with a veterinarian, given the disease risks involved.
How much does wildlife removal cost in Gatineau?
Costs vary based on the animal, extent of damage, and required services such as exclusion or cleanup. Contact Abell for a customized-on site inspection and estimate.
