Wildlife

• What to do when you find wildlife
• Tips for preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, wolves and foxes
• Tips for preventing and managing conflicts with deer, elk and moose
• Tips on what to do about wild rabbits
• Tips on what to do about raccoons
• Tips on what to do about squirrels
• Tips on what to do about opossums
• Tips on what to do when you find a baby bird
• Tips on what to do when raccoons are living under deck or shed

• Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue
• Ontario Wildlife Rescue
• How to choose a humane wildlife control company

• Burrows - digging around foundations, into walls, under sheds and fences (rats).
• Runs - dust-free path along walls and floors (rats and mice).
• Gnaw marks - on wood, concrete or other materials.
• Sightings - mice are more common in the daytime; rats are more active at night.
• Smudge marks - greasy film left by fur along walls or into burrow entrances.

1. Rodent proof buildings – Seal up any holes around your home including under garages, sheds and porches by sealing outside openings where rodents can enter with the use of coarse steel wool and sheet metal around pipes and electrical conduits.

2. Eliminate locations where rodents seek shelter - clearing brush, tall grass and trash from around your property will reduce hiding places for rodents. All stored items should be kept 24 to 30 centimetres off the floor for easy cleaning and removing clutter can help manage pest populations.

3. Remove food and water - all water leaks should be repaired immediately and spills cleaned up. Food items should be stored in rodent-proof storage containers. Clean up any food sources outside such as unprotected composters, bird seed, fallen fruit from trees, and pet food and consider removing water sources such as bird baths or ponds. 
4. Control existing population - traps and rodenticides may be used to reduce or eliminate existing populations. If traps are utilized, ensure you have the correct size and keep children and pets away from the affected area. Place deceased rodents in garbage bags (double bag to contain odour) for regularly scheduled pick up. Please follow garbage collection requirements.
5. Store garbage in rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids and secure composters to prevent entry. Place garbage and recycling at the curb the morning of collection. To avoid being missed, place waste at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m.

Treat all rodents as infectious as they carry mites and fleas and spread diseases such as Salmonella and Hantavirus. Dead rodents, their urine and droppings should be handled with gloves and disposed with household garbage in tightly sealed bags. Any foodstuff contaminated by contact with rodents or their droppings should be discarded. Special care should be taken with mouse droppings and urine. A wet method of cleaning is recommended, such as wet wiping or mopping with a household disinfectant. Wash your hands after handling traps, poisons, rodents and wearing gloves. A licensed pest control operator should be contacted for heavy infestations. Visit the Durham Region Health Department for information on rodent control, or call 905-666-6241.