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Ants love to appear in the warmer weather. They are a good source of food for some birds when outdoors, however they can become a nuisance if they take over your living space, and some can even cause significant damage. We’re here to help you identify the different types of house ants and how to prevent or deter them. Pavement Ants : Brown or black. 3-4mm in size. Nest in soil, between walls, under house slabs and patio slabs. Attracted to sweet material, insects, grease, oils. Odorous House Ant : Brown or black. 3mm in size. Nest in soil, under wood or stones, in walls, under floors. Attracted to sweet materials. Emit an odour when crushed. Thief Ant : Shiny yellow-brown. 1 to 1.5mm in size. Nest in the ground, rotting wood, foundation walls. Attracted to protein as opposed to sweet (food, larvae). Live in large colonies. Little Black Ant : Dark brown-black. 1.5mm in size. Nest in soil, rotten wood, behind baseboards. Attracted to insects, fruit, vegetables, grease, oils. Carpenter Ant : Red-brown or black. 6-13mm in size. Nest in moist, humid or rotting areas like doors, wood cabinets, near dishwashers, behind baseboards, door frames, window frames, wall voids, polystyrene insulation, fibreglass. Attracted to insects, plants, household food. Carpenter ants typically keep their destruction to the damp area but can cause significant structural damage over the long term. The best ways to deter ants :  Replace rotting wood Store wood off the ground and away from your house Clean up spills right away Regularly clean inside cupboards and appliances Store food in airtight containers Properly secure garbage, recycling and compost Ant traps and insecticide from the hardware store - for mild/transient ant issues. Keep in mind these are not always effective. Hire an exterminator For more information: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/post/ants-spiders-and-wasps-oh-my https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/ants.html If you suspect an ant issue - whether indoors or out - calling a licensed exterminator is the best way to get rid of them. We’ll do an inspection to determine the best course of action and treat on the spot. Our industrial strength insecticide is most effective when the ants are out and about, as they track it back to their colony. Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas. Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking:   https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

Squirrels have their babies in the early spring and in the late summer. And as much as you want those critters out of your home and attic - they may have babies with them. Squirrels are excellent mothers and will move their babies to a new den site when frightened. However, evicting a mother squirrel without being careful to also allow her to move her babies out means they will be orphaned. Or, the mothers will be relentless in gaining access to her nest and babies which means she could chew everything on your home from roof flanges and attic vents to wood shutters and siding. Squirrels like to live in dark, quiet, safe places so we’ve complied a list of items you could place at the den entrance which may convince mother squirrel to take her babies and move out! These solutions can be utilized all year 'round, but especially in the spring: 1. Rag soaked in ammonia or vinegar 2. Small sack of moth balls or dirty kitty litter 3. Safe light 4. Radio tuned to a news station 5. Spray with a mixture of 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp mild dish soap A qualified wildlife removal specialist will inspect your attic and will know if the babies are old enough to follow their mother before installing their one-way door. They will otherwise suggest waiting. Either way make sure you understand their plan as well as their pricing. You should focus on a longer term solution to prevent future wildlife intrusions. Your wildlife removal specialist will inspect the eaves for holes and cracks and discuss prevention methods with you. They will also check gable, soffit and vents in the attic as well as chimney caps. Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control is insured and equipped to take care of any of your wildlife or pest issues such as raccoons, skunks, mice, rats, bats and of course SQUIRRELS! We offer affordable solutions for humane wildlife removal and for pest control in Woodstock, London, Brantford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Stratford and surrounding areas. Contact us a t www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca or call 519-421-2677 or text 289-987-0390 .

Spring is upon us! Which means babies of all species will be popping up more frequently. We’ve compiled facts about mating & baby season for some common wildlife. We also included pointers on what to do if you come across a litter, and who to call. Raccoon kits : Raccoons breed in winter and spring, but a mild winter can mean early babies. Female raccoons are pregnant for 9 weeks, with litters of 1-7 kits born anywhere from late February to June or even July. Raccoons are extremely maternal and do not couple up, meaning litters are raised by only their mother. In fact if her first litter does not survive, she will have a second litter in the summer. Kits start leaving the den to forage at about 12 weeks of age. Females stay with their mothers longer than males, some as long as a year. Skunk kits : Skunks mate around late February to early March, when they leave their winter den. The females can actually store sperm away from her eggs until the weather conditions are favourable! They give birth after about 2 months - so kits are expected to start popping up around May. Female skunks have a single litter per year, and raise the babies on their own without the male. After about 8 weeks, the kits will start to forage at night with their mother, and typically leave the den for good by the fall. Squirrel pups : Squirrels have two baby seasons! One in the spring and one in summer. Litters are born around 1-1.5 months after mating, and can have anywhere from 1-7 pups each time. Although the pups are born naked and blind, they don’t stay with their mother for long. They start to forage after a month, and leave the nest for good by the late summer or early fall. Rabbit kits : A gestational period of only 1 month allows female rabbits to have 3-4 litters per year. They first mate around late winter and continue into the fall, with each litter producing 4-5 kits. They grow quickly, and can leave the nest for good after only 1 month. If you come across a litter, do not assume the mother has abandoned it. The mother typically comes back at night. To be sure, you can place grass or clippings around the nest. If you come back the next day and the clippings have been flattened, that means the mother was there! Opossum joeys : Opossums are the only marsupial native to Canada. They have 1-2 litters per year of 4-8 joeys, with their mating season starting in mid to late winter and ending in the fall. Opossums are pregnant for only 13 days! But joeys will stay in their mother’s pouch for 2 months, after which time they will travel on her back. At about 3-4 months of age, the joeys are old enough to leave their mother. Unfortunately hundreds of opossums are killed by moving vehicles each year. If you come across one, safely check for babies in her pouch if you are able, and contact a wildlife rescue right away. Bat pups : Bats are very interesting animals. Not only are they the only mammal that can fly, they are endangered and considered a protected species in Canada. Bats mate in the fall, but females store the sperm and fertilize the following spring. Bats do not repopulate as quickly, given they have 1 pup per year. Bats are pregnant for 1-2 months, typically giving birth in early summer. It is illegal to harm or kill bats, and wildlife companies are only permitted to exclude bats during May (before babies) and September (before hibernation)! In any case, if you find babies please do not panic or try to move them without professional guidance. All too often, people try to feed or house litters and unknowingly hurt the babies or worse. If you fear a litter has been abandoned, contact a wildlife rescue or rehab centre. https://www.ontariowildliferescue.ca/wildlifecentres/ has a map of locations all over Ontario. If you think you have a litter in your home or on your property, call a trusted wildlife removal company! A legitimate company will never trap and relocate a mother away from her babies, or separate them in any way. If we come across an accessible litter while on the job, we have a stringent protocol where we remove and place the babies in a safe, warm space where the mother will find and relocate them. We also screen off entry point(s) so that wildlife cannot get back in. Contact Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control today for a quote or booking! We service southern Ontario including: Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Brantford, Paris, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas. Call: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca

You’ve likely already heard the chirping - birds are back in town! Most migratory birds make their way back in late February or early March. Migratory birds, along with local overwintering birds, are now busy getting ready for nesting season.   Along with the huge influx of birds comes the search for safe nesting sites. Now is the perfect time to check over your property and ensure there are no attractive nesting sites. Broken exhaust vents are one of the most common areas in residential settings.   Prevention work is the best way to stop a bird issue before it starts, but it’s not too late if they’ve already made a home! Here are the top tips when it comes to dealing with birds: Install bird spikes and/or bird kites Install a decoy - move it around periodically or the birds will catch on that it’s fake! Always contact a professional if there is an active nest with eggs or hatchlings   If you notice an area where birds can easily nest, or if you’ve had issues in the past, call Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control. We install animal-proof measures to keep the birds away. And if there is a nest present - we will ensure all work is done in a humane way that benefits both the customer and the animal. Our technician will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the type of bird and what measures can be taken based on the species.   Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.   Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

All year-round we have customers that are concerned about wildlife having babies in their attic (understandably so!). The good news is that raccoons, skunks and squirrels only have babies once or twice a year. And once fall hits most young are off on their own. So, what factors determine the start of baby season? And how long does it last? The start of baby season is determined by the weather. A mild winter will bring about an early baby season (like we saw in 2024). There were litters popping up in late February which is uncommon. We also saw late raccoon litters last year - likely due to an early season leaving enough time for a second round.    On the flip side, a harsh and long winter will delay baby season.   “Baby season” technically runs from the start of the first litter to the fall when they leave their mother for good. This is why live trapping and relocating is never a good idea between that time frame. It’s a common misconception that once babies are venturing out of the den in summer they are self-sufficient. Their mom has lots to teach them!   So, what will this year bring? That remains to be seen - but whether we have a late winter or an early spring you can expect babies to start popping up soon. If you’re worried, be on the the lookout for: An increase in noise or movement in your attic or wall spaces Loud crying, chirping or squealing noises An increase in activity from the mother   If you suspect any sort of wildlife in your home or on your property, whether they have babies or not, Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control is here to help. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection and come up with the best course of action that benefits both the customers and the animals. We will never separate a mom from her litter and always install humane prevention and exclusion measures. Baby season is a bit trickier and solutions are formed on a case-by-case basis - so please bear with us in the coming months!   Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.   Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

It’s all the rage - DIY solutions for almost anything you can think of. And while DIY solutions can be effective (and cost-effective), it’s not always the best approach. A lot of times, what works for one person doesn’t have the same outcome for the other. And how do you know which sources are reliable? In the age of information, it can be overwhelming.   Thankfully when it comes to pest control, hiring a professional should be a no-brainer. All too often we hear of customers trying to tackle an insect or rodent issue themselves, only to spend the same amount of money (or more) without ever getting on top of the issue. And not to mention all the time wasted.   Of course, there are things you can do to mitigate insect and rodent activity such as sealing holes, cracks and crevices; keeping garbage stored properly; storing food in airtight containers and eliminating clutter. But these tips likely won’t eliminate an infestation, rather they work in conjunction with professional pest control.   So, what are the benefits of hiring a professional company? If you choose a reputable , reliable , experienced , licensed and insured  pest control company, you can reap the following benefits:   Inspect for damage A professional opinion Eliminate the pest at the source Prevent further damage to your home or property Suggestions on mitigating the issue Repairs or suggestions on repairs you can easily do yourself Save money in the long run Save your time and energy Follow-up visits   Professional exterminators in Ontario must obtain a license to offer insect and rodent control, and renew their license periodically. This allows them access to the most effective products for each situation, and the training to apply the products in a way that works best to eliminate the issue. At Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, we stand behind our services. We always conduct a thorough inspection to determine the best course of action. We also bring you along to show you areas of concern and offer suggestions to go along with our pest control services. If you suspect you need pest control, or are actively seeing insects, contact us for more information! We are always happy to answer your questions.   Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Paris, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.   Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

Raccoons Do Go Out In The Winter - Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control It’s common to think something is wrong if you see a raccoon out during the winter. But raccoons do go out in the winter! You may think it’s sick, or that the changes in climate are causing it to act out of character. The truth is - raccoons do not hibernate. They are active all year!   While you may see less raccoons in the extreme cold, they do not hibernate in the real sense of the word. Hibernation is a state of energy conservation where the animal’s metabolic rate slows down enough for them to conserve energy and survive extreme weather conditions. Hibernation can last from days to months.   So, what do raccoons do in the winter? While they spent warmer months storing fat for the winter, they will remain active all year. When the extreme cold hits they lay low in their den. Raccoons can enter a state of torpor, which is just a prolonged state of inactivity that can last a few days. They still have to get up to forage for food to survive.   If there is a warmer spell, you can be sure they are out enjoying the weather somewhere. They may also be enjoying your property - garbage and compost are great food sources for raccoons. They are also smart enough to know how to gain access to attics and they know how warm they are. Be sure to periodically check your property for signs of damage or entry. This can include, but is not limited to: Lifted or missing soffits Damaged or missing roof vent covers Torn fascia Scurrying, thumping or scratching noises in your attic Digging under sheds, decks or porches   If you suspect a raccoon has been frequenting your property or gotten into your home this winter, call Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control. We are insured and experienced in getting wildlife out and keeping them out. We can also install prevention measures to stop wildlife before they gain access!   Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.   Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking:  https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

Mice and rats know when the seasons change and they adjust their lifestyle accordingly. This means it’s no coincidence you are seeing or hearing more activity this fall. Fall and winter are busy for pest control companies as rodents are seeking shelter from the cold. This is an ideal time of year to mark you calendar for regular mice and rats preventive maintenance.   While there are no “baby seasons” with mice and rats (they produce babies all year round), they certainly like to find a nice warm building to over-winter. And while they may have been present all year - they become more noticeable now.   Signs of a rodent infestation can include:  Scratching noises in walls, floor spaces and/or attics Gnawed wires Droppings and/or urine Tufts of fur on concrete or plywood corners Sawdust or musty ammonia odour Holes in foundation, cupboards, walls Tunnels in your yard   Mice and rats are attracted to warmth and food sources. So while you can’t control how cozy your home may seem to them, you can control other things. Proper storage of garbage, recycling, pet food and people food in sealed containers is important, as well as reducing clutter indoors and out and scheduling regular mice and rats preventive maintenance.   If you’ve noticed any of the above signs in your home or business, contact us! At Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, we are licensed, insured and experienced in dealing with rodent infestations. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide an over-the-phone estimate.   Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.   Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

We always notice an uptick in skunk calls this time of year. You may have noticed them too - more skunks on the road, in your neighbourhood, or perhaps in your yard.   While they are quite harmless - and a little clumsy - we can understand their irritating qualities. They love to dig up lawns for grubs and can dig their way underneath your deck or shed for shelter. They may even fall into your window well with no idea on how to escape! And not to mention dogs getting sprayed for being too close.   Fall is the perfect season for skunks to be out. Baby season is over, meaning spring’s litters should have enough survival skills to make it on their own. Food is not too scarce yet - but they forage knowing the cold is coming. Den sites are being scouted out so they can over-winter safely and eventually have babies come springtime.   So, why am I seeing so many skunks and what can you do?   We will say this - it’s never a great idea to try and live trap an animal yourself. Trapping and relocating is not a year-round thing. And the type of trap matters too, especially if you don’t want to get sprayed yourself. Always contact a professional for advice.   The best ways to avoid a skunk issue include:   Treating your yard for grubs through a licenced lawn care company Frequently checking the perimeter of structures on your property (trailer, garage, shop, shed, deck) for signs of damage or digging   If you suspect a vulnerable area where an animal can gain access, or maybe something is already living there, we can help. We use tried and true methods to exclude wildlife and prevent them from coming back. Contact us this fall for a free, over-the-phone quote!   Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.   Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

Prevention work is the top way to avoid wildlife issues in your home or on your property. Frequently scanning the exterior of your home for signs of weakness or damage can help avoid a wildlife issue altogether. If you notice loose soffits, missing roof vent covers, an uncapped chimney or broken exhaust vents, chances are an animal will notice it too. Prevention also comes in the form of making your home and yard undesirable for pests and wildlife. Clean up clutter, store garbage properly and check your foundation for easy access points. That being said, sometimes wildlife still find their way in. Or maybe you know they’re already there! Thankfully exclusion work is the next best option. Raccoons and squirrels are especially good at causing damage, and they are getting smarter by the season. They know which areas of the home are easiest to gain access. Exclusion work is a two-step process and includes: Conducting a thorough inspection. This is done to determine what type of animal is inside and where they gained access. Sometimes there is only one entry point and sometimes there are multiple. Animal-proofing all entry points. The main entry point is animal-proofed in such a way that allows any animals to escape your home, but not re-enter. Vulnerable spots may also be pointed out during inspection with the option of installing prevention measures at the same time. A common misconception about excluding wildlife from your attic or building is that they are trapped and removed on the spot. This is not usually the case. The animal is allowed the chance to leave on their own, which they will inevitably do when they leave to forage. They return to find they have been locked out - forcing them to relocate. It’s humane AND effective! Fall is the perfect time to install prevention, exclusion or both. Baby season is over, young have left their mom with enough survival skills and wildlife are not holed up for the winter just yet. Work can be done on soffits, eaves, roof lines, roof vents, exhaust vents, chimneys and more. Whether you are interested in installing preventative measures, or are at the point where exclusion is required, Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control is here to help. We have all the necessary knowledge and equipment to animal-proof your home from squirrels, raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, birds and more. Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas. Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking:   https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

So you have something buzzing around your home - but what is it? The common culprit this time of year are wasps and hornets, however there are so many variations of the insects and their nests - it can be hard to identify them without getting close. Common nests you may find on your property include: Yellow Jacket Paper Wasp Hornets Mud Daubers These insects appear smooth and shiny with bright black and/or yellow markings. You might be able to see a nest hanging, or you may see them going into crevices in your siding, soffits or bricks. Ground nests are also common. These insects are considered pests when their presence becomes hazardous with the potential to cause harm. Because they can sting multiple times, they have no problem becoming aggressive if they feel threatened. As licensed exterminators, we can handle these types of insects. We remove any visible nest and/or spray the area with industrial strength insecticide that works on contact and also continues to work over time.  You may come across bees on your property, albeit less often. Honey bees and bumblebees are quite easy to identify and are considered protected - meaning an exterminator is not permitted to remove or harm them. They are crucial to the environment as top pollinators and native species are at risk of becoming endangered. They also don’t want to hurt you - they can only sting once before it ends their life. Honey bees Bumblebees These insects appear fuzzy with black and yellow-amber markings. If there’s a hive on your property, it’s usually inside a wall cavity or inside an appliance like your AC unit. You may see a big swarm of them out in the open - this happens when a colony outgrows its hive and a portion of them have to relocate. They will typically move on in a few days. If you’re concerned you can contact a beekeeper at Ontario Bee Rescue to assist with removal. https://ontariobeerescue.com/ Bumblebee nests are rare to come across. If you do, it’s best to leave it alone to let it run its course. If you have a wasp or hornet infestation - contact us! We have all the gear to safely tackle these insects so you can enjoy your yard again or not worry about getting stung while bringing your groceries in. Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas. Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking:   https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us

Ants love to appear in the warmer weather. They are a good source of food for some birds when outdoors, however they can become a nuisance if they take over your living space, and some can even cause significant damage. We’re here to help you identify the different types of house ants and how to prevent or deter them. Pavement Ants: Brown or black. 3-4mm in size. Nest in soil, between walls, under house slabs and patio slabs. Attracted to sweet material, insects, grease, oils. Odorous House Ant: Brown or black. 3mm in size. Nest in soil, under wood or stones, in walls, under floors. Attracted to sweet materials. Emit an odour when crushed. Thief Ant: Shiny yellow-brown. 1 to 1.5mm in size. Nest in the ground, rotting wood, foundation walls. Attracted to protein as opposed to sweet (food, larvae). Live in large colonies. Little Black Ant: Dark brown-black. 1.5mm in size. Nest in soil, rotten wood, behind baseboards. Attracted to insects, fruit, vegetables, grease, oils. Carpenter Ant: Red-brown or black. 6-13mm in size. Nest in moist, humid or rotting areas like doors, wood cabinets, near dishwashers, behind baseboards, door frames, window frames, wall voids, polystyrene insulation, fibreglass. Attracted to insects, plants, household food. Carpenter ants typically keep their destruction to the damp area but can cause significant structural damage over the long term. The best ways to deter ants: Replace rotting wood Store wood off the ground and away from your house Clean up spills right away Regularly clean inside cupboards and appliances Store food in airtight containers Properly secure garbage, recycling and compost Ant traps and insecticide from the hardware store - for mild/transient ant issues. Keep in mind these are not always effective. Hire an exterminator For more information: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/post/ants-spiders-and-wasps-oh-my https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/ants.html If you suspect an ant issue - whether indoors or out - calling a licensed exterminator is the best way to get rid of them. We’ll do an inspection to determine the best course of action and treat on the spot. Our industrial strength insecticide is most effective when the ants are out and about, as they track it back to their colony. Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas. Phone: (519) 421-2677 Text: (289) 987-0390 Email: info@gunningwildliferemoval.ca Online Booking: https://www.gunningwildliferemoval.ca/contact-us