🦇 Durham Region

Regional Overview:

Durham Region stretches from the north shore of Lake Ontario to the rural edges of the Oak Ridges Moraine. It’s a diverse region that blends fast-growing suburbs like Oshawa and Whitby with historic farming towns, wooded hamlets, and lakeside communities like Port Perry. This patchwork of development and natural space makes Durham highly attractive to a wide variety of wildlife. Farms and forests provide ideal denning and nesting opportunities, while expanding urban areas create countless access points for animals looking to adapt to human environments. Wildlife problems in Durham are widespread, affecting homes, barns, garages, and even newer builds — especially those situated near ravines, wetlands, or green belts.

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Towns and Communities Serviced:

• Uxbridge, Zephyr, Sandford, Brooklin, Ashburn

• Port Perry, Prince Albert, Nestleton, Seagrave

• Sunderland, Cannington, Blackstock, Epsom, Burketon

• Northern Whitby and Oshawa (rural and fringe subdivisions)

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Common Wildlife and Bird Issues & How We Solve Them:

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🦇 Bats in Barns, Attics, and Behind Shutters
In rural Durham, bats commonly roost in old barns, unused sheds, attics, and behind gables and shutters. They often go unnoticed until droppings (guano) accumulate or scratching noises are heard.

Our Solution:
We perform a full bat inspection and install bat cones or bat valves — legal, one-way exits that allow the bats to leave safely and block their return. Once the roost is confirmed vacated, we seal all access points using fine stainless steel mesh and offer guano cleanup and deodorizing services if contamination has occurred.

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🦝 Raccoons in Attics, Chimneys, and Crawlspaces
Raccoons are found in both rural and urban areas of Durham. They often enter attic spaces by tearing through shingles or pushing in roof vents. In older farm homes, they may den under additions or inside sheds.

Our Solution:
We locate the raccoon’s entry point and install a one-way door system, which allows the animal to exit but prevents re-entry. Once the raccoon has vacated, we reinforce all entry points with raccoon-grade flashing or screening, and can provide attic restoration if insulation is damaged.

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🐿️ Squirrels in Rooflines, Vents, and Soffits
Grey squirrels, red squirrels, and flying squirrels are highly active in Durham. They frequently chew through soft fascia, exposed roof edges, and even plastic venting to nest in attic insulation or walls.

Our Solution:
We identify all areas of squirrel activity and install one-way doors at entry points to allow a safe exit. Once confirmed vacant, we seal the structure using chew-resistant materials and install vent guards or gable screens as needed to stop future access.

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🦨 Skunks Under Sheds and Decks
Skunks are a frequent issue in rural Durham and new subdivisions near fields or wooded lots. They often create dens under low-clearance areas like decks, sheds, or hot tub platforms.

Our Solution:
We trench around the structure and install an L-shaped screening system with a one-way skunk door. This allows the skunk to exit but blocks future digging. After confirming the den is empty, we secure the barrier to permanently exclude future denning.

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🐁 Mice and Rats in Garages, Basements, and Walls
Rodents are common in both old farmhouses and newer developments in Durham. Mice slip into homes through gaps around utilities, vents, and poorly sealed garage doors, while rats may burrow near foundations.

Our Solution:
We perform a full exclusion inspection, installing rodent-sized one-way exits at active points and sealing gaps with heavy-duty mesh, caulking, or flashing. We also offer interior trapping or baiting where necessary and advise on sanitation improvements to discourage return.

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🦢 Birds in Vents and Wall Cavities (Starlings, Sparrows)
Smaller birds commonly nest in dryer vents, bathroom fan vents, and wall cavities, especially in homes near open fields or forest edges. Nesting material can block airflow and cause fire hazards.

Our Solution:
We carefully remove inactive nests and install bird-specific one-way vent exits if active. Once the birds have left, we cap all vents with galvanized bird-proof covers and seal any vulnerable siding or soffit gaps.

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🕊️ Pigeons on Barn Roofs and Urban Buildings
Pigeons are a major issue in northern Oshawa, Whitby, and around barns or older commercial buildings in rural Durham. They gather in large numbers and leave acidic droppings that cause roof damage and health concerns.

Our Solution:
We use a combination of netting, bird spikes, ledge deterrents, and visual repellents to discourage pigeons from roosting. We also provide sanitization services to remove droppings and reduce health risks, especially on commercial and agricultural properties.

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🪿 Seagulls and Geese on Commercial Grounds and Waterfronts
Durham’s lakefront zones, parks, and business properties often deal with nuisance gulls and geese. They cause mess, noise, and can become aggressive during nesting season.

Our Solution:
We implement a range of visual and motion-triggered deterrents, such as predator decoys, reflective tape, and sound emitters. For chronic goose problems, we offer site-specific management plans, including habitat modification and exclusion strategies.

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Every Situation is Unique

Wildlife control is never one-size-fits-all. Each structure, animal behavior, and access point requires careful planning and a tailored solution. Mitchell’s Nuisance Wildlife Solutions builds custom plans for every client, ensuring the most humane, effective, and lasting results possible. Whether you’re dealing with one skunk or a full attic infestation, we approach every job with the same high standard of care.