🦝 York Region

Regional Overview:

York Region lies just north of Toronto and is one of Ontario’s most dynamic and fast-growing areas. It includes a wide variety of environments — from the densely populated suburbs of Newmarket and Vaughan, to the open farmlands of King Township, and the lakeside communities of Georgina. This range of landscapes makes York Region particularly prone to wildlife conflict. As residential development continues to expand into forested and agricultural land, many animals are pushed closer to human dwellings in search of food, shelter, and nesting space. Older homes with aging structures, newer builds with construction gaps, and properties located near ravines, wooded trails, or farmland are especially vulnerable. York Region is a hotspot for raccoons, squirrels, skunks, rodents, bats, and nuisance birds — both in urban cores and outlying rural areas.

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Towns and Communities Serviced:

• Georgina – Keswick, Sutton, Pefferlaw, Willow Beach, Jackson’s Point, Baldwin, Udora

• East Gwillimbury – Holland Landing, Sharon, Mount Albert, Queensville, Brown Hill

• Newmarket

• Aurora

• King Township – Schomberg, Nobleton, Pottageville, Kettleby, Lloydtown

• Northern Vaughan – Kleinburg, northern Maple

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Common Wildlife and Bird Issues & How We Solve Them:

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🦝 Raccoons in Attics and Walls
Raccoons are intelligent and strong animals that can tear through roof shingles, soffits, or vent covers to gain access to attic spaces. They’re commonly found in older homes with roofline gaps or properties near ravines and wooded areas. Once inside, they cause significant damage to insulation and wiring, and leave behind urine and feces that create strong odors and potential health risks.

Our Solution:
We begin with a thorough inspection to locate all entry points and signs of activity. A one-way door system is installed at the primary access point, allowing the raccoons to leave on their own while preventing re-entry. We monitor the site to ensure all animals have exited before fully sealing and reinforcing vulnerable spots with heavy-duty flashing or mesh. If damage is extensive, we also provide insulation cleanup and attic restoration.

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🐿️ Squirrels in Soffits, Rooflines, and Walls
Squirrels — especially red and grey squirrels — are highly active in York Region and known for chewing through fascia boards, shingles, and aluminum to reach attic voids or wall cavities. Once inside, they build nests, chew on electrical wiring, and create ongoing noise during daylight hours.

Our Solution:
We identify all gnawed openings and potential weak spots. A species-specific one-way door is installed at the main access hole, encouraging the squirrel to leave naturally. After confirming the animal is out, we seal all entry points using chew-proof materials and can install custom soffit or gable vent covers where needed to prevent future intrusions.

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🦨 Skunks Under Sheds, Decks, and Additions
Skunks create burrows under structures and prefer dark, quiet spaces with loose soil. They’re often first detected by odor or when homeowners see evidence of digging. If startled or threatened, skunks may spray, leaving a lingering smell that penetrates homes.

Our Solution:
We carefully trench around the affected structure and install an L-shaped buried screening system paired with a one-way door at the main skunk tunnel. This allows the animal to exit but blocks all attempts to dig back under. Once the skunk is confirmed to be gone, we fully secure the perimeter with buried mesh to prevent future denning.

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🐁 Mice and Rats in Homes and Garages
Rodents are extremely common across all of York Region, particularly during the fall and winter months when temperatures drop. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, entering garages, basements, attics, and wall voids where they gnaw on materials and contaminate surfaces.

Our Solution:
We inspect the property from foundation to roofline to locate rodent entry points and nesting zones. We install rodent-sized one-way exits where applicable and fully seal structural gaps using metal flashing, caulking, and mesh. Where needed, we provide targeted interior trapping or baiting, with a focus on long-term exclusion rather than repeated chemical use.

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🦇 Bats in Attics, Rafters, and Behind Vents
Bats are protected species in Ontario but commonly roost inside attics, behind gable vents, or in small structural openings. Their guano (droppings) can pose respiratory risks and often accumulates unnoticed until major damage is done.

Our Solution:
All bat work is done during legal exclusion windows. We install bat cones or bat valves — safe one-way doors designed specifically for bat species. These allow the colony to leave without harm. After confirming the roost has been vacated, we seal all gaps with fine mesh or bat-proof material. We also offer guano cleanup and disinfection if needed.

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🐦 Birds in Vents, Soffits, and Wall Gaps (Starlings & Sparrows)
These nuisance birds often nest in open dryer or bathroom exhaust vents, under loose siding, or within soffit gaps. Nesting materials block airflow and pose a fire hazard, while birds often return year after year if not permanently excluded.

Our Solution:
We carefully remove nesting materials, install one-way vent flaps or exit tubes if the birds are active, and cover vents with pest-proof guards. Soffits and wall cavities are screened or sealed as needed to prevent further intrusion, while preserving airflow and function of building systems.

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🕊️ Pigeons on Roofs, Ledges, and Signage
Pigeons are especially problematic in commercial areas and older homes with flat roofs, overhangs, or barn-style structures. Their droppings are not only unsightly, but acidic and damaging to surfaces. They often build large, messy nests and are known to breed year-round.

Our Solution:
We offer full pigeon deterrent installation, including bird spikes, ledge guards, and netting where needed. Nesting debris and droppings are cleaned and sanitized, and any gaps or access areas are closed off. In high-traffic areas, we may recommend motion-based or reflective deterrents to keep pigeons from re-establishing.

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🪿 Seagulls and Geese on Roofs, Parks, and Waterfronts
York Region’s waterfront properties and business parks often deal with geese and gulls that gather in large numbers. Their droppings can pose slip hazards and health risks, and aggressive nesting behavior makes them a liability on commercial properties.

Our Solution:
We evaluate the activity pattern and install visual deterrents, predator decoys, or motion-triggered repellents depending on the space. Where possible, we also recommend landscape modifications to discourage nesting and offer regular monitoring for commercial clients dealing with recurring bird pressure.

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Every Situation is Unique

Every wildlife problem presents different risks and requires a different strategy. Mitchell’s Nuisance Wildlife Solutions approaches every job with a site-specific plan, informed by the species, the structure, and the surrounding environment. From minor intrusions to major infestations, our solutions are designed to be safe, humane, permanent, and fully compliant with Ontario’s wildlife laws.