Animals
Squirrels
The most common of house invaders, a squirrel will succeed in finding any possible entry point into your house, even the smallest. Decontamination is not always necessary, but it may be necessary to re-insulate a room after the squirrels have been driven out. Squirrels can eat away at aluminum, wood, and other exterior finishes.
Raccoons
Common across Canada, raccoons can invade attics, roofs and chimneys. Their droppings can be infected with roundworms, known under the scientific name of baylisascaris procyonis. It is therefore recommended that all affected areas be cleaned if you have been visited by raccoons. Raccoons have great dexterity: they can tear soffits, shingles, and aluminum.
Bats
The stuff of nightmares, bats invade home attics and contaminate them with their excrement. When bats are suspected, a thorough inspection of your house must be conducted, commonly followed by a full cleaning, decontamination and reinstallation of insulation. Bats are a protected species; therefore they cannot be exterminated. Generally, the little brown bat, as well as the big brown bat are the most common in homes. Homeowners must be very vigilant because bats carry rabies and must therefore be handled by experts.
Groundhogs
Groundhogs are experts at digging holes, and their numbers can multiply quickly if you don't take the necessary steps quickly to deter them. Physical barriers work well to keep them out from under sheds and patios. On a larger scale for bigger properties, the installation of a series of traps can be more effective.
Skunks
Known for their foul odor, skunks can invade sheds, terraces and cause damage to garbage cans and landscaping. If a building is sprayed directly by a skunk, the odor can persist for an extended period of time and seep through the ventilation holes, making odor control a necessity. The installation of barriers is essential in order to eliminate their nests
