DYK: How to find humane wildlife removal in BC

A picture showing a raccoon poke their head up out of the damaged portion of a Quebec roof.
A raccoon (Procyon lotor) looks out of the damaged roof of a home in Quebec.
Photo by Antoine Clement / Getty Images

By Nicole Fenwick, MSc
Manager of Research and Standards, BC SPCA

Raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife may make great neighbours, but it’s not always ideal when they get into your home. If you’ve ever wondered if there are humane ways to help them get out – and stay out – you’re in luck! The BC SPCA’s Nicole Fenwick joins The Fur-Bearers to answer commonly asked questions about humane wildlife removal in British Columbia.

Q: I don’t want to hurt animals. How do I choose the right pest control company?

A: To help you choose a pest control company ask them questions about the methods they plan to use. Avoid companies that tell you they use glue traps for rodents, or use trap-and-relocation methods for raccoons, squirrels, or skunks. Ask the company to describe how they will wildlife proof your home, and whether they will use one-way doors. Ask if they will search spaces for babies and what their plan is if babies are present. For example, waiting until babies are mobile and can leave on their own, or manual removal and re-uniting with mother animal (using a reunion box).

If they propose using rodenticides to combat a serious rodent infestation, ensure that technicians are appropriately licensed. Ask whether they will collect unused bait once the population has been decreased, and have them describe the prevention work they will do to ensure rodents cannot access the space again. Learn more by clicking here.

Q: What rules do pest control companies have to follow in BC?

A: Unfortunately, the pest control industry isn’t regulated in BC (or Canada!), so anyone can set up a pest control business, regardless of their experience or knowledge. However, if a pest company wants to use rodenticides, each technician must obtain a license to purchase and use restricted poisons (rodenticides) and they must follow government regulations controlling their use. Pest control companies are also required to adhere to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, and the BC Wildlife Act.

Q: How do I get my strata to use humane pest control options?

A: To make the case to your strata council for wildlife-friendly pest management, start by first understanding the current situation. Does your strata use rodenticides or glue traps (hint, look for black boxes around your building), are there signs of rodent activity, are garbage and recycling properly contained, are there areas where building repairs are needed? Review the strata’s pest control contract to learn about service frequency and monthly cost.

Make the case to switch to humane options by explaining how humane options protect pets and non-target wildlife, reduce the risk of poisons entering streams and green spaces, and provide long-term solutions to keeping wildlife out of buildings. Solving pest problems by getting to the root cause will also provide more value for money and could eliminate monthly pest control servicing costs. Learn more by clicking here.

Nicole Fenwick, MSc, is a graduate of the UBC Animal Welfare Program and is currently Manager, Research and Standards at the BC SPCA. At the BC SPCA she leads the AnimalKind accreditation program which promotes science-based, humane standards for animal-related services, including wildlife control, dog training, and pet care services.

Help Make A Difference

Join The Fur-Bearers today and help us protect fur-bearing animals in the wild and confinement. To become a monthly donor (for as little as $10/month – the cost of two lattes) please click here and help us save lives today. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Tags

Latest Posts

Defender Radio

00.00
Listen To The Latest
  • Listen To The Latest

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top