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Learn more about the Bats that we work with here! Bats Raccoons Opossums Squirrels Skunks Bats Groundhogs Foxes Coyotes Everything You Wanted To Know About Bats Two out of Eight species of bats found throughout Maine are - the Big Brown Bat and the Little Brown Bat. They have slightly different life-cycles and characteristics and as such are handled differently by wildlife removal experts. The following are some more bat facts for Maine homeowners: Habitat Urban: In urban environments bats are found in semi-open areas often near trees and water but will make their roots inside building spaces. Breeding Time of year: Bats mate in the fall and sometimes into the winter months. Sperm is stored and ovulation and fertilization are delayed until the female emerges from hibernation. Litter size Big Brown Bats have one to two offspring every year while the Little Brown Bat has only one. Rearing Little Brown Bats will stay in the roost for the first 18 days of their life and can fly thereafter. They reach maturity within 3 weeks. Big Brown Bats take longer to mature and do not reach adult size until 70 days. Sexual maturity Female bats are sexually mature near the end of their first year. Male bats take slightly longer and will reach sexual maturity after their first year. Food and Feeding Time of day: Bats are nocturnal and use high frequency echo-location to seek out their food. Diet Big Brown Bats eat a variety of insects but prefer beetles. Little Brown Bats enjoy flying insects like midges, mosquitoes and mayflies. Morphology and Lifestyle Wing span: Big Brown Bats - 32 to 39cm; Little Brown Bats - 22 to 27cm. Weight: Big Brown Bats - 11 to 25g; Little Brown Bats - 5 to 11g. Vocalization: Bats use high frequency echo-location that is hard to hear with the exception of some clicking sounds. Lifespan: Between 10 and 20 years with the rare bat living as long as 30 years. Did You Know? Bats play an important role in our environment as they can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night. Bats in Canada will not fly in your hair and suck your blood. Bats can spread the rabies virus when infected with very little to no evidence of contact. Bats can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. A bat can produce several times its own weight in waste each month. Bat colonies can range in size from one to several hundred and can double in size every year. Bats hibernate when the temperature drops below 10 degrees C.

View our website to learn more about Bird Exclusions and Prevention! Bird Exclusions/Preventative Inspections Dog Fencing / Dig Prevention Humane Animal Trapping Animal Exclusions Live Animal Removals Trenching Attic/Crawl Space Remediation Bird Exclusions/Prevention Contractor Consultation Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Warranty Info Birds have a tendency to roost in unwanted areas, which can pose various challenges for homeowners. Fortunately, Ethical Wildlife Solutions is certified with multiple bird excluding companies offering special products to deter birds from roosting on or around your property. These companies provide a variety of equipment designed to address this issue effectively. In addition to roosting, birds may also nest inside areas of the home such as the dryer vent and soffit boxes. Ethical Wildlife Solutions has the expertise and equipment to safely extract them from the building and install the appropriate Exclusion materials to prevent further nesting. Furthermore, it's important to note that bird droppings can contain respiratory diseases, making cleanup of the affected areas hazardous. Ethical Wildlife Solutions is committed to providing thorough cleaning and sanitization of any areas that require attention at the conclusion of our service. It's important to remember that typical animals requiring exclusion services include, but are not limited to: bats, flying squirrels, snakes, mice, and rats. If you're in need of professional wildlife exclusion services, we encourage you to click here to book your appointment today.

Learn about all the owners of Ethical Wildlife Solutions of Maine, LLP OUR BACKGROUND Based in Maine, Matt and Kaileb have grown up amidst the diverse and sometimes challenging encounters with wildlife. Their approach to every wildlife call reflects an unwavering commitment and a sense of urgency in addressing the issues at hand. When you engage our services, you can expect a swift and dedicated response to your wildlife-related concerns. Our company is widely recognized for its steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction and the ethical treatment of animals, principles that form the bedrock of our operations. For comprehensive details on the range of products and services we offer, please feel free to reach out to us at your earliest convenience. Kindly contact us for additional information.

Learn more about the Foxes that we work with here! Foxes Raccoons Opossums Squirrels Skunks Bats Groundhogs Foxes Coyotes Everything You Wanted To Know About Foxes Maine is fortunate to have two species of fox, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Both species are similar in size, but there are some important differences in their appearance, behavior, and distribution. Red Fox The red fox is abundant and widespread, occurring in all counties in Maine. Adult red foxes weigh 7-15 pounds and have a distinct red/orange appearance, white chest, black legs, and bushy white-tipped tail. Silver or cross foxes are a melanistic form of the red fox; they appear black, silver or a combination of red/black/grey and are less common than the typical red phase. Red foxes have keen eyesight and hearing, and are very agile, jumping up to six feet high. Red foxes have a special method of hunting with impressive pounces on prey hidden under the snow or ground. Gray Fox The gray fox is abundant in southern and mid-coast Maine, and continues to expand into western and central parts of Maine. Gray foxes weigh about 10 pounds and are distinguished by their grizzled coloration, a hint of red on the neck, ears, and lower legs, and a black stripe down their tail. Gray fox are the only member in the canid (dog) family in North America that can climb trees. Red foxes can climb, but not as well as gray foxes. Food and Feeding Behavior Foxes are omnivores and eat a wide variety of plants and animals, depending on the season. Small birds and mammals are consumed, including mice, voles, rats, rabbits, and bird eggs. Foxes also eat insects, snakes, carrion, berries, apples, corn, seeds, and nuts. Foxes are primarily nocturnal, including hunting during dawn and dusk, but foxes are occasionally seen out during the day, particularly during the spring/summer when rearing pups. Habitat Foxes are found in diverse habitats and are quite tolerant of living near people. Foxes are common in agricultural landscapes and tend to do well with a mix of forest and fields. Coyotes are predators of foxes but tend to be more wary of people, so foxes avoid coyotes by living near people. Preventing Conflicts Research suggests that humans create the conditions for conflict by deliberately or inadvertently providing animals with food and shelter. Use the following management strategies around your property to prevent or resolve conflicts and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Seeing a fox out during the day is not a problem and does not mean the fox is sick! Never approach or handle wildlife. Enjoy watching the fox go about its business from a safe distance. Remember that fur coats are much thinner and patchier in the summer, especially for mother foxes who have put most of their energy into raising young. Never feed wildlife. Once an animal is fed, it will return, lose its fear of people, and could become aggressive. If you have had conflicts in the past and have a bird feeder, consider planting native plants instead. Bird feeding can create a chain of events that are not always obvious. Dropped seed attracts many wildlife species who feed on the seeds or predators who feed on the rodents that increase as a result of a bird feeder. Store your trash inside buildings, use garbage cans with locking lids, and bring your garbage cans to the curb the morning of pick up. Securely cover and fence compost piles or use a compost bin. Never throw dairy or animal matter into compost, since it can become smelly and attract animals. Regularly mixing in some dirt or leaves to your pile and will also reduce the scent and allow the foods to break down more quickly into compost. Foxes and other predators will kill free-ranging chickens and other small livestock that are not secured in a shelter. Protect your livestock from predation by using a predator-proof pen with well fitted doors and locks and electric fencing. Small livestock should be confined to their pens during vulnerable periods from dusk until dawn. Foxes can carry diseases, but people can protect themselves by keeping a safe distance from wildlife and vaccinating their pets. Common fox diseases include mange, rabies, and canine distemper. Foxes are very tolerant of people and will den in a variety of places, including near roads, in yards, or under buildings. In most cases, the fox family will move if there is a lot of disturbance. Be a responsible pet owner and never let your dog harass wildlife. If you want to encourage the foxes to move, simply pour some bleach or ammonia at the entrance of the den, leave a portable light on, or a radio on overnight. This will encourage them to move to an alternative den. Prevent wildlife from denning under your porch, deck, or buildings by closing off holes during the fall. Close off these areas with quarter-inch hardware cloth, boards, metal flashing or other sturdy barriers.

Learn more about the Squirrels that we work with here! Squirrels Raccoons Opossums Squirrels Skunks Bats Groundhogs Foxes Coyotes Everything You Wanted To Know About Squirrels Two species of squirrel found in Maine are the Red Squirrel and the Eastern Gray Squirrel. Eastern grey squirrels commonly occur in two color phases, grey and black, which leads people to think (mistakenly) that there are two different species. The most notable physical feature of the eastern grey squirrel is its large bushy tail. The tail has many important functions. It acts as a rudder when the animal jumps from high places, as a warm covering during the winter, as a signal to other eastern grey squirrels indicating an individual’s mood. The following are some more squirrel facts for Maine homeowners: Habitat Urban: Although the grey squirrel is found in parks and woodland areas, they adapt quite easily to urban environments, taking up residence in and around buildings. They become very accustomed to utilizing attics and chimneys for nesting sites. Breeding Twice per year: Female squirrels can mate only twice a year, but males can mate at any time. Often, several males will attempt to mate with the same female. They try to attract her attention by slapping the bark of trees with their paws and chattering loudly. After the mating the males play no part in the rearing of the young. Birth occurs six weeks after mating. When Do Squirrels Have Babies? Squirrels have two breeding periods per year, one in mid-summer and another in early spring. In Maine, young are usually born between March and April, with a second litter arriving around July or August. Litter Size Female squirrels produce litters between 1 and 7 offspring (typically 5 or 6). Rearing The naked, blind and deaf young are fed every two to four hours for several weeks. At seven - eight weeks, they start to follow their mother around within the den site. The young squirrels gradually begin to eat solid food and are weaned at ten - eleven weeks of age. A month later, they start to leave the den. If there are not too many squirrels in the area, the young will build nests nearby. Otherwise, they will be chased away to less crowded feeding areas. Typically some of the squirrels will remain actively using the birthing den. Sexual Maturity Squirrels are sexually mature and able to reproduce at 11 months. Food and Feeding Frequency: The Grey Squirrel feeds every day, even in the winter. It does not hibernate and is unable to conserve enough energy to survive for long periods without food. Time of day It is most active at dawn and dusk, when it searches for whatever fruits, shoots, and seeds that are in season. Small thumbs on it's front paws allow it to hold food securely as it feeds. Diet The squirrel's diet varies according to season. It eats mainly tree bark and fungi in the winter and buds in the summer. In September it eats nuts and acorns. A hungry grey squirrel will also raid a bird's nest for eggs, steal food from bird feeders and dig up plants. In urban environments the grey squirrels also come across free handouts from people (namely peanuts in the shell). The squirrel buries extra food just below the soils surface, which it later locates by smell. Morphology and Lifestyle Body length: 9-12 in Tail length: 7-10 in Weight: 12-28 oz Habitat: Above ground (attics and chimneys), but spends much of it's time on the ground Call: Chattering and piercing scream Lifespan: 3-4 years Did You Know? The squirrel's front teeth continue to grow throughout it's life, so they must continue to gnaw to wear them down. A male squirrel can smell a female that is ready to mate. The grey squirrel can leap more than 20 feet. Although usually frightened of people, a mother squirrel can be quite aggressive if she perceives danger or is separated from her babies. Squirrels are very swift and can move or attack quickly if threatened. There can be 25 or more squirrels per square kilometre in urban areas with mature trees. Squirrels are more adaptable than you might think. They can fit through a hole the size of a baseball (black/grey squirrels) or a golf ball (red squirrels). And smaller holes can easily be chewed open.

View our website to learn more about Wildlife Exlusions! Wildlife Exclusions Inspections Dog Fencing / Dig Prevention Humane Animal Trapping Animal Exclusions Live Animal Removals Trenching Attic/Crawl Space Remediation Bird Exclusions/Prevention Contractor Consultation Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Warranty Info Please be advised that our Exclusions do not apply in cases where severely rotted wood is present or if you own a Log Home of any kind. We offer a comprehensive approach to removing nuisance animals from any structure, using ethical and effective methods. Our process includes a thorough inspection of the exterior of the house to identify and address any potential animal entries. After we identify the entry points, we will install "one way doors" and permanently seal other small openings to prevent further infestation. After all animals have safely vacated the structure, we remove the "one way doors" and repair any damaged areas. Our finished products are designed to be virtually invisible in order to maintain the value of the home. Our service typically includes a one-year warranty , with an option for an additional one-year warranty renewal at a nominal cost. Typical animals that require an exclusion include, but are not limited to: bats, flying squirrels, snakes, mice, and rats. Please feel free to book your appointment today by clicking the link provided.

Learn more about the Opossums that we work with here! Opossums Raccoons Opossums Squirrels Skunks Bats Groundhogs Foxes Coyotes Everything You Wanted To Know About Squirrels Two species of squirrel found in Maine are the Red Squirrel and the Eastern Gray Squirrel. Eastern grey squirrels commonly occur in two color phases, grey and black, which leads people to think (mistakenly) that there are two different species. The most notable physical feature of the eastern grey squirrel is its large bushy tail. The tail has many important functions. It acts as a rudder when the animal jumps from high places, as a warm covering during the winter, as a signal to other eastern grey squirrels indicating an individual’s mood. The following are some more squirrel facts for Maine homeowners: Habitat Urban: Although the grey squirrel is found in parks and woodland areas, they adapt quite easily to urban environments, taking up residence in and around buildings. They become very accustomed to utilizing attics and chimneys for nesting sites. Breeding Twice per year: Female squirrels can mate only twice a year, but males can mate at any time. Often, several males will attempt to mate with the same female. They try to attract her attention by slapping the bark of trees with their paws and chattering loudly. After the mating the males play no part in the rearing of the young. Birth occurs six weeks after mating. When Do Squirrels Have Babies? Squirrels have two breeding periods per year, one in mid-summer and another in early spring. In Maine, young are usually born between March and April, with a second litter arriving around July or August. Litter size Female squirrels produce litters between 1 and 7 offspring (typically 5 or 6). Rearing: The naked, blind and deaf young are fed every two to four hours for several weeks. At seven - eight weeks, they start to follow their mother around within the den site. The young squirrels gradually begin to eat solid food and are weaned at ten - eleven weeks of age. A month later, they start to leave the den. If there are not too many squirrels in the area, the young will build nests nearby. Otherwise, they will be chased away to less crowded feeding areas. Typically some of the squirrels will remain actively using the birthing den. Sexual Maturity Squirrels are sexually mature and able to reproduce at 11 months. Food and Feeding Frequency: The Grey Squirrel feeds every day, even in the winter. It does not hibernate and is unable to conserve enough energy to survive for long periods without food. Time of day It is most active at dawn and dusk, when it searches for whatever fruits, shoots, and seeds that are in season. Small thumbs on it's front paws allow it to hold food securely as it feeds. Diet The squirrel's diet varies according to season. It eats mainly tree bark and fungi in the winter and buds in the summer. In September it eats nuts and acorns. A hungry grey squirrel will also raid a bird's nest for eggs, steal food from bird feeders and dig up plants. In urban environments the grey squirrels also come across free handouts from people (namely peanuts in the shell). The squirrel buries extra food just below the soils surface, which it later locates by smell. Morphology and Lifestyle Body length: 9-12 in Tail length: 7-10 in Weight: 12-28 oz Habitat: Above ground (attics and chimneys), but spends much of it's time on the ground Call: Chattering and piercing scream Lifespan: 3-4 years Did You Know? The squirrel's front teeth continue to grow throughout it's life, so they must continue to gnaw to wear them down. A male squirrel can smell a female that is ready to mate. The grey squirrel can leap more than 20 feet. Although usually frightened of people, a mother squirrel can be quite aggressive if she perceives danger or is separated from her babies. Squirrels are very swift and can move or attack quickly if threatened. There can be 25 or more squirrels per square kilometre in urban areas with mature trees. Squirrels are more adaptable than you might think. They can fit through a hole the size of a baseball (black/grey squirrels) or a golf ball (red squirrels). And smaller holes can easily be chewed open.

View our website to learn more about Remediations! Attic/Crawl Space Remediation Inspections Dog Fencing / Dig Prevention Humane Animal Trapping Animal Exclusions Live Animal Removals Trenching Attic/Crawl Space Remediation Bird Exclusions/Prevention Contractor Consultation Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Warranty Info It is important to note that once animals have entered any residence, they typically soil areas in the attic or basement with fecal droppings and urine. Some animal droppings even contain diseases like Histoplasmosis, a type of lung infection caused by inhaling Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores. These spores are found in soil and in the droppings of bats and birds. This fungus mainly grows in the central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. Insulation often gets ripped up and used as a nest. Fortunately, we provide a full remediation service to address these issues. Our service includes bagging up all insulation and debris, cleaning out the soiled areas, and then applying a strong sanitizer/disinfectant over all affected areas. Finally, new insulation will be blown into the building as needed. (It is also advisable to have an electrician check over any potentially chewed wires.) To book your appointment today, click here .

Learn how being a responsible homeowner can help you avoid or resolve a wildlife confilct! Responsible Homeowner Tips/Tricks Source: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/index.html Why Are There Wild Animals Taking Over My Property And Causing Damage? Some wildlife species are drawn to residential areas because they offer food, shelter and safety from natural predators. But in exchange, they risk running into trouble with their human neighbors. MDIFW receives over 10,000 calls from the public each year related to wildlife conflicts, but we’d rather help you avoid those conflicts in the first place! As a Maine resident, you can control the way you experience the wildlife around you – enjoying the wonder of watching animals move through their habitats, not yours. To do so, you just need to understand why animals might be attracted to your property, and then take some preventative steps. How Being a Responsible Homeowner Can Avoid or Resolve a Wildlife Conflict... Many conflicts can be prevented by keeping your distance and removing common attractants. Here are some specific ways you can do that: KEEP WILDLIFE WILD Watch wildlife from a distance Never approach, handle, feed, or attempt to move a wild animal ELIMINATE ACCESS TO SHELTER Seal potential entry points in attics or chimneys and under buildings, decks, and crawl spaces with 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth, boards, or metal flashing. Trim tree limbs near rooftops and attach sheets of metal flashing around building corners BE SMART ABOUT THE GARBAGE Store garbage in a building Use garbage cans with latching lids that do not open if pushed over If you have curbside pickup, wait until that morning to take out the trash Keep dumpster lids closed and latched COMPOST RESPONSIBLY Secure your compost to keep wildlife out Never compost animal matter, which can become smelly and attract wildlife FEED BIRDS THE NATURAL WAY Plant native plants in your yard that provide food and shelter for birds and other species, without attracting rodents and other animals PROTECT POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK Secure your poultry and livestock in a predator-proof pen, protected by electric fencing or guard animals Store food indoors or in an animal-proof container BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date Keep your pet on a leash and under control at all times Don’t feed pets outside unless you must; and if that’s the case, clean up after. Don’t feed feral cats At night (dusk until dawn), brings your pets inside and lock pet doors to keep other animals out