Check out our latest YouTube video. We found an unexpected animal behind this bedroom wall.

It started as an ordinary day at TSR Pest Control, with our team preparing to respond to various wildlife calls from across Toronto. One call, however, stood out from the rest. A homeowner reached out, distressed by strange scratching noises and the sound of movement coming from the wall directly behind their bed. Little did we know, this routine call would lead us to a rare and fascinating encounter with a white weasel, also known as an ermine. This blog post recounts the events of that day, provides insights into the habits of weasels, and highlights the importance of professional wildlife removal services.

The Homeowner’s Call for Help

For days, the homeowner had been hearing unsettling noises at night, disrupting their sleep. They described faint scratching sounds, as if an animal was clawing at the interior of the wall. Occasionally, there were also soft thuds and the sound of something moving within the space. Naturally, they were concerned about the potential damage to their home—and the possibility of an unwanted guest nesting behind their wall.

When we arrived, the homeowner’s frustration and exhaustion were palpable. Our first step was to assure them that we would resolve the issue quickly and safely. We explained our inspection process and set out to identify the source of the disturbance.

Using Advanced Tools for Accurate Wildlife Identification

Our team is equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging cameras, to locate wildlife hiding in difficult-to-reach spaces. This particular situation required precision, as the sounds were coming from inside the wall behind the homeowner’s bed—a high-stress area for anyone dealing with nocturnal disturbances.

Using the thermal imaging camera, we scanned the wall and pinpointed a small heat signature moving within the cavity. Based on its size and activity level, our initial assumption was that the culprit was a squirrel, a common intruder in Toronto homes. Squirrels often find their way into walls and attics, especially during colder months, seeking warmth and shelter. However, what we found was far more extraordinary.

The Unexpected Culprit: A Rare White Weasel

After carefully cutting a small access point into the wall, we prepared traps and tools to safely remove the animal. The moment of truth came when we saw a sleek, white creature darting within the cavity. It was not a squirrel at all, but a white weasel, also known as an ermine. Seeing an ermine in an urban environment is incredibly rare, especially inside a home.

White weasels are more commonly found in rural and forested areas. Their winter coats—a striking pure white—help them blend seamlessly into snowy landscapes, making them effective predators in their natural habitat. In Toronto, their presence is uncommon, as they generally avoid human settlements. This particular weasel likely entered the home in search of shelter or food, possibly through a gap or an unnoticed opening in the structure.

Challenges of Safely Capturing a White Weasel

Weasels are known for their agility and speed, and this one was no exception. Despite its small size, it put up a spirited struggle as we worked to safely capture it. Quick and nimble, it darted around the confined space, requiring patience and skill from our team to ensure its safe removal. After a few minutes of careful maneuvering, we successfully captured the weasel without causing it any harm.

The homeowner watched in awe as we gently placed the ermine in a secure container for transportation. Seeing this rare and beautiful creature up close was a unique experience for everyone involved. While it was a stressful event for the homeowner, the outcome provided an unexpected moment of wonder.

Understanding the White Weasel (Ermine)

White weasels, also called ermines, are a species of the stoat family. They are small carnivorous mammals with a slender body, short legs, and a tail tipped with black. During the winter, their fur turns white, allowing them to camouflage in snowy environments. This seasonal adaptation helps them evade predators and hunt prey, which primarily consists of rodents, birds, and small mammals.

Despite their beauty, weasels are tenacious hunters and can become aggressive when threatened. Their small size allows them to squeeze through tiny openings, making them effective at finding their way into structures if conditions are favorable. While they generally avoid urban areas, it’s not impossible for them to enter homes in search of warmth or food.

Why Professional Wildlife Removal Matters

This unusual case underscores the importance of professional wildlife removal services. Removing wildlife from homes is not just about resolving an inconvenience; it’s about ensuring the safety of both the animal and the residents. Here are some key reasons why calling professionals is essential:

1. Accurate Identification: As demonstrated in this case, it’s easy to misidentify the type of animal causing disturbances. Professionals have the tools and expertise to accurately identify wildlife.
   
   
2. Safe Removal: Wildlife removal involves risks, both for the animal and the homeowner. Professional teams use humane methods to ensure the animal is not harmed during the process.
   ​
3. Prevention of Recurrence: After removal, professionals can inspect the property to identify potential entry points and recommend measures to prevent future intrusions.
   
   
4. Legal Compliance: In some cases, certain wildlife species are protected by law. Handling them improperly can result in legal consequences. Professionals are well-versed in local wildlife regulations.

The Relocation Process

After capturing the ermine, we transported it to a suitable habitat outside the city where it could thrive in its natural environment. Relocation is a critical part of our process, ensuring that animals are returned to environments where they can survive and contribute to the ecosystem without posing risks to human dwellings.

In this case, the ermine was released in a rural area with plenty of natural shelter and food sources. Watching it dart off into the wild was a satisfying conclusion to this unique wildlife removal case.

Reflections on a Unique Encounter

This case was a reminder of the unexpected beauty and wonder that wildlife can bring, even in the middle of a city like Toronto. While the homeowner’s experience was undoubtedly stressful, the resolution provided a glimpse into the fascinating world of wildlife that exists just beyond our everyday lives.
Encounters like this also serve as an important reminder to homeowners about the importance of securing their properties against wildlife. Small gaps, cracks, and openings can provide easy access for animals, leading to situations like this one. Regular inspections and preventative measures can go a long way in keeping your home wildlife-free.

How TSR Pest Control Can Help

At TSR Pest Control, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife removal services across Toronto and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with common intruders like squirrels and raccoons or rare visitors like this white weasel, our team is equipped to handle the situation with professionalism and care. Here’s what sets us apart:

• State-of-the-Art Technology: From thermal imaging cameras to specialized traps, we use the latest tools to ensure accurate identification and safe removal.
  
  
• Experienced Team: Our trained professionals have years of experience handling all kinds of wildlife, ensuring a quick and effective resolution to your problem.
  
  
• Humane Practices: We prioritize the safety and well-being of the animals we remove, relocating them to appropriate habitats whenever possible.
  
  
• Preventative Solutions: In addition to removal, we offer comprehensive inspection and sealing services to protect your home from future intrusions.

What began as a simple call to address scratching noises in a wall turned into a rare and memorable encounter with a white weasel. For the homeowner, it was an unexpected adventure that ended with peace of mind and a story to tell. For our team at TSR Pest Control, it was a reminder of why we do what we do: to protect homes, ensure the safety of wildlife, and bring a sense of wonder to every case we handle.
​
If you’re hearing strange noises or suspect wildlife activity in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. TSR Pest Control is here to help, no matter how common or exotic the intruder may be.