Introduction
Toronto has seen an increase in raccoon activity and it’s a challenge for residents and businesses. These wildlife have adapted well to urban life, living in homes, sheds, and attics causing extensive property damage and many sleepless nights. Without proper wildlife control, to simply remove a raccoon is just the first step; you need to prevent re-entry by recognizing and fixing the vulnerabilities in your home, like structural, damaged areas or other potential entry points that could let animals back in.
Raccoons can be infected and carry illnesses that are harmful to humans and pets. Rabies is one of the biggest concerns, a lethal viral infection transmitted through animal bites. Getting the rabies vaccine is critical after any interaction with these animals to prevent the disease in people.
Raccoons in Toronto
Raccoons are one of the most common wildlife animals in Ontario, and in Toronto they’re thriving in the urban landscape. These clever animals have learned to navigate city life, that’s why you see them everywhere in Toronto.
As nocturnal animals, raccoons are most active at night. Their diet is very diverse, they’ll eat grubs, insects, small rodents, eggs, birds, fleshy fruits, nuts and vegetables. Their omnivorous diet often leads them to dig through garbage cans and other containers for food, including any dog food you might leave outside. They can open lids and get to food that seems secure.
The raccoons’ behaviour includes raiding gardens and crops, frustrating homeowners and urban gardeners. Beyond these managable nuisances, raccoons are a danger to your health as they can carry ailments like rabies and leptospirosis. These viral diseases can be transmitted to both people and pets, so it’s best to avoid direct contact with wildlife.
Raccoons can damage homes extensively. They chew through structures and insulation, creating entry points that can lead to further infestations. That’s why professional raccoon removal services are a must for homeowners to protect their property and their families. Understanding raccoon behaviour is key to managing them. Recognizing the type of wild animal in your property is the first step in addressing wildlife issues, although we can also deal with squirrel removal as well. These nocturnal creatures are intelligent and resourceful, eating food sources like garbage, pet food and even backyard gardens to survive. Unfortunately some residents feed raccoons which only attracts them more and increases the risk of conflicts.
Raccoons in Urban Areas
Property and Structure Damage
Raccoons break into homes causing extensive structure damage to the house. They enter attics through roof vents, chimneys and other entry points, tear through insulation and create hazardous living conditions. If animal removal services are not addressed properly raccoons can continue to re-enter and you could have costly repairs. That’s why getting rid of raccoons is essential to prevent further damage and to ensure they don’t come back, by pointing out and fixing the vulnerabilities in your home.
Health Risks to Humans and Pets
Raccoons are carriers of disease, including rabies which can be transmitted through a bite or contact with an open wound. Rabies is a fatal viral affliction if not treated promptly. Raccoon droppings increase the risk of contamination, exposing people, and pets (dogs and cats) to harmful bacteria and parasites. Some of these ailments can cause death without the proper treatment. Vaccination is key after exposure to prevent the disease in humans.
Humane Raccoon Removal
Professional Animal Removal Services
Attempting raccoon removal without professional help is dangerous and ineffective. Our professionals at Affordable Wildlife Control and removal services use safe and humane methods to remove raccoons and ensure they don’t come back. Affordable Wildlife Control offers reliable animal removal services, the removal of any babies from the attic, replacing damaged insulation, capping chimneys, and repairing any property damage. Our reputable raccoon removal services will help homeowners and tenants alike deal with these persistent wildlife situations.
Toronto Animal Services for the G.T.A.
Although it can be rare, if you happen to see an animal in Toronto that appear to be injured, sick or diseased, call 311 for Animal Services, as sometimes the most humane thing to do is to euthanize the animal in distress.
Long Term Solutions for Raccoon Prevention
Identify and Seal Entry Points
A complete inspection of the property can help identify and seal openings where raccoons can enter. Securing roof vents, chimneys, garages, and sheds is key to preventing raccoon infestations. Removing raccoons is just the first step; without proper prevention on your entire home, such as identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, these wild animals will keep seeking shelter in urban homes.
Protect Your Property from Raccoons
Invest in long term solutions and keep raccoons away. Remove easy access to food, secure entry points and work with highly trained wildlife professionals and you’ll see a big difference. Proper deterrents will protect your home, family and young children from unwanted raccoon encounters.
Remove Pet Food and Other Attractants
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, drawn to easily accessible food sources around homes and businesses. Reducing attractants is essential to discourage their presence.
- Pet Food – Always bring pet food indoors after feeding, as raccoons are quick to take advantage of leftovers.
- Garbage Cans – Use secure, tightly sealed bins to prevent raccoons from rummaging through waste.
- Compost Containers – Keep compost bins locked and avoid adding meat or dairy, which can attract raccoons.
- Bird Feeders – Clean up spilled seeds and use raccoon-proof feeders to prevent unwanted visits.
- Outdoor Grills – Residual grease and food scraps on barbecues can lure raccoons; clean them after each use.
- Fruit Trees and Gardens – Pick up fallen fruit and harvest crops promptly to minimize food sources.
By eliminating these attractants, homeowners can make their properties less appealing to raccoons and help prevent infestations.
Coexisting with Wildlife in Toronto
Responsible Wildlife Management
Wildlife is in the city to stay, but responsible management is necessary to prevent conflicts. Public parks and green spaces provide natural habitats for raccoons, birds and squirrels so they don’t rely on urban homes. People must learn how to interact with animals safely and avoid behaviours that encourage dependency.
DIY Techniques
If you don’t have an issue in your roof but raccoons have been seen roaming around on the ground, there are a number of household supplies you can try that might deter these animals away. Throwing citrus peels on your lawn, spreading apple cider vinegar or ammonia soaked rags along the base of your deck, mixing cayenne pepper with water to make a paste, etc. All of these could potentially move the animals off. Do not attempt to trap, relocate, and release this animals far away, there are certain times of the year in Toronto that babies are present and will die with the removal of mom.
Other Wild Animals in Toronto
Other Wild Animals in Toronto
Toronto has more than just raccoons. These animals have adapted to urban living and can be found in residential areas looking for shelter and food.
- Squirrels – Tree squirrels and ground squirrels are prevalent, often nesting in attics and chewing on wires.
- Skunks – With their stinky reputation, skunks dig under sheds and decks for shelter.
- Birds – Pigeons, starlings and sparrows roost on buildings and leave behind droppings that can be hazardous to your health.
- Coyotes – These versatile predators roam parks and ravines and occasionally venture into neighbourhoods.
- Rats and Mice – Rodents love urban living, nesting in wall cavities and rummaging through garbage cans.
- Opossums – As nocturnal scavengers, opossums help control insect populations but may also dig through compost containers.
Managing these animals requires proper wildlife control measures to prevent property damage and resident conflicts.
Professional Wildlife Services
When to Call for Help
The professionals at Affordable Wildlife Control can safely remove raccoons, evict them, and prevent further infestations. They can also assist with squirrel, skunk, bird, bat, or wasp nest removal. Timely intervention and removal tactics will protect your property and reduce health risks for your family.
Find the Right Solution
For residents in the City of Toronto, expert raccoon removal services are available to handle pretty much any wildlife problem. Whether it’s squirrel removal, raccoon control or other solutions required, professional intervention means a safer and healthier living environment. If you suspect a raccoon or squirrel infestation, act now before it gets worse.
