As temperatures dip and snow begins to fall in Hamilton, it’s easy to assume that raccoons would be hibernating or taking shelter in the wilderness. But, as it turns out, these creatures are still active and causing headaches for many local residents. 

With their nimble fingers and strong claws, raccoons are gaining access to homes – seeking warmth, food or shelter from the cold. While it’s not uncommon for them to raid trash cans in search of food during any time of the year, it’s during winter months that their presence becomes more pronounced. 

Hamilton residents are now battling with these furry invaders, trying to keep them out of their homes. But, with raccoons being particularly resourceful and adaptable animals, it’s a challenging task.

Join us as we dive into the behaviour of raccoons during the winter months and how our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Hamilton can help if they find their way into your home. 

What Do Raccoons Do In The Winter?

Raccoons are truly fascinating animals, and as temperatures drop and the winter season arrives, many people naturally wonder how these masked critters cope with the colder weather. Unlike their human counterparts, who tend to bundle up and hunker down indoors, raccoons have some unique survival strategies for making it through the winter. One common tactic is to seek out warm and sheltered areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, and hollow trees. They may also create dens by digging into the soft soil or using natural crevices and burrows. 

Raccoons also have a specific diet that helps them stay energized and warm during the cold winter weather, such as nuts, fruits, and seeds. These furry creatures have learned to adapt to the harsh winter environment and remain active despite the challenging conditions. 

On a recent job, our technician Brad Moulton was called to a home where he encountered a curious raccoon trying to shelter from the cold weather. Continue on to learn more about this particular job and how all homeowners could learn from this encounter. 

What Architectural Style Do Raccoons Prefer?

The Hamilton Mountain and Stoney Creek areas boast unique architectural styles, setting them apart from the downtown scene. But regardless of the construction, both areas are facing a common problem: raccoons. These mischievous animals have been spotted infiltrating the attics of older Victoria homes and modern constructions. While the architectural styles of these areas may differ, the raccoon battles remain the same. 

On this particular job, Brad was called out to the home with a modern construction style that was located on Hamilton Mountain. Once on the scene, Brad began his initial inspection of the roof and quickly found a clear entry point on one of the soffits. Homeowners can’t always see the points of entry from the ground, so it is vital to enlist the help of a professional who can assess the situation from the rooftop itself.

When Immediate Action Is Required

During the assessment, Brad made a startling discovery when he removed the soffit. A curious raccoon peeked his head out, revealing the true nature of the problem that the homeowners were facing. Upon presenting the homeowners with a comprehensive assessment of the raccoon situation, it was clear that immediate action was required. The clock was ticking towards baby season, a period when raccoons give birth to their offspring. 

When a raccoon family settles into a home, the problems multiply. Mother raccoons are fiercely protective of their young, making removal efforts more dangerous and complex. Furthermore, baby raccoons are not as mobile as their parents, often hiding in hard-to-reach areas of the attic or walls, making their extraction more difficult.

Raccoons are also not the cleanest of animals. They leave behind droppings and urine, which not only cause unpleasant odours but can also pose serious health risks due to the diseases and parasites they carry. These include raccoon roundworms, which can be harmful to humans if accidentally ingested or inhaled.

In addition to this, the presence of a raccoon family can attract other wildlife, such as predators looking for an easy meal or other raccoons seeking a safe place to nest. This can exacerbate the problem, leading to even more extensive damage and potential health risks.

Overall, dealing with a full-blown raccoon infestation, especially one involving babies, requires swift action, professional expertise, and a well-thought-out removal strategy. It’s not just about evicting them; it’s about safeguarding the home’s integrity and its inhabitants’ health.

Brad was able to communicate how time was of the essence in this instance, and the homeowners agreed to take swift action to remove the raccoons.

The Humane Raccoon Removal Process

At Skedaddle, our ethos is built around the humane treatment of wildlife while ensuring human safety. We are proud of our unique removal process that strikes a balance between these two vital considerations. 

For this job, Brad was able to use our central approach, one-way exit doors for wildlife. These ingenious devices allow animals to depart from the home freely but prevent them from re-entering, thus ensuring a non-invasive and stress-free extraction.

However, our commitment to our Hamilton homeowners didn’t end with the removal of the animals. Once we had ensured all wildlife had vacated the premises, we initiated the next phase: cleaning and disinfection. Our dedicated team of cleaners stepped in and tackled any potential hazards left behind by the animals, such as droppings or nesting materials. They meticulously sanitized the affected areas, eradicating any traces of animal presence and reducing the risk of disease transmission.

But our services extend even further than removal and sanitation. Recognizing that wildlife can cause significant damage to homes, we also offer remediation services. Our team of experts is adept at assessing and addressing the aftermath of a wildlife intrusion. So, they set to work on repairs that were vital in ensuring the animals did not return and keeping the family safe. 

At Skedaddle, our experts offer services such as repairing chewed wires, patching holes in walls and roofs, or replacing damaged insulation. No matter the job, we ensure your home is restored to its original state, if not better.

We offer a comprehensive solution to wildlife intrusion, encompassing humane removal, thorough cleaning, and expert remediation. We’re committed to helping homeowners live in harmony with nature while preserving the safety and integrity of their homes.

A Tailored Approach To Wildlife Control

Our homes are more than just a shelter; they are also an extension of ourselves, with unique features, personalities, and idiosyncrasies. Just like individuals, homes have their own distinct charm and character. However, our beloved homes can also attract unwanted guests in the form of animals that can find their way in through various entry points. 

At Skedaddle, we understand that tailoring our approach to a home’s specific features and potential weaknesses is important. Different animals are attracted to various structures and use varying entry points, making a one-size-fits-all solution impossible. 

Whether you live in a historical home in Stoney Creek or a modern structure in downtown Hamilton, it’s crucial to assess its situation thoroughly, identify potential entry points, and take proper measures to keep these furry friends out. This is how we ensure humane wildlife removal and can guarantee that they do not return. 

If you think you may have a raccoon infestation or any other problem with wildlife in or around your house, don’t hesitate. Contact Skedaddle today for our raccoon removal and take back control of your home.