Whitby boasts several beautiful parks and conservation areas. Naturally, it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including raccoons. Raccoons are very popular in Whitby’s wild and settled areas prompting a need for raccoon control services. These raccoons are pretty elusive, emerging at night when people are least active, pillaging for food and then disappearing for the day, leaving many to wonder just where do Whitby’s raccoons live?

Raccoons are typically associated with North America, but the cunning mammals have found their way into other places such as Japan and some parts of Europe. In Canada, raccoons are found mostly in Manitoba, Southern Quebec, Ontario, The Maritimes, Northern Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

Raccoon Homes in the Wild

In Whitby, raccoons live in the green spaces (forests and nature preserves). Their home ground can stretch for up to 18 miles, giving them ample space to forage for food. The more heavily wooded an area is, the more suitable it is for raccoons to occupy. The availability of water sources such as rivers and lakes also helps make a location more suitable for raccoons to inhabit as they can get their thirst quenched and grab some food (fish, frogs, etc.) at the same time. They make their dens in the hollow parts of trees and sometimes occupy holes that other animals abandoned. Raccoons have pretty much two main requirements for a den; it must provide protection and it must be away from prying eyes.

Raccoon Homes in Developed Areas

As a testament to their adaptability, raccoons also live in the rural and urban areas in Whitby. They establish dens near food sources such as dumpsters and garbage disposal sites.

Raccoons love to live near their food source. If they can find suitable dens near a garbage disposal site they will settle there. This is even more likely when shrubbery or a forest is nearby.

When there is no suitable green space nearby, raccoons will opt for the next best thing- buildings. They establish dens in dark secluded spaces like abandoned vehicles, chimneys, crawlspaces and attics. If there is space beneath the building, they will take up residence there as well. Spaces with piles of wood on the outside provide perfect den sites for raccoons who will snuggle under the woodpile. Another common area is under a deck, they only need a small opening to find their way in and it makes the perfect home to raise a family. Having shelter and protection plus knowing they will have food close by makes your property a great option.

The Impact of Raccoons on Residential and Commercial  Property

Raccoon damage affects Whitby properties negatively. Their strong, sharp claws scratch the paint and other finishes off the surface of buildings. But the damage doesn’t stop there. Raccoons have been responsible for the leaking roofs experienced by many Whitby residents as they rip through the roof to gain access to the attic. Wooden portions of your building may be shredded by raccoons

Preventing Raccoon-Related Property Damage

The best way to prevent raccoon-related property damage is to exclude raccoons from the property. You can also try to discourage them from visiting your property by removing the attractions that make them come. This means removing all the things they like to eat and denying them access to potential den sites. To do this successfully, you need the help of expert raccoon control services. Expert wildlife technicians will ensure that raccoons stay away from your Whitby property by erecting raccoon barriers and covering access points such as chimneys.