When winter arrives in Kitchener and it gets cold, raccoons start appearing more often. These animals, which we usually see at night, might even come to our doorsteps or sneak into our homes. With their unique masked faces and skillful paws, they look for warm places to stay as it gets colder.

It’s not just the warmth they’re after; a home brimming with potential meals is a tantalizing prospect. Raccoons are resilient survivors, and when faced with the question, “Where do raccoons go in winter?” the answer, increasingly, is into the cozy confines of human homes.

Understanding what attracts raccoons is key to safeguarding our living spaces. From accessible trash bins to unattended pet food, our everyday conveniences are their winter feasts. Luckily, there are solutions for those wondering how to get rid of raccoons humanely. 

Our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Kitchener is committed to providing effective, respectful strategies to keep your home a raccoon-free zone. As you read on, we will look into raccoon behaviour patterns during the colder months and offer practical advice on preventive measures to deter unwelcome visits.

Seeking Warmth and Shelter

Unlike true hibernators such as bears, raccoons don’t sleep through the winter. Instead, they enter a state of torpor, conserving energy by sleeping for extended periods but still needing to wake up occasionally for food. This means they must find warm places to ride out the cold spells, particularly during harsh winters. Our homes offer the ideal refuge, with stable temperatures and protection from the elements. It’s no wonder raccoons see our attics and garages as prime real estate.

For raccoons, finding a cozy nook inside a home is like hitting the jackpot. Homes with easy access to attics, garages, or even chimneys become attractive targets. These spaces provide the warmth and safety raccoons crave, making them perfect spots to wait out the winter. The warmth of a home’s interior, combined with the quiet and secluded environment of an attic, mimics the hollow trees raccoons naturally prefer.

Scarcity of Natural Food Sources

As the cold weather sets in, food scarcity becomes a pressing issue for wildlife. During winter, natural food sources like insects, fruits, and plants are considerably reduced, forcing many creatures to venture towards urban areas in search of sustenance. This shortage makes it especially challenging for raccoons, who must adapt their strategies to find nourishment. While some creatures can hibernate or rely on stored fat reserves, others have to be more resourceful, leading them to explore areas closer to our homes.

When natural sources are depleted, our neighborhoods inadvertently become appealing alternatives. Accessible garbage cans, unattended pet food dishes, and even bird feeders offer an abundance of easy pickings that are rarely found in such concentrated amounts in the wild. These readily available meals are a significant draw for creatures seeking sustenance during the colder months. 

To maintain harmony between us and nature, it’s crucial to manage these attractants responsibly. By securing trash bins, bringing in pet food at night, and using raccoon-proof bird feeders, you can limit unwanted visits while ensuring our impact on local wildlife is minimized. 

Access to Attics and Chimneys

During the colder months, various factors can easily attract these masked intruders to our homes, often through vulnerabilities we might not even notice. Imagine your home as a fortress; any weakness in its defence, such as broken vents, gaps in roofing, or uncapped chimneys, presents an inviting opportunity. Once these openings are identified, it’s surprisingly straightforward for them to slip inside, plumbing the depths of our attics and the confined spaces of our chimneys. 

Inside, these areas offer an environment that feels remarkably similar to the hollow trees they instinctively seek out in nature. Attics and chimneys provide dark, quiet, and warm spaces that make ideal nesting areas, particularly appealing in cold weather. This similarity in structure and solitude makes these areas so inviting, like a natural sanctuary during the harsh realities of winter.

Our collective goal is to minimize these unwanted visits. By routinely inspecting our homes for such vulnerabilities and ensuring potential entry points are sealed, we can discourage these incursions. Implementing these strategies not only protects our households but also allows us to live harmoniously without disturbing local wildlife unnecessarily.

Maternal Instincts and Nesting Behavior

As the late months of winter approach, a notable shift occurs among certain wildlife: the nesting season begins. This period sees female raccoons on the move, seeking out safe, secluded spaces to prepare for the upcoming breeding season. At this time of year, the comfort and shelter offered by our homes become compelling attractions. It’s not surprising to find that some uninvited guests may try to stake their claim within the warmer confines of our properties.

These animals exhibit extraordinary resourcefulness in their quest for suitable nesting sites. One technique involves tearing up insulation materials to construct cozy, insulated nests. This behaviour not only illustrates their adaptability but also highlights why they are so drawn to our homes during cold spells. Insulation provides warmth and a perfect environment, making these spaces ideal nurseries for the next generation—an enticing prospect as food sources dwindle outside.

As we navigate this unique season, it’s important to be vigilant about potential entry points and increase our efforts to guard against intrusions. By understanding nesting habits and maintaining our property, we can help ensure that boundaries are respected and learn how to get rid of these intrusions with respect and effectiveness. 

Reduced Outdoor Activity

As the winter ravages the landscape and the temperatures plunge, our outdoor activities naturally dwindle. This reduced outdoor activity subtly alters the environment, creating a calmer atmosphere for local wildlife. With fewer people out and about, the usual human presence that would typically discourage certain animals from approaching becomes minimal. 

In these quieter months, wildlife can explore areas they might normally avoid due to human activity. This shift offers an opportunity for some creatures to venture closer to our properties undetected. Without the usual bustling activity, the barriers created by our presence become less effective, explaining why we might notice more animal visitors during this season. The lack of human deterrence plays a crucial role; when less movement and noise are present, the perceived safety for these animals increases significantly. 

As we navigate through the cold months, it’s wise to remain proactive and attentive to our homes, minimizing any attractants and ensuring that our spaces remain secure. 

Keeping Raccoons at Bay

As winter tightens its grip, raccoons increasingly find themselves compelled to invade homes in search of warmth, scarce food sources, and easy access points like attics and chimneys. Understanding what attracts raccoons helps in anticipating their behaviour, knowing that they favour the cozy environments our homes offer. For homeowners pondering “where do raccoons go in winter” or “how to get rid of raccoons,” the solution lies with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Kitchener. 

We specialize in professional raccoon removal services, employing humane methods such as one-way doors to prevent re-entry. If you want to ensure your home remains raccoon-free this winter, we encourage you to contact us to request a quote. Let our expertise be your guide in protecting your space and learning more about effective strategies for raccoon prevention this season.