Raccoons, often seen as the clever bandits of urban wildlife, can really wreak havoc on your property, leaving a mess of overturned garbage and scattered trash in their wake. If you live in Toronto, you’ve probably experienced these nightly escapades firsthand.

Luckily, there are effective ways to deal with raccoons that don’t involve harming them. Whether you’re tired of finding your garbage cans knocked over or your trash bags ripped open every morning, knowing how to keep raccoons at bay is crucial for protecting your home. It’s not just about keeping your yard clean; it’s about preventing serious property damage caused by racoons.

Arm yourself with the knowledge from our Skedaddle experts and say goodbye to those pesky raccoons turning your trash into their midnight buffet.

The Raccoon Dilemma in Toronto

Before we get into the thick of it, what’s the big deal with these raccoons, you might ask. Well, in Toronto, these creatures are huge – not just in numbers, but in terms of their impact on daily life. Everyone has a raccoon story; one of times when they’ve overturned the bins, scattered trash like confetti, and left homeowners bewildered at their mischievous audacity.

Studies and experience reveal that raccoons are not deterred by visual or auditory harassment; indeed, they often seem to revel in perceived challenges. With a city as vast and populated as Toronto, these animals have developed formidable scavenging skills, ensuring trash day is a modern feast for them, every week, like clockwork.

Raccoons are not mere opportunistic feeders; they’re intelligent, skillful, and persistent. They mark territories, remember the layout of their domain, and are known to utilize their dexterous paws to open latches and bins. They are primarily nocturnal, which means most of their ‘work’ is done under the cover of darkness, leaving your early morning revelation to their handiwork.

Prevention is Better Than Removal

When it comes to dealing with raccoons, prevention is paramount. The best and most humane way to avoid conflicts with these wildlife creatures is to reinforce your home and surroundings against their intrusion. Skedaddle’s strategy is to discourage first and exclude second.

Exclusion is where we shine. Our raccoon removal process focuses on identifying entry points to your home, chimney, attic, or crawlspace – any place a raccoon could see as a potential den. By installing barriers and securing weak areas, we ensure these animals find no way in your personal space.

But what about prevention outside your home? How can you ensure your garbage is raccoon-proof as well as secure against the spread of refuse?

How to Raccoon-Proof Your Trash

Raccoons are determined creatures when it comes to food, and their persistence is legendary. Outsmarting them can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some tried and tested ways to keep your trash safe:

• Reinforced Bins: Invest in bins with secure, raccoon-resistant latches. These can sometimes be challenging to open even for us bipedal beings – imagine a raccoon’s predicament. Opt for heavy-duty models designed to withstand rough outdoor conditions and cunning paws.
• Strategic Placement: Where you put your bins is as important as what’s in them. Place them in well-lit areas, close to your house, or somewhere you can monitor – raccoons prefer a stealthy approach to their nighttime shenanigans.
• Scent-Blockers: Raccoons have an acute sense of smell, which means anything fragrant, edible, or suspiciously food-like is an open invitation. Use ammonia-soaked rags, garlic, or even commercial repellents (like our Skedaddle-approved solutions) to block scents that might attract them.
• Double-Barrier Entry: For the truly determined raccoons, a two-barrier entry system might be needed. Put your bins inside a locked shed or enclosure to add an extra layer of protection.
• Timing is Key: If possible, put your garbage out just before it’s collected. Don’t give raccoons a chance to learn your schedule, as consistency is their best friend.

Skedaddle – Toronto’s Premier Wildlife Defence

Why opt for Skedaddle’s services? We understand that raccoons are part of the urban ecosystem, but appreciate they do not belong in your home.

We’ve been in the business of peaceable wildlife removal for over 30 years. Our experience allows us to understand not just the immediate problem but also the broader scale of wildlife management. Skedaddle ensures the safety of animals, the environment, and, most importantly, you, the homeowner.

We believe in humane, hands-on solutions, adopting the most effective yet gentle approach to all our wildlife interventions. Our technicians are trained to handle a variety of wildlife situations, including raccoons. They’re not only adept at removal but also at exclusion work – the real meat and potatoes of a raccoon-free existence.

We don’t just leave after the wildlife is excluded. Our services come with post-solution support to ensure the raccoons do not return. We believe in the reliability of our solutions and provide warranties to back them up.

In addition to our exclusion services, Skedaddle highly values community education and engagement. We understand that our collective efforts to deal with raccoons and other wildlife are more effective when communities are informed and proactive. Through workshops, informational pamphlets, and online resources, we aim to share knowledge on how to live harmoniously with our urban wildlife neighbours while maintaining safe and secure homes. 

By empowering homeowners with the tools and knowledge necessary to deter raccoons effectively, we minimize the likelihood of unwanted encounters. Our goal is not just to solve the problem for now but to prevent future issues by fostering a community that understands and respects the balance between urban living and wildlife.

Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Removal in Toronto

Raccoon invasions can feel insurmountable, but they’re not. With the right strategies and support from proven professionals, you can keep your home and your trash safe from these crafty creatures.

If you’re a homeowner in Toronto or any of its surrounding areas, the raccoon battle is one you’re bound to fight. Skedaddle is here to ensure you come out on top, with no raccoons (or garbage) to trip you up.

Taking the Next Step

Feeling inspired to take action against Toronto’s most commonly found bandits? If you want more information or are ready to take steps to protect your property from raccoons and other wildlife invasions, Skedaddle is just a call away. We offer a free consultation to assess your unique needs and provide a tailored plan for your property’s defence.

Your home is your castle, and every castle needs proper defences. With Skedaddle, you’re arming your fortress with the most reliable methods and expert knowledge. Don’t just stand by and watch your trash vanish into the night – stand up to raccoons with confidence and expertise. You’ve got Skedaddle on your side, just a phone call away, ready to guard your garbage and keep Toronto’s wildlife where they belong.