It may come as no surprise to locals, but Toronto has earned a somewhat dubious distinction as the “raccoon capital of the world.” These masked bandits have become infamous for their skill at raiding garbage bins and finding their way into homes, causing headaches for many Torontonians. In recent years, the city has even invested a sizable sum — CA$31 million, to be exact — in creating organic waste bins that are supposedly “raccoon-resistant.” Despite such efforts, the raccoon population in Toronto continues to thrive, leading some to declare that a true “raccoon war” is underway.

One Toronto homeowner knew all too well the havoc these fluffy bandits could wreak, as they suspected raccoons had taken up residence in their attic. Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t figure out how the creatures were gaining entry to their home. That’s where Skedaddle’s technician Angelik Huenul came in. Armed with her roof and ladder safety training, Angelik was able to identify not one, but several entry points for these pesky raccoons. Thanks to her expertise, the homeowners were able to take swift action to evict their furry tenants and prevent future raccoon infestations. 

How Raccoons Enter A Home

The common belief among homeowners is that raccoons only use chimneys as a point of entry into their homes. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Raccoons can be cunning creatures and will use any opportunity they can to seek shelter and warmth in your attic. While the chimney is a popular spot, it is not the only one. Understanding how raccoons enter a home is the first step in preventing an infestation. 

Although not usually visible from the ground, multiple vulnerable areas such as the soffit and holes under torn-up shingles exist. Raccoons are strong climbers and can easily access your home if given the chance. So, it’s important to be aware of these potential entry points and take preventive measures to keep these unwelcome guests out of your home.

When Angelik was inspecting the roof on this particular job, she was not surprised to find a couple of entry places that had gone unnoticed by the homeowners as they were noticeable from the ground. As it turned out, a raccoon had done significant damage to a roof vent and the shingles along the roof edge, creating two entry points that were large enough for the little creature to squeeze through. The home’s older roof made it easy for the raccoon to chew and tear through the materials, ultimately leading to the damage that Angelik found. It was clear that the homeowners needed a professional to help them repair the damage and secure their roofs from potential intruders in the future.

Regular Maintenance Is Vital For Keeping Wildlife Out Of Your Home

Winter and Spring storms that come through the Toronto area can often leave behind some minor damage to homes that can go unnoticed. However, these small damages can mean an opportunity for wildlife looking for a warm place to nest. Loose roof shingles provide easy access for rodents and raccoons to enter and nest in the attic, while cracks in your home’s foundation provide an open invitation for wildlife to enter and make themselves comfortable. Even windows can be an entry point if not sealed properly.

This is why regular home maintenance is so important in the fight against wildlife infestations. Regular inspections of your home’s exterior and interior can identify potential entry points, allowing you to take steps to seal them up before any animals make themselves at home. By keeping up with regular home maintenance, you can help keep wildlife where they belong – outside.

Taking Swift Action To Address The Issue

Angelik’s findings regarding the raccoons in the homeowner’s attic presented a concerning situation that needed immediate attention. After thoroughly reviewing Angelik’s report, the homeowners were convinced that the only solution for long-term financial and health benefits was to have Skedaddle’s removal, cleaning, and exclusion services done as soon as possible. 

With Skedaddle’s expertise in humane raccoon removal, the homeowners could rest assured that their residences would be free from further wildlife intrusions, giving them peace of mind and a safer home for their families. Taking swift action to address the issue was the smart choice, and Skedaddle’s effective and efficient solutions were exactly what the homeowners needed.

The Removal Process

Humane raccoon removal can be challenging, especially when dealing with the possibility of returning wildlife. This is why our team follows a thorough process to ensure the job is done right. After completing a complete property assessment, Angelik used a one-way door to get the raccoons out but also prevented them from coming back. This humane approach allowed her to avoid any unnecessary harm to the animals. 

Once the raccoons had exited, her team began cleaning to ensure no sign of wildlife was left behind. This step is crucial because, as cute as raccoons may be, they can leave behind a messy and potentially harmful situation for your family. 

But, these creatures can do more than leave a mess; they can create extensive damage to walls, insulation, and even electrical wiring, posing the risk of a potential fire hazard. Fortunately, our team has got you covered. Alongside our wildlife removal services, we also offer remediation services to help combat the damage caused by these troublesome critters. Rest assured that we’ll not only rid your space of unwanted wildlife but also leave it in top shape, ensuring it’s safe and secure for you and your loved ones.

At Skedaddle, we take pride in providing thorough raccoon removal services that leave your property clean and wildlife-free.

Understanding Raccoon Behaviour

Raccoons in Toronto are a common sight for both urban and rural residents. These curious creatures are known for having dexterous hands and fingers, which allows them to easily access homes by prying open screening, chimney caps or even broken roof shingles. The reason behind their presence in urban and rural communities is due to the equal denning opportunities they offer. This is why ensuring your home is secure to prevent raccoons from taking up residence is important. 

It’s essential to recognize that these animals may look cute, but their presence can be a nuisance and cause harm to both humans and pets. Therefore, educating yourself about raccoons and taking precautions to ensure your home is safe is crucial.

Signs Of An Infestation

A peaceful evening at home can be interrupted by signs of an infestation. These signs may include scratching, rustling, or scampering sounds coming from walls or ceilings, droppings near entry points, and damaged or torn insulation. In addition, if you notice any damage to your roof, vents, or siding, it could be an indication that a raccoon is trying to gain access to your home.

Raccoons can be cute, but they can also be harmful to both your property and your health, especially if they carry rabies or other diseases. They can also cause extensive damage to your home, leaving holes and tearing apart insulation. Fortunately, our team of technicians is well-equipped and ready to protect your home and family from these pesky creatures. 

Understanding Home Construction And Raccoon Behaviour

Understanding both home construction and raccoon behaviour is essential for effective removal. It’s not enough to simply set traps and hope for the best. The right tools, techniques and strategies must be employed to minimize property damage and save homeowners money in the long run. Professionals who are well-versed in home construction and raccoon behaviour have the expertise to provide effective removal services. 

Our team at Skedaddle Wildlife Removal has the knowledge so we can assess the situation and develop a customized approach to remove raccoons safely and effectively. Hiring our professionals is the best way to ensure that all raccoons are removed from the property and surrounding areas, preventing future issues.

If you suspect that raccoons have invaded your property, don’t hesitate to give us a call!