Understanding the dietary restrictions of raccoons is essential for anyone dealing with wildlife removal in Toronto. Raccoons are known for their opportunistic feeding habits, consuming almost anything they come across. However, there are specific items these animals cannot digest or are repelled by, which is useful information for homeowners and property managers. 

The knowledge of what raccoons cannot eat plays a significant role in managing their presence effectively. Additionally, being aware of what raccoons hate can aid in creating environments that discourage these nocturnal visitors, ensuring humane and effective wildlife control. 

This article from our Skedaddle experts will provide a comprehensive overview of these aspects, offering clear and actionable insights into raccoon behaviour and dietary preferences.

What Can Raccoons Not Eat?

Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They are highly adaptable and will eat almost anything, which makes them particularly challenging to deter. However, there are certain foods that raccoons either dislike or cannot eat, and understanding these can help you manage their presence around your property.

While raccoons have a broad palate, there are specific foods and substances they avoid or cannot process effectively.

First on the list are spicy foods. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, which they rely on to find food. Spicy foods, particularly those with high concentrations of capsaicin (found in chilli peppers), are off-putting to raccoons. The strong, pungent odours irritate their sensitive noses, making them less likely to approach areas where such smells are present.

Next, raccoons have an aversion to certain vegetables. Strong-smelling vegetables like onions and garlic can deter them. These vegetables produce sulphur compounds that are unpleasant to the raccoon’s olfactory senses. Planting these types of vegetables in your garden can help keep them at a distance.

In addition to spicy foods and strong-smelling vegetables, raccoons also steer clear of any food that smells spoiled or rotten. While they are known to scavenge through garbage, they tend to avoid food that has gone bad, preferring fresher options.

What Do Raccoons Hate?

Beyond specific foods, there are several substances and conditions that raccoons find unappealing. For instance, they dislike certain scents like ammonia or vinegar. Spraying these substances around your property can create an environment that raccoons find unpleasant. Similarly, predator urine (available at some garden centres) can signal to raccoons that a more significant threat is nearby, encouraging them to move on.

Noise can also be an effective deterrent. They prefer quiet, secure environments when foraging for food. Loud noises, such as those from radios or ultrasonic devices, can make an area less attractive to these animals.

Bright lights are another element raccoons dislike. These nocturnal creatures prefer to carry out their activities in the dark. Installing motion-activated lights around your property can deter raccoons by startling them when they come close. The sudden illumination creates an unwelcoming atmosphere, reducing the likelihood of them lingering in these areas.

Moreover, maintaining a clean and tidy property is crucial in deterring raccoons. Ensure that garbage bins are securely sealed and that pet food is not left outside overnight. Compost bins should be raccoon-proof, and fallen fruits or birdseed should be cleared regularly. Minimizing accessible food sources makes your property less attractive to these opportunistic feeders.

Lastly, securing entry points to your home and other structures is vital. Raccoons are skilled climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your property for potential entry points, such as vents, chimneys, and gaps in the foundation or roofline, and seal them adequately. Installing mesh or screens over these areas can prevent raccoons from gaining access.

Why Skedaddle Is Your Best Choice for Wildlife Removal in Toronto

While understanding raccoon behaviour and dietary preferences can help manage minor issues, it’s crucial to seek professional help for more significant infestations. Skedaddle is the leading expert in wildlife removal in Toronto, offering comprehensive services that ensure raccoons are removed safely and humanely.

Here’s why Skedaddle stands out:

• Expertise and Experience: With decades of experience, Skedaddle has developed tried-and-true methods for effective wildlife removal. Our trained professionals understand the intricacies of raccoon behaviour and use this knowledge to create tailored removal strategies.
• Humane Practices: At Skedaddle, we prioritize humane treatment of all animals. Our methods ensure that raccoons are removed without causing them harm. 
• Comprehensive Solutions: Raccoon removal is only part of the solution. Skedaddle provides comprehensive services that include sealing entry points to prevent re-entry and offering advice on how to make your property less attractive to these animals in the future.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to customer satisfaction sets us apart. From the initial inspection to the final follow-up, Skedaddle ensures you are informed and satisfied with every step of the process. Our goal is to give you peace of mind, knowing your home is protected from wildlife intrusions.
• Safety First: Raccoons can carry diseases, and attempting to remove them yourself can pose health risks. Skedaddle’s professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and protective gear to handle removal safely, keeping your family and pets safe.
• Latest Techniques and Tools: Skedaddle stays at the forefront of the industry by employing the latest techniques and equipment in wildlife removal. This ensures that we handle even the most challenging situations efficiently and effectively, minimizing disruption to your property.
• Eco-Friendly Methods: We are committed to using eco-friendly methods in our removal process. This not only protects the wildlife but also ensures that the surrounding environment is not adversely affected.
• Educational Resources: We believe in empowering homeowners with knowledge. Skedaddle provides educational resources and tips on our website and during consultations, helping you understand how to prevent future wildlife problems.

The Importance of Professional and Humane Raccoon Removal

Attempting to handle raccoon removal on your own can lead to several complications. Raccoons are not just a nuisance; they can also cause substantial damage to your property. Their sharp claws and teeth can tear through shingles, insulation, and even electrical wiring, leading to costly repairs. Moreover, raccoons are carriers of diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm, which can pose serious health risks to humans and pets.

Professional wildlife removal services like Skedaddle not only address the immediate issue but also implement preventive measures to ensure long-term protection. Our experts conduct thorough inspections to identify potential entry points and vulnerabilities around your property. By sealing these gaps and offering practical advice on maintaining a raccoon-free environment, we help you avoid future infestations.

Reach Out to Skedaddle

Raccoons may be curious and clever creatures, but their presence in and around your home can lead to significant challenges. Understanding what they cannot eat and what they dislike can provide some level of control, but for effective and lasting solutions, professional intervention is essential.

Skedaddle offers the expertise, humane practices, and comprehensive services needed to handle raccoon removal in Toronto efficiently. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and safety ensures that you can enjoy a raccoon-free home without the stress and hazards of a DIY approach.

If you’re dealing with raccoon issues or want to ensure your home is protected, don’t hesitate to reach out to Skedaddle. Our team is ready to provide you with the professional, reliable service you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a secure and raccoon-free home.