If you’ve noticed the pitter-patter of tiny feet on your roof or found your trash cans mysteriously overturned, you might be dealing with a raccoon intrusion. These clever animals are often drawn to urban areas like Toronto in search of food and shelter. 

Raccoons are extremely adaptable and can easily enter homes through chimneys, attics, and even pet doors. It can be frustrating to deal with these unexpected visitors, but understanding why they’re attracted to your home is the first step in addressing the problem. Factors such as easily accessible garbage, pet food left outside, and unsecured entry points can all contribute to raccoon visits. 

To prevent further issues, it’s important to learn how to keep raccoons away from your house. Utilizing effective wildlife deterrents like secure trash can lids, fencing, and Skedaddle’s professional wildlife control services can help ensure your home remains raccoon-free. By taking these proactive measures, you can protect your property and enjoy peace of mind, knowing you’re doing your best to keep these determined creatures at bay.

The Curiosity of Raccoons

Raccoons are naturally curious animals. Their keen sense of smell, nimble paws, and intelligence make them adept at exploring and finding food sources. In urban environments, they often encounter human habitats and the abundance of food and shelter they offer. This curiosity leads them to investigate garbage cans, gardens, and even your attic.

These animals have adapted well to urban life. Their ability to open containers, climb structures, and find hidden food sources makes them particularly adept at navigating human environments. This adaptability is one of the main reasons they are attracted to homes.

Understanding raccoon behaviour is crucial in figuring out why they are drawn to your property. By knowing what motivates them, you can take steps to make your home less appealing to these nocturnal visitors.

Food Sources

One of the primary reasons raccoons are attracted to homes is the availability of food. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, pet food, and even insects.

Garbage cans are a significant attractant for raccoons. The smell of leftover food and scraps can lure them from a considerable distance. Once they discover an easy food source, they are likely to return repeatedly. Ensuring your trash is securely stored and not left out overnight can help reduce the attraction.

Pet food left outside is another common draw for raccoons. If you have pets, make sure to feed them indoors or remove any leftover food immediately after feeding. Bird feeders can also attract raccoons, so consider placing them in locations that are difficult for raccoons to access.

Shelter and Nesting Sites

Raccoons seek out safe and comfortable places to rest and raise their young. Homes often provide ideal nesting sites, such as attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. These areas offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.

If there are openings or weak spots in your home’s exterior, raccoons can exploit them to gain entry. Gaps in the roof, broken vents, or damaged eaves can serve as entry points. Keeping your home well-maintained and sealing any potential entry points can help prevent raccoons from making your home their own.

Yard debris, such as woodpiles and overgrown vegetation, can also provide shelter for raccoons. Keeping your yard tidy and free of clutter can make it less inviting for raccoons looking for a place to nest.

Water Sources

Like all animals, raccoons need water to survive. They are attracted to properties that offer easy access to water sources, such as ponds, birdbaths, and pet water bowls. Standing water in gutters or other areas can also attract them.

To make your property less appealing, eliminate any standing water and ensure that water sources like birdbaths are cleaned regularly. If you have water features in your yard, consider adding barriers or covers to restrict raccoon access.

Effective Wildlife Deterrents

There are various methods to deter raccoons from your property. One effective approach is using scent-based repellents. Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, and certain scents can be unpleasant for them. Ammonia-soaked rags, predator urine, or commercial raccoon repellents can be placed around your property to discourage raccoons.

Physical barriers can also be effective. Installing fencing around gardens and securing trash cans with locks or bungee cords can make it more difficult for raccoons to access food sources. Additionally, trimming tree branches that overhang your roof can prevent raccoons from using them as access points.

It’s important to note that while these methods can be effective, they may not completely eliminate raccoon activity. Professional wildlife removal services like Skedaddle offer more comprehensive solutions to address raccoon intrusion.

The Role of Lighting

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They prefer dark and quiet environments where they feel safe. Outdoor lighting can serve as a deterrent by making your property less welcoming to these nighttime visitors.

Motion-activated lights are particularly effective in deterring raccoons. The sudden illumination can startle them and discourage them from approaching your home. Placing these lights near potential entry points can help keep raccoons away.

The Skedaddle Difference

When dealing with raccoons, it’s essential to rely on professionals who understand their behaviour and know how to handle them safely and humanely. Skedaddle is a leading wildlife removal service specializing in humane removal and exclusion techniques.

Skedaddle’s team of experts conducts thorough inspections to identify entry points and assess the extent of the intrusion. We use humane removal methods to ensure the safety of both the raccoons and your property. Instead of trapping or relocating, we focus on permanent exclusion to prevent future intrusions.

Our experts at Skedaddle also provide detailed recommendations to make your home less attractive to raccoons. From sealing entry points to installing barriers, we offer comprehensive solutions to keep your property raccoon-free.

Why Choose Skedaddle For Raccoon Removal in Toronto

Choosing Skedaddle for your wildlife removal needs ensures that you receive professional and humane service. Our commitment to ethical wildlife removal practices sets us apart from other companies. By focusing on exclusion rather than trapping, we provide long-term solutions that protect both your home and the wildlife.

Skedaddle’s expertise extends beyond raccoons. We offer services for various wildlife species, including squirrels, birds, and bats. No matter the type of wildlife intrusion, Skedaddle has the knowledge and experience to handle it effectively.

In addition to our technical skills, our team at Skedaddle is known for our exceptional customer service. Our team will take the time to educate homeowners about wildlife behaviour and offer practical tips to prevent future intrusions. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in our personalized approach to each case.

Call the Experts

Raccoons are attracted to homes for various reasons, including food, shelter, and water sources. By understanding their behaviour and taking proactive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of raccoon intrusions. However, when faced with a raccoon problem, it’s best to rely on professionals like Skedaddle for effective and humane removal.

Our expertise in wildlife removal, commitment to ethical practices, and focus on long-term solutions make us the best choice for homeowners dealing with raccoon intrusions. Don’t wait until the problem escalates—contact Skedaddle today to ensure your home remains raccoon-free.

Protect your home and enjoy peace of mind with Skedaddle’s professional wildlife removal services. Reach out to us now and discover how we can help you keep raccoons and other wildlife away from your property.