Raccoon Removal from Gutters and Downspouts in GTA
While raccoon control in attics is a well-known and long-suffered problem, most property owners don't consider the fact that raccoons around gutters and downspouts are causing far-reaching and costly damage as well.
Gutters are more than just water channels; they are raccoon highways. Clever and persistent as they are, raccoons use gutters as a pathway to access other parts of your building.
This article will serve as a comprehensive guide for residential, commercial, and government property owners and facility managers, revealing the subtle signs of a raccoon problem, explaining the unique challenges and risks, and presenting a professional, permanent solution to protect your property's foundation and structure.
Why Raccoons Target Gutters and Downspouts
Raccoon Behaviour:
Raccoons are expert climbers and their dexterous paws easily grip the textured surfaces of gutters and downspout. Gutters serve as a ladder to the roof, providing an entry point to more vulnerable areas, with your attic as the eventual destination.
- Roof Vents and Soffits:
A raccoon can easily pry open or tear through plastic or aluminum coverings. Learn more about how to get rid of raccoons from soffits.
- Chimneys:
An uncapped chimney is an open invitation for a raccoon family, providing warmth and shelter from the elements.
Nesting Opportunities:
Clogged gutters, filled with leaves and debris, can provide nesting materials for a female raccoon looking to build a den. Read more about removing raccoon dens in the GTA at https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/raccoon-nest-or-den-removal-in-the-gta.
Food and Water:
Gutters often collect standing water, and are close to food sources like nearby bird feeders, outdoor trash bins, or fruit from overhanging trees.
Signs of Raccoons in Your Gutters or Downspouts
You hopefully already do regular inspections of your home or business and all outdoor structures. Don't forget to look at your gutters and downspouts for signs of raccoon activity. These signs include:
- Scratches, dents, or bent aluminum;
- Loose or detached downspouts;
- Nesting debris or leaves stuffed inside;
- Strange noises (scratching, thumping, growls) near eaves at night;
- Overflowing or clogged gutters with fur/debris.
Risks and Damages Caused by Raccoons in Gutters
Residential Properties
In addition to increased costs like higher heating bills and the repair of structural damage, raccoons in gutters or around the home in general also pose considerable health risks for family and pets.
Water Damage:
Gutters detached by a raccoon's weight can cause water to pour down the side of the house, leading to siding and fascia rot, as well as foundation erosion and basement flooding.
Roof Damage:
Torn shingles and bent or torn vents lead to water and ice damage AND allow other animals (squirrels, for example) access as well. Also keep in mind that most homeowner's insurance policies won't cover raccoon damage.
Attic Damage:
Entry through the roofline can lead to torn insulation, chewed wiring (a fire hazard), and biohazard contamination from feces. This article deals specifically with getting raccoons out of your attic: https://www.hawkeye.ca/help-there-s-a-raccoon-in-my-attic
Commercial and Government Properties:
Property managers and owners deal not only with structural damages but also need to consider the health and safety of the public, employees, and customers.
Structural Integrity:
Raccoon damage can compromise the building's waterproof envelope, leading to long-term structural issues.
Health Code Violations:
For restaurants or public buildings, raccoon feces can lead to health and safety risks, resulting in fines or forced closures. Raccoon latrines are no joke and their cleanup is a job for professionals - see: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/raccoon-poop-removal.
Reputational Damage:
A visible pest problem can harm a business's reputation and lead to tenant dissatisfaction.
Winter-specific risks:
Frozen gutters crack under the weight of ice and raccoons.
How to Keep Raccoons Away from Gutters
Prevention is always better than trapping raccoons and repairing damage. Here are some tips for keeping raccoons away from your gutters:
Secure Food Sources
The first and one of the most important things you can do is to restrict access to food. Secure all outdoor garbage bins, remove outdoor pet food bowls, store pet feed inside, and clean up fallen fruit.
Remove Climbing Access
Trim overhanging tree branches (at least 6-8 feet from the roof) that raccoons might use to bypass downspouts.
Install Protective Barriers
Consider installing commercial-grade gutter guards and downspout protectors that are difficult for raccoons to remove.
Challenges of Gutter-Specific Raccoon Removal in Toronto and The GTA
The Winter Problem:
As winter approaches, a raccoon is even more determined to find a warm, secure den. If a raccoon family settles in your attic for the winter, the damage to gutters, spouts, and your home's structure and insulation can be extensive and will be much more difficult to address in freezing temperatures and deep snow.
The Problem with Relocation:
Once you are stuck with raccoons on your property, the standard solution is to trap and release the animal(s). Unfortunately, released raccoons almost always return and you get to do it all over again. And again.
- The 1-km Rule: Most wildlife control companies are legally bound to relocate a raccoon within one kilometre of the capture site, a distance a raccoon can easily travel back from.
- The "Return" Guarantee: Raccoons have a strong homing instinct will almost certainly return to your property, especially once they are familiar with it and regard it as their territory. This will regularly leads to repeat offenders and causes repeat damage and recurring costs.
The DIY "Greasing" Myth:
While a greased downspout might work temporarily, a good rain storm will undo your efforts and require you to consistently reapply. Furthermore, a determined raccoon will find another way up, often using nearby trees, fences, or a different, less-slippery part of the building.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons Already in Gutters/Downspouts
Do NOT attempt DIY removal. You'll put yourself at risk of bites, rabies, and falling accidents. You'll put raccoons at risk of trapping themselves in downspouts or gutters, creating emergency situations.
The Hawkeye Advantage:
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is one of the best and most trustworthy companies in Canada. It has authority, expertise, and license to humanely euthanize raccoons, offering a permanent, legally compliant solution that ends the cycle of repeat infestations. Using humane live traps, raccoons can be safely captured and then provide you with the option to either release the animal within one kilometer or have it humanely euthanized.
DIY vs. Professional Raccoon Removal: Which is Better?
If you are the "go-getter" type, you may want to deal with your raccoon problem on your own. Here are a few things to consider before you set out to do so:
- You'll need to buy or rent the appropriate (type and size) live trap.
- After you trap a raccoon, you will likely want to release it within the legally required one kilometer range - expect to see that raccoon again a short time after.
- A previously trapped and released raccoon will become trap-shy. Raccoons are highly intelligent critters that learn by observation and have an excellent memory.
- Handling raccoons comes with a risk of injury - a cornered raccoon will attack you to defend itself. With any bite comes a risk of rabies.
- A professional wildlife control agent will be able to humanely, safely, and legally remove one or more raccoons from your property.
- A professional raccoon removal service like Hawkeye can offer permanent removal and help you with exclusion strategies to prevent new raccoons from invading your home.
- The cost of repairing structural damage to your home or business almost certainly will exceed the cost of professional raccoon removal.
So, the answer is that a professional raccoon removal service is safer than handling wildlife yourself and can offer permanent solutions.
Why Choose Hawkeye Raccoon Removal Services
- Hawkeye is specialized in raccoon removal from gutters, roofs, and downspouts.
- We are fully licensed, and insured, with over 35 years of experience.
- We are serious about offering compassionate and long-term wildlife removal.
- Our raccoon removal experience ranges from residential homes and condos to office buildings and government facilities.
- We are the only company in the GTA to offer permanent raccoon removal. Guaranteed.
- We offer 24/7 emergency raccoon removal for urgent cases.
Professional Raccoon Removal from Gutters & Downspouts
Protect your home or business from the hidden but costly problems of raccoons around gutters and downspouts. Now is the time to prevent possible damage during the upcoming winter months by employing professional raccoon removal and prevention. Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control today to keep your home or business safe in the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Newmarket, Pickering, Markham, and Oshawa.
CA
US
Call 
Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals
Shooting in Sensitive Environments
More about Hawkeye
