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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
Raccoon Control and Permanent Removal in GTA Parks
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Toronto isn't called the "Raccoon Capital of the World" by accident. But all across the GTA, urban raccoon populations are rising, including in Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Markham. So, raccoon control in Toronto and surrounding areas is serious business.
Why GTA Parks Are Prime Raccoon Habitats
Is there a raccoon problem in our parks? Well, these distinctive animals are present in many parks and green spaces in the GTA and pose safety risks to children, pets, park staff, and community users. Before we get more into the risks and prevention/removal strategies, including whether there are effective raccoon deterrents for parks, let's look at what draws raccoons to our parks and why that is so undesirable:
Read more: Raccoon Control and Permanent Removal in GTA Parks
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Water Treatment Plants
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Water treatment plants (WTPs) and wastewater facilities (WWFs) are mission-critical infrastructure where security and hygiene standards are absolute. Raccoons, seeking shelter and access to water, can compromise this essential barrier, risking mass contamination of the public water supply, extreme regulatory penalties, and critical equipment failure. This situation makes professional wastewater facility raccoon removal essential to maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.
In this article, we'll look at the unique access points, the sevrious public health and regulatory liabilities created by raccoon infestation, and the only guaranteed, high-security method for permanent removal and site hardening.
Why Raccoons Target High-Security Water Facilities
- Guaranteed Water Source
These facilities offer accessible, open water (such as clarifiers, reservoirs, drains) and high humidity levels, which are irresistible to wildlife. Raccoon in particular are drawn to all things water; they prefer to rinse or "wash" their food before consumption and are quite accomplished swimmers. - Warm, Protected Thermal and Utility Shelter
Pump houses are structures housing high-value, heat-generating motors and pumps.
Chemical storage voids offer shelter around chemical tanks and storage areas that trap heat. - Underground Tunnels
Tunnels and pipe chases running beneath the facility allow for undetected movement as well as protection from larger predators. - Vulnerability of Infrastructure
Raccoons exploit necessary gaps in facility security including unsecured manholes, lift stations, and drain gates. - Utility Penetrations
Unsealed openings where electrical conduits or large pipes enter pump houses or administration buildings are easily exploited.
Risks of Raccoons in Water Treatment & Wastewater Facilities
Contamination Risks
Raccoon feces in filtration zones, influent areas, and sludge processing rooms enable parasites like raccoon roundworm & pathogens to enter treatment streams and allow cross-contamination between equipment, catwalks, and chemical handling areas.
Damage to Mechanical & Electrical Infrastructure
Raccoons chewing wiring for pumps, blowers, PLCs, and electrical conduits allow for interference with SCADA systems, sensors, and automation lines.
Damage to UV systems, ozone treatment equipment, chlorination panels, etc. is also possible.
Breach of Regulatory Compliance (Important for Municipal Facilities)
Water treatment is governed by strict municipal/provincial safety regulations, so any wildlife breach can trigger compliance violations, fines, and audits and even cause shutdowns.
Worker Safety Hazards
Intruding raccoons cause issues ranging from aggression near dens (mothers protecting their kits) to rabies & leptospirosis exposure and slip and fall hazards from feces near wet slabs or catwalks.
Disruption of 24/7 Continuous Operations
Raccoons blocking clarifier lanes, secondary room doors, or containment areas can shut down pumps or blowers, resulting in severe downtime and emergency repair costs.
Identifying Raccoon Activity in Water Treatment Facilities
When considering raccoon removal for water treatment plants, managers and operators should look for:
- Disturbed insulation around pipes and tanks
- Damaged or chewed wiring near pumps/SCADA panels
- Tracks around clarifiers or sludge dewatering areas
- Nesting inside blower rooms or chemical storage areas
- Access holes in roof membranes or vents
- Noise, such as scratching or thumping inside ducting or pipe chases
- Pungent, musky smell near warm mechanical rooms
Why Permanent Raccoon Removal Is the Only Effective Solution
Deterrents are rarely successful and relocation often fails in complex facilities with many re-entry points.
- Canada’s wildlife law: Raccoons must be released within 1 km, so the release site may still be on the property and there’s a 99% return rate, especially in plants they’ve mapped.
- Hawkeye has the legal license to trap and euthanize—guaranteeing permanent removal.
Hawkeye's Permanent Raccoon Removal for Water Treatment Plants
- The Hawkeye Permanent Guarantee
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control holds the unique licenses in the GTA for permanent removal (humane euthanasia). This is the only guaranteed way to permanently eliminate the recurring source of contamination and restore security compliance. - High-Security Protocol Requirements
Our trapping, removal, and exclusion work is done under strict security supervision (e.g., photo ID check, controlled entry/exit) to maintain facility bio-security. Meticulous use of double-bagging, specialized PPE, and HEPA-filtered vacuums ensures zero cross-contamination of clean areas and safe disposal of highly hazardous materials. - Permanent Infrastructure Hardening
We advise or offer additional work to ensure the sealing of all utility penetrations and vulnerable access points with robust, long-term materials. - Long-Term Monitoring Programs
We help with monitoring goals and a wildlife management plan for municipal plants, industrial wastewater facilities, and pumping stations. Quarterly or monthly wildlife inspections are available, as is emergency response.
Why Water Treatment Plants Choose Hawkeye
- Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only GTA wildlife agent offering and guaranteeing permanent raccoon removal.
- We have extensive experience with municipal, industrial, and utility infrastructure.
- Our technicians under go ongoing safety-training for chemical plants, confined spaces and hazardous zones.
- We have the expertise and ability to comply with government procurement standards.
- A partnership with Hawkeye protects plant uptime and regulatory compliance.
FAQs for Water Treatment Plant Operations
Q: Can raccoons compromise water quality test results at treatment facilities?
A: Yes, raccoon feces in the water will absolutely compromise test results. Raccoon waste contains various pathogens and bacteria, including E. coli and the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).
Q: Can raccoons access clarifier bridges or floating equipment?
A: Raccoons can absolutely access these types of equipment, particularly if they're located close to the water. Despite their rolly-polly appearance, raccoons are very athletic and agile climbers.
Q: Are raccoons attracted to sludge or biosolids areas?
A: Yes, raccoons can be attracted to sludge and biosolids areas if they contain insects, invertebrates (grubs and worms) or other organic matter.
Q: Are raccoons known to enter pump stations or underground valve chambers?
A: Unfortunately, raccoons can enter just about any space that promises shelter from the elements and predators. It's note worthy that they can squeeze through very small openings... much smaller than one might think possible.
Q: Does finding raccoon feces on a pipe access platform require a complete service shutdown? Can raccoon infestations lead to treatment plant shutdowns?
A: A raccoon infestation could potentially lead to a plant shutdown, depending on the severity and company policy. It any case, raccoon feces is considered a biohazard that requires immediate and proper cleanup following specific safety protocols, and the area should be restricted until all cleanup is complete.
Q: Our facility uses chlorine. Will that kill the raccoons if they drink it?
A: Probably not. While large amounts of highly concentrated chlorine would likely be harmful or even fatal to a raccoon, chlorinated water generally won't kill them.
Q: How do we prevent raccoons from digging under the chain-link fence perimeter?
A: The fence needs to be buried at least one foot (12 inches) to deter raccoons from digging. A strand of electrified wire near ground level might also help.
Q: Raccoons are chewing wiring on the pump motor casings. What permanent barrier can be used?
A: You can certainly try heavy-duty wire mesh around sensitive equipment but keep in mind that raccoons are highly intelligent and determined. Chances are that they will find a way.
Q: What is the safest time of day to inspect suspected raccoon areas?
A: If your goal is to actually observe the animal coming or going and map its travel route, evening/overnight is your best bet. If you need to merely find signs of raccoon activity, any time of day will do.
Q: Can raccoons survive in warm pipe galleries or air-handling tunnels?
A: Oh definitely! In fact, these types of spaces make a near perfect winter den!
Protect Your Water Treatment Plant with Hawkeye
Raccoon intrusion into a water treatment facility is an unacceptable safety, public health, and compliance crisis. Due to the catastrophic risks involved, only a definitive, high-security, and permanent solution is viable.
Protect the public water supply and eliminate regulatory risk and contact Hawkeye today for a high-security inspection and the guaranteed, permanent raccoon removal solution.
If you're looking for wildlife control for water treatment facilities, Hawkeye's raccoon removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto , Scarborough , Brampton, Vaughan , Markham , Ajax , Pickering , Newmarket , Etobicoke , Oshawa , and Mississauga.
Related Articles:
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https://www.hawkeye.ca/raccoon-control-trapping-and-removal |
Raccoon Removal for Airports and Aviation Facilities
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Airports are high-risk environments where wildlife—especially raccoons—can cause severe operational issues and safety hazards with potentially catastrophic outcomes. This makes airport wildlife management a critical component of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
Read more: Raccoon Removal for Airports and Aviation Facilities
How to Get Rid of Skunks in Window Wells
- Written by: Dan Frankian
The window well we're talking about is the gap the between ground level and basement windows. That space that almost guaranteed you won a hide-and-seek game when you were a kid. While human youngsters may jump down into window wells on purpose, some unfortunate wildlife (most often skunks) end up there entirely unintentionally.
While skunks are actually better equipped to see in the dark than during daylight hours, their eyesight (peripheral vision, in particular) is not the most impressive in the animal kingdom. They mostly navigate by smell and hearing, and those senses are highly developed. So, being a bit on the clumsy side and definitely not known for their agility, short, stocky, and slow-moving skunks can quite easily take a tumble and get trapped in a window well, unable to escape due to its depth.
Surely, homeowners and animals alike will want to end the predicament of a skunk in a window well in a hurry, but doing so may not be such an easy task - at least not without some resistance and the unmistakable aroma that tends to linger long after the animal has vacated the premises.
So, what is the best way to get rid of skunks? Unlike other animal control companies, Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers legal and sanctioned skunk removal methods beyond trapping and relocation.
Why Skunks Fall into Window Wells
As mentioned above, skunks aren't famous for their eyesight or athletic abilities - and in normal, everyday skunk life, that's fine. But when it comes to navigating around human structures, this can get them in trouble fast. So, let's have a look at reasons within our control that these creatures might fall into a home or building’s window wells, so we can help prevent the situation in the first place.
- Absence of Covers or Caps over Window Wells
Covering a basement window well not only protects it from unexpected animal visitors but also helps it stay clear of debris, water, and snow. Cover options range from polycarbonate covers to sturdy metal grates. - Overgrown Vegetation
Trimming back vegetation may aid in making the window well more visible as well as make it less likely to attract insects (a favourite food source for skunks!) in your yard. - Clutter and Food Sources
Getting rid of yard clutter that may attract nightly exploration and removing food sources like pet food will make your yard less of a draw for skunks (and other wildlife). And don't forget to secure your garbage bins. Skunks are scavengers and will happily raid your trash.
Seasonal Patterns of Skunks in Window Wells
The chance of a skunk ending up in your window well is greatest from spring to autumn. While skunks do not hibernate, they enter a state of torpor during the winter months which results in much sleep and reduced activity to conserve energy.
- Spring
This season is full of activity - young mother skunks are out 'n about foraging to feed themselves and in turn, nurse their babies. Trapping a skunk while she's caring for her young would be even more tragic in spring time, as newborn skunks are born blind and deaf and completely dependent on their mother for survival. - Summer
Window well accidents may be even more likely during the summer, the later part in particular, as young skunks begin to roam the outside world and learn to forage on their own. Summer also offers fruit trees, berries, and vegetable gardens for skunks to explore in your yard. - Fall
Fall sees young skunks venturing off on their own and into early adulthood. Feeding and putting on weight for winter is the main focus now. As food sources become more scarce and the need to find a suitable winter den becomes urgent, skunks are more likely to explore areas close to human dwellings. - Late Winter
Skunks are among the first to say "nuts to this" and emerge to engage in mating rituals, hence signaling the end of winter. By the end of February, eligible skunks are on a mission to find a mate. Males will travel up to five miles to mate with as many females as possible. It's a busy time of year :)
Get Pest Birds Out Of Warehouses and Box Stores
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Plummeting temperatures and the onset of winter have pest birds such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows looking for warmth and shelter in commercial buildings including warehouses, box stores, and large manufacturing and storage facilities. Depending on the use of the facility, this can lead to catastrophic product and financial loss as well as health and legal consequences.
In this article, we'll explore how to eliminate pest birds who congregate and roost in large commercial facilities and mitigate the risk to your product, profit, health and reputation.
What Type of Bird is Found in Commercial Production and Storage Facilities?
Here, in the GTA and in fact all across southern Ontario, we typically find sparrows, pigeons and starlings in facilities that produce and/or store food, medical products, and box stores. Depending on the type of facility, the commercial bird control approach to getting these birds out may differ.
What Kind of Facilities Do Pest Birds Target?
Pest birds can be found any time of the year in any space they're allowed to linger. Of course, if this happens to be a facility where food is produced or stored, it's even more popular. As winter approaches, birds seek to get out of harsh winds and freezing temperatures - no surprise there. Large warehouses or manufacturing facilities, box store, or airline hangars offer a somewhat controlled climate, rafters perfect for roosting, and thanks to frequently open loading docks, the option to come and go as one pleases. If one was a bird :)
Why Are Birds in Storage Facilities Dangerous?
Birds are pretty to look at and listen to, but they are anything but clean and can cause havoc in commercial settings in no time at all. Bird feces and feathers are entirely unsanitary.
- Health Hazard from Bird Feces
Bird feces accumulate quickly and contaminate both product and packaging. It's even worse when feces is allowed to dry and is then disturbed (i.e., by sweeping up). Pathogens become airborne and pose a serious health risk to workers. - Health Hazard from Bird Feathers
Feathers also carry a host of diseases and parasites which are easily transferred to anything they come in contact with. - Corrosion From Bird Feces
Bird feces are highly acidic and corrosive; they can permanently damage steel beams and threaten the structural integrity of your building. - Regulatory and Legal Issues
The presence of pest birds is an automatic fail during any health inspection. You may incur reprimands, license suspension, and fines. - Loss of Income and Productivity
Having failed mandatory inspections, you may end up having to dispose of entire pallets of products and/or halt production until the birds have been eliminated and the entire facility has been cleaned and disinfected.
How to Identify and Remove Raccoon Dens in Winter
- Written by: Dan Frankian
With its freezing temperatures and harsh winds, Ontario winter forces raccoons to abandon flexible den habits for a single warm, secure location, creating a high-risk, long-term raccoon infestation in winter, which lasts until spring and beyond. Identifying and addressing these primary dens in the cold months is crucial to preventing structural damage and costly spring repairs.
Raccoon Winter Behaviour in the GTA
After a flurry of activity during the fall months where their focus was on calorie intake, raccoons settle into long winter naps once the snow arrives. Focus is now on staying warm and safe from predators. This behaviour is one of the reasons homeowners and commercial/industrial property managers should search for winter raccoon control early in the season, before a raccoon infestation is too entrenched.
- Torpor, Not Hibernation
Raccoons do not truly hibernate but rather enter a state of torpor—a deep sleep broken by periods of waking. While in this state, their body temperature lowers, and breathing and metabolism slow to conserve energy. They will keep a single, secure den for weeks at a time to conserve energy and survive freezing temperatures. - The Thermal Imperative
During the winter months, raccoons seek out areas with trapped heat (i.e., from the house, equipment, or ground) and maximum wind protection. This commitment to one warm spot makes winter dens extremely destructive. - Reduced Activity, Increased Risk
While they forage less often, raccoonss' activity when inside the den is focused on insulating and securing the perimeter by procuring and using any suitable materials. This often results in severe damage to building insulation, etc.
Where Raccoons Den in GTA Winters
Where do raccoons usually nest during colder months? Residential, commercial, and industrial properties offer a plethora of options.
- Structural Areas (Warmest Spots):
- Attics:
Attics are probably the most sought-after spot for raccoons (and other wildlife - think squirrels!) to wait out old man winter. Proximity to chimneys or plumbing stacks and just the rising heat from floors beneath make attics perfect for winter denning. Raccoons access attics through the roof and poorly sealed roof vents. - Chimneys:
If uncapped, your chimney can provide a dark, contained vertical shelter. - Garage Ceiling Voids:
The insulated space above an attached garage creates a thermal bridge to the main house/building. It is also safe and enclosed with little to no human traffic.
- Attics:
- Ground-Level Havens (Insulated Spots): Areas that hold ground heat and are protected from the wind and snow.
- Crawl spaces:
Crawl spaces underneath a structure provide consistent, moderate warmth. - Window Wells Basement Voids:
Small, contained pockets near the foundation may also be converted to a winter den. - Sheds/Deck Voids:
Areas under sheds or decks, especially if the ground is skirted, trap heat and provide sufficient shelter.
- Crawl spaces:
- Commercial Industrial Spots (High-Value Warmth):
- Warehouses and Factories:
Heat from machinery or HVAC vents attracts raccoons. Low-traffic areas like maintenance rooms should be inspected regularly. - Abandoned or Low-Traffic Buildings:
Quiet, undisturbed areas still draw furry winter dwellers, even if not actively heated. Raccoons can evade detection for months in abandoned or vacant properties. - Seasonal Businesses and Schools:
Buildings that are closed for periods of time, such as schools often see raccoon invasions. By the time the animals are detected, it's often too late and significant damage has been done. - Loading Docks:
Open loading dock doors invite raccoons inside to explore hidden spaces for temporary dens.
- Warehouses and Factories:
- Natural/Outdoor Denning Spots near Homes:
- Hollow trees, brush piles, abandoned burrows, woodpiles, and old cars/trucks and machinery also make for suitable raccoon winter dens.
- Hollow trees, brush piles, abandoned burrows, woodpiles, and old cars/trucks and machinery also make for suitable raccoon winter dens.
Read more: How to Identify and Remove Raccoon Dens in Winter
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Greenhouses
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Winters in Southern Ontario can be harsh and long. In order to survive, our local wildlife often moves closer to people’s homes and businesses and backyard or commercial structures such as greenhouses. Animals like raccoons seek out shelter, warmth, and food and all of that can be found in residential backyard greenhouses, commercial agricultural greenhouses and nurseries, as well as community or educational garden structures.
The negative and often costly impacts of raccoons invading greenhouses include crop destruction (especially fruits and plants), feces contamination, and structural damage. That’s why wildlife control for greenhouses is so crucial and permanent raccoon removal for horticultural facilities is something that should strongly be considered.
Why Greenhouses Are Raccoon Magnets
- Guaranteed Climate and Shelter
Greenhouses are kept warm and humid year-round, thus offering an ideal refuge from freezing winter temperatures and wind. - Abundant, Accessible Food
Raccoons are attracted by soft, ripe produce (tomatoes, peppers, berries), potting soil amendments (bone meal, organic fertilizer), and rodent populations thriving on seeds/spills. And then there's garbage or compost bins - those are also very applealiong. - Constant Water Source
Irrigation systems, condensate lines, and humidity trays provide easily accessible fresh water, a critical raccoon attractant, especially during dry seasons.
How Raccoons Enter Greenhouses
- Plastic/Fabric Cover or Vents
Raccoons easily tear through the light plastic or screen mesh used on the outer layer of a backyard greenhouse or automated roof or side wall vents. - Sliding Door Gaps
Cold and desperate raccoons exploit worn or damaged seals on large sliding doors used for vehicle/equipment access. - Utility/Pipe Tunnels
They can enter through unsecured maintenance tunnels or gaps where main water lines or heating pipes penetrate the foundation.
Signs of Raccoon Presence in the Greenhouse
While a slew of small critters are likely to camp out in your greenhouse for the winter, the scope and size of damage you're seeing should give you a good idea of the type of animal sharing your space.
- Disturbed soil, torn plant roots, missing produce.
- Nocturnal noises or tracks near entry flaps.
- Droppings, foul odour, or insulation shredded for nesting.
Overall, the signs of a raccoon infestation in your greenhouse are similar to those you would look for in your home. Have a look here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/10-tell-tale-signs-you-have-a-raccoon-in-your-home.
Critical Risks of Raccoon Infestation in Greenhouses
Crop Contamination and Financial Loss
Raccoons claw and bite through high-value crops, causing direct product spoilage. Contaminated produce often mandates the disposal of entire rows or benches of plants due to the presence of feces/urine and the risk of rabies transferred by an infected animal's saliva.
Climate Control Failure
Raccoons nesting near heating elements, fans, or control panels can chew wiring or block airflow, leading to HVAC or ventilation failure. This leads to the risk of overheating, freezing, or improper humidity control, potentially destroying not only the equipment, but also the entire growing environment.
Structure Compromise (Glass/Plastic)
Raccoons scratch and tear the plastic sheeting or seals around glass panes, compromising the greenhouse's thermal envelope. This leads to massive heat loss, increased utility bills, and exposure of the interior to weather.
Regulatory & Liability Exposure
The presence of raccoon feces in a food-producing environment is an immediate health inspection failure (Canadian Food Inspection Agency/local health unit), risking shutdown, fines, and the imposition of strict biohazard cleanup requirements.
How to Keep Raccoons Out of a Greenhouse
- Inspect and reinforce your structure's integrity before winter.
- Use heavy-duty mesh or wire to seal ventilation openings.
- Keep compost and garbage sealed tightly and away from the structure.
- Install automatic lighting or motion sensors to alert you to movement.
- Maintain a clean perimeter—remove all fallen fruits, pet food, or debris.
- Make use of natural deterrents such as strong-scented herbs.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons from Crawl Spaces
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Do you think you might have raccoons in a crawl space in your building? Here’s everything you need to know in terms of wildlife control and beyond, whether your property is residential or commercial, urban or rural.
First off, a crawl space is a shallow space, often beneath the first floor of a building, which represents a raccoon’s ideal sanctuary. It provides guaranteed warmth, dryness, and darkness—perfect for year-round shelter and crucial for winter denning. An infestation here is a direct threat to a building’s structural health, utilities, and indoor air quality and this is true for both homes and businesses with raised foundations or subfloors .
You might not even realize you’re sharing your foundation with an entire raccoon family until it’s too late!
Why Raccoons Choose Crawl Spaces
- Crawl spaces offer warmth during the winter and protection from predators.
- Insulation materials make them ideal for nesting.
- Food waste, pet food, or compost bins often are nearby.
- Access is facilitated by small foundation gaps, vents, or loose grates.
What Types of Properties Are at Risk?
Residential
- Older homes with wooden foundations or open vents.
- Mobile homes and enclosed trailers.
- Houses with easy backyard access, pet feeding areas, or gardens.
Commercial
- Restaurants or food service buildings with nearby dumpsters.
- Warehouses or storage units built on raised concrete pads.
- Multi-unit housing complexes with utility crawl spaces.
Rural or Suburban Properties
- Farmhouses or cottages with unsealed crawl access points.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation in Crawl Spaces
- Scratching, thumping, or chirping at night.
- Strong ammonia-like odour from urine and feces.
- Torn insulation or ripped vapor barriers.
- Droppings, tracks, and greasy rub marks near vents or foundation openings.
Get Rid of Raccoons in Vehicle Tarp Shelters
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Portable garages, tarp sheds, and construction canopies are often used for crucial winter storage of vehicles, equipment, and materials. These structures offer raccoons a perfect, insulated hideaway in the harsh Canadian cold, leading to immediate destruction of the fabric shell and contamination of valuable assets inside.
The risk is highest in late fall and during the first few weeks of snowfall. As temperatures drop, these sheltered spaces become irresistible, and a desperate raccoon will rip through vinyl and fabric walls in minutes to gain access.
Why Raccoons See Tarp Shelters as Ideal Winter Dens
- Wind and Cold Barrier
Even thin fabric traps air and blocks wind, creating a significantly warmer environment than the outside. When enclosed, these types of shelters become essential for a raccoon’s winter survival. While raccoons don't truly hibernate throughout the winter, they do enter torpor, a period of hours or days when their body temperature drops and the respiratory system slows down to conserve energy. - Ease of Access
Because these enclosures cannot be locked tightly, they are easily breached.- Claw and Tear
Raccoons use their strong claws to quickly tear through thin vinyl, polyester, or polyethylene fabrics. - Zipper/Velcro Exploitation
Raccoons have the dexterity to pull apart loose zippers or Velcro seals at door entrances. - Ground Gap Entry
They lift or push under loose bottom edges where the fabric meets the ground or snow.
- Claw and Tear
- Available Materials
The shelter often contains materials that can be used to build or line a den. This can include cardboard boxes, stored fabrics, packaging, or even seat foam from stored vehicles.
Signs of Raccoon Activity in Tarp Shelters
- Torn tarp corners or claw marks near entry flaps.
- Displaced vehicle covers, insulation, or shredded fabrics.
- Droppings or urine odour near vehicles or storage bins.
- Unexplained noises (scratching, rustling) especially at night.
- Tracks or muddy paw prints near shelter entrances.
Risks and Damages Caused by Raccoons in Tarp Shelters
Asset Contamination and Loss
- Vehicle Damage
Raccoons chew on electrical wiring, ignition components, or rubber hoses within stored vehicles, or rip up seat foam and upholstery for nesting material. - Inventory Contamination
Feces and urine contaminate stored materials (e.g., lumber, insulation, retail goods) that must then be discarded.
Structural Integrity Failure
The primary structure is the fabric, so a raccoon breach renders the shelter useless, accelerating moisture and weather damage to stored items inside.
Insurance and Liability (the Policy Gap)
Standard property insurance often excludes damage to contents inside temporary structures or damage caused by wildlife. The entire financial burden of repair and asset replacement falls directly on the owner.
Seasonal Risks: Are Tarp Shelters More Vulnerable in Winter?
- Raccoons actively seek warm, enclosed areas during cold months.
- Snow accumulation can collapse parts of the shelter, creating hidden spaces that raccoons use for dens.
- Reduced usage in winter means infestations often go unnoticed for a longer period.
Pro-Tip: Plan on routine mid-winter inspections of your structure's tarp integrity and anchor points.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Solar Panels
- Written by: Dan Frankian
While you are diligently investing money into your commercial property and renewable energy, your solar installation might be multi-tasking as a warm and sheltered nesting spot for opportunistic raccoons.
A steady increase in urban raccoon population is leading to business owners reporting more and more wildlife on roofs and under solar panels. This article will explore the reasons behind raccoon infestations under or around solar panels in both homes and commercial buildings in the GTA and what to do about them. When it comes to raccoon removal from solar panels, remember that there is only one company in Toronto and the GTA that offers a truly permanent solution - unlike trapping and relocating: Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control.
Why Do Solar Arrays Attract Raccoons?
The answer to this question is two-fold: Residential solar installations are usually mounted only 2-3 inches above the roof, so raccoons cannot fit under there. But, raccoons will still seek out solar arrays on sloped roofs to exploit the structural weakness created by the mounting brackets and to access the attic. On commercial roofs, solar arrays have a much larger gap between the roof and solar panels, so raccoons can actually use the space between as a shelter.
- The Thermal Advantage (Year-Round)
Solar panels act like a thermal blanket. They absorb massive amounts of sun/heat, and the space between the panel and the roof traps that heat, creating an ideal, insulated micro-climate critical for survival during freezing winter nights and extreme summer heat. - Safety and Seclusion
The tight space and height offer perfect protection from ground-dwelling predators and human disturbance, making it a preferred location for birthing and nesting. - Easy Access
Raccoons can use nearby trees, perimeter roof edges, or downspouts to gain access to the roof, then slide directly under the panels where they are completely hidden. - Proximity to Food Sources
Garbage bins, compost, bird feeders, and nearby gardens provide a tasty buffet for resourceful raccoons.
Types of Properties Affected by Raccoons
The problem of raccoons around solar panels becomes more pronounced during the colder months as animals seek warmth and protection from the elements.
Residential Properties
- Detached homes and townhouses;
- Rural properties with solar panels;
- Raccoons seek to gain access to the attic through the roof and by exploiting potential weaknesses created by the solar panel mount.
Commercial & Industrial Properties
- Warehouses, factories, and retail stores with rooftop solar systems;
- Commercial buildings with large flat roofs are at greater risk due to panel quantity and hidden spaces;
- Raccoons will build nests (called dens) in the space between the solar panel and roof.
Signs of Raccoons Under or Around Solar Panels
- Scratching, thumping, or movement noises, particularly at night;
- Damaged wiring or insulation beneath panels;
- Feces and urine accumulation on rooftops;
- Visible claw marks on pipes or other access ways to the roof;
- Loose or shifted panels;
- Debris or nesting materials visible under panels or near gutters,
- Reduced solar efficiency due to wiring damage.
