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Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 17 June 2025

Early summer is when you are most likely to encounter a raccoon family in or around your home or property. As the babies are becoming mobile and mother raccoon takes them to explore the outside world, you may hear more pronounced ruffling, thumping, and even cooing or screeching, particularly in the hours between dusk and dawn.

Raccoons give birth in early spring, generally to litters of an average of 4 kits. Your attic, chimney, crawl space, or any low-traffic outbuildings make for perfect raccoon dens. Baby raccoons are born hairless and blind and will be cared for 24/7 by their mother for the first 3-4 weeks of their lives. Adult raccoons are often regarded as mostly a nuisance, but adults and kits alike actually pose a serious threat to human health and property.

What Are the Health Risks Associated with Raccoon Litters?

Health risks extend to your family and your pets. Those include:

Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)

This is a highly resilient parasitic worm found in raccoon feces and is transmitted by ingestion of microscopic eggs found in soil, dust, and contaminated surfaces. Children and pets playing outdoors are especially at risk.

Symptoms and Consequences:

• Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM) – vision loss, blindness;
  
  
• Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) – organ damage (liver, brain, lungs);
  
  
• Neural Larva Migrans (NLM) – severe neurological damage, coma, death (especially in children).
  
  

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through raccoon urine and is transmitted by contact with contaminated water or soil; this could be via open cuts, mucous membranes, or ingestion.

Symptoms and Consequences:

• Flu-like symptoms;
  
  
• Can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, and meningitis.
  
  

Rabies (though less common, still a significant risk)

Rabies is a viral infection affecting the nervous system. Transmission occurs from saliva, through bites or through contaminated water.

Symptoms and Consequences:

• Early signs mimic flu symptoms, including fever, headache, and general weakness;
  
  
• As the disease progresses, more distinct neurological symptoms appear, including anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and potentially paralysis;
  
  
• Aversion to water (hydrophobia) and excessive salivation can also occur;
  
  
• Fatal, if not caught and treated early.
  
  

Other Potential Pathogens and Pests:

• Fleas, Ticks, and Mites
  Can lead to other diseases (e.g., Lyme disease) in humans and pets;
  
  
• Bacteria
  Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can be transmitted via fecal contamination;
  
  
• Fungal Spores
  Spores such as Histoplasmosis can be released from disturbed droppings.
  
  

Common Areas for Raccoon Dens and Litters

Residential Properties:

• Attics, wall voids, chimneys, basements;
  
  
• Under decks, sheds, woodpiles, compost bins;
  
  
• Garages and crawl spaces.
  
  

Commercial/Industrial Properties:

• Rooftops, ventilation systems, abandoned areas;
  
  
• Warehouses, storage facilities, loading docks;
  
  
• Undersides of portable structures or equipment.
  
  

Read more: How to Get Rid of the Dangers of Raccoon Litters

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 12 June 2025

Are you finding yourself at the receiving end of some raccoon rage? Well, that's not entirely surprising, given the time of year. Let's explore why raccoons may be more aggressive than usual right now and what to do about it, shall we?

Why Does Summer Bring More Raccoon Activity?

Raccoon kits are born in late spring and early summer, also known as baby raccoon season. So, an overly aggressive raccoon is most likely a new mother, protective of and worried for her little ones. Raccoon babies are born blind and hairless and depend entirely on their mother for survival. The increase in aggressive mother raccoon sightings during this time of year is mostly due to litters of 2 to 7 kits (with most litters averaging around 4). Of course, there is also the threat of rabies. If you observe a raccoon off-balance., lethargic, OR overly aggressive and you do not suspect a litter nearby, it is advisable to call your municipal animal control and inform them of your observations.

• Protecting Her Young
  Momma Raccoon stresses about the safety of her babies and is ready to defend them at the drop of a hat - particularly against male raccoons;
  
  
• Intensive Foraging
  Females will forage more so than usual for food (garbage, pet food, garden produce, accessible bird feeders, fruit trees, etc.) to sustain themselves and their growing litter, making any property with available resources a prime target.
  
  

Where Will You See Increased Raccoon Activity?

• Common nesting sites include attics, garages, chimneys, crawlspaces, sheds, and rooflines;
  
  
• Businesses may find nests in rooftop HVAC units or dumpsters;
  
  
• Raccoons may be more visible in the backyard and  garden;
  
  
• You may see more signs of raccoons around trash bins.
  
  

The Dangers of Dealing with an Aggressive Raccoon

Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws and are generally determined and courageous animals. If cornered or threatened, they will be combative.

Signs of Aggression to Watch for:

• Hissing, growling, chattering teeth, or snorting;
  
  
• Charging or making feinting attacks;
  
  
• The animal stands its ground when approached, refusing to retreat;
  
  
• Increased bold behavior, even during daylight hours, as they tirelessly forage for their growing litter.;
  
  
• Increased aggression towards family pets;
  
  
• Attempts to “shoo away” or block entry into a building backfires — the animal may tear through siding or roofing to regain access to your home.
  
  

Read more: How Do You Handle Aggressive Mother Raccoons?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 06 June 2025

Picture, if you will: It's a hazy summer afternoon and you're relaxing in your beautiful backyard. Margarita in hand, you wonder if it's time to start the BBQ while you chuckle as you watch the kids run through the sprinkler. Ahhh... summer at its best. Except... there's now a pair of Canada geese in your yard. The kids aren't happily screeching anymore, they're terrified of the large and aggressive birds. The lawn you just mowed this morning is being 'fertilized' heavily and frequently. Suddenly, the idyllic summer day doesn't seem quite so perfect anymore. In this article, we'll have a look at what you can do to get rid of geese and make your lawn less attractive.

Homeowners all across the GTA take pride and joy in their backyards and lawns. Much time, effort, and money goes into creating the oasis we want to come home to during the oh-so-short summer months. It is heart breaking to see those efforts and our lawns destroyed by protective and aggressive geese and their excessive daily droppings.

Why Is My Lawn a Goose Magnet?

• Short Cut Grass
  The shorter you keep your grass, the better geese like it! Geese (and especially goslings) adore the tiny fresh green shoots when they first come up. A short lawn allows geese to easily get at those.
  
  
• Open Space
  Geese prefer their surroundings to be open and with unobstructed views. It aids with spotting predators early enough to escape.
  
  
• Water Features
  Your lawn will be even more popular with Canada geese, if you have any sort of water feature or little pond.
  
  

Lawn-Specific Problems Geese Cause

• Droppings Everywhere
  A single adult Canada goose can produce about 1 to 2 pounds of droppings every day. This makes walking barefoot or playing on the grass unsafe and unhygienic.
  
  
• Ruined Grass
  Because geese go after brand new green shoots, your grass never has the chance to properly regenerate. Even a pair of geese can cause root damage and excessive goose poop leaves burnt and bald patches in the grass.
  
  
• Nesting Geese
  A nesting pair of geese will not only ruin your lawn this year, but return next year, bringing along their now year old offspring. In no time at all, you will have your very own flock of Canada geese in your backyard - and the damage to your lawn will quickly multiply.
  
  
• Increased Costs
  All of your lawn care is likely costly - and in vain. No amount of fertilizing and/or reseeding is going to fix the damage caused by squatting geese.
  
  

What Doesn’t Work – Avoid Wasting Time and Money

• Audio Devices (Noise Makers, Ultrasonic Sounds)
  Auditory deterrents are largely ineffective - geese are smart and adapt quickly. They'll soon realize that there is no actual physical danger and ignore the sounds.
  
  
• Visual Deterrents (Owl Decoys, Shiny Objects, Predator Kites)
  While you may see an immediate reaction, these strategies don’t fool geese for long. If there's any success to be had with visual geese deterrents for lawns, they need to be moved around daily so that geese cannot become habituated.
  
  
• Motion-Activated Sprinklers
  Unsurprisingly, geese (water fowl) aren't terribly concerned with sprinklers. They may startle a goose or two the first couple of times they turn on but will have no effect thereafter.

The above methods do not have any long-term value when it comes to getting rid of geese on your lawn. Geese are very intelligent birds and become habituated quickly. Once they realize that they are not in any actual danger, they'll quickly learn to ignore your efforts.

So, How Do I Keep Geese Off My Lawn?

Read more: How Do I Get Rid of Geese on My Lawn?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 05 June 2025

As highlighted in the recent news coverage on Windsor's goose infestation, there is a struggle with an increase in the goose and gosling population in cities and communities all over Ontario. Vaughan is one of those communities.

Spring has sprung and Canada geese are everywhere. This is the time when families with brand new goslings are strutting their stuff all across parks, golf courses, beaches, and busy roads. Mom and dad are protective and not above getting into a tussle with anyone who they feel gets too close to their offspring.  This stage brings new challenges for home and property owners having to deal with not only nests and aggressive geese, but highly visible and disruptive goose activity.

Why Do Goslings Change Everything?

• Adult Geese Become Extremely Aggressive
  Mother and Father Goose become quite territorial when goslings are nearby — they may hiss, chase, or attack approaching pedestrians or cyclists;
  
  
• Safety Hazard
  Goslings follow adults across paths, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots, creating a public safety hazard and increasing human-goose conflicts;
  
  
• Traffic Accidents
  Drivers swerving to avoid colliding with a family of geese or actual collisions result in thousands of dollars worth of damages and/or human injury;
  
  
• Inconvenience
  Families of geese linger for weeks, limiting access to building entrances, play areas, or outdoor workspaces;
  
  
• Escalating the Problem
  Property owners can’t rely on the assumption that the geese will “just go away.” In fact, the goslings hatched this spring will in all likelihood return to nest and start their own families next year.
  
  

Property Damage and Liability Risks

• Feces Accumulation
  Goose droppings can cause walkways to become slippery, unsanitary, and unwelcoming;
  
  
• Landscaping is Destroyed
  Because geese go after the very young green grass shoots (in fact, this is the main diet of young goslings), well manicured commercial or residential lawns are suffering considerable damage;
  
  
• Blocked Entrances and Walking Paths
  Geese hanging around business parks and housing complexes are a common sight and often disrupt business and pose risks to tenants or customers;
  
  
• Insurance and Liability Concerns
  Excessive droppings or conflicts with geese can cause falls or attacks — especially on small children, seniors, or pets.
  
  

Why Does Ignoring Goslings Lead to Long-Term Infestation?

1. Goslings imprint on the site where they hatched and are likely to return year after year to nest and start their own families;
   
   
2. Returning goslings can lead to a tripling of flock size EVERY YEAR;
   
   
3. Without intervention, infestations compound each season, leading to higher cleanup cost and effort, greater conflict, and more aggressive removal efforts later on;
   
   
4. Property managers often underestimate the impact of a single Canada goose family until it’s too late—then they’re left dealing with a much more expensive problem.
   
   

Strategies for Managing Goose Families with Goslings in Vaughan

Birds of Prey (Falconry Programs)

• Geese instinctively flee from raptors;
  
  
• Eagles flown by expert falconers disrupt and discourage goose nesting behavior without harming the birds;
  
  
• Particularly effective in open spaces like industrial parks, school fields, or commercial lawns.
  
  

Trained Goose Control Dogs

• Trained dogs are used to chase geese off the property without physical contact;
  
  
• Creates ongoing psychological pressure that encourages relocation.
  
  
• Effective for maintaining control without harming the birds or their young;
  
  
• Works exceptionally well in conjunction with falconry.
  
  

Remote-Control Vehicles (ROVs)

• Remotely Operated Boats are used in larger ponds where dogs are ineffective;
  
  
• The wake created simulates potentially predatory mammals in the water;
  
  
• ROVs serve to make the environment unstable and unpredictable;
  
  
• ROVs are best deployed after dusk when geese are on alert and more vulnerable.
  
  

Read more: How the Rise in Goslings Increases Goose Infestations Across Vaughan

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 30 May 2025

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control founder and one of Canada's foremost experts on Geese Control Dan Frankian sat down for a virtual interview with Chris Ensing of CBC News to discuss how best to approach the growing goose population in Windsor, Ontario.

Windsor city officials deem the Canada goose population out of control and are willing to go as far as considering a mass cull.

What are the Issues with Windsor's Goose Population?

Hawkeye's Dan Frankian on Reducing the Goose Population in Windsor, Ontario

After over 35 years of dealing with geese and goose management plans, Dan Frankian has a few thoughts based on his experience and expertise. In his conversation wit CBC he narrowed it down to 'Do not let the geese population grow'. 

Disrupting the Canada Goose Breeding Cycle

Dan Frankian firmly believes that egg and nest destruction is the way forward to curb the continuing growth of Windsor's goose population. Nests need to be destroyed in front of the female in order for her to understand that she will not have a successful nest and to recognize humans as a threat to be feared. This is in contrast to chemical oiling of the eggs, where, although the eggs are no longer viable, mother goose is blissfully unaware and will continue to sit on her eggs and go on protecting her nest.

Convincing Geese to Seek Greener Pastures

• Trained Dogs
  Trained dogs are quite successful at disbursing geese when patrolling the area and chasing geese on the ground. This needs to be pursued vigorously and repeatedly. 
  
  
• Birds of Prey 
  Falconry for Goose Control is very successful and in fact works best when used alongside trained dogs. Large birds of prey (eagles) in the air and dogs on the ground send an unambiguous message that the area is unsafe and unsuitable for breeding and nesting.
  
  

Read more: Militant Approach Needed To Control Canada Geese

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 27 May 2025

Our garages often house more than vehicles and garden supplies, including anything from pet food to kid's toys - and sometimes, wildlife. Finding a single raccoon or a raccoon family dwelling in your detached garage can come as quite a surprise. Learn what you can do to evict the little critters and prevent them from coming back.

Recent calls to Scarborough homes (or more precisely, detached garages) seem to indicate a growing issue in the area. We all know that attics are a favourite hangout for raccoons (particularly over the winter and when litters of kits are born in the spring) but it looks as if detached garages are gaining popularity as well. And rightfully so - after all, they usually provide ample hiding spots and don't see a whole lot of traffic for most of the day or night. Let's look at what attracts wildlife to garages, what problems are associated with raccoons and how to get rid of raccoons from your garage.

Why is a Detached Garage a Raccoon's Ideal Den?

• Shelter and Security
  Detached garages can offer protection from the elements as well as predators and usually see minimal human activity;
  
  
• Seclusion and Privacy
  The fact that garages are generally low traffic areas (particularly during the colder months) surely adds to creating ideal conditions for nesting and raising young;
  
  
• Easy Access Points
  Aside from gaps in wood siding, roofline holes, rotted eaves, or lifted shingles, there are more often than not unsecured doors;
  
  
• Less Human Disturbance
  Again, detached garages often aren’t used daily, allowing raccoons to settle in undetected;
  
  
• Available Nesting Materials
  Old boxes, insulation, fabric, or stored goods offer comfort and denning materials.
  
  

The Rise of Raccoons Denning in Garages

With raccoon populations exploding, more and more urban structures such as garages and other outbuildings double as raccoon dens.

• Urbanization & Habitat Loss
  Continuous urban development keeps pushing raccoons into suburbs and even inner cities;
  
  
• Food Access Nearby
  Usually next to garages, garbage bins and composters can be found. Pet food is often stored in the garage;
  
  
• Lack of Natural Predators
  With the comings and goings of humans, natural raccoon predators such as coyotes tend to keep their distance;
  
  
• “Artificial Cave” Analogy
  Detached garages and/or equipment stored within can mimic safe, enclosed dens;
   
• Seasonal Timing
  Spring (birthing season) and fall (shelter before winter) see spikes in wildlife infestations and raccoons living in garages.
  
  

What Happens Once Raccoons Enter Garages?

Why do Detached Garages Make the Problem Worse Over Time?

1. Detached garages are often older buildings and more vulnerable as they tend to be less maintained and located closer to laneways, alleys, and ravines - all natural travel corridors for raccoons.
   
   
2. Long term degradation such as defects or cracks in brickwork, decaying wood planks or panels, and weakened eaves give raccoons more and easier access points over time. These type of buildings require scheduled inspections and maintenance to minimize entry, though realistically, you'll likely not be able to seal off every nook and cranny to keep raccoons from pitching a tent in your garage.
   
   
3. Raccoons are intelligent and adapt quickly; once one raccoon successfully dens in a detached garage, others in the area may follow suit, turning it into a habitual denning spot.
   
   

Read more: Raccoons in Scarborough’s Detached Garages

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 26 May 2025

Yep, that's probably not what you'd expect to hear on your evening news - but there have actually been several incidents of raccoons stuck in storm or sewage drains. Some made the news and involved hours of rescue work by concerned citizens, police, and animal control. One of these occurred in Heritage Park, Holyoke, MA: The grate was eventually removed and the unfortunate animal was freed using laundry detergent.

Why Storm Drains Attract Raccoons

Below-ground tunnels can offer a host of advantages for wildlife roaming around our cities. Let's examine in more detail:

• Shelter and Refuge
  Storm drains offer protection and escape from Toronto's hot and humid summers as well as harsh, cold winters.
  
  
• Safety from Predators
  While humans are the most prevalent threat to raccoons in the inner cities, there are still other natural predators around. Especially in recent years, the coyote population in urban areas has increased significantly.
  
  
• Urban Food Sources
  Storm drains are often used by raccoons to travel undetected - raid a trash can and bring the loot back to the drain. The presence of water is an added bonus as raccoons prefer to 'wash' their food before consumption.
  
  
• Underground Highways
  Drainage systems allow raccoons to navigate the GTA's urban landscape safely and undetected, avoiding traffic and human interaction.
  
  

Identifying Raccoon Activity in GTA Storm Drains

So, if raccoons hang out in storm drains... how do you know? Are there signs?

• Raccoon Sightings
  Particularly after dusk and before dawn you may see a raccoon (and hopefully not stuck in a grate) entering or exiting drain openings in GTA neighbourhoods.
  
  
• Unusual Noises
  Raccoons have never been accused of being dainty or quiet; you may notice scratching, rustling, or any of the many vocalizations raccoons use to communicate with each other.
  
  
• Droppings around Drains
  Raccoon feces may be present near drain entrances or in areas where drains overflow.
  
  
• Strong Odours
  A strong, musky, or ammonia-like smell may be emanating from drain openings.
  
  
• Debris Build-Up
  Pay close attention to unusual accumulations of leaves, twig, or other nesting materials around drain inlets.
  
  

The Real Risks of Raccoons in GTA Drainage Systems

Aside from the obvious issue of a terrified critter being stuck and unable to free itself from the grip of a steel grate, there are other ramifications of raccoons in drainage systems.

• Drain Blockages & Flooding
  Accumulation of leaves, debris, and raccoon nesting materials can impede water flow, exacerbating flooding issues common in parts of the GTA during heavy rainfall.
  
  
• Infrastructure Damage
  Raccoons can damage pipes and compromise the structural integrity of the drainage infrastructure.
  
  
• Health Hazards for GTA Residents
  Raccoon feces in drains can contaminate runoff, posing risks to pets and potentially humans. Raccoons themselves carry diseases such as rabies.
  
  
• Difficult and Dangerous Removal
  Attempting DIY removal from confined drain spaces is risky for both homeowners and animals. Raccoon removal from storm drains should be left to professionals and while observing proper safety protocols.
  
  
• Potential for Unexpected Encounters
  Raccoons emerging from drains in residential areas, parks, or even busy downtown Toronto can lead to startling and potentially dangerous situations for pedestrians or cyclists.
  
  

Traditional Raccoon Removal Doesn't Work for Storm Drains

• Underground Complexity
  Drainage systems are often connected to multiple access points (storm grates, culverts, utility tunnels), making it nearly impossible to block off all escape routes.
  
  
• Raccoons Re-Enter easily
  Even if removed and relocated (legally within 1 km), raccoons often return through unsealed or adjacent drain points.
  
  
• DIY Hazards
  Attempting to seal or flush storm drains can lead to flooding during rainfall, trapped animals dying and causing severe odour or contamination, and/or legal issues from interfering with municipal infrastructure.
  
  
• Access and Safety Issues
  Confined spaces, low visibility, and water hazards make getting rid of raccoons from storm drains too dangerous and ineffective for DYI and require professional animal removal services.
  
  

Hawkeye’s Permanent Raccoon Removal for Storm Drainage

Because blocking off entry points is not an option here, raccoon removal really is the only solution. Raccoon removal generally means live trapping the animal(s) and then releasing them within a one kilometre radius from the capture site. It is almost inevitable that the raccoon(s) will return. Realistically, dropping the animal 1km away will likely still be in the vicinity of the same tunnel system they were caught at.

Contrary to all other Ontario wildlife removal companies, Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control can offer permanent raccoon control and removal in Toronto and the GTA. Raccoons are trapped or physically captured legally and humanely euthanized. This is the same procedure used by animal shelters and in accordance with veterinary guidelines.

Read more: How to Get Rid of Raccoons in GTA Storm Drainage Systems

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 22 May 2025

Our beloved Canada geese are intelligent birds with excellent memory and a strong homing instinct. Hence, they return to the same breeding and nesting grounds year after year. Females will often stay with the flock and breed where they themselves hatched. With those nesting grounds often being in fairly populated areas, fewer natural predators and ample food ensure high survival rates of goslings and yearlings - and the flock grows. And grows.

The geese population in many urban areas will continue to explode if left unchecked. What is needed here is early intervention - ideally, before breeding and nesting begins. That means that very early spring is when we need to take measures to disrupt the breeding cycle and encourage geese to leave.

Canada Goose Nesting Behaviour

Our fine feathered friends arrive often as early as March, back from their sunny winter home down south. The sole reason for their lengthy and strenuous migration is to breed in northern climates. The ideal nesting site for a flock of Canada geese includes:

• Proximity and access to water;
  
  
• Open grassy areas with little or no obstructed views;
  
  
• Access to food other than fresh grass shoots.
  

Understanding and taking into consideration when, how, and where geese will settle to breed and nest is imperative when implementing goose control measures.

Why Do Geese Return to the Same Spot Every Year?

• Geese Imprint on Successful Nesting Sites
  After having a successful breeding season, geese are almost guaranteed to return to the same site. After all, it worked out well and now the goslings hatched at this site, call it home as well.
  
  
• They have strong Memory and Site Fidelity 
  Again, after a successful nesting season, this site is now the starting point (and return destination) of their migratory route.
  
  
• Site Suitability
  As long as there is plenty of food and other conditions favour successful breeding, there is no reason to change course and look for different nesting grounds.
  
  

Why Egg Oiling/Addling Doesn’t Break the Cycle

We often see egg addling or oiling advertised and hailed as a solution - when it really isn't. 

• Geese don’t know the eggs are no longer viable and keep sitting on them.
  
  
• You will still have to deal with them for the entire season until fall migration begins.
  
  
• It would likely take several unsuccessful breeding seasons before geese gave up and moved on.
  
  
• Egg oiling or addling prolongs the problem and delays the solution. It does not produce the desired outcome: make the flock of geese leave on their own.
  
  

Early Intervention — Disrupting Pre-Nesting Activity

• Timing is Critical
  Geese that stay in our northern climates and do not migrate south may begin scouting nesting locations in late winter to early spring. Geese that are migrating north already have the nesting location engrained in their memory. Either way, the time for action is early March.
  
  
• Visual Signs to Watch for
  Pairs of geese walking your property, inspecting quiet corners, especially near water.
  
  

Strategies to Stop Geese before Nesting begins

• Falconry for Geese Control
  Flying large birds of prey (eagles) overhead will make the area appear unsafe and unsuitable for nesting;
  
  
• Hazing with Dogs
  Having dogs patrol and chase geese on the ground will reinforce that the area is not desirable for breeding and nesting;
  
  
• Lasers
  Expertly deployed lasers in low light conditions will also reiterate that the area is unpredictable and unsafe;
  
  
• Habitat Modification
  Letting grass grow 4 inches or taller, planting shrubs or otherwise obstructing the view will make the location less desirable and dicourage geese from nesting;
  
  
• Fencing or Pond Wiring
  Low fences along the shore line will make landing and taking flight more difficult and wiring or netting across ponds will also prevent geese from seeking refuge in the water.
  
  

Note: All goose control measures require appropriate permits. Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control for more information and assistance in obtaining permits.

Read more: How to Break the Goose Nesting Cycle and Stop Them from Returning

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 16 May 2025

Raccoons are a year-round nuisance in Brampton's residential and commercial areas. Often, they are more than just a nuisance and responsible for considerable damage to homes, yards, and commercial spaces. Let's explore when is the best time for raccoon removal in Brampton.

While there is an ideal time for raccoon removal, the method and legality may matter just as much. Other GTA wildlife companies are limited to offering temporary solutions, such as live trapping and releasing the animal within a one kilometre radius of the capture site. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only company offering permanent raccoon removal in Brampton. Learn more about when to act and why Hawkeye's permanent removal is the only true long term solution

Raccoon Activity in Brampton Throughout the Year

Spring

Early spring is the time when raccoon removal is most advantageous. Raccoons breed in very early spring and birth litters of 4 kits (average) later in the spring and early summer. Ideally, we remove the animals before they reproduce and interrupt the breeding cycle. Because raccoons are so adept at living alongside humans in urban areas and deal with fewer natural predators in urban settings, most raccoon babies survive their first year of life. In comparison, the mortality rate in the wild routinely reaches up to 50%. Spring is also the time when a pregnant female will move mountains to get into a warm and cozy attic or similar space to prepare her birthing den.

Summer

Summer sees momma raccoon raising her offspring and slowly introducing them to the outside world. Once kits are born, removal becomes much more problematic. Both, the location may be an issue and/or difficult to access and mother and little ones will have to be moved together to ensure survival of the kits. 

Fall

During the fall, a mother and her offspring will likely be looking for a safe and warm refuge with winter looming on the horizon. Young raccoons often stay with their mother throughout the first winter. More bodies means more heat and higher chances of survival for all. During this time, spring and fall are both primary seasons for raccoons breaking into Brampton attics or outbuildings.

Winter

If we haven't been able to stop a raccoon family from moving in before now, they'll be well settled in and prepared to stay for the long haul. Again, your attic is probably the place most favoured.

Best Times for Permanent Raccoon Removal in Brampton

The absolute best time for permanent raccoon removal in Brampton is at the very end of winter or very early spring – once raccoons are frolicking out ‘n about, looking for a mating partner, and BEFORE kits are born. The fewer animals that need to be removed, the better. And the absolute last thing we’ll want to happen is to remove mum and leave one or more of her babies behind.

Newborn raccoons are completely dependent on their mother. They are born blind and hairless; they have zero chance of survival if separated from their mum.

Why the "Best Time" for Hawkeye's Raccoon Removal Is Always Now

Addressing Immediate Problems:

If you should discover or even just suspect a raccoon in your home or business, it’s time to act.

• Minimize structural damage by intervening immediately;
  
  
• Minimize health risks to you, your family, pets, employees, etc.
  
  

Preventing Future Issues:

The standard practice of catch and release almost ALWAYS leads to recurring raccoon infestation and costs.

• By permanently removing all raccoons on site, you can rest assured that these same animals will not return.
  
  
• By cutting off the breeding cycle, overall raccoon populations can be better managed and brought back to reasonable levels.
  
  

Humane and Effective Solution:

All living creatures ought to be treated with respect and compassion. Hawkeye’s permanent raccoon removal allows for a pain- and stress-free solution for the animal(s).

• Raccoons are caught in live traps providing food, water, and shelter;
  
  
• Captured animals are then humanely euthanized without causing undue distress or discomfort;
  
  
• In contrast, animals relocated often find themselves disoriented and confused, desperately seeking to return to familiar territory – and ultimately start the cycle all over again.
  
  

Read more: The Best Time of Year for Raccoon Removal in Brampton

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 15 May 2025

Ahhh.. summer is on the horizon and with the warmer weather we all look forward to activities near or on the water. Unfortunately, so do our beloved Canada geese.

Of course, being waterfowl, they love and in fact need water. And, here in Ontario, we have plenty of lakes (large and small), beaches, marinas, and parks offering water features.

In fact, Toronto and its nearby cottage regions have over 250,000 lakes!

Let’s have a look at what we can do to get rid of geese from our docks and marinas this summer:

What’s The Issue with Geese on Docks?

• Geese are loud, messy, and often times aggressive. Probably not what we look for in our summer retreat with the kids.
• Goose droppings (especially excessive amounts) also pose some fairly significant issues related to health, water quality, and slip-and-fall accidents.

Goose control and management efforts are necessary to help protect you and your family, marina and park employees, and the public at large. Please note that ALL goose removal efforts require planning and permits. Read on and learn what keeps geese off docks and which geese control methods yield the best long-term results.

Why Geese Flock to Docks

• Open, flat sightlines offer visibility and safety
  Geese are most comfortable on even ground with little or no obstructions – this enables them to spot predators early and retreat to the water for safety.
  
  
• Easy access to water
  Water is not only necessary for hydration, but also provides a safe haven for geese.
  
  
• Lack of natural predators in urban and cottage settings
  Even though the overall setting may be rural in cottage country, the constant presence of humans and their shenanigans pretty much assures that predators keep their distance.
  
  
• Human feeding and lack of deterrence reinforce their presence
  The absolute worst thing we can do is feed geese. Yes, the goslings are adorable and will come close and we may even get to pet them. But we are creating the very problem that we’ll later lament and want solved.
  
  

Cottage Waterfronts & Private Docks

Goose Control Challenges:

• Docks are often unmonitored and void of human activity for long stretches;
• Owners want minimal disruption and no damage to natural surroundings.

Most Effective Solutions:

• Birds of Prey
  After the initial 10-12 days of flying birds of prey, twice weekly falconry visits are highly effective. Falconry for Geese Control requires an experienced falconer and large birds of prey (like eagles).
  
  
• Habitat Modification
  Growing grass along the shoreline taller will help and also adding low fences or shrubs around water access points will discourage geese. This is something cottage owners can do on their own.
  
  
• Laser Deterrents
  Lasers are quiet and minimally invasive; they work best in low light (early morning/after sunset) and make the environment appear unpredictable and potentially unsafe for geese to nest. This requires handling by a professional.
  
  
• Pyrotechnics
  The drawback, of course, is the noise disturbance. But pyrotechnics are highly effective geese deterrents for docks if also deployed in low light conditions (similar to lasers). This requires a licensed and experienced operator.
  
  
• Nest Removal (Not Addling/Oiling)
  Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control does not necessarily endorse egg oiling. It doesn’t solve the problem at hand because the geese don’t realize that their eggs are no longer viable. They will continue to sit on their nests and remain a constant presence throughout the summer months. Egg addling or oiling also needs to be handled by professionals.
  
  

Read more: How to Get Rid of Geese from Your Dock