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While raccoons are super smart and do a fantastic job of evading or plain ignoring most barriers and deterrents, there's a case to be made for electric fencing and shock tracks. That's what we'll focus on in this article.
Growing interest in electric fencing and shock tracks is due to:
- Repeated raccoon return
- Structural damage
- Crop damage
- Raided dumpsters and gardens
Electric fencing is a raccoon deterrent, not a removal option. It does not eliminate raccoons already on site, and it has its limitations, as we'll discuss later on.
Knowing Raccoon Behavior Before Choosing Electric Deterrents
Electric deterrents can be very useful in certain situations or locations, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Keep in mind that raccoons are:
- Intelligent problem-solvers
Not only do Raccoons watch and learn, but they can also figure out how to get what they want. They will continuously re-test barriers. - Highly food-motivated
Especially during times of food scarcity, a quick electric shock may not be enough to deter raccoons. - Excellent climbers and diggers
In addition to their intelligence, raccoons are also much more athletic than you might expect.
Deterrents often fail when a den is established and babies are present. A mother will stop at pretty much nothing to get to her kits.
What Is Electric Fencing for Raccoon Control?
The effect of electric fencing is more psychological than physical - the idea is to startle the animal, not injure it. A high-voltage, low-amperage pulse is delivered when the animal completes the circuit between the wire and the ground. Electric fencing is used to keep livestock in or wildlife out. Here's the difference between these two types:
- Agricultural Electric Fencing
To keep livestock like cattle or horses in, there are usually 3 or 4 strands of wires or ropes, starting at 2 feet above ground level. - Wildlife Exclusion Fencing
Depending on the species of wildlife that needs to be deterred, the fence may require as many as 6 or 7 strands of wire, rope, or tape. The first strand needs to be very close to the ground to prevent animals from squeezing under.
Wildlife exclusion fencing can be effective in large, open ground-level areas, including:
- Corn fields
- Gardens
- Compost areas
- Livestock feed
- Locations needing temporary, seasonal protection
What Are Electric Shock Tracks?
Electric Shock Tracks for raccoons and other wildlife are low-profile electrified strips that are made from durable, weather resistant materials (UV-stabilized PVC and stainless steel) deliver a very brief low-voltage shock when an animal (or bird!) steps on them. Electric shock tracks are particularly effective for raccoons, because raccoons have extremely sensitive paws-more so than most other wildlife.
How electric shock tracks differ from fencing:
- They are typically Installed on ledges, rooflines, beams, or fence tops.
- They require a flat surface to be mounted.
- They are rendered moot by snow.
Shock tracks are perfect for use in urban environments; they neither interfere with aesthetics nor pose a threat to children or pets due to high mounting points.
Raccoon Shock Track Systems Are Most Effective When:
- Preventing raccoons from climbing or gaining roof access
To prevent raccoons from getting to your roof, install shock tracks on fence tops, utility ledges, car ports, or flat roof edges. - Blocking repeat entry points
When Electric Shock Tracks Don't Work
- Snowy or Icy Conditions
During Ontario winters and while covered with snow, shock tracks are rendered useless. And because they are mounted up high (on ledges), clearing them off is often not an option.
Keep in mind that shock tracks are meant to keep raccoons out - they have little efficacy when a raccoon has already found its way into your home.
Property Types Where Electric Deterrents May Be Suitable
Electric deterrents can be very successful at keeping wildlife at bay. They are fairly inexpensive and relatively maintenance-free. Both, electric fencing and shock tracks can run on solar-powered units.
Electric Fencing (Year-Round)
- Farms & agricultural fields
- Community gardens
- Construction sites
- Waste transfer stations
- Industrial perimeters
Electric Shock Tracks (Spring, Sumer & Fall)
- Residential fence or roof lines
- Flat roof edges on commercial buildings and warehouses
Does Electric Fencing Work for Raccoons?
The success of your electric fence greatly depends on your location and the urgency with which raccoons are seeking to circumvent the barrier. For example: a hungry raccoon may be inclined to endure a little jolt if the reward is a bed of lush garden produce behind the fence line. He may also discover that he can jump over or dig under your fence.
Another consideration is the condition of your electric fence. Tree branches and vegetation needs to be kept away from the fence to avoid grounding failures.
Pros and Cons of Electric Fencing for Raccoon Control
Pros
- Immediate behavioral deterrence
- Non-lethal
- Useful for temporary protection
- Can reduce damage short-term
- Can be solar-powered
- Relatively cost effective
Cons
- Requires some maintenance
- If not solar-powered, fails during power outages
- Snow and ice reduce effectiveness
- No guarantee that raccoons won’t return and eventually bypass the barrier
Pros and Cons of Electric Shock Track for Raccoon Control
Pros
- Highly effective when installed correctly
- Trains animals to stay away
- Can be installed around corners and curves
- Minimal maintenance
- Can be solar-powered
- Relatively cost effective
Cons
- Does not work when covered by snow and ice
- Must be installed on ledges or eaves
How Electric Fencing & Shock Tracks Must Be Installed to Work
Electric Fencing
- Proper grounding (most common failure point)
Test your fence regularly - Correct wire spacing for raccoons (not deer or livestock)
2-5 strands of wire or rope, starting 6-8 inches above ground level - Height placement mistakes
Although raccoons are not known for their ability to jump vertically, you should still run the fence to about 4 feet high - Vegetation clearance requirements
It is super important to ensure no tree limbs or vegetation are touching your fence. Test your fence and walk the perimeter regularly. - Signage and safety warnings
To avoid complaints or even legal ramifications, always have proper signage. Most common are plastic signs that are slipped over the top strand in regular intervals.
Electric Shock Track
- Placement
Electric shock tracks are meant for ledges and usually to prevent access to the roof. Ideal placements are atop a high wooden fence (to prevent jumping to the roof), on the ledge of the roof
Electric Fencing is Not a Stand-Alone Solution
ALL deterrents are best used in combination with other efforts like removing food sources or repairing/re-enforcing structural vulnerabilities.
- Deterrents only redirect raccoons
- They do not remove existing raccoons
- Once fencing is removed or fails, raccoons return immediately
A draw back of all deterrents is the ongoing need for inspection and maintenance. Rope fencing generally requires re-tensioning, insulators can crack, and solar units fail. In the GTA, winter snow quickly buries ground-level strands and shock tracks, rendering them useless. Once the fear of the jolt is gone, the raccoons return.
Hawkeye’s Proven Permanent Raccoon Removal Solution
Hawkeye’s unique set of licenses allows for the humane euthanasia of the offending animal(s). This is the only way to guarantee that an animal that learned to exploit your property is gone for good. It removes the necessity for repeated trapping and/or ongoing deterrent systems.
Electric Fencing & Raccoon Control FAQs
Q: Can electric fencing legally be used for raccoon control in Ontario?
A: Yes, it can. Electric fencing or shock tracks do not require wildlife permits.
Q: What voltage is required to deter raccoons without harming them?
A: 4,000–5,000 volts (5kV) and a low-impedance fencer is recommended, as it can deliver this power even through thick fur.
Q: Can raccoon babies be harmed by electric fencing or shock tracks?
A: No, raccoon kits will not be harmed. Raccoons don't leave their den until they have fur.
Q: Is electric fencing safe near public-access properties?
A: Properly electric fencing causes no injury. However, municipalities such as the City of Toronto only allow electrified fencing in non-residential zones and only for the purpose of keeping livestock.
Q: Can an electric fence kill my pet or other wildlife animals?
A: No, not unless it is installed or powered incorrectly.
Q: Does rain or snow affect the effectiveness of the shock?
A: Yes, it can - and it can go both ways. The shock can be more consistent during rainy conditions because the wet ground improves conductivity, making it easier for the circuit to complete. However, heavy rain can also cause voltage to leak which may weaken the overall charge if the fence is not properly maintained or has damaged insulators.
Q: The raccoon just jumps over the wire. What can I do?
A: So, you've got a jumper!? You'll need to run another strand or two to bring up the overall height of your fence. Generally, 3 or 4 feet suffices but perhaps you'll want to go even a bit higher to accommodate for your raccoon's agility.
Q: Is it legal to have an electric fence in a residential area of the GTA?
A: You would have to check with your municipality. The City of Toronto, for example, does not allow any electric fencing in residential zones.
Q: What happens if a mother raccoon gets shocked while her babies are inside the property?
A: You should probably consider taking down your fence. The fence is meant to keep raccoons out and it clearly failed. Although, the female would likely ignore a shock to get to her kits.
Q: Are electric shock tracks better than fencing for roofs and ledges?
A: Yes, electric shock tracks are absolutely superior for roofs and ledges - that's what they are designed for!
Q: Can electric fencing be used as a long-term raccoon solution?
A: Yes, electric fencing can be used long-term. Keep in mind, though, that it is a deterrent and to be used in conjunction with other raccoon control efforts.
Q: What happens to raccoons once the fence is removed?
A: They will resume treating your property as their own.
Q: Is electric fencing cheaper than permanent raccoon removal in the long run?
A: No, it is not when you consider the setup, maintenance and other raccoon control methods to work with electric fencing. Permanent raccoon removal is a one-and-done solution.
Hawkeye: Get Guaranteed, Permanent Results
Electric fencing is a tool, but it is rarely a solution. It requires constant attention and often can be bypassed by an intelligent and determined raccoon. The only guaranteed raccoon removal solution across all property types is permanent wildlife removal.
Contact Hawkeye today for professional, permanent raccoon removal in Toronto and other GTA locations.
Hawkeye's raccoon removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto , Scarborough , Brampton, Vaughan , Markham , Ajax , Pickering , Newmarket , Etobicoke , Oshawa , and Mississauga.
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https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/permanently-get-rid-of-raccoons
