Get Rid of Raccoons Nesting Near Oshawa Creek Trails

Oshawa’s extensive creek systems, including Oshawa Creek, Harmony Creek, Farewell Creek, and Goodman Creek create the perfect conditions for raccoons to travel, forage, and nest. That is why homes backing onto or situated near these creeks are seeing increased raccoon activity, especially in spring and fall.

Let's explore how your home may be affected and how to get rid of raccoons effectively and permanently. Here's a quick Q & A overview before we get into more detail:

1. Question: What attracts raccoons to Oshawa's creek systems?
   Answer: Abundance of water and shelter in often dense vegetation near creeks make for a perfect environment for raccoons.
   
   
2. Question: Why are homes near creeks targeted by raccoons?
   Answer: In addition to the natural attractants, human dwellings offer further shelter as well as a constant food source.
   
   
3. Question: Where and how do raccoons enter a home?
   Answer: Raccoons most often enter via or through the roof. They may rip up shingles or enter through vents or chimneys to gain access to the attic.
   
   
4. Question: Why do raccoons target outbuildings?
   Answer: Outbuildings usually have less human traffic and make quiet denning sites while still being close to human-related food sources.
   
   
5. Question: What is the best way to get rid of raccoons?
   Answer: The only way to guarantee long-term success is permanent raccoon removal. Merely trapping and relocating the raccoon rarely works and may leave the animal in distress.
   
   

Why Oshawa Creek Trails Attract Raccoons

• Abundant Water Source: Oshawa Creeks provides a constant water supply, which raccoons utilize for drinking and washing their food.
  
  
• Dense Green Spaces: The trails are surrounded by mature trees, shrubs, and natural vegetation, offering excellent cover, foraging opportunities, and natural den sites (e.g., hollow logs, tree cavities).
  
  
• Food Availability: The mix of natural food sources (berries, nuts, insects, small animals) from the creek areas, combined with human-provided food (garbage, pet food, and produce from gardens) from residential properties, creates an irresistible raccoon buffet.
  
  
• Connectivity: The trails act as natural highways, allowing raccoons to easily travel between natural habitats and residential areas, increasing their presence in adjacent properties.
  
  
• Shelter Opportunities: The transition zone between wild and urban areas provides numerous potential den sites, from natural burrows to human structures.
  
  

Properties Most Affected by Raccoons Near Oshawa Creek Trails

Residential Homes:

• Attics: A primary target due to warmth, darkness, and safety. Raccoons can enter through damaged soffits, fascia, roof vents, or uncapped chimneys.
• Chimneys: Provide a vertical, secure, and warm den site, especially for mothers with kits.
• Basements/Crawl Spaces: Offer cool, secluded areas for shelter.
  
  

Outbuildings:

• Sheds: Often provide easy access through loose doors, damaged foundations, or unsecured vents, offering a quiet den.
• Garages: Similar to sheds, they offer shelter and often contain accessible food (e.g., pet food, birdseed).
  
  

Outdoor Structures:

• Under Decks and Porches: Provide secluded, protected spaces for denning, especially during breeding season.
  
  
• Woodpiles and Storage Areas: Can offer temporary shelter or nesting spots.
  
  

Prominent Raccoon Nesting Locations in the Oshawa Creek Trail Areas

• Tree Cavities and Hollow Logs: Within the natural areas of the trails, these are traditional raccoon dens.
  
  
• Abandoned Burrows: Raccoons may take over dens or burrows dug by other animals.
  
  
• Storm Sewers and Culverts: Provide secure, hidden, and often temperature-stable environments.
  
  
• Residential Attics and Chimneys: As highlighted above, these are highly sought-after due to their warmth and protection.
  
  
• Underneath Decks and Sheds: The raised nature of these structures creates ideal, secluded spaces.
  
  
• Unused or Seldom-Accessed Areas: Any quiet, undisturbed spot or outbuilding on a property, particularly those with dense vegetation or overgrown areas, can become a temporary or permanent den.
  
  

How to Identify a Raccoon Infestation

Auditory Cues:

• Scratching, Thumping, or Rustling: Especially at night, from attics, walls, or under decks.
  
  
• Chattering or Whistling:: Raccoons are very vocal animals and communicate with one another, particularly during mating season in early spring.
  
  
• Chirping, Whining, or Crying: Distinctive sounds made by young raccoon kits, typically heard in spring and early summer.
  
  

Visual Clues:

• Entry Points: Keep an eye out for torn soffits, ripped up roof shingles, bent roof vents, damaged fascia boards, or displaced chimney caps.
  
  
• Chew or Claw Marks: Pay attention to surface marks on wood, wiring, insulation, and other structural components.
  
  
• Disrupted Gardens/Garbage: You may notice overturned trash bins, scattered trash, or raided fruit and vegetable patches.
  
  
• Raccoon Tracks: Distinctive five-toed tracks resembling small human hands are often found in soft ground, dust, or snow around entry points.
  
  

Fecal Evidence and Odour:

• Raccoon Latrines: Raccoons often choose communal defecation sites (e.g., on shed roofs, large rocks, tree stumps). Their droppings are tubular, dark, and may contain undigested food. Caution: Raccoon feces can carry Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm), a parasite dangerous to humans and pets. Always exercise extreme caution and wear protective gear if you must interact with it.
  
  
• Odor: You may notice a strong, musky, or ammonia-like smell, especially in enclosed spaces where they are denning.
  
  

Seasonal Raccoon Activity in Oshawa Creeks

Late Winter to Early Spring (January - June): Breeding and Birthing Season

• Late winter is when raccoon breeding season begins. During this time, you will see groups of raccoons, including posturing and fighting males.
  
  
• This is also the peak time for female raccoons to seek warm, secure den sites for giving birth and raising their young. Properties near Oshawa Creek Trails offer prime real estate.
  
  
•  Expect increased activity as pregnant females search for suitable dens. Litters (typically 3-4 kits) are born from late February through May.
  
  
• This is when you're most likely to hear the distinct sounds of young kits (whining and cooing)
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Summer (July - August): Growth and Foraging

• Young raccoons are rapidly growing and becoming more independent, often accompanying their mothers on foraging trips.
  
  
• Increased demand for food leads to more frequent raids on garbage, gardens, and pet food. Raccoons are highly active during these warmer months.
  
  
• August is an ideal time to assess and address potential entry points before raccoons seek winter shelter in the upcoming fall season.
  
  

Fall (September - November): Fattening Up for Winter

• Raccoons enter a critical phase of hyperphagia, intensely focusing on accumulating fat reserves to survive the colder months.
  
  
• Expect heightened foraging activity as they seek out calorie-rich foods. They will also be scouting for secure winter den sites, making your structures vulnerable.
  
  
• Proactive sealing of entry points in the fall is crucial to prevent winter infestations.
  
  

Winter (December - February): Torpor and Denning

• While not true hibernators, raccoons enter a state of torpor during prolonged cold spells, reducing their activity to conserve energy.
  
  
• Raccoons will emerge on milder days to forage. Sheds, garages, attics, and chimneys provide vital warmth and shelter from harsh winter temperatures.
  
  
• Even in winter, a warm, secure den is highly attractive, so don't assume they're gone if you don't see them.
  
  

What’s the Best Time to Remove Raccoons Near the Trails?

• The best time for removal coincides with raccoons' seasonal behaviour, like early spring or late summer, before or after the baby season.
  
  
• Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers year-round raccoon removal including relocation, den removal, and permanent removal.
  
  

Why Creekside Raccoons Are Harder to Get Rid Of

There are unique challenges when it comes to removing raccoons from homes/properties near creeks:

• They're highly mobile, using the creek as a return path;
  
  
• They’re more trap-smart due to frequent encounters with humans;
  
  
• Female raccoons often nest with kits in inaccessible areas like rafters or under decks;
  
  
• The law limits relocation to 1 km, so they often come back.
  
  

How to Get Rid of Raccoons Nesting Near Oshawa Creek Trails

Start With a Detailed Inspection

• Thoroughly inspect all sheds, outbuildings, decks, soffits, crawlspaces, and even tree cavities.
  
  
• While the dens may be located a fair distance from the creek trail, raccoons may use the trail daily to access food and shelter.
  
  

Secure All Entry Points (Critically Important):

• Raccoons can exploit openings as small as 4 inches in diameter. Thoroughly inspect your home, sheds, and garages, paying close attention to rooflines, vents, chimneys, and foundations.
  
  
• Use heavy-gauge galvanized steel mesh (1/4" or 1/2" hardware cloth) to cover all vents (roof, plumbing, and dryer) to reinforce weak soffits and fascia, and cap chimneys.
  
  
• Ensure that all doors, windows, and pet doors are securely latched, especially at night. For decks and sheds, consider trenching and burying mesh around the perimeter to prevent digging underneath.
  
  

Eliminate Food Sources:

• Raccoons are opportunistic and clever and will return to easy food sources such as garbage bins or outdoor pet foods.
  
  
• Store garbage in sturdy, metal or heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting, raccoon-proof lids (e.g., bungee cords, clamps, or secured in a locked shed/garage). Bring pet food indoors, especially overnight. Secure compost bins and clean up fallen fruit from trees.
  
  
• Even bird feeders can attract raccoons; consider bringing them in at night or using squirrel/raccoon-proof designs.
  
  
• Similarly, remove your pet's water bowls and empty bird baths in the evening to discourage raccoons from access.
  
  

Habitat Modification:

• Trim any tree branches that are within 6-10 feet of your roof or upper levels of structures. Clear brush piles, overgrown shrubs, and unused equipment from around your property.
  
  
• Erect a fence around your vegetable garden and clean up fallen fruit.
  
  
• Keep your yard tidy yard tidy to make it less appealing to raccoons seeking shelter.
  
  

Why DIY Raccoon Removal Doesn’t Work Near Oshawa Creeks

Creekside Raccoons Are Smarter and Bolder

• Raccoons nesting near Oshawa Creek, Harmony Creek, or Farewell Creek are highly accustomed to people and urban activity.
  
  
• They've likely encountered traps before and are skilled at avoiding them—especially food-based baits like peanut butter or cat food.
  
  
• DIY devices like ultrasonic repellents or motion lights are largely ineffective.
  
  

Legal Limitations on Relocation

• In Ontario, raccoons (and other trapped wildlife) can only be relocated within 1 km from the capture site.
  
  
• The nature of Interconnected green spaces and trail systems almost guarantees that relocated raccoons will return, especially if there are food sources or babies nearby.
  
  
• Attempting to trap a raccoon and relocate it farther away is illegal and puts homeowners at legal risk.
  
  

Hidden Nesting Spots Are Hard to Access

• Creekside homes often have complex nesting areas that include crawlspaces, soffits, chimney flues, shed rafters, or structures like decks and porches.
  
  
• DIYers often block exits without realizing that babies are inside - this can lead to distress to the evicted mother and her kits or death to the babies, resulting in odour and problems or legal issues under wildlife protection laws.
  
  

DIY Methods Can Put You at Physical and Health Risk

• Raccoons often carry raccoon roundworm, letptospirosis, or even rabies. Manually handling and/or removing raccoons puts you in direct contact with pathogens and risks physical harm due to bites or scratches.
  
  
• Raccoons - especially mothers - can become aggressive when cornered or defending their young.
  
  

Creek Access Makes Raccoon Re-Infestation Likely

• Even if you “successfully” removed a raccoon with DIY methods, there's a high probability of it returning.
  
  
• Permanent removal and professional sealing, and deterrents are often required to stop the cycle.
  
  

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Service

Presence of Babies (Kits):

• If you suspect a mother raccoon and her kits are present, attempting removal yourself can orphan the babies, leading to their suffering and death.
  
  
• Professionals are trained to detect and locate kits (often hidden in walls) and use humane removal methods. Once all animals have been removed, the entry point can be permanently sealed.
  
  
• This humane approach ensures the well-being of the animals and minimal distress while resolving the infestation.
  
  

Aggressive Raccoons:

• Raccoons become aggressive when cornered, feel threatened, or are defending their young.
  
  
• Attempting to remove an aggressive raccoon without proper training and equipment can lead to bites or scratches, risking disease transmission (e.g., rabies).
  
  
• An uncharacteristically aggressive raccoon may be an indication of rabies and you must absolutely NOT handle this animal on your own.
  
  

Health Risks:

• Raccoon feces and urine can transmit serious parasites and diseases like raccoon roundworm.
  
  
• Professionals have the necessary protective gear and specialized cleaning agents for safe and thorough sanitization of contaminated areas.
  
  

Persistent Problems:

• If your humane deterrents and prevention efforts haven't resolved the issue after several days, a professional can conduct a thorough inspection to identify overlooked entry points or unique challenges.

Legal Restrictions:

• In Ontario, there are specific legal restrictions regarding trapping and relocating wild animals.
  
  
• Licensed wildlife control professionals are knowledgeable about and adhere to these regulations, ensuring legal and ethical removal.
  
  

Extensive Damage:

If raccoons have caused significant structural damage (e.g., torn insulation, damaged wiring, compromised structural integrity), professional repair is crucial. While wildlife control services often offer minor repair and exclusion services, you should always consult with a professional contractor (electrician, roofer, etc.)

Post-Removal: Cleaning, Repair, and Long-Term Prevention

Sanitization and Deodorization:

• The den area will be contaminated with feces, urine, and nesting materials, posing health risks and leaving lingering odors.
  
  
• Professional cleaning involves specialized equipment and disinfectants to neutralize pathogens and eliminate odors that could attract other wildlife.
  
  
• This step is vital for your health, your home's structural integrity, and for preventing re-infestation.

Repair and Reinforcement:

• All entry points must be permanently sealed, and any damage caused by the raccoons must be repaired.
  
  
• Use durable, chew-proof materials like heavy-gauge galvanized steel mesh, reinforced wood, or metal flashing. Pay attention to shingles, roof vents, soffits, fascia, chimneys, siding, and foundation gaps.
  
  
• This "exclusion" work is the most critical long-term prevention measure.
  
  

Ongoing Vigilance and Maintenance:

• Raccoons are persistent. Regular checks of your property are essential.
  
  
• Periodically inspect your home and outbuildings for new signs of activity or potential vulnerabilities. Maintain your yard by trimming vegetation and securing food sources.
  
  
•  A proactive approach is the best defense against future raccoon problems.
  
  

How Much Does Removal Cost for Oshawa Creekside Properties?

Raccoon removal cost very much depends the number of raccoons and/or the location of the animals. 

At Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control residential raccoon trapping starts at 2 traps and  $175 for each visit by one of our experiences, licensed, and insured wildlife technicians. There may be additional charges if specialized equipment such as thermal imaging devices to locate babies behind walls is required. Please CONTACT US to receive a comprehensive quote. We offer clear pricing and expert consultation. What we quote is what you pay!

Contact Hawkeye for Raccoon Control and Removal in Oshawa

If you live near Oshawa Creek, Harmony Creek, or Farewell Creek, raccoons may already be eyeing your shed, attic, or deck. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers legal and permanent raccoon removal along the Oshawa Creek corridor, in Harmony Valley, Donevan, Stevenson, Lakeview, and Northglen. Trust the professionals with 35+ years of experience and protect your property before a nuisance turns into a full blown infestation.

CALL Hawkeye TODAY for services in Oshawa and Bowmanville.