How to Permanently Remove Raccoons in Vaughan

Vaughan home and business owners alike are plagued by recurring raccoon invasions. Highly intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful animals, raccoons are excellent at gaining access to buildings and attics. Join us as we explore the best ways to get rid of raccoons permanently and prevent subsequent raccoon infestations in Vaughan and beyond.

With raccoon mating season behind us and expectant moms looking for a safe place to birth and raise their offspring, right now is prime time for raccoon home invasions. And therefore, it is the busiest time for raccoon control and removal in Vaughan and surrounding communities. 

Why Are There So Many Raccoons in Vaughan?

Well, the problem is two-fold. On one hand, the urban raccoon has plenty of food, even if it does require rummaging through trash bins. On the other hand, because of constant human presence, natural predators like coyotes or wolves will keep their distance. That means that more raccoon litters survive and mature to mating and breeding age... and so on.

Limitations of Traditional Raccoon Removal

Understand that once a raccoon has gained access to your attic, it will return. There's no question about it. And if that raccoon is a mother with kits in your attic, she will move mountains to get back to her babies. So, you will be stuck in a never ending loop of trapping the animal, releasing it, and plugging up and reinforcing wherever she managed to get in. Wash and repeat.

Live Trapping & Relocation

Raccoon trapping and relocation is a popular (and often the only) service offered by virtually all wildlife removal companies. Let's inspect what that looks like:

• Release within a 1km Radius
  If a trapped raccoon is to be released, it must be within one km of the capture site. This is because dropping wildlife off far away from their home range would leave them disoriented, unable to secure food sources, competing for new territory, and just generally be in distress. It would also greatly increase the chance of disease spreading.
  
  
• Repeat Offenders
  A trapped and released raccoon will almost always return to where it was caught and to where it perceives 'home' to be. Often times, it will literally turn around and walk back. 
  
  
• Non-Professional Trapping
  Just about anyone can purchase a trap, bait and set it, catch themselves a raccoon, then drive down the road and release it. This is considered to be humane. But, is it? Remember, above we talked about how distressed the animal is? How it may have to physically fight for space and food in a place where other wildlife is already established? And what about offspring? Have all the babies been caught together with their mother? Because, if not, those babies are left to starve to death.
  
  

DIY Repellents & Deterrents:

Raccoons are highly intelligent, curious, and resourceful. It won't take more than a day for them to figure out that a motion sensor light poses no danger. The same goes for sprinklers. Raccoons are actually very fond of water and likely will see sprinklers as an added bonus.

In terms of smells, there are some scents they do not care for, but those won't keep them away for long, either. Unless, the scent indicates danger. Here's where it gets interesting: The scent of a male raccoon (urine) WILL make a mother raccoon pack up her babes and move the family to a new location. That's because male raccoons will kill kits in order to mate with the mother again. Momma raccoon has zero interest in any proposed shenanigans with a male while she's tending to her offspring.

Exclusion Techniques Alone:

Raccoon exclusion is worthwhile, and even necessary. Repairing any damage that a raccoon could exploit is always a good idea. However, on their own, exclusion techniques are useless as well. In fact, if you happen to miss one or more raccoon kits while you are trapping, and then closing up openings,  you will face a WHOLE lot more repairs as mommy dearest is tearing through your roof or siding in record time to get back to her young.

Hawkeye's Permanent Raccoon Removal Solution

With all this in mind, you might find yourself feeling a bit stressed and helpless after you discover a raccoon in your home. But, there is one company that is able to get rid of raccoons permanently in Vaughan. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control hold the permits and licenses to offer permanent raccoon removal.

Permanent raccoon removal entails the live capture of the animal(s) and subsequent euthanasia. This method is the same used by animal shelters. It is humane and focuses on putting the least amount of stress or discomfort on the animal. As licensed fur bearers, we ensure that all parts of the animals are used and will not go to waste. 

Benefits of Permanent Raccoon Removal for Vaughan Residents

• One-Time Procedure
  Permanent removal means that the animal will not return. You will never deal with the same animal damaging your property.
  
  
• Cost Saving
  Because there will be no necessary repeat visits of wildlife technicians and no recurring damages, permanent raccoon removal is cost effective.
  
  
• Humane Treatment of Raccoons
  By not being released into an unfamiliar area, the animal is saved from distress and potential harm. Euthanasia is ethical, humane, and a legal form of raccoon removal.
  
  
• Halting Raccoon Overpopulation
  Permanent Raccoon Removal helps with restoring the natural balance. Currently, raccoon populations are exploding at unprecedented rates.
  
  

Legal and Safety Considerations

DIY trap and release often puts the animal(s) at risk of starvation or injury, especially if the release is not within the legal distance. Repeated trapping also results in trap-shy raccoons. Please always ensure you are hiring a licensed, insured and experienced wildlife removal company. 

Why Hawkeye is the #1 Choice for Raccoon Removal in Vaughan

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control has been a licensed wildlife agent for over 30 years. All of our wildlife technicians are licensed trappers and our fur bearers license enables us to permanently remove raccoons and other wildlife in Vaughan and around the GTA (General Toronto Area).

How to Get Started with Permanent Raccoon Removal

If you need emergency raccoon removal, call Hawkeye today and talk to us about your situation. Together, we will determine the best course of action and get you well on your way to a raccoon-free home. Once the animal(s) have been removed, we will advise what repairs or reinforcements are necessary to keep raccoons out of your Vaughan home in the future.