CA
US
Call 
Many warehouses in Vaughan (and in fact, all across the GTA) attract the attention of raccoons and other urban wildlife. Never ending nooks and crannies to hide out in, easy access in and out, and often even a built-in self-serve buffet make for very adequate accommodations all year round.
Why Raccoons Should Not be Allowed in Warehouses
Raccoons can be quite destructive and even shut down operations for some time, depending on the contents of the warehouse. Here are some of the problems caused by raccoons dwelling in a warehouse:
- Damage to Inventory
Raccoons are prolific chewers and diggers and damage to or contamination of inventory can be extensive; - Structural Damage
When raccoons are occupying your warehouse, you can expect chewed wires, damaged or destroyed insulation, and comprised roofs and/or walls).; - Health & Safety Risks
If raccoons are hanging out in a warehouse, you'll likely find one or more latrines. Raccoon droppings contain a great number of parasites, and latrine contents are highly corrosive. Of course, actual encounters with onsite raccoons offer the potential for bites or scratches - and the risk of rabies; - Operational Disruptions
Having raccoons or other wildlife present in a warehouse poses a health and safety hazard for employees AND can get the Health & Safety boards involved, particularly if the inventory is food-related or contains medical equipment.
Why Do Raccoons Target Warehouses in Vaughan?
- Provision of Shelter
A warehouse provides ample space, privacy and quiet corners. - Food Availability
Depending on the contents of the warehouse, a meal can come from the inventory itself, or from waste left behind by humans; - Easy Access
Due to the nature of warehouses, it may be virtually impossible to restrict access to local wildlife. In addition to loading docks with roll-up doors raccoons also exploit roof vents and HVAC units to gain access; - Climate Control
When seeking refuge from the elements, raccoons often get to enjoy at least some heat or ventilation, making the inside of a warehouse much more attractive than the harshness of the outside world. It stands to reason that warehouse occupation increases in late fall.
How to Detect a Raccoon Presence in Your Warehouse
Unless you actually see the animal, you may not be sure what you're dealing with. Here are some things to look for if you suspect a raccoon infestation:
Listen for Raccoon Noises
Granted, it may not be easy to hear anything in a busy warehouse. But when machinery shuts down and workers have left, pay attention to rustling and thumping overhead in the rafters or ceiling as well as behind boxes and in corners.
Check out Electrical Issues
Have a close look at the condition of wiring and check if wires look chewed and/or frayed. As female raccoons prepare birthing dens, they frequently move wires or sever them to make room.
Look for Displaced Insulation
Also in pursuit of the ideal den location, insulation is often moved or destroyed.
Notice Raccoon Droppings
Pay attention to droppings on the floor, near dock doors, or smells of urine or feces.
Perform Regular Inspections
It's a good idea to inspect less-accessed areas regularly. Storage lofts, rafters, above ceiling tiles, or seldom used maintenance rooms. Additionally, the use of motion sensor cameras or thermal imaging devices can help with raccoon detection.
Trapping Strategies for Getting Rid of Raccoons in Warehouses
Live Cage Traps
A popular method of raccoon control in Vaughan warehouses is live trapping. Live traps must be large enough to comfortably hold the animal caught; raccoons generally require traps 12x12x36 inches. The trap must be sturdy and not contain any sharp edges that could injure a trapped animal. Set traps must be checked regularly.
Baiting a Trap
In order to entice a raccoon to enter your trap, you'll need to offer the right bait. Raccoons love sardines, wet cat food, and also have a sweet tooth for treats such as marshmallows and donuts. It is good practice to leave bait for a few nights without a trap to build trust and then leave a bait trail leading to the trap. Monitor your trap often - bait meant for raccoons often attracts other animals as well - skunks or cats come to mind.
Trap Placement
If possible, observe travel routes your raccoon uses. Make sure the trap is placed on even, level ground and preferably alongside walls or interior structures. Raccoons prefer to not travel out in the open, so a trap set in the middle of a room will likely not yield the desired results.
Why DIY Raccoon Trapping and Relocation Fails for Warehouses
Trap and Release
In Ontario, wildlife must be released within a 1km radius from the capture site. This is to ensure the animal's survival once released and curb the spread of disease.
Repeat Offenders
Most released raccoons turn around and return straight back to where they were just captured. After all, they know the territory and food sources and in case of industrial zones, have almost unlimited access. This translates to recurring raccoon infestations, repeated interruptions to daily operations, and increased costs for industrial raccoon control.
Trap Shy Raccoons
Once a raccoon has been trapped and released (and has returned to the trapping location) it will be much more suspicious of subsequent traps. Now, you have a trap-shy raccoon on your hands. Raccoons are very intelligent critters and learn from observation. Once a raccoon has learned that only goodies outside the trap are worth having, he or she will avoid the trap itself.
Hawkeye’s Permanent Raccoon Removal Solution for Warehouses
Permanent Raccoon Removal
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only wildlife control company in Vaughan and the GTA to offer guaranteed and permanent raccoon removal. All of Hawkeye's wildlife technicians are also licensed trappers and authorized to humanely euthanize raccoons after capture.
Why This Matters for Warehouses
Because securing access to a warehouse is next to impossible, a trap and release scenario almost inevitably results in the released raccoon returning, continuing infestation and increased costs. The only way to ensure that a trapped animal does not return is through permanent raccoon removal.
How We Permanently Trap and Get Rid of Raccoons from Your Vaughan Warehouse
Comprehensive Assessment & Strategic Trapping Plan:
- Thorough inspection to identify all entry points, active dens, and attractants specific to your warehouse.
- Identifying raccoon traffic patterns and high-activity areas.
- Developing a tailored trapping strategy for effective capture within the warehouse environment.
Legal Trapping & Guaranteed Permanent Removal:
If you choose permanent raccoon removal, the trapped raccoon will be legally, safely, and humanely euthanized. This animal will never return - it is gone for good. Guaranteed.
Why Permanent Raccoon Removal Is a Smart Investment
- Eliminates recurring costs of ineffective traditional trapping;
- Protects inventory, equipment, employees, and structural integrity;
- Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations;
- Restores peace of mind and productivity for your warehouse operations.
Don’t Let Raccoons Disrupt Your Warehouse Operations
Pay close attention to the signs of a raccoon infestation in your Vaughan warehouse and take action immediately - do not delay. Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control for licensed, humane, and permanent raccoon removal in Vaughan that protects your business long-term.
