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Raccoons tearing up a new or well-kept lawn is a common and frustrating problem for urban and suburban property owners. Many people are shocked at the level of damage these seemingly cute animals can cause.
This is not just a nuisance but a recurring, expensive, and year-round problem. Thankfully, raccoon removal in Toronto and other areas of the GTA can solve the problem.This article will explain why raccoons target lawns, the signs of their activity, and a permanent, year-round solution to protect your property.
Q: How can I tell if lawn damage is from raccoons or skunks?
A: The most obvious sign of lawn damage will be the amount of damage in terms of area. Raccoons leave large sections of turf torn up or flipped over and widespread patches of exposed soil. Skunks typically leave behind numerous smaller, neat, cone-shaped holes dug in a search for grubs. Both have strong claws and can create a considerable mess, but raccoons use their claws in a ripping motion to pull up large chunks of grass, while skunks use their noses and claws to make many small, more precise holes.
Q: Why do raccoons dig up lawns?
A: The primary reason for tearing up lawns is to get at the grubs that live beneath the surface. Torn up patches of grass near fence lines or foundations can also be an attempt at burrowing under to get access to whatever lays on the other side.
Q: Do raccoons only damage new sod, or do they wreck established lawns, too?
A: While raccoons destroying new sod is a big problem, they can absolutely do a number on established lawns, too. In fact, well established backyards probably offer more variety in terms of grubs and bugs.
Q: Can I get rid of the grubs and raccoons at the same time?
A: Probably not, but reducing the number of grubs in your yard will help make the area less attractive to raccoons. Generally, grubs are only one reason why raccoons frequent your property. Waste bins, vegetable gardens, and orchards also play a big role.
Q: Can grub treatment alone solve raccoon lawn damage?
A: Again, simply reducing the number of grubs will likely not solve your raccoon problem. Removing other elements that attract raccoons and/or physically removing the animals is a much better strategy.
Q: Do raccoons carry diseases that can affect my lawn or garden?
A: Raccoon diseases and parasites pose a threat to your family and pets. Your lawns or gardens are not directly affected, but may help spread those diseases.
Q: Can raccoons damage artificial turf or golf course lawns?
A: Indeed, raccoons do plenty of damage on both artificial turf and on golf courses. The surface material or location really doesn't matter if tasty grubs live beneath. Check out our article on how to get rid of raccoons from golf courses.
Q: What’s the best way to protect a newly seeded lawn from raccoons?
A: Ideally, you would have applied a grub treatment even before laying down new sod or seed. And of course, you'll want to remove as many things as possible that may attract raccoons to your yard. Such things include pet food bowls, any standing water (including bird baths), trash cans, fallen fruit from trees, and more.
Q: Can raccoons ruin sprinkler systems or lawn irrigation while digging?
A: Yes, and actually, this is a fairly frequent occurrence.
Q: Do yard guards or ultrasonic devices really keep raccoons off lawns?
A: Repellents such as ultrasonic devices have very limited efficacy. Raccoons are intelligent, resourceful, and determined and quickly learn that ultrasonic devices pose no physical threat and can safely be ignored.
Q: Will getting a dog keep raccoons from tearing up my lawn?
A: A dog in your yard can help keep raccoons at bay in general. Keep in mind, though, that raccoons are mostly nocturnal and the scent of your dog alone may not be sufficient to stop raccoons from viewing your lawn as a buffet.
Q: Is it safe to be on my lawn with raccoons present?
A: It is unlikely that raccoons will dig up your lawn with you present. Again, raccoons are nocturnal and you probably won't be out there all night, but more importantly, all forms of wildlife (including raccoons) typically avoid human contact.
Q: When is the best time of year to fix this problem?
A: It's a good idea to start with grub treatment in May and June to kill newly hatched grubs but active infections will require you to apply multiple treatments all the way through the summer and fall.
Q: What is the typical cost for racoon removal for lawns?
Removing raccoons from lawns is no different than dealing with them anywhere else. The cost depends on how many raccoons have invaded your yard and how many visits from a wildlife removal technician it takes. You can learn more here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-much-does-raccoon-removal-cost-in-toronto
Q: Do I need to be present for raccoon removal service?
A: In an outdoor situation such as your backyard, you do not necessarily need to be present when traps are set. You must, however, be available to check the traps daily and inform the wildlife technician immediately when an animal is in the trap.
Q: How long after raccoon removal should I wait before repairing my lawn?
A: You may repair damages to your lawn immediately once raccoons have been removed from your property. Keep in mind that a relocated raccoon will return with a high degree of certainty. Permanent raccoon removal is the only way to ensure the captured animal will not return.
Why Do Raccoons Target Lawns?
In short, your backyard and lawn either provide or give raccoons access to food, water, and shelter.
Food sources in sod and turf: Aside from easily accessible trash and pet foods, raccoons also incorporate grubs, worms, and insects found under fresh sod into their diet.
Shelter and nesting: Vacant sheds, garages, or woodpiles make for great raccoon dens and are accessed via a beautifully kept lawns with tasty snacks buried beneath.
Seasonal Raccoon Lawn Problems (Year-Round)
Spring Raccoons dig for newly hatched insects and larvae. Female raccoons scout out nearby areas for denning.
Summer Increased tearing and rolling of sod due to higher grub activity. Raccoons searching for food sources for growing babies.
Fall Raccoons prepare for winter by feeding aggressively. Damage worsens when lawns are weakened before winter dormancy.
Winter Less lawn digging but raccoons may shelter nearby. When warm spells occur, they forage on lawns again.
Common Signs of Raccoon Lawn Damage
Sod rolled up or flipped over in large patches.
Torn-up soil or visible holes in turf.
Trails of damage leading from trees, fences, sheds, or garbage areas.
Landscape Aesthetics Raccoon damage results in ruined curb appeal for homes and businesses.
Health Concerns There is a risk of contracting one of many diseases and parasites (such as roundworm) when removing raccoon feces from lawns.
Secondary Pests Damaged lawns encourage more insect infestations and the presence of raccoons may invite larger predators to your yard.
Liability Business owners and property managers may encounter complaints regarding sanitation, tripping or other health hazards on commercial or municipal grounds.
Nesting and Baby Raccoons in Lawn and Garden Areas
Low traffic and hidden-from-view areas like under a deck or porch, in sheds or in other landscape structures often double as wildlife dens with offspring. It's important to let professionals deal with raccoon nest removal and baby raccoons that may be hidden in burrows or close to lawn entry points. Attempting to trap a raccoon family on your own risks harming the kits or leaving them behind.
Who Is Responsible for Raccoon Removal From Lawns?
Homeowners As a homeowner, you are responsible for your yard and lawn.
Landlords / Property Managers Landlords or property managers are generally responsible for maintaining landscaping in rental or managed properties.
Businesses Business owners must maintain grounds to avoid liability or customer complaints.
Municipalities Cities and municipalities are accountable for raccoon problems in public green spaces.
Why DIY Raccoon Control and Removal Don’t Work
For most home owners, raccoons, smart and resourceful as they are, present an ongoing problem. They are territorial and have excellent homing instincts. Getting rid of raccoons isn't as easy as one may think.
Relocation Ontario law prohibits the release of captured wildlife more than1 km away from the capture site. Raccoons almost always return to their home range.
Temporary Deterrents Sprays, lights, or noise machines are largely ineffective. Raccoons learn that none of them pose physical danger and adapt quickly. The one exception is male raccoon urine - this will make a mother raccoon collect and move her offspring in great haste.
Physical Exclusion Installing electric fencing or electric shock tracks can actually be very effective. Unfortunately, this is just not practical for many property types.
The Problem with Baby Raccoons Trapping a young family of raccoons risks separating a mother from her kits. A racoon mother will stop at nothing to reunite with her kids, leaving you possibly worse off than before. And, if a reunion does not happen quickly (especially in spring time), the babies will die a horrible death from starvation.
Hawkeye’s Permanent Raccoon Removal Solution for Lawns
Unless you are dealing with a trap-shy raccoon, catching one is not the problem. The problem is that raccoons return once they are released in the allowed radius of 1 km and you'll end up having to trap the same animal over and over.
There is only ONE company in the GTA that offers permanent raccoon removal. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control has the legal authority to humanely euthanize raccoons, thus guaranteeing that the animal will not return. If you want to put an end to the cycle of trap and release, this is the only way to permanently solve the problem.
How to Keep Raccoons Out of the Yard: What Should You Do?
While raccoons are mostly a nuisance on lawns, the problem is solvable. Traditional methods of trapping and relocation often fail, but a permanent, professional solution is available.
Call Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control for a professional consultation and a permanent solution to protect your lawn and property from raccoon damage.
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