Raccoon Infestations in Abandoned or Vacant Properties

With a declining economy, we see many empty apartments or entire buildings in Toronto and the GTA, some residential but more often commercial. Of course, an abandoned property makes for the perfect home for raccoons and other wildlife.

As temperatures drop, these buildings become irresistible targets for raccoons seeking a warm, secure den to survive the cold. A property may look empty from the outside, but it can quickly become a thriving, hidden home for a family of raccoons, leading to a host of complex problems. And because of the very fact that these properties are vacant, raccoon and other wildlife infestations go unnoticed much longer, giving the animals plenty of time to establish dominance and territory.

FAQs for Owners of Vacant Properties 

Q: I'm not in the area; can you still help?

A: Yes, absolutely. You do not need to be present for a Hawkeye technician to remove raccoons from your property. You will, however, need to have someone to check on traps twice daily (minimum) and contact us if a raccoon has been caught.

Q: Will my insurance cover the damage?

A: Most homeowner policies do not cover raccoon damages. Please discuss and confirm with your insurance contact. You may want to read this article as well: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-raccoon-damage

Q: What if there are baby raccoons in my vacant property?

A: Raccoons only have kits once a year - in the spring. The most important thing is to not separate a mother from her offspring. You MUST be able to capture and move all raccoons together.

Q: How long can a raccoon live in a vacant property unnoticed?

A: Raccoons can live in vacant buildings for as long as nobody is paying attention. During the pandemic lockdowns, reduced or non-existent human traffic and oversight caused huge issues which carry fall-out until today.

Q: What if I need to sell or rent the property?

A: If you spot signs such as raccoon droppings in an empty house, call a professional to remove the animals, repair the damages, and sanitize the den and latrine area.

Q: Is it illegal to leave a property vacant with a raccoon problem?

A: While it might not be explicitly illegal, allowing a raccoon problem on a vacant property in Ontario can lead to significant legal and financial consequences under municipal by-laws and property standards. If a raccoon infestation poses health or safety hazards or causes damages to neighbouring properties, the property owner could face orders to resolve the issue, fines of up to $50,000, and costs for municipal cleanup work. This may vary by municipality.

Understanding the Vacant/Abandoned Property Raccoon Problem

Here are the main reasons why vacant and abandoned properties attract raccoons:

• Warmth 
  Even without a running furnace, a vacant building offers a considerably warmer environment than the outdoors. Raccoons make use of HVAC vents, attic spaces and roof insulation to keep cozy.
  
  
• Shelter
  A protected space with no human activity - what's not to love? Any four walls offer protection and safety from the elements as well as predators.
  
  
• Food sources nearby
  Since most of these vacant buildings are in populated areas with residential homes and restaurants nearby, garbage bins, and dumpsters can provide tasty treats to hungry raccoons.
  
  

Common Raccoon Entry Points in Vacant Properties

In addition to the usual structural defects that raccoons exploit to gain access to a building, an abandoned home or business may also have other vulnerabilities, with no one to notice them.

• Open or Damaged Vents: Loose, damaged, or uncapped roof vents, plumbing vents, and exhaust vents.
• Foundation Gaps: Cracks in the foundation or gaps where pipes and utility lines enter the building.
• Unsealed Doors and Windows: Broken windows, doors with faulty seals, or propped-open garage doors or loading docks.
• Structural Damage: Existing holes in the roof, siding, or soffits from previous neglect or weather events.
  
  

Types of Properties Targeted by Raccoons

Remember that raccoons are highly intelligent - they observe and learn. They'll see and remember where there seems to be no human traffic and take that as an invitation to move in. For example: 

• Residential: Vacant houses, homes undergoing renovation, or seasonal properties like cottages.
• Commercial: Unoccupied retail spaces, empty office units, and warehouses.
• Industrial: Unused factory buildings, sheds, or outbuildings on a larger property.
• Building Projects: New construction projects, halted for the winter months or abandoned altogether.
  
  

Who Is Affected by Winter Raccoon Infestations?

• Homeowners & Landlords
  A prolonged raccoon infestation incurs damages, costly repairs, and reduces the resale value. This is one big reason why winter raccoon control in Toronto is a must. 
  
  
• Property Managers
  A raccoon infestation comes with liabilities if tenants or workers still on the property are exposed to health risks.
  
  
• Investors / Realtors
  Raccoon infestations delay sales and reduce property value.
  
  
• Municipalities
  Abandoned community or public housing properties can attract infestations and complaints.
  
  

Challenges of Raccoon Infestations in Vacant Properties

• Delayed Discovery
  Infestations often go unnoticed for weeks or months, allowing the problem to become severe before any action is taken.
  
  
• Extensive Damage
  The prolonged residency of raccoons in an undisturbed location results in more widespread and costly damage to insulation, wiring, and structural elements.
  
  
• The "Trap-Shy" Problem
  If an amateur or inexperienced company has attempted removal in the past, the raccoons may have become "trap-shy" and much harder to catch, requiring a more advanced approach.
  
  
• Biohazard Accumulation
  A long-term den site will have a large accumulation of feces, which is a major health risk and requires professional biohazard cleanup.
  
  
• Legal & liability risks
  Neighbors or new tenants may sue for exposure.
  
  

Tips to Prevent Winter Raccoon Infestation in Vacant Places

• Regular property inspections
  Conduct weekly walk-throughs during the winter months. Look for warning signs such as a raccoon nest in an abandoned house on your property.
  
  
• Secure all entry points
  Cap roof vents and chimneys, repair broken windows and doors.
  
  
• Seal garbage & food sources
  Remove waste and ensure that there are no outdoor food attractants for raccoons or other wildlife.


• Winterize vacant properties
  Hire professionals to seal off any potential access areas.
  
  

Steps to Take When an Infestation is Suspected

• Look for warning signs: noises, droppings, damaged vents, and foul, musky odors.
• Do not attempt DIY trapping. It's illegal to relocate captured animals more than 1 km away in Ontario and released raccoons will almost certainly return.
• Avoid sealing entry points if you suspect raccoons in the building to prevent trapping them inside.
• Call Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control who can legally provide permanent removal to get rid of raccoons in vacant properties.
  
  

Permanent Raccoon Removal for Abandoned Properties

The Hawkeye Advantage: Hawkeye is the only company in the GTA that can permanently remove raccoons by humane trapping and euthanasia, guaranteeing that the animal will never return. This is the ideal solution for vacant properties where repeat problems are unacceptable.

Our Step-by-Step Process: 

1. Humane Trapping: Strategic placement of humane traps to safely capture the raccoons.
2. Permanent Removal: The definitive, humane euthanasia process that ensures the problem is solved for good.
3. Exclusion and Repair: Permanent sealing of all entry points with industrial-grade materials to prevent future infestations.
4. Sanitization: A professional biohazard cleanup to remove all contaminated materials and sanitize the area.
   
   

When to Call Raccoon Removal Professionals

• Immediate action is required if you spot droppings, nesting materials, or damage.
• If the property is about to be listed for sale, rented, or occupied.
• If multiple raccoons are suspected (families/nesting).
• If repairs are needed (roof, vents, insulation cleanup, biohazard sanitation).
  
  

Who Is Responsible for Raccoon Removal in Vacant Properties?

• Private homeowners / landlords are legally responsible for pest control and property safety.
• Property management companies are accountable to tenants and owners.
• Real estate investors are responsible for ensuring properties are pest-free before sale.
• Municipalities must address infestations in government-owned or abandoned buildings.
  
  

Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control

If you suspect a raccoon invasion in your vacant home or building in the GTA, don't delay. Minimize the risks of property damage, health hazards, and liability and call Hawkeye today for permanent, legal raccoon removal removal in Toronto and surrounding areas. We guarantee that the animals we remove will never return.

Hawkeye's raccoon removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Pickering, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga.

Related Articles: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/raccoon-infestations-in-oakville