How to Get Rid of Raccoons Living Under Brick Walls

You've heard of raccoons in attics and sheds - but, did you know that they also burrow under brick walls and structures?

While many people are quite familiar with seeing raccoons in trees and consequently believe them to be excellent climbers, their ability to burrow under brick walls and foundations is a lesser known fact. Naturally occurring hollows are actually a preferred den location for raccoons. Recently, there have been a number of wildlife service calls dealing with getting rid of raccoons from under brick walls in the Aurora and Newmarket areas. Trapping and relocation in general has a very low rate of long term success, as raccoons tend to turn around and come right back. Let's look at how to spot a raccoon making a home beneath your brick wall or structure and what can be done about that.

Why Brick Walls Are a Raccoon Magnet

Again, hollow spaces, whether natural or man-made, make for wonderful raccoon dens. They are usually in locations with low traffic and low light and provide shelter from the elements. Raccoons are nocturnal and most active between the hours of dusk and dawn, while their days are mostly spent snoozing away.

Residential Structures

• Brick skirting/foundation on older homes
  Older homes in particular often have more brittle foundations, something that is easily exploited by a determined raccoon;
  
  
• Brick facades with gaps at ground level
  Of course, any structure with gaps that can be extended (if need be) also fits that bill.;
  
  
• Low exterior walls near gardens or compost bins
  Again, any space that affords protection and camouflage from above makes for a fine raccoon home. Added bonus, if such a space is located near human food sources.
  
  

Commercial/Institutional Sites

• Brick retaining walls in parking lots or walkways
  No different than in residential areas, a space below a retaining wall offers shelter and safety from predators;
  
  
• Hollow brick walls with access behind signage or utility boxes
  The less traffic, the better - and both signage and utility boxes don't see a whole lot of foot traffic;
  
  
• Wall cavities near garbage storage areas (restaurants, schools, etc.)
  Any space close to food disposal is perfect for the urban, opportunistic raccoon.
  
  

Identifying Raccoon Activity Under Brick Walls

Signs to Look For

• Visual Sightings
  Observing raccoons entering or exiting from gaps or openings at the base of brick walls, especially at dawn or dusk eliminates any ambiguity;
  
  
• Audible Clues
  You may be able to detect scratching, rustling, or vocalizations (chattering, whistling, or whining) emanating from under the wall;
  
  
• Paw Prints 
  In soft, sandy, or dusty soil or after heavy rain or snowfall, you may notice raccoon tracks near potential entry points;
  
  
• Droppings and Urine
  Look for an accumulation of fecal matter and the distinct odour of urine near the base of the wall or around entry points;
  
  
• Damage to Vegetation
  Soil may be disturbed and plants may be damaged near a brick wall where raccoons have built their den;
  
  
• Sagging or Shifting Bricks
  While potentially due to other factors, persistent digging underneath a wall can contribute to minor structural shifts;
  
  
• Unusual Pet Behaviour
  Observe your pets' behaviour along brick walls - this may well be a clue as to the location of raccoons nesting under brick walls.
  
  

Where to Inspect

• Foundation Walls
  Pay close attention to the perimeter of your home's foundation, looking for cracks, gaps, or missing mortar near ground level. A number of wildlife species like to dig around foundations, including raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and groundhogs;
  
  
• Retaining Walls
  Check for openings at the base or between sections of retaining walls, especially where they meet the ground;
  
  
• Porch Skirting
  Brick skirting around porches can have gaps or holes that give access to lovely hollow spaces;
  
  
• Garden Walls and Planters
  Brick walls forming garden beds or decorative features can offer denning sites underneath in addition to bug and grub activity.
  
  
• Areas with Erosion
  Water erosion can create voids under brick walls that raccoons can exploit. This is especially true for sand stone foundations.
  
  

Why Are Raccoons Under Brick Walls So Difficult to Remove?

Location

Aside from the obvious challenge in terms of access and difficulty with trap placement, there may well be escape tunnels leading to neighbouring properties.

Trapping Mothers and Kits

As with all wildlife removal, there needs to be absolute certainty that either there is just one animal present or, if this is a mother and her offspring, that all babies are caught together with their mum. Removing the mother and leaving her kits, would leave the babies to suffer a horrible fate. Very young raccoons are 100% dependent on their mother for survival and will die of starvation if left behind.

Repeat Offenders

When trapping and relocating, captured raccoons (and other wildlife) need to be released within 1 km of the trap site. Raccoons have excellent memory and homing instincts and will almost always return to where they are familiar with surroundings and food sources. Relocation often proves a pointless task with the animal(s) returning the same (or next) day. 

Hawkeye's Permanent Raccoon Removal for Under Brick Walls

The only way to ensure a trapped animal will not return is with permanent removal. And then, to make sure that proper exclusion methods are employed and that all existing or potential entry and/or exit points are repaired and sealed.

• Thorough Inspection and Assessment
  Hawkeye wildlife technicians will identify all entry/exit points and the extent of the den network under the brick. This may involve using specialized thermal cameras or tools to pinpoint the animals' location.
  
  
• Strategic and Humane Trapping (if direct access is limited)
  This may entail using one-way exit traps and/or placing traps strategically near identified entry/exit points. Especially, if the animal(s) had been previously trapped and released, this might require patience and expertise.
  
  
• Humane Euthanasia
  Once trapped, the raccoon is handled humanely and euthanized according to legal and ethical guidelines.
  
  
• Decontamination and Sanitation (if necessary)
  Cleaning and disinfecting affected areas, removing contaminated soil, etc. requires proper safety protocols and should be left to the professionals.
  
  
• Thorough Exclusion and Sealing
  Permanently sealing all entry points under the brick wall to prevent future access by other raccoons is a crucial step. This might involve:
  • Filling gaps with concrete or mortar;
  • Adding rebar;
  • Installing heavy-duty wire mesh or screening;
  • Using specialized sealants designed for masonry;
  • Addressing any structural weaknesses that allowed entry.
    
    

Why Choose Hawkeye for Raccoon Removal in Aurora and Newmarket?

Hawkeye's unique qualifications and licenses allow for permanent raccoon removal in Aurora and Newmarket - something other Ontario wildlife agents cannot offer. That said, we treat all wildlife humanely and with dignity. Our company has over 30 years of experience with raccoon removal in Aurora and Newmarket and all of our technicians are licensed trappers.

We are the #1 wildlife removal specialist in the GTA and the only one able to offer permanent raccoon removal.

Preventing Future Raccoon Problems Around Brick Walls

Once the immediate threat has been dealt with, it is important to look ahead and prevent further incidents of raccoons burrowing under walls and structures Here are a some steps you can take:

• Regularly inspection of brick walls for cracks, gaps, or mortar loss.
• Promptly repairing any structural damage.
• Ensuring proper drainage around the foundation to prevent erosion.
• Trimming vegetation near brick walls to limit access.
• Securing any potential food sources near the area.
  
  

Reclaim Your Property from Raccoons Under Your Brick Walls

Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control today and take control of raccoon issues on your property. Whether that is under brick walls, foundations, or structures - or on roofs and in attics. We are here to help diagnose your problem and help you identify areas in need of repair or reinforcement. Call us for customized raccoon removal solutions in Aurora and Newmarket and to find out how to remove raccoons from under your brick walls.

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