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As autumn approaches and temperatures begin to drop, raccoon behaviour changes noticeably. Instead of simply moving through industrial areas, raccoons begin searching for reliable shelter and food before the harsh Toronto winter arrives. Factories often provide exactly the type of protected structures they need.
Industrial facilities in the Greater Toronto Area see increased raccoon activity in the fall. We most frequently receive call for help from factories and warehouses in:
- Vaughan
- Concord
- Brampton
- Mississauga
- Markham
- Scarborough
- Oakville
- Burlington
- Milton
These areas combine large industrial developments with nearby green spaces, rail corridors, stormwater ponds, hydro corridors, and undeveloped land that support growing raccoon populations.
How Fall Changes Raccoon Behaviour Around Factories
Preparing for winter increases raccoon activity around industrial buildings. The search for long-term shelter is on and food intake increases. Here's what raccoons are seeking out:
- Heated buildings
- Quiet rooftop spaces
- Mechanical rooms
- Utility areas
You may notice Increased nighttime exploration as raccoons expand their search for secure overwintering locations and increasing the likelihood of entering industrial properties. Fall is when family groups will look for larger suitable den sites. While young raccoons become more independent this time of year, they generally spend the first winter with their mother and siblings.
Factory Conditions That Can Complicate Raccoon Removal
Removing raccoons from industrial sites can be challenging due to a number of factors:
- Large building footprints
- Complex roof designs
- Multiple utility penetrations
- Limited access above production areas
- Continuous operations that restrict removal scheduling
Effective wildlife control for factories must account for these operational and structural challenges.
Why Delaying Raccoon Removal Becomes Expensive for Factories
Depending on your facility, raccoons may enter for different reasons and damages may differ. Of course, if you are dealing with any type of food production, immediate action is required. But even if health and safety aren't your biggest concern, consider the following:
- Emergency maintenance costs
- Production interruptions
- Damage to building components
- Employee safety concerns
- Increased cleanup requirements
- More difficult winter raccoon removals
Knowing how to get rid of raccoons before they establish a den can help limit damage and disruption.
Why Fall Raccoon Intrusions Can Become Larger Winter Problems
Temporary shelter can evolve into long-term occupancy and minor entry points become established access routes for raccoons and potentially other wildlife. And once winter is in full swing, access and repairs to affected areas may become more difficult. This is why acting when fall raccoon activity is first noticed is so important.
Early fall raccoon control can help prevent these temporary shelter sites from becoming established winter dens.
Raccoon Control Challenges in Factories
Industrial raccoon control requires a strategy that accounts for the size, layout, and ongoing operations of the facility.
- Large facilities are difficult to secure completely
- Multiple buildings increase complexity
- Industrial operations limit removal windows
- Established raccoons continue using known shelter sites
Building Maintenance and Entry Point Repairs
Routine inspections are a good way to catch raccoon infestations early and point out access points. However, many industrial buildings are difficult or down right impossible to seal up due to the nature of their business and if raccoons have already established a den inside, sealing entry points alone can trap animals inside.
Waste Management Improvements
Good housekeeping practices include frequent garbage disposal and securing bins. No food scraps or waste should be left accessible. Keep in mind that reducing attractants won't remove raccoons already denning on the property.
Motion Lighting and Security Systems
Unfortunately, motion lights yield no promise of keeping raccoons away at all. Raccoons are extremely intelligent and will learn within hours that the lights don't pose a physical threat. They will simply ignore them. Motion-sensor lighting is designed for security—not wildlife management.
Increased Property Patrols
Nighttime patrols can be very useful for identifying raccoon activity.
Seasonal Building Inspections
Seasonal inspections are also valuable for identifying building vulnerabilities before winter. But again, inspections identify risks but do not remove active infestations.
Solution: Hawkeye’s Permanent Raccoon Removal for Factories
For factories needing raccoon removal, acting before winter can help prevent a minor issue from becoming a costly infestation.
Because large industrial buildings are often impossible to seal up tightly to prevent raccoons moving in, removing the animal(s) is the only option. Trapping and relocating the captured animal within 1km often releases the animal still on the property and will almost always result in the raccoon returning.
Why Permanent Raccoon Removal Helps Protect Industrial Operations
Rather than simply relocating raccoons, permanent removal focuses on stopping recurring infestations before winter occupancy becomes established. The animal is removed and will not return. Guaranteed.
Managing Active Dens Before Winter
By addressing raccoon activity in the fall, you can reduce the likelihood of prolonged winter raccoon occupancy and recurring problems.
Permanent Removal Helps Reduce Repeat Factory Intrusions
Permanent raccoon removal stops recurring seasonal activity and disrupts the breeding cycle. It prevents the same animals from having to be removed time and time again and protects your operations long-term.
Why Hawkeye's Permanent Raccoon Removal Is Different
Other wildlife operators focus on relocating raccoons and that means that you will be dealing with the same animal(s) again and again. And, you will incur costs again and again. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only company in the GTA with the legal authority for permanent raccoon removal - Guaranteed.
Permanent removal is not based on relocating nuisance raccoons but designed to prevent the same problem raccoon from returning and protecting your facility and operations. Call Hawkeye to discuss a customized industrial wildlife management plans that fits your unique needs.
Hawkeye's factory raccoon removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Pickering, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga.
