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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Cottage
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you're lucky enough to own a summer retreat, perhaps in the Muskokas or near any of our seemingly countless, beautiful Ontario lakes, you probably know the sinking feeling of arriving at your cottage for the first weekend of the season, only to be met by the stench of ammonia and the sight of shredded insulation.
Cottages (or camps, as they are often called up north) are prime targets because they remain undisturbed for months, providing raccoons with a high-security, low-risk environment to den and breed. The pantry often remains somewhat stocked and provides for a quick snack and, of course, fresh, clean water is just a few steps away.
For cottage owners around the GTA, a raccoon infestation isn't just a pest problem—it’s a threat to your investment and peace of mind. This article explores why DIY methods almost always fail in remote settings and why Hawkeye’s permanent removal is the only way to secure your getaway for the long term.
Raccoon Removal for Electrical Substations and Power Plants
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Electrical substations and power plants are uniquely attractive to raccoons due to their architecture. These facilities offer, secure, warm, and elevated structures that mimic optimal natural denning sites. Raccoons access the equipment using their exceptional climbing skills and athletic abilities to take advantage of the heat, shelter, and potential food sources found here.
Raccoon infestations in substations and power plants are not just a nuisance issue but a critical infrastructure risk. Even one determined raccoon can cause power outages, costly equipment damage, and pose a safety risk to workers and passersby. A raccoon infestation here is a potential catastrophic failure point for the regional power grid and demands a zero-tolerance mandate. Unlike residential scenarios, raccoon removal for power plants and substations must meet strict safety, compliance, and operational continuity standards.
Read more: Raccoon Removal for Electrical Substations and Power Plants
Permanent Raccoon Removal for Schools & Universities in the GTA
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Schools and universities make for prime raccoon habitats, offering sprawling grounds, abundant food waste from cafeterias and waste bins, and complex architecture such as portables and tunnels. In fact, educational facilities provide everything a raccoon needs to thrive.
The stakes of raccoon infestations are high: Beyond property damage, the presence of raccoons in a school environment introduces severe liability risks, including student safety, public health concerns, and potential closures. This is why campus infestations require a different approach than residential properties. Trapping and relocating almost always fails - it's time to look for a solution that works, including raccoon control for school buildings and grounds that addresses liability, safety, and long-term prevention.
Permanent Raccoon Removal: Learn more or CALL for a free consultation.
Read more: Permanent Raccoon Removal for Schools & Universities in the GTA
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Confined Spaces
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Confined (or small) spaces pose added challenges when it comes to trapping and removing raccoons. Not only may the space be difficult to access and/or too small to set an appropriate trap, but the animal(s) will also be cornered and in a defensive state of mind. Especially when it comes to confined spaces, DIY removal can be down right dangerous, so you should always consult a professional raccoon removal service.
A "confined space" in the context of wildlife includes wall voids, floor joists, crawlspaces, HVAC ducts, and soffit gaps where human access is difficult or next to impossible.
In this article, we'll explore the spaces in which you can expect to find raccoons and removal solutions ranging from relocation to permanent raccoon removal.
How Small of a Space Can a Raccoon Fit into?
We think of raccoons as roly-poly, lumbering critters and often underestimate their agility and flexibility; this is particularly true when it comes to squeezing into tight openings. In reality, raccoons can access openings of four to five inches in diameter.
How Raccoon Breeding Season Impacts GTA Commercial Properties
- Written by: Dan Frankian
While Toronto and surrounding areas may still be covered in snow and ice in January, raccoon mating season is as little as eight weeks away. Breeding season transforms raccoon activity from occasional intrusion into high-risk occupancy.
Commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings offer warmth, height, and concealment, , making them ideal for raccoon dens. Commercial property managers often underestimate the impact of breeding-season until operations are disrupted or worse, halted.
Raccoon breeding season isn't just a pest issue; it's a high-stakes liability and structural emergency that requires immediate, permanent action.
Note that this article focuses on commercial, institutional, and municipal properties, not single-family homes.
Read more: How Raccoon Breeding Season Impacts GTA Commercial Properties
Permanent Raccoon Removal in Winter (GTA)
- Written by: Dan Frankian
As temperatures drop below freezing and natural foraging is inhibited by snow and ice, raccoons enter a state of prolonged periods of sleep (called torpor), turning attics and crawlspaces into highly sought-after survival shelters.
There is a persistent myth of "it's ok to wait until spring" and that raccoons merely hibernate and will leave on their own accord once the worst of winter is over. In this article, we will discuss why this is approach would be greatly misguided and potentially very costly. Raccoons neither hibernate, nor necessarily move out with warmer weather.
When it comes to humane animal control, the time to act is the minute you discover raccoons in your home - Call Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control at once.
What Actually Happens to Raccoons in GTA Winters
Raccoons Do Not Hibernate
Instead, they enter short periods of torpor. This is a state of reduced activity that involves lowered metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and reduced movement to conserve energy during periods of food scarcity and extreme cold.
Raccoons Are in Desperate Need of Warm Shelter
Cold snaps force raccoons to seek heat-retaining structures, preferably near food and water sources. During Ontario's harsh winter months, raccoons invade:
- Attics, crawlspaces, basements
- Utility rooms, boiler rooms
- Mechanical and service corridors
The modern, urban raccoon's chance of winter survival is actually much higher than its cousin's out in the woods. Both, residential and commercial buildings provide adequate shelter and often easily raided trash bins or dumpsters, bird feeders or outdoor pet food and water bowls. Additionally, larger predators (i.e., coyotes) often avoid areas with frequent human traffic and pose less of a threat to raccoons.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Corn Fields?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Raccoons are among the most destructive wildlife pests affecting corn crops in the GTA. They cause large-scale financial losses due to stalk breakage, kernel removal, and trampled rows.
Corn fields are especially attractive due to the cover provided by tall stalks, sweet corn sugars, and nighttime accessibility, all on large acreage. Traditional raccoon trapping and relocating does not work here as raccoons will almost always return.
Hawkeye’s permanent raccoon removal is legal, ethical, and the only effective long-term solution.
Why Raccoons Target Corn Fields
- Corn provides high-energy food right before winter (late-summer carbohydrate loading).
- Fields are often close to forest edges, barns, irrigation ponds, or abandoned structures.
- Tall stalks are perfect for temporary cover, hiding, and denning.
- Nearby rural dumpsters or livestock feed is easily exploited.
Raccoon Control and Permanent Removal in GTA Parks
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Toronto isn't called the "Raccoon Capital of the World" by accident. But all across the GTA, urban raccoon populations are rising, including in Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Markham. So, raccoon control in Toronto and surrounding areas is serious business.
Why GTA Parks Are Prime Raccoon Habitats
Is there a raccoon problem in our parks? Well, these distinctive animals are present in many parks and green spaces in the GTA and pose safety risks to children, pets, park staff, and community users. Before we get more into the risks and prevention/removal strategies, including whether there are effective raccoon deterrents for parks, let's look at what draws raccoons to our parks and why that is so undesirable:
Read more: Raccoon Control and Permanent Removal in GTA Parks
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Water Treatment Plants
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Water treatment plants (WTPs) and wastewater facilities (WWFs) are mission-critical infrastructure where security and hygiene standards are absolute. Raccoons, seeking shelter and access to water, can compromise this essential barrier, risking mass contamination of the public water supply, extreme regulatory penalties, and critical equipment failure. This situation makes professional wastewater facility raccoon removal essential to maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.
In this article, we'll look at the unique access points, the sevrious public health and regulatory liabilities created by raccoon infestation, and the only guaranteed, high-security method for permanent removal and site hardening.
Why Raccoons Target High-Security Water Facilities
- Guaranteed Water Source
These facilities offer accessible, open water (such as clarifiers, reservoirs, drains) and high humidity levels, which are irresistible to wildlife. Raccoon in particular are drawn to all things water; they prefer to rinse or "wash" their food before consumption and are quite accomplished swimmers. - Warm, Protected Thermal and Utility Shelter
Pump houses are structures housing high-value, heat-generating motors and pumps.
Chemical storage voids offer shelter around chemical tanks and storage areas that trap heat. - Underground Tunnels
Tunnels and pipe chases running beneath the facility allow for undetected movement as well as protection from larger predators. - Vulnerability of Infrastructure
Raccoons exploit necessary gaps in facility security including unsecured manholes, lift stations, and drain gates. - Utility Penetrations
Unsealed openings where electrical conduits or large pipes enter pump houses or administration buildings are easily exploited.
Risks of Raccoons in Water Treatment & Wastewater Facilities
Contamination Risks
Raccoon feces in filtration zones, influent areas, and sludge processing rooms enable parasites like raccoon roundworm & pathogens to enter treatment streams and allow cross-contamination between equipment, catwalks, and chemical handling areas.
Damage to Mechanical & Electrical Infrastructure
Raccoons chewing wiring for pumps, blowers, PLCs, and electrical conduits allow for interference with SCADA systems, sensors, and automation lines.
Damage to UV systems, ozone treatment equipment, chlorination panels, etc. is also possible.
Breach of Regulatory Compliance (Important for Municipal Facilities)
Water treatment is governed by strict municipal/provincial safety regulations, so any wildlife breach can trigger compliance violations, fines, and audits and even cause shutdowns.
Worker Safety Hazards
Intruding raccoons cause issues ranging from aggression near dens (mothers protecting their kits) to rabies & leptospirosis exposure and slip and fall hazards from feces near wet slabs or catwalks.
Disruption of 24/7 Continuous Operations
Raccoons blocking clarifier lanes, secondary room doors, or containment areas can shut down pumps or blowers, resulting in severe downtime and emergency repair costs.
Identifying Raccoon Activity in Water Treatment Facilities
When considering raccoon removal for water treatment plants, managers and operators should look for:
- Disturbed insulation around pipes and tanks
- Damaged or chewed wiring near pumps/SCADA panels
- Tracks around clarifiers or sludge dewatering areas
- Nesting inside blower rooms or chemical storage areas
- Access holes in roof membranes or vents
- Noise, such as scratching or thumping inside ducting or pipe chases
- Pungent, musky smell near warm mechanical rooms
Why Permanent Raccoon Removal Is the Only Effective Solution
Deterrents are rarely successful and relocation often fails in complex facilities with many re-entry points.
- Canada’s wildlife law: Raccoons must be released within 1 km, so the release site may still be on the property and there’s a 99% return rate, especially in plants they’ve mapped.
- Hawkeye has the legal license to trap and euthanize—guaranteeing permanent removal.
Hawkeye's Permanent Raccoon Removal for Water Treatment Plants
- The Hawkeye Permanent Guarantee
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control holds the unique licenses in the GTA for permanent removal (humane euthanasia). This is the only guaranteed way to permanently eliminate the recurring source of contamination and restore security compliance. - High-Security Protocol Requirements
Our trapping, removal, and exclusion work is done under strict security supervision (e.g., photo ID check, controlled entry/exit) to maintain facility bio-security. Meticulous use of double-bagging, specialized PPE, and HEPA-filtered vacuums ensures zero cross-contamination of clean areas and safe disposal of highly hazardous materials. - Permanent Infrastructure Hardening
We advise or offer additional work to ensure the sealing of all utility penetrations and vulnerable access points with robust, long-term materials. - Long-Term Monitoring Programs
We help with monitoring goals and a wildlife management plan for municipal plants, industrial wastewater facilities, and pumping stations. Quarterly or monthly wildlife inspections are available, as is emergency response.
Why Water Treatment Plants Choose Hawkeye
- Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only GTA wildlife agent offering and guaranteeing permanent raccoon removal.
- We have extensive experience with municipal, industrial, and utility infrastructure.
- Our technicians under go ongoing safety-training for chemical plants, confined spaces and hazardous zones.
- We have the expertise and ability to comply with government procurement standards.
- A partnership with Hawkeye protects plant uptime and regulatory compliance.
FAQs for Water Treatment Plant Operations
Q: Can raccoons compromise water quality test results at treatment facilities?
A: Yes, raccoon feces in the water will absolutely compromise test results. Raccoon waste contains various pathogens and bacteria, including E. coli and the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).
Q: Can raccoons access clarifier bridges or floating equipment?
A: Raccoons can absolutely access these types of equipment, particularly if they're located close to the water. Despite their rolly-polly appearance, raccoons are very athletic and agile climbers.
Q: Are raccoons attracted to sludge or biosolids areas?
A: Yes, raccoons can be attracted to sludge and biosolids areas if they contain insects, invertebrates (grubs and worms) or other organic matter.
Q: Are raccoons known to enter pump stations or underground valve chambers?
A: Unfortunately, raccoons can enter just about any space that promises shelter from the elements and predators. It's note worthy that they can squeeze through very small openings... much smaller than one might think possible.
Q: Does finding raccoon feces on a pipe access platform require a complete service shutdown? Can raccoon infestations lead to treatment plant shutdowns?
A: A raccoon infestation could potentially lead to a plant shutdown, depending on the severity and company policy. It any case, raccoon feces is considered a biohazard that requires immediate and proper cleanup following specific safety protocols, and the area should be restricted until all cleanup is complete.
Q: Our facility uses chlorine. Will that kill the raccoons if they drink it?
A: Probably not. While large amounts of highly concentrated chlorine would likely be harmful or even fatal to a raccoon, chlorinated water generally won't kill them.
Q: How do we prevent raccoons from digging under the chain-link fence perimeter?
A: The fence needs to be buried at least one foot (12 inches) to deter raccoons from digging. A strand of electrified wire near ground level might also help.
Q: Raccoons are chewing wiring on the pump motor casings. What permanent barrier can be used?
A: You can certainly try heavy-duty wire mesh around sensitive equipment but keep in mind that raccoons are highly intelligent and determined. Chances are that they will find a way.
Q: What is the safest time of day to inspect suspected raccoon areas?
A: If your goal is to actually observe the animal coming or going and map its travel route, evening/overnight is your best bet. If you need to merely find signs of raccoon activity, any time of day will do.
Q: Can raccoons survive in warm pipe galleries or air-handling tunnels?
A: Oh definitely! In fact, these types of spaces make a near perfect winter den!
Protect Your Water Treatment Plant with Hawkeye
Raccoon intrusion into a water treatment facility is an unacceptable safety, public health, and compliance crisis. Due to the catastrophic risks involved, only a definitive, high-security, and permanent solution is viable.
Protect the public water supply and eliminate regulatory risk and contact Hawkeye today for a high-security inspection and the guaranteed, permanent raccoon removal solution.
If you're looking for wildlife control for water treatment facilities, 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:
Raccoon Removal for Airports and Aviation Facilities
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Airports are high-risk environments where wildlife—especially raccoons—can cause severe operational issues and safety hazards with potentially catastrophic outcomes. This makes airport wildlife management a critical component of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
Read more: Raccoon Removal for Airports and Aviation Facilities
