Unsanitary conditions are a problem in any scenario - but when it comes to medical facilities, they are downright dangerous and can even be life threatening.  Etobicoke, like many areas across the GTA, has seen a stark increase in raccoon population and activity, and medical clinics and healthcare facilities are no exception.

Sensitive environments like doctor's offices, health clinics, hospitals, or medical labs have to have zero tolerance for wildlife presence due to the extreme health, hygiene, and legal risks. The potential consequences of introducing pathogens in these places and around people with already compromised immune systems or general health are unthinkable.

Read on and learn how to get rid of raccoons around these and other facilities in Etobicoke - from simple trapping and releasing to permanent raccoon removal. Other Toronto area wildlife control services for healthcare buildings cannot offer the option of permanent removal - but Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control can and does.

Why Medical Clinics and Childcare Buildings Attract Raccoons

• Architecture
  Medical buildings often feature older rooftops, ceiling tiles, or HVAC openings and offer easy entry points for raccoons and other wildlife;
  
  
• Food Availability
  Medical waste bins, food storage, and kitchen areas attract raccoons;
  
  
• Human Traffic
  Lower activity in the evenings and during weekends makes these buildings perfect for nesting;
  
  
• Hidden Areas
  Crawlspaces, attics, and drop ceilings offer warm, quiet nesting zones.
  
  

Hidden Dangers of Raccoons in Healthcare Facilities

• Biohazard Concern
  Raccoon feces contains Baylisascaris procyonis (roundworm), Leptospirosis, and other parasites, which can infect and greatly endanger immunocompromised patients;
  
  
• Infection and Contamination
  Hair, urine, and fleas easily contaminate sterile areas and equipment;
  
  
• Chewed Medical Wiring
  Raccoons can cause a lot of damage to healthcare facilities, including chewed wiring, which can impact patient monitoring or life-safety systems;
• Disruption of Daily Operations
  Noise and odor can interrupt clinical care and nap hours;
  
  
• Regulatory or Legal Implications
  The presence of raccoons leads to increased risk of public health inspections, fines, or temporary shutdowns.
  
  

What’s at Stake – Health, Compliance & Public Trust

• Public Health Ontario can shut down facilities if contamination or wildlife risk is observed;
  
  
• Patients may report facilities for unsafe conditions;
  
  
• Insurance rarely covers wildlife-related contamination or closures;
  
  
• Your reputation is at risk, especially in regulated industries where safety and cleanliness are mandatory.
  
  

Why Temporary Fixes Don’t Work in Regulated Facilities

Pickering and Ajax are two communities located only half an hour east of Toronto and known for some of the best hiking and cycling trails, lush ravines, and a beautiful waterfront. Forested neighbourhoods near Rouge Park, Altona Forest, or Duffins Creek Valley offer charm and an almost rural feel but they also act as natural raccoon highways, bringing animals from the wild to residential and commercial areas—especially in the fall as raccoons seek warm dens for overwintering.

Due to loss of habitat and their incredible intelligence and adaptability, raccoons don't stay in the forest - they move into your home.

Why Fall Triggers Raccoon Infestations from Green Spaces

Survival Instinct

Fall is the season to prepare for long and often harsh Ontario winters.  Here's what raccoons are looking for:

• Warm and secure shelter to build a winter den;
  
  
• Consistent food sources, often provided by unwitting humans (garbage, compost, outdoor pet food, etc.).;
  
  
• Quiet places with little human interference; this could be garden sheds and other outbuildings, attics, storage units, or under decks and porches;
  
  

The Urban-Forest Edge Effect

Neighbourhoods that border ravines are highly attractive due to the availability of water, seclusion, and food. Raccoons are rather opportunistic creatures and much prefer a quick and easy meal over one that needs to be chased down. Hence, they have learned to appreciate human offerings and view areas near the forest edge as ideal habitats.

Raccoon Hotspots in Pickering: High-Risk Ravine-Edge Zones

Residents and property managers in the following areas see a stark increase in raccoon activity once autumn has arrived:

Rougemount / Highbush

• Proximity to Rouge National Urban Park and a natural wildlife refuge;
• Older homes, featuring large lots and mature trees;
• Raccoons can easily access rooftops via fences and branches.
  
  

Altona Forest / Amberlea

• Homes and schools are bordering dense forest;
• Green bins, school dumpsters, and open vents make for  common entry points;
• We receive many reports of raccoons entering attic crawlspaces.
  
  

West Shore / Bay Ridges

• Close to Frenchman’s Bay and marshland trails;
• Ideal for raccoons nesting under sheds, decks, or boathouses.
  
  

Duffins Creek Corridor

• New developments + preserved lands = wildlife mixing with homes;
• Commercial developments near hydro corridors and wooded lots are also affected.
  
  

Why Raccoons Easily Move Between Ravines and Homes

• Unlike skunks or groundhogs, raccoons are motivated and agile climbers: They use fence lines, tree branches, and even utility poles to cross from ravines into backyards and rooftops;
  
  
• Raccoons are also clever and strong and readily rip soffits, pry open vents, and dislodge shingles to gain access to homes.
  
  
• Temporary exclusion methods fail when there’s a ready refuge in nearby woods.
  
  

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. 

The Grim Discovery: Guided by a pungent, sickly-sweet odor or an unusual abundance of flies, you find yourself staring down at a dead raccoon on your property. What to do?

A raccoon carcass is more than a nuisance; it is a concentrated source of bacteria, parasites, and infectious disease that requires immediate, specialized handling. 

Waterfront communities enjoy direct access to Lake Ontario, beautiful scenery, spectacular sunsets, and all of the activities a lake offers. But, as much as we humans enjoy hanging out by the water, so does the local wildlife population. That's why residents and businesses around Lake Ontario experience frequent wildlife interactions, with raccoons being among the most persistent nuisance animals affecting shoreline properties.

Unlike many suburban raccoon infestation sites, Lake Ontario properties often present unique environmental and structural challenges that can make raccoon removal complicated. Although every property is unique (and warrants a unique raccoon control approach), communities such as the Toronto waterfront, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton (lakefront areas), Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, or Pickering  often face similar raccoon management challenges due to their proximity to shoreline habitats.

Poultry farmers beware: If a raccoon has entered your poultry area once, it will return - again and again. Without intervention, your birds will be under constant attack.

Aside from the obvious draw of a smorgasbord of tender birds eggs, and feed, poultry farms are ideal targets for raccoons as they are often found amid a mix of urban and rural landscapes and offer access from  ravines, wooded areas, and drainage corridors. Added shelter provided by coops and barns makes your poultry farm a targeted feeding zone.

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.
  
  

The golf course is a wonderful place to enjoy and relax - unfortunately, raccoons agree. Especially when we freely offer access to water, shelter, and often food as well. What's not to love?

If you manage a golf course in the GTA you won't be terribly pleased with the damages to turf, sand bunkers, and the overall landscaping destruction in the wake of a raccoon invasion. Your best option will be to seek the expertise of a wildlife professional for humane long-term raccoon removal solutions.

Why Do Raccoons Target Golf Courses?

Raccoons are intelligent and adventurous night dwellers. A well-designed and well-maintained golf course checks all the boxes for an animal that prefers a quick and easy meal and plenty of ready-made shelter opportunity.

• Abundant Food Sources: Golf courses offer grubs, worms, garbage bins, and outdoor dining areas.

• Shelter Opportunities: Clubhouse attics, maintenance sheds, underground drainage, and nearby wood offer perfect shelter and den space.

• Water Sources: Ponds, lakes, fountains and irrigation systems can easily be used and exploited by raccoons.

• Low Nighttime Activity: Raccoons thrive at night when golf courses are empty.

Common Entry Points Raccoons Use in Golf Courses

Identifying where exactly raccoons enter the golf course and which routes they travel will help plan effective exclusion strategies. Here are some areas to be aware of:

• Structural: Clubhouse attics, roof vents, crawl spaces, and maintenance sheds are accessed by exploiting structually weak points in the roof or facade. It's quite amazing how small an opening can allow a raccoon to enter a building.

• Ground-Level: Storm drains, culverts, and irrigation systems are popular hangouts and access points for raccoons.

• Natural Cover: Tree lines, the wooded edges of fairways, and tall shrubs near ponds provide perfect cover.

Common Signs of Raccoon Activity on Golf Courses

If raccoons have already invaded your golf course, there’ll be signs:

• Torn-up sod and turf patches from digging for grubs;

• Overturned trash bins from and food scraps or garbage scattered near clubhouses;

• Paw prints and droppings near water hazards or sand traps;

• Shredded insulation, exposed wiring, or rripped open oof vents.

Any of the above signs must not be ignored. Now is the time to intervene to minimize long-term damages.

Risks of Ignoring Raccoon Infestations in Golf Courses

If you ignore the presence of raccoons on the golf course or in clubhouse areas, you’ll face several risks:

• Turf Management Costs: Replacing or repairing grass repeatedly.

• Health & Safety Risks: Rabies, leptospirosis, or roundworm that is present in raccoon droppings. 

• Liability Issues: Club members, guests, or staff encountering aggressive raccoons if wandering too close to a den with raccoon kits.

• Attraction of Other Wildlife: Open trash areas are attractive to skunks and foxes as well. The presence of raccoons may also invite larger predators like coyotes.

What if Golfers Encounter a Raccoon on the Course?

If golfers encounter a raccoon on the course, here’s what they should do:

• Stay calm and do not approach.

• Avoid offering food or trying to scare it away aggressively.

• Alert staff immediately so the sighting can be documented.

• If the raccoon appears sick, injured, or unusually bold (possible rabies), golfers should keep distance and call for staff support right away.

Raccoon Safety Measures for Staff Members

Golf course staff members should always take precautions when dealing with raccoons and their aftermath:

• Always wear gloves and protective gear when cleaning areas with raccoon droppings.
• Use proper disinfectants to reduce parasite and bacteria risks.
• Never attempt bare-handed raccoon trapping or handling.
• Train maintenance crews to recognize signs of raccoon latrines, which carry high health risks.
• Establish a reporting protocol for raccoon sightings or damage.
  
  

How to Get Rid of Raccoons on Golf Courses

Because the environment of a golf course offers so many advantages to wildlife and cannot be altered, raccoon removal is the only way to get rid off raccoons. But, once the raccoons are removed, it is important to then work on making the environment less inviting for other animals.

Conduct a Professional Site Assessment

Bringing in a professional wildlife control team is the best way to evaluate the problem. It's important to evaluate turf areas, water sources, garbage management, and structural entry points to see where raccoons might be gaining access and what might need to be modified. Also, installing and using tracking and motion cameras can give you and the professionals you hire a better picture of what’s happening on the property at night in terms of raccoon behaviour.

Habitat Modification

Again, there's not a whole lot of landscape modification that wouldn't also take away from the purpose and enjoyment of a golf course. However, you should consider removing easily accessible food sources such as trash bins, or securing them with tight-fitting lids (you can even use bungee cords). You should also take steps to reduce natural food sources - consider eco-friendly turf treatments to address grub infestations.

Humane Removal Methods

When dealing with a raccoon problem on the golf course, trapping and relocation is generally the go-to method. However, the law only allows release of trapped wildlife within one kilometre of the capture site. The drawback of this is that raccoons will literally turn around and come right back. They have excellent homing instincts and regard the golf course as home.

Permanent raccoon removal entails the humane trapping of offending raccoons and licensed euthanasia. This is the only solution with a guarantee that the animal won't return.

Techniques for Raccoon Exclusion on Golf Courses

It’s crucial to not only remove raccoons from buildings and other structures around the golf course, but also to take steps to prevent them from getting back in:

• Install one-way exclusion doors for raccoons already inside structures.
• After the raccoons are removed, seal all structural deficits in maintenance sheds, vents, and crawl spaces.
  
  

Raccoon Deterrent Systems 

There are some systems suggested to deter raccoons from frequenting the property, but these are mostly ineffective.

• For example, motion-activated sprinklers or lights to discourage raccoons at night may work for a couple of days but raccoons are intelligent and learn to ignore them quickly.

• Ultrasonic deterrents will also be ignored once raccoons realize that there is no physical threat.

• Guard dogs might be effective at first, but they would have to patrol the golf course throughout the night. We’ll explore this option further below.

Protecting Golf Course Ponds from Raccoons

Raccoons are attracted to ponds for water and aquatic life. They may contaminate water with droppings, which can affect irrigation systems and pose significant health risks.

Pro Tips:

• Reduce food attractants near pond edges (don’t let garbage or food waste accumulate).

• Regularly test pond water for contamination if raccoons are active nearby.

Can Golf Courses Keep Trained Dogs to Scare Away Raccoons?

Some golf courses already employ trained dogs (commonly border collies or shepherd breeds) to manage geese, and a similar strategy can be considered for raccoons. This raccoon deterrent option has both benefits and limitations.

Benefits:

• Dogs act as a natural predator presence, discouraging raccoons from returning.

• They can patrol turf areas at night when raccoon activity is highest.

• Dogs can provides a humane, non-lethal method of control.

Limitations:

• Professional training is required so that the dogs don’t harm wildlife but rather only scare them off

• Canine night patrols need dedicated handlers or staff — not a “set and forget” method.

• Because of the size of golf courses, you'll need a good number of dogs to make the area seem less appealing overall to pesky critters

• Dogs may be less effective against raccoons that are highly habituated to human activity.

Best Practices:

If a golf course wants to employ this deterrent option effectively, there are some best practices to follow:

• Use trained dogs as part of an integrated control program (not as the only solution).

• Combine this strategy with exclusion, turf grub treatment, and secure waste management.

• Always consider animal welfare and staff safety when implementing.

In addition to their environmental impact, mature trees are valuable landscape features on residential, commercial, municipal, institutional, and rural properties in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Trees also provide shelter to many species of local wildlife, including raccoons. Unfortunately, once a raccoon begins using a tree cavity as its nest, it may will likely return season after season and cause a great deal of damage to structures and landscape.

How you manag tree-nesting raccoons depends on when the problem is discovered. Inspecting your trees reguarly can prevent raccoons from moving in before it's too late.

Many warehouses in Vaughan (and in fact, all across the GTA) attract the attention of raccoons and other urban wildlife. Never ending nooks and crannies to hide out in, easy access in and out, and often even a built-in self-serve buffet make for very adequate accommodations all year round.

Why Raccoons Should Not be Allowed in Warehouses

Why Do Raccoons Target Warehouses in Vaughan?

• Provision of Shelter
  A warehouse provides ample space, privacy and quiet corners.
  
  
• Food Availability
  Depending on the contents of the warehouse, a meal can come from the inventory itself, or from waste left behind by humans;
  
  
• Easy Access
  Due to the nature of warehouses, it may be virtually impossible to restrict access to local wildlife. In addition to loading docks with roll-up doors raccoons also exploit roof vents and HVAC units to gain access;
  
  
• Climate Control
  When seeking refuge from the elements, raccoons often get to enjoy at least some heat or ventilation, making the inside of a warehouse much more attractive than the harshness of the outside world. It stands to reason that warehouse occupation increases in late fall.
  
  

How to Detect a Raccoon Presence in Your Warehouse

Unless you actually see the animal, you may not be sure what you're dealing with. Here are some things to look for if you suspect a raccoon infestation:

Listen for Raccoon Noises

Granted, it may not be easy to hear anything in a busy warehouse. But when machinery shuts down and workers have left, pay attention to rustling and thumping overhead in the rafters or ceiling as well as behind boxes and in corners. 

Check out Electrical Issues

Have a close look at the condition of wiring and check if wires look chewed and/or frayed. As female raccoons prepare birthing dens, they frequently move wires or sever them to make room.

Look for Displaced Insulation

Also in pursuit of the ideal den location, insulation is often moved or destroyed.

Notice Raccoon Droppings

Pay attention to droppings on the floor, near dock doors, or smells of urine or feces.

Perform Regular Inspections

It's a good idea to inspect less-accessed areas regularly. Storage lofts, rafters, above ceiling tiles, or seldom used maintenance rooms. Additionally, the use of motion sensor cameras or thermal imaging devices can help with raccoon detection.

In our digital age, a single guest video of a raccoon on a hotel balcony or near a buffet can go viral, causing a resort or hotel irreversible brand damage and reputational suicide. And raccoons nesting in hotels or resort facilities? Talk about a disaster.

The hospitality industry is a huge magnet for opportunistic urban raccoons. Hotels and resorts offer 24/7 food availability, heated structures, and complex landscaping. That’s why immediate, discrete, and professional raccoon removal for resorts, hotels, and other vacation properties is so critical.

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 Controlat 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.

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.

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the licensed company in Canada offering permanent raccoon removal, unlike temporary deterrents or the endless cycle of trap and release.

Quick FAQs Related to Raccoon Control for Lawns

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. 

Raccoons are probably the most common nuisance wildlife species affecting GTA properties. After all, we don't call Toronto the raccoon capital of the world for nothing.

Residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, and institutional properties can all experience the same recurring raccoon problems. Many property owners assume relocating a raccoon automatically solves the issue as this is common practice employed by most wildlife control companies.

The weeks leading up to spring are not "off-season" for raccoons - quite the opposite. It's mating season! While the GTA is still frozen, raccoons are at their most active briefly abandon their life of solitude. This is the time you might see groups of raccoons as males compete for mating partners and females begin scouting for maternity dens in short order.

Don't wait until you hear scratching in late March or April and find an established nursing den within your walls. Proactive planning before spring allows property owners to identify vulnerabilities before kits are born, saving thousands in repair and biohazard costs. Raccoon prevention before spring is far more effective and far less expensive than dealing with a maternity den in April.

The GTA Greenbelt is one of the largest protected natural landscapes in the Greater Toronto Area, so it’s home to a great variety of local wildlife, including raccoons.

Living or operating near protected natural areas offers many benefits but also increases wildlife encounters. Homes, farms, golf courses, estate properties, conservation facilities, schools, and businesses bordering greenbelt lands often experience recurring raccoon issues. Properties near the greenbelt face challenges that are quite unique compared to those in more urban centres. This article will explore the raccoon issues in the GTA Greenbelt and ways to circumvent them.

Decorative flower pots, planters, and ornamental landscaping add beauty and curb appeal to residential and commercial properties.

Unfortunately, raccoons and other local wildlife often disturb these areas even when they are not eating the plants. Damage can become particularly frustrating when newly replanted flowers and professionally maintained landscapes are disturbed repeatedly.

Understanding why raccoons target ornamental landscapes can help you choose which prevention methods to use and determine when professional raccoon removal is necessary. Moreover, if you are seeing raccoons digging in flower pots, planters, or landscaped beds, understanding what attracts them can help you address the underlying problem.

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.

Raccoons are opportunistic nocturnal feeders that prefer low-effort and widely available food sources. That's why we see such a widespread increase in urban raccoon population, particularly during the winter months.

Commercial food storage areas are at a higher risk of raccoon infestations because of the availability and easy access to large quantities of food. While raccoons pose a number of issues in any urban setting, the consequences at food storage facilities are greatly multiplied. Such consequences include product contamination, health hazards, property damage, and legal liabilities.

Once a raccoon infestation is suspected or confirmed, it is vital to call in a professional, licensed commercial raccoon removal service for immediate and permanent results.

FAQs: Raccoons in Food Storage Areas

Q: Will the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) fine us if they find raccoon droppings?

A: Indeed, raccoon droppings are a serious sanitation issue, evidence of failure in a company's pest control measures and subject to fines and other penalties. Here's what the Government of Canada states on this issue: "When businesses fail to comply with their obligations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations with respect to ensuring the safety of food, the CFIA has several enforcement tools at its disposal such as monetary penalties and suspending or cancellation of licences."

Q: Does the presence of a raccoon mean we have to stop operations?

A: Not necessarily, but a full shut down is a possibility. Immediate action is required. Contact a professional wildlife removal service at once. Depending on the area of infestation and product damage, you may need to shut down part of your operations or will have to put in place expanded quality control measures.

Q: Can raccoons nest inside pallets or storage containers?

A: Yes, raccoons can turn any dark and quiet crevasse into a den. Areas with little human traffic are most at risk.

Q: How can raccoons affect refrigerated or frozen stock?

A: Raccoons are notorious for chewing wires. Your refrigeration units may be at risk of malfunction or even become a fire hazard.

Q: What material should we use to seal entry points to prevent chewing?

A:Heavy-duty hardware cloth or other wire mesh should be used in addition to (over or under) the original building materials. Always contact a professional contractor for repairs.

Q: Are there early warning signs unique to commercial facilities compared to residential properties?

A: The warning signs of raccoon presence are universal. They include scratching or thumping noises, foul and musky odours, feces, and raccoon tracks (paw prints).

Q: Can raccoons access multiple floors or storage zones in a large facility?

A: Raccoons can absolutely gain access to an entire building in no time at all. They are avid climbers and surprisingly nimble, given their size.

Q: We use bulk raw materials (grains, feed). Are raccoons attracted to clean, sealed bags?

A: It isn't the bags that attract raccoons... it's their content. Raccoons have an extremely well-developed sense of smell and grains are a welcome addition to their diet.

Q: What safety precautions should staff take if raccoons are discovered?

A: If raccoon feces has been discovered, do not touch! Call a professional raccoon control company such as Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control to remove the animals and latrine(s). Until their arrival, it is advisable to use PPE including masks and gloves.

Q: Are baby raccoons common in commercial storage areas?

A: Yes, commercial storage areas offer ample space and often privacy to new or expectant mothers. You may hear distinct cooing or crying sounds, especially at nighttime.

How often should commercial facilities inspect for raccoon activity?

A: Commercial facilities should be inspected on a monthly basis. Staff should also be encouraged to report any signs or unusual noises as soon as they notice them.

Q: How much does permanent raccoon removal cost for commercial properties in the GTA?

A: Rates for permanent raccoon removal in commercial settings will vary and depend on the number of traps and number of visits by a technician needed. Services start at $225.

Q: What long-term monitoring is recommended after professional removal?

A: After raccoons have been removed from the area and all repairs have been completed, it is important to reduce any spillage or waste so as not to attract other animals. Doors should be kept closed whenever possible and monthly inspections should follow.

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.