Winters in Southern Ontario can be harsh and long. In order to survive, our local wildlife often moves closer to people’s homes and businesses and backyard or commercial structures such as greenhouses. Animals like raccoons seek out shelter, warmth, and food and all of that can be found in residential backyard greenhouses, commercial agricultural greenhouses and nurseries, as well as community or educational garden structures.

The negative and often costly impacts of raccoons invading greenhouses include crop destruction (especially fruits and plants), feces contamination, and structural damage. That’s why wildlife control for greenhouses is so crucial and permanent raccoon removal for horticultural facilities is something that should strongly be considered.

Why Greenhouses Are Raccoon Magnets

• Guaranteed Climate and Shelter
  Greenhouses are kept warm and humid year-round, thus offering an ideal refuge from freezing winter temperatures and wind.
  
  
• Abundant, Accessible Food
  Raccoons are attracted by soft, ripe produce (tomatoes, peppers, berries), potting soil amendments (bone meal, organic fertilizer), and rodent populations thriving on seeds/spills. And then there's garbage or compost bins - those are also very applealiong.
  
  
• Constant Water Source
  Irrigation systems, condensate lines, and humidity trays provide easily accessible fresh water, a critical raccoon attractant, especially during dry seasons.
  
  

How Raccoons Enter Greenhouses

• Plastic/Fabric Cover or Vents
  Raccoons easily tear through the light plastic or screen mesh used on the outer layer of a backyard greenhouse or automated roof or side wall vents.
  
  
• Sliding Door Gaps
  Cold and desperate raccoons exploit worn or damaged seals on large sliding doors used for vehicle/equipment access.
  
  
• Utility/Pipe Tunnels
  They can enter through unsecured maintenance tunnels or gaps where main water lines or heating pipes penetrate the foundation.
  
  

Signs of Raccoon Presence in the Greenhouse

While a slew of small critters are likely to camp out in your greenhouse for the winter, the scope and size of damage you're seeing should give you a good idea of the type of animal sharing your space.

• Disturbed soil, torn plant roots, missing produce.
• Nocturnal noises or tracks near entry flaps.
• Droppings, foul odour, or insulation shredded for nesting.
  
  

Overall, the signs of a raccoon infestation in your greenhouse are similar to those you would look for in your home. Have a look here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/10-tell-tale-signs-you-have-a-raccoon-in-your-home.

Critical Risks of Raccoon Infestation in Greenhouses

Crop Contamination and Financial Loss

Raccoons claw and bite through high-value crops, causing direct product spoilage. Contaminated produce often mandates the disposal of entire rows or benches of plants due to the presence of feces/urine and the risk of rabies transferred by an infected  animal's saliva.

Climate Control Failure

Raccoons nesting near heating elements, fans, or control panels can chew wiring or block airflow, leading to HVAC or ventilation failure. This leads to the risk of overheating, freezing, or improper humidity control, potentially destroying not only the equipment, but also the entire growing environment.

Structure Compromise (Glass/Plastic)

Raccoons scratch and tear the plastic sheeting or seals around glass panes, compromising the greenhouse's thermal envelope. This leads to massive heat loss, increased utility bills, and exposure of the interior to weather.

Regulatory & Liability Exposure

The presence of raccoon feces in a food-producing environment is an immediate health inspection failure (Canadian Food Inspection Agency/local health unit), risking shutdown, fines, and the imposition of strict biohazard cleanup requirements.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of a Greenhouse

• Inspect and reinforce your structure's integrity before winter.
• Use heavy-duty mesh or wire to seal ventilation openings.
• Keep compost and garbage sealed tightly and away from the structure.
• Install automatic lighting or motion sensors to alert you to movement.
• Maintain a clean perimeter—remove all fallen fruits, pet food, or debris.
• Make use of natural deterrents such as strong-scented herbs.
  
  

Rabies continues to spread through Ontario, mainly the Raccoon strain.  Here is an update on the situation on rabies in Ontario from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) as of March 29, 2017.

OMNRF are reporting 1 new case of raccoon strain rabies from the previous week, occurring in a raccoon from Haldimand.  As of March 29, 2017, there have been a total of 295 cases of raccoon strain and 8 cases of fox strain rabies in Ontario. Hamilton has been the hardest his area with a total of 232 cases of Racccoon Rabies.