Preventive raccoon control begins with you. Look past the cute little faces and remember that raccoons can bring potential damage and health risks to you and your family. Next time you notice these pests nesting on your property or trying to make their way into your home, contact a reliable raccoon control company in Toronto, such as Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.

Benefits of Preventive Raccoon Control

There are many steps you can take to ensure the safety of your family and pets, as well as protect your property from damage. Consider these preventive measures.

Avoid Damage to Your Property 

From drywall to wires, raccoons can claw and chew their way through most materials found in and around the structure. They can remove roofing and vinyl siding to gain access to a building. Once inside, a raccoon will use insulation and fabric materials to build a cozy nest. Yards are also no match for the critters as they will destroy a garden and lawn to obtain food, such as vegetables or insects. By taking preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of having to make costly repairs to your home and garden.

Health and Safety Concerns

Taking raccoon control methods now can protect people from the risk of becoming infected by disease. Aside from receiving a scratch or bite from a rabid raccoon, you are at risk of roundworm, giardiasis, and salmonellosis, among others. As with all wildlife, raccoons are territorial and will attack if they feel threatened. If any pets or humans get too close, they will lash out and become defensive by biting and scratching. Learn what to do or not to do when an encounter with a raccoon cannot be avoided »

Maintain a Comfortable Living Environment 

When raccoons settle into a home, there can be a great deal of noise erupting as they move throughout the attic or destroy the walls. Raccoons will also growl, hiss, and whimper loudly. Due to their wide options of diet, raccoons can cause unpleasant odours in many different ways, including their urine and feces.

Areas in the Aurora Heights neighbourhood, including the St. John’s Sideroad and Bathurst intersection, offer a mix of mature trees and modern residential layouts, creating a perfect raccoon highway.

Raccoons seeking refuge in detached, semis, and townhouses can cause costly damage to shingles, soffits, and insulation in Aurora Heights homes. In this article we'll discuss Aurora area options for permanent raccoon removal versus the revolving door of standard DIY control or trapping and relocation.

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.

Heart Lake Conservation area with its sprawling green spaces and ravines is home to many wildlife species, including raccoons. They are persistent, territorial and destructive animals that can breach your roof and enter your attic in no time at all. If you lay eyes on one raccoon, your Brampton property is at risk.

Typical raccoon trapping and relocating procedures result in the animals returning repeatedly and compounding damages to your home. The most effective professional raccoon removal in Brampton requires more than trapping alone—it requires identifying entry points, removing denning animals, and preventing re-entry—and provides the option of permanent removal.

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.

With its freezing temperatures and harsh winds, Ontario winter forces raccoons to abandon flexible den habits for a single warm, secure location, creating a high-risk, long-term raccoon infestation in winter, which lasts until spring and beyond. Identifying and addressing these primary dens in the cold months is crucial to preventing structural damage and costly spring repairs.

Raccoon Winter Behaviour in the GTA

After a flurry of activity during the fall months where their focus was on calorie intake, raccoons settle into long winter naps once the snow arrives. Focus is now on staying warm and safe from predators. This behaviour is one of the reasons homeowners and commercial/industrial property managers should search for winter raccoon control earlyin the season, before a raccoon infestation is too entrenched.

• Torpor, Not Hibernation
  Raccoons do not truly hibernate but rather enter a state of torpor—a deep sleep broken by periods of waking. While in this state, their body temperature lowers, and breathing and metabolism slow to conserve energy. They will keep a single, secure den for weeks at a time to conserve energy and survive freezing temperatures.
  
  
• The Thermal Imperative
  During the winter months, raccoons seek out areas with trapped heat (i.e., from the house, equipment, or ground) and maximum wind protection. This commitment to one warm spot makes winter dens extremely destructive.
  
  
• Reduced Activity, Increased Risk
  While they forage less often, raccoonss' activity when inside the den is focused on insulating and securing the perimeter by procuring and using any suitable materials. This often results in severe damage to building insulation, etc.
  
  

Where Raccoons Den in GTA Winters

Where do raccoons usually nest during colder months? Residential, commercial, and industrial properties offer a plethora of options.

• Structural Areas (Warmest Spots):
  
  • Attics:
    Attics are probably the most sought-after spot for raccoons (and other wildlife - think squirrels!) to wait out old man winter. Proximity to chimneys or plumbing stacks and just the rising heat from floors beneath make attics perfect for winter denning. Raccoons access attics through the roof and poorly sealed roof vents.
    
    
  • Chimneys:
    If uncapped, your chimney can provide a dark, contained vertical shelter.
    
    
  • Garage Ceiling Voids:
    The insulated space above an attached garage creates a thermal bridge to the main house/building. It is also safe and enclosed with little to no human traffic.
    
    
• Ground-Level Havens (Insulated Spots): Areas that hold ground heat and are protected from the wind and snow.
  
  • Crawl spaces:
    Crawl spaces underneath a structure provide consistent, moderate warmth.
    
    
  • Window Wells Basement Voids:
    Small, contained pockets near the foundation may also be converted to a winter den.
    
    
  • Sheds/Deck Voids:
    Areas under sheds or decks, especially if the ground is skirted, trap heat and provide sufficient shelter.
    
    
• Commercial Industrial Spots (High-Value Warmth):
  
  • Warehouses and Factories:
    Heat from machinery or HVAC vents attracts raccoons. Low-traffic areas like maintenance rooms should be inspected regularly.
    
    
  • Abandoned or Low-Traffic Buildings:
    Quiet, undisturbed areas still draw furry winter dwellers, even if not actively heated. Raccoons can evade detection for months in abandoned or vacant properties.
    
    
  • Seasonal Businesses and Schools:
    Buildings that are closed for periods of time, such as schools often see raccoon invasions. By the time the animals are detected, it's often too late and significant damage has been done.
    
    
  • Loading Docks:
    Open loading dock doors invite raccoons inside to explore hidden spaces for temporary dens.
    
    
• Natural/Outdoor Denning Spots near Homes:
  • Hollow trees, brush piles, abandoned burrows, woodpiles, and old cars/trucks and machinery also make for suitable raccoon winter dens.
    
    

Hearing bumps and scratches overhead while you're trying to sleep? You might just have a raccoon in your attic. Raccoons look for cozy spots to stay warm and safe, and your attic may just be the perfect place!

Raccoons can be unpredictable and may pose risks if startled or threatened. It's important to keep your distance. This isn't a DIY project — trying to handle a raccoon on your own could be dangerous due to the risk of bites or scratches.

The best action you can take is to call a professional wildlife removal service. They're trained to deal with these situations safely and can help remove the raccoon from your home without anyone getting hurt.

Signs of Raccoons In Attic

Scratching Noises

One of the first signs that you might have a raccoon in your attic is the sound of scratching. Raccoons are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night

 So, if you hear scratching sounds from above while you're trying to sleep, it could be a raccoon. These noises might be from the raccoon moving around, looking for food, or setting up a cozy spot to sleep. Paying attention to where and when you hear these noises can help the professionals figure out where the raccoon might be hiding.

Droppings

Another sign to watch out for is raccoon droppings. These aren't just gross; they can be harmful too. Raccoon droppings might carry diseases that are bad for humans and pets.

They look a bit different from what you’d see from smaller animals like squirrels or rats—raccoon droppings are larger and darker. It’s best to let professionals clean these up because they know how to do it safely and thoroughly.

Insulation Damage

If you venture into the attic and notice some of the insulation is torn up or scattered around, this might be the work of a raccoon.

They often pull apart insulation to make nests. Not only is this damaging your home, but it can also lead to higher energy bills since your attic isn’t keeping heat in as well as it should. Regular checks can help spot this damage early, so you can get it fixed before it becomes a bigger problem.

Remember, the safest way to deal with a raccoon in the attic is to contact wildlife professionals who know how to handle the situation correctly and humanely.

Health and Safety Risks of Raccoons In Your Home

Having raccoons in your attic can be more than just a noisy nuisance; they can actually pose some serious health risks to you and your pets, as well as take a toll on your home.

Diseases

Did you know raccoons often carry diseases that are harmful to humans and animals?

The scariest one is rabies, which is a fatal virus if not treated quickly. Another disease is leptospirosis, which can cause some serious health issues like liver failure or kidney damage.

It’s important for your pets to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, as they could be at risk if they encounter a raccoon.

For us humans, being aware of the symptoms of these diseases can help catch them early. Symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, and feeling tired could be signs of leptospirosis. If you notice these, especially after knowing there’s a raccoon nearby, it’s best to visit a doctor.

Parasites

Besides diseases, raccoons are known to carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and roundworms. These little critters can easily spread to your pets and even to you, leading to itchy bites and other health problems. If raccoons have been in your home, there’s a chance they’ve brought these parasites with them.

To protect your family and pets, consider preventive treatments like flea and tick medication for your pets. If you find signs of parasites in your home, it’s a good idea to get a professional exterminator to take care of the problem before it gets worse.

Structural and other Damage to Your Home

Raccoons can gain access to your attic through many possible locations such as around chimneys, roof vents, loose or missing soffit or fascia. These are all perfect access points for a determined raccoon. Raccoons use their keen sense of smell to locate damp rotting wood. They then target these areas on your roof to gain access to the attic, ripping up shingles and digging through the softened, rotting wood.

Raccoons are also attracted to other weakened areas of your attic because they are able to feel the heat loss from the roof and notice where drafts are coming from. They find these areas and start chewing and ripping their way in. These access holes can end up quite large, some as large as a pizza and they end up destroying the integrity of your attic and your roof, causing leaks and/or floods. One heavy rainfall can lead to a lot of damage to your home.

When raccoons are in your attic they disturb the insulation, either packing it down or moving it around. This leaves open spots in your attic, which diminishes or even eliminates the insulation's effectiveness in keeping your house warm. This can lead to ice damming on your roof, often leading to costly leaks.

Once raccoons are in your attic, they can come in contact with wiring. Wires are vulnerable as they can be easily stepped or pulled on, torn or even chewed, leading to possible shorts in electrical lines, or even worse, fires.

Precautions

To prevent raccoons in your attic in the first place, make sure your home is sealed tight. Check for any holes or gaps in your attic, roof, or basement, and seal them up. Cut back tree branches that may give access to your roof.

Raccoons are clever and can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. Also, keep your trash cans securely closed. Raccoons love to dig through trash looking for a tasty snack.

Since attics are fairly large,  raccoons tend to have both sleeping quarters and latrines (bathroom)  in the attic. Accumulated raccoon poop (feces) and urine damages the ceiling in your home. It doesn't take much for the poop and urine to eat away at the ceiling, resulting in staining in the rooms below, or even collapsing to the rooms below.  This is dangerous because it  can expose your family to serious health risks from the built-up raccoon poop that carries disease and the associated mold that develops from moisture of the raccoon poop and urine. The last things you want on your ceiling are giant yellow stains and brown spots with mold growing around it. Removal of raccoons and their feces/ urine is a specialist job.

When inspecting areas where raccoons might have been, always wear protective gear like gloves and a mask. This helps avoid direct contact with any contaminated materials. Regularly checking and maintaining your home’s exterior can also prevent these critters from making a return visit.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Attic

Getting rid of raccoons can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can reclaim your attic and ensure these critters find a more appropriate home elsewhere.

Identifying Entry Points

First, you need to figure out how those raccoons are getting in.

Check your attic and roof carefully for any gaps, holes, or damaged vents. These could be above windows, near the gutter line, or anywhere materials have broken down. Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners and edges where the roof meets the walls.

Sometimes, using bright lights or even smoke can help you spot airflow paths that indicate less obvious entry points Once you find these gaps, seal them up with durable materials like metal mesh or solid wood that raccoons can't chew through or tear apart.

Securing Trash Cans to Prevent Future Infestations

Raccoons are often drawn to your property in the first place by the smell of food, and trash cans are like a buffet for them. Make sure your trash cans are secure by using lids that lock and, if necessary, strapping them down or adding weights to keep them closed.

If possible, store your trash bins in a locked shed or garage overnight to cut off the food supply and discourage raccoons from hanging around.

Live Trapping

Live trapping is a common method for removing raccoons, but it's important to handle it responsibly. Check your local wildlife regulations to ensure that live trapping is legal, and understand the ethical considerations.

We never recommend live trapping as there are hundreds of ways it could go wrong. Calling up a qualified animal control specialist is the only way you can guarantee proper removal of the raccoon.

Hire a Professional to Use Infrared Cameras

For a less invasive and technologically advanced approach, consider hiring a professional who uses infrared cameras

 These cameras can detect raccoons' heat signatures in your attic, showing exactly where they are active without needing to disturb your home structure too much. This method is especially useful if the raccoon is hiding in hard-to-reach spots.

Hawkeye uses infrared cameras to track and trap raccoons in attics.

Get Regular Inspections

To prevent future invasions of raccoons in the attic, schedule regular inspections with a wildlife control expert. These professionals can spot potential new entry points and signs of infestation early on.

Align these inspections with the seasons when raccoons are most active, typically spring and fall, to ensure your home stays secure year-round.

Keep Your Attic Clean and Clutter-Free

Raccoons look for comfortable spots to nest, and a cluttered attic can provide just that.

Keep your attic tidy and free of unnecessary items where raccoons could hide or nest. Regularly cleaning your attic also reduces the likelihood of raccoons settling in.

Call Up Hawkeye for Humane & Professional Raccoon Removal

If the situation seems overwhelming, it's a good idea to call in the experts. Hawkeye offers humane and professional raccoon removal services.

Contact Hawkeye today to get started!

Do you have a raccoon problem? If so, you are not alone—raccoons are notoriously clever and agile creatures who can quickly make their way into seemingly inaccessible areas of your home. Whether it’s the roof or a window that has been left open, they know how to get in.

But instead of resigning yourself to months of trying to remove them after they already got access, why not focus on preventing them from entering in the first place? In this blog post, we'll be going over some effective ways for you to raccoon-proof your home and keep those pesky critters out for good.

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.

Calls for Raccoon Control and Removal are among the most frequent request in Oakville. Like so many other communities along the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville provides plenty of space and habitat for raccoons to flourish. While the masked bandits are often thought of as just a bit of a nuisance, they actually cause a great deal of damage to properties and structures, as well as pose health risks to humans and pets alike.

Residential Raccoon Damage

• Roofs: Raccoons gaining access to attics through roof vents - leaving behind damaged shingles, vents, 
• Refuse and compost: Raccoons are boisterous animals, making a great deal of noise when carrying out their searches for food and shelter such as when they raid garbage and compost containers in search of food. They often leave behind a considerable mess, which can attract more animals;
• Food left outdoors: Eating food for domestic animals such as pet food and livestock feed plus feed for wildlife such as birdseed;
• In gardens: Especially in gardens containing fruit, tomatoes, melons, berries or sweetcorn, plants are eaten, dug up, or otherwise damaged and tracks and excrement are left behind;
• Raccoons are attracted to lawns and gardens, especially after a rainfall when grubs and larvae are near the surface. They dig small round holes and will repeatedly turn over large swathes of freshly laid sod to un-earth worms, grubs and larvae. This particular type of behaviour is common when other sources of food are less abundant. They may return repeatedly and because of the dexterity of its front paws, the extent of the damage caused by the raccoon is generally greater than skunks.

Raccoon Damage on Farms

• Corn crops: many cobs partially nibbled, with the husks pulled back and the leaves folded downwards. Stalks may be broken as the animal tries to climb to get at the ears;
• Raccoons are alo quite fond of fruit, able to demolish a whole berry patch in no time at all;
• Hen houses and farmyards: The extreme dexterity of their front paws allows raccoons to kill or injure poultry even when the birds are kept inside enclosures or cages, as they try to reach and destroy them through the wire mesh. Poultry are often found with their heads torn off and left a short distance from the body. The neck and breast may be torn open and chewed and the entrails consumed. ; Legs or feet of the young birds may be missing. Pieces of flesh may be found near water. The eggs are often broken lengthwise and the materials used to make the nest are disturbed. Eggs may be removed completely from nests or eaten on the spot with only the heavily cracked shell remaining. Raccoons can also destroy bird nests in artificial nesting structures such as bluebird and wood duck nest boxes.

For Oakville raccoon control and/or raccoon removal contact Hawkeye at 416.429.5393 today!

Why you should call Hawkeye for Raccoon Control and Removal

We GUARANTEE results. We offer PERMANENT solutions above and beyond what other companies can offer.

Hawkeye is the ONLY pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in Canada designated "Certified Wildlife Control Professional" AND holding the following licenses:  

Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals Permit: In contrast to all other companies, we can euthanize the bird or fur bearing animal, thus guaranteeing it will not return.

Falconry Permit: We use Birds of Prey (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles) to scare, chase, or remove in a natural and humane way.

Pest Control License:  We can employ chemical solutions to certain problems. These methods include natural pesticides.

Did you know that Toronto has been dubbed the ‘Raccoon Capitol of the World’? Estimates put Toronto’s raccoon population well over 100,000. Originally from the tropics, raccoons have slowly migrated north and can now be found all over North America - as far north as Alaska, as well as in Europe and even Japan. In fact, Japan is bemoaning many ancient temples being destroyed by raccoons. Raccoons are highly adaptive, both in terms of habitat and food. Scientists have studied raccoons for decades and still aren’t close to fully understanding raccoon behavior. Raccoons are intelligent and highly skilled when it comes to raiding your garbage or gaining entry into your home. Learn how to prevent raccoons from accessing your home or failing that, remove them.

Greater Toronto Area residents may come nose to nose with a raccoon or five more so now, during the fall months, than most other times of year. And while you may be sympathetic to the animals seeking shelter for the upcoming winter months, you definitely do not want that shelter be in your home, shed, or under your deck or roof.

If you are a Brampton resident, chances are that you've made the acquaintance of a raccoon or three. Especially, if you are living near one of Brampton's many lovely parks or green belts, you likely have regular raccoon visitors. In this article we'll explore some common raccoon-related issues, how to spot them, and more importantly how to address the ever increasing raccoon infestation in and around Brampton. 

Common Issues Residents Face with Raccoons in Brampton

Property Damage

• Attics, Roofs, Siding, and Crawlspaces
  Raccoons are excellent climbers and the most efficient route to your attic is through your roof. Not only will they tear up your roof shingles, drainage systems or vents to gain access, but once inside, they'll also damage wiring and insulation - possibly causing water or frost damage or even fires.
  
  
• Gardens and Lawns 
  While we may not be all that fond of grubs and other creepy crawly things, raccoons are. And, they'll dig up your lawn, flower beds, and gardens to get to them. (So do skunks, by the way.)
  
  
• Urine Damage
  Older homes with wooden floors are especially susceptible to rotting and mould due to raccoon urine and feces. We have seen damage so severe that the entire floor/ceiling collapsed and the contents of the attic latrine ended up on the kitchen table.
  
  

Noise Disturbance

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, most active during the hours from dusk to dawn. They are also very vocal animals, often chittering or screeching to one another. They have a rich vocal repertoire producing sounds that can be differentiated and described as tonal or noisy calls. Tonal sounds, like whistles, have a clear, musical quality. Noisy calls, such as growls and hisses are more guttural and have a lower frequency; they are probably heard more often during breeding season.

Aside from vocalization, raccoons also scratch and thump - something that will definitely disrupt your slumber, especially when coming from your attic.

Health and Safety Risks

• Rabies Risk for Pets and Humans
  Raccoons are the most common vector species for Rabies - a fatal disease if contracted by humans.
  
  
• Leptospirosis
  This is a bacterial infections spread through animal urine or feces, or water or soil contaminated with animal urine and feces.
  
  
• Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)
  While human infections are not overly common, they are extremely dangerous due to the ability of the parasite's larvae to migrate into brain tissue and cause damage. Concerns are actually on the rise because of the number of urban raccoons and increasing interaction with humans.
  
  

Garbage Scavenging

• Raccoons knock over garbage cans and spread trash around your property.
  
  
• Strewn trash attracts secondary pests like rats and insects.
  
  
• Aside from the mess that is now yours to clean up, you may also be exposed to potential health hazards.
  
  

Effective Solutions for Mitigating Raccoon Problems

Secure Entry Points

• Inspect Your Home for Potential Access Points
  At least twice each year (spring and fall) it is wise to have a thorough look around your home. Pay special attention to siding and roofing, including the chimney and any vents.
  
  
• Find and Fix
  Install mesh screens and metal flashing over vents and chimneys and repair any small openings
  .
• Regular maintenance
  This can include trimming tree branches to prevent access to your roof, screening the space below your porch among many other wildlife exclusion techniques.
  
  

Raccoons are a year-round nuisance in Brampton's residential and commercial areas. Often, they are more than just a nuisance and responsible for considerable damage to homes, yards, and commercial spaces. Let's explore when is the best time for raccoon removal in Brampton.

While there is an ideal time for raccoon removal, the method and legality may matter just as much. Other GTA wildlife companies are limited to offering temporary solutions, such as live trapping and releasing the animal within a one kilometre radius of the capture site. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only company offering permanent raccoon removal in Brampton. Learn more about when to act and why Hawkeye's permanent removal is the only true long term solution

Raccoon Activity in Brampton Throughout the Year

Spring

Early spring is the time when raccoon removal is most advantageous. Raccoons breed in very early spring and birth litters of 4 kits (average) later in the spring and early summer. Ideally, we remove the animals before they reproduce and interrupt the breeding cycle. Because raccoons are so adept at living alongside humans in urban areas and deal with fewer natural predators in urban settings, most raccoon babies survive their first year of life. In comparison, the mortality rate in the wild routinely reaches up to 50%. Spring is also the time when a pregnant female will move mountains to get into a warm and cozy attic or similar space to prepare her birthing den.

Summer

Summer sees momma raccoon raising her offspring and slowly introducing them to the outside world. Once kits are born, removal becomes much more problematic. Both, the location may be an issue and/or difficult to access and mother and little ones will have to be moved together to ensure survival of the kits. 

Fall

During the fall, a mother and her offspring will likely be looking for a safe and warm refuge with winter looming on the horizon. Young raccoons often stay with their mother throughout the first winter. More bodies means more heat and higher chances of survival for all. During this time, spring and fall are both primary seasons for raccoons breaking into Brampton attics or outbuildings.

Winter

If we haven't been able to stop a raccoon family from moving in before now, they'll be well settled in and prepared to stay for the long haul. Again, your attic is probably the place most favoured.

Best Times for Permanent Raccoon Removal in Brampton

The absolute best time for permanent raccoon removal in Brampton is at the very end of winter or very early spring – once raccoons are frolicking out ‘n about, looking for a mating partner, and BEFORE kits are born. The fewer animals that need to be removed, the better. And the absolute last thing we’ll want to happen is to remove mum and leave one or more of her babies behind.

Newborn raccoons are completely dependent on their mother. They are born blind and hairless; they have zero chance of survival if separated from their mum.

Why the "Best Time" for Hawkeye's Raccoon Removal Is Always Now

Addressing Immediate Problems:

If you should discover or even just suspect a raccoon in your home or business, it’s time to act.

• Minimize structural damage by intervening immediately;
  
  
• Minimize health risks to you, your family, pets, employees, etc.
  
  

Preventing Future Issues:

The standard practice of catch and release almost ALWAYS leads to recurring raccoon infestation and costs.

• By permanently removing all raccoons on site, you can rest assured that these same animals will not return.
  
  
• By cutting off the breeding cycle, overall raccoon populations can be better managed and brought back to reasonable levels.
  
  

Humane and Effective Solution:

All living creatures ought to be treated with respect and compassion. Hawkeye’s permanent raccoon removal allows for a pain- and stress-free solution for the animal(s).

• Raccoons are caught in live traps providing food, water, and shelter;
  
  
• Captured animals are then humanely euthanized without causing undue distress or discomfort;
  
  
• In contrast, animals relocated often find themselves disoriented and confused, desperately seeking to return to familiar territory – and ultimately start the cycle all over again.