We help home owners & businesses deal with Bird Control & Wildlife Removal through use of Falconry and other humane control methods. Permanent Results. GUARANTEED.

Animal Wildlife Removal

Permanent Removal. Guaranteed.

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Bird Control & Removal

Effective control methods, incl. Falconry

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Falconry Experience

Spend an hour or three with our Birds of Prey... have a Hawk or Owl fly to YOUR arm!

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Animal Wrangling

Hawkeye's trained Dogs & Birds of Prey are available for Motion Pictures, Television, Photography, and more...

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What makes Hawkeye different from other wildlife control companies?

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

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

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

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

Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals Permit Shooting in Sensitive Environments
Our extensive training and certifications allow us to use pyrotechnics or firearms, even in urban settings.

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

35+ years of Bird and Animal Wildlife Control probably speaks for itself.

Our love for and experience in dealing with Pest Birds and Animal Wildlife has taken us to Airports, Hospitals, Municipal Parks and Marinas, High Rise Buildings, Manufacturing Plants, and to homes all across southern Ontario.

Our unique approach and proprietary equipment as well as our extensive training truly set us apart. All of our technicians are licensed trappers and undergo continued training in areas of safety and best practices.

More about Hawkeye

Get Rid of Raccoons in Vehicle Tarp Shelters

Portable garages, tarp sheds, and construction canopies are often used for crucial winter storage of vehicles, equipment, and materials. These structures offer raccoons a perfect, insulated hideaway in the harsh Canadian cold, leading to immediate destruction of the fabric shell and contamination of valuable assets inside.

The risk is highest in late fall and during the first few weeks of snowfall. As temperatures drop, these sheltered spaces become irresistible, and a desperate raccoon will rip through vinyl and fabric walls in minutes to gain access.

Why Raccoons See Tarp Shelters as Ideal Winter Dens

Wind and Cold Barrier
Even thin fabric traps air and blocks wind, creating a significantly warmer environment than the outside. When enclosed, these types of shelters become essential for a raccoon’s winter survival. While raccoons don't truly hibernate throughout the winter, they do enter torpor, a period of hours or days when their body temperature drops and the respiratory system slows down to conserve energy.
Ease of Access
Because these enclosures cannot be locked tightly, they are easily breached.
- Claw and Tear
  Raccoons use their strong claws to quickly tear through thin vinyl, polyester, or polyethylene fabrics.
- Zipper/Velcro Exploitation
  Raccoons have the dexterity to pull apart loose zippers or Velcro seals at door entrances.
- Ground Gap Entry
  They lift or push under loose bottom edges where the fabric meets the ground or snow.
Available Materials
The shelter often contains materials that can be used to build or line a den. This can include cardboard boxes, stored fabrics, packaging, or even seat foam from stored vehicles.

Signs of Raccoon Activity in Tarp Shelters

Torn tarp corners or claw marks near entry flaps.
Displaced vehicle covers, insulation, or shredded fabrics.
Droppings or urine odour near vehicles or storage bins.
Unexplained noises (scratching, rustling) especially at night.
Tracks or muddy paw prints near shelter entrances.

Risks and Damages Caused by Raccoons in Tarp Shelters

Asset Contamination and Loss

Vehicle Damage
Raccoons chew on electrical wiring, ignition components, or rubber hoses within stored vehicles, or rip up seat foam and upholstery for nesting material.
Inventory Contamination
Feces and urine contaminate stored materials (e.g., lumber, insulation, retail goods) that must then be discarded.

Structural Integrity Failure

The primary structure is the fabric, so a raccoon breach renders the shelter useless, accelerating moisture and weather damage to stored items inside.

Insurance and Liability (the Policy Gap)

Standard property insurance often excludes damage to contents inside temporary structures or damage caused by wildlife. The entire financial burden of repair and asset replacement falls directly on the owner.

Seasonal Risks: Are Tarp Shelters More Vulnerable in Winter?

Raccoons actively seek warm, enclosed areas during cold months.
Snow accumulation can collapse parts of the shelter, creating hidden spaces that raccoons use for dens.
Reduced usage in winter means infestations often go unnoticed for a longer period.

Pro-Tip: Plan on routine mid-winter inspections of your structure's tarp integrity and anchor points.

Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control has been synonymous with Excellence in Humane Pest Bird Control and Animal & Wildlife Removal for over 35 years. Call us today at 416.429.5393