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Markham, located in the Regional Municipality of York and part of the GTA, has inherited some of Toronto's raccoon population and related problems. Markham residents deal with issues ranging from nuisance level trash can raiding to serious damages relating to roofs and attics and consequent risks of fire or flooding.
In this article we'll explore what you can do to prevent or mitigate issues with raccoons safely on your own and when it's time to call for professional help.
Understanding the Urban Raccoon Challenge in Markham
While Markham has departed from its rural, agricultural origin, its over sixty public parks and several golf courses still provide plenty of room for raccoons and other wildlife to roam. In fact, raccoons do so well in this area that overpopulation is becoming a real concern.
What Are the Main Concerns with Raccoons in Markham?
- Property Damage
Raccoons seeking access to homes (attics in particular) rip up roof shingles and siding and damage chimneys and roof vents. Once inside the home and looking for nesting materials, they will displace insulation and interfere with wiring. Mold and corrosion from raccoon urine and feces are also a concern. As you can see in the image here, even though all previous access points were closed off well and properly, the raccoon(s) simply ripped open the roof in a different place. - Health Risks
Raccoons, like all wildlife, carry a slew of bacteria and parasites. They are also the main vector species for Rabies, a viral disease that is fatal if contracted by humans. - Human Conflict
Like all mothers, a raccoon mum will be fiercely protective of her young. If her den of wee ones happens to be in your house, you've got yourself a problem. - Automobile Accidents
An often overlooked consequence of urban raccoons is the very real possibility of a collision on Markham's roads. Hundres of thousands of dollars of damages are reported to insurance companies annually, never mind injuries to drivers and passengers (and usually death of the animal).
When to Get Professional Humane Raccoon Removal Services in Markham
Once a raccoon has entered your home, you need professional help. Not only to successfully remove the animal(s) but also to clean up the inevitable raccoon latrine inside your home.
How can You tell that a Raccoon is in Your home?
- Noise Coming from Your Attic or from within Walls
Raccoons are nocturnal. If you hear scratching, thumping, chitter chatter or whistling between midnight and the wee morning hours, you probably have a raccoon. - Smell
You may notice a musky smell or straight up smell of urine or feces. - Visible Signs of Nesting
You may find bits and pieces of insulation or other materials repurposed for lining a den. Or, you may find droppings around your home. - Animal Sighting
Of course, if you lay eyes on the raccoon, you'll know for sure.
What should You do if Raccoons are in Your Attic or Walls?
Chances are that you have not one raccoon but a raccoon family. At this point, it's time to call in a professional raccoon control company in Markham. Here's why:
- Trapping Now is Difficult
You cannot trap the mother without her babies and even if you could, there is NOTHING that will stop her from getting back to her kits. And if you did take the mother away on her own, you would condemn the kits to a horrific death by starvation. - Encountering an Aggressive Raccoon
Mother raccoon will have no interest in humans interfering with her offspring and aggressively defend her den. - The Latrine
Raccoons are actually very clean animals. They do 'their business' in one spot - called a latrine. If you have raccoons in your home, you'll also have their latrine. Cleaning and disinfecting the latrine area is important and requires caution, expertise and proper safety protocols.
What Type of Health Concerns are Associated with Raccoons?
Any physical interaction with a raccoon or other wildlife should be followed by prompt medical attention. Please do not delay.
- Rabies
The greatest risk to human health is Rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system. Transmission occurs through the transfer of saliva. If contracted by humans and not immediately treated, rabies is fatal. - Raccoon Roundworm
Caused by the parasite Baylisascaris procyonis, Raccoon Roundworm is another concern. Raccoons shed the eggs of this roundworm in their feces. If ingested by humans or pets, these eggs can develop into larvae, causing serious health issues. - Leptospirosis and Other Bacterial Threats
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments and can be found in raccoon urine and contaminated water sources.
What Preventative Measures can be taken?
- Home Inspection and Maintenance
As a Markham resident, it's a good idea for you to do a thorough inspection of your roof, chimney, any type of roof vents, and your siding, Fix any small openings that a raccoon could exploit quickly. You should do this at least twice a year. - Yard Maintenance
Prune large shrubs and trim tree limbs close to your house and roof. Raccoons like to use those to get to your roof.
Electric Shock Track
Consider installing electric shock track on top of your fence or any other structure leading to your roof. as an effective raccoon prevention strategy in Markham. They are designed to be uncomfortable but not hurt the animal. - Secure your Household Waste
Make sure your trash cans have secure lids that cannot be opened by determined little raccoon paws. Consider storing your garbage bins indoors or in a locked shed until collection day. Also, secure your compost bin - those also attract raccoons. - Remove all Food and Water Sources
Remove any food or water bowls and store your pet food indoors. Empty your birdbath in the evening.
The Hawkeye Approach to Humane Raccoon Removal
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is committed to humane and ethical raccoon removal in Markham. We believe that all life deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity. All of our wildlife technicians are licensed trappers and undergo continued training and certification.
What Can Hawkeye do for You?
- Thorough Inspection
We will identify entry points and extent of infestation. This includes the use of infrared cameras if animals are hiding behind walls. - Humane Removal
We will use the appropriate trap for the location or circumstance. Our traps are humane live traps and conform to legal and industry standards. If you wish, we offer permanent wildlife removal by euthanasia. The animal caught will never return. - Sanitation and Clean-Up
We will identify the latrine nesting area and safely remove all remnants of both. We will clean and disinfect floors and walls as needed. - Entry Point Sealing
Once all of the offending animals have been removed we will assess the damage and make repairs to prohibit future access. That said, once a raccoon has made it into your home, they will go out of their way to return. Permanent removal is often the only viable option.
Why Choose Hawkeye for Raccoon Removal in Markham?
- Local Expertise
We know and understand Markham's wildlife. In fact, one of our technicians lives in the area and is intimately familiar with common concerns. - Humane Practice
Again, we value all life. We treat animals with respect and compassion. - Professional Service
Our highly trained and skilled team is ready to put their experience to work for you. - Comprehensive Solutions
We are able to offer raccoon removal solutions in Markham other wildlife removal companies simply cannot. Call us to learn more!.
Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control
Hawkeye has 30+ years of experience with wildlife control and raccoon removal in Markham. We are proudly committed to the humane and ethical treatment of wildlife and the highest level of customer service. If trash pandas are causing trouble in your neighbourhood, please contact us and learn how to get rid of raccoons in Markham. We're here to help.
Related Articles: https://www.hawkeye.ca/markham-bird-animal-control | https://www.hawkeye.ca/raccoons-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know
