Why Is Raccoon Control Important in Toronto during the Summer and Fall?

Raccoon control in Toronto and the surrounding areas is a huge part of public safety, especially during the summer and fall months. Raccoons are intelligent and versatile creatures, known to take advantage of the warmer months and seek out food and shelter wherever possible. While they may seem cute and harmless, raccoons can carry a range of diseases, including rabies, and pose a significant threat to human health and safety.

Understanding Raccoon Behaviour in Toronto

During the warmer seasons, raccoons are more active as they search for food and resources to prepare for the upcoming winter. Additionally, mating season for raccoons typically occurs in late winter and early spring, resulting in a new generation of young raccoons being born in the summer and fall. This increase in raccoon activity and population during these seasons ultimately leads to more sightings in the city and a higher need for raccoon control in the summer and fall.

Raccoons are also known to be opportunistic omnivores. This means that they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, animals, and even garbage (e.g., human food waste) depending on whatever is available at the time. Raccoons have impressive adaptability that allows them to thrive in various environments.

Knowing how to coexist with raccoons and understanding their behaviour can help mitigate potential conflict and keep both humans and raccoons safe.

The Dangers of Raccoon Infestations

Raccoon infestations aren’t just a nuisance; raccoons also pose many health risks. They carry viral diseases such as canine distemper, raccoon parvoviral enteritis, infectious canine hepatitis, pseudorabies, and rabies. Within their secretions (e.g., saliva, urine and feces), they can also spread bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis, which can infect humans.

In addition, raccoons cause significant damage to walls, roofs, and the framework of homes in an attempt to gain entry for food sources and shelter.

Tips for Toronto Homeowners in the Summer and Fall

Preventive raccoon control can go a long way in the summer and fall. Below, we discuss some raccoon deterrents for your Toronto property.

Secure Garbage Cans and Compost Bins

Secure compost bins and garbage cans with cinder blocks, bungee cords, or a commercial can lock to stop raccoons from raiding your trash. Even if you regularly store your trash cans and food bins in a garage or shed, it is still recommended to secure these bins just in case the raccoons gain access to the structure.

Seal Potential Entry Points into the House

Unbeknownst to many homeowners, there may be entry points along the roof, chimney, windows, doorways, basement walls, and crawl spaces near the attic that are easy for raccoons to use. Seal off these potential entry points, holes, and gaps in the house and other property structures to deter raccoons from entering.

Trim Tree Branches Near the Property

A great raccoon deterrent in Toronto is to trim branches that hang near or overtop garages and homes to discourage wildlife from gaining access to the home. Raccoons search for warm and hidden places to make nests or shelters and overhanging tree branches make it easy to access roofs and attic.

Remove Food Sources

Remove food sources from your property, including any bowls of pet food that you would normally leave outside at night. Raccoons search for food and water mostly after dark and will continue to return to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Food sources can also involve bird feeders, compost piles, fallen fruit, and ground vegetable gardens.

Hire Professionals

The best raccoon control method in the summer and fall is to hire a professional company. Never try to trap raccoons, or any wildlife, yourself. Highly trained professionals will use the proper equipment, techniques, and safe trapping methods to remove raccoons from your property.

Contact the City Authorities

According to the City of Toronto’s Public Health department, residents should avoid all contact with raccoons and other wildlife. They are also advised to report any encounters that have resulted in injuries to the animal or a human. By calling 311, residents can prevent raccoon health hazards and help reduce the risk of attacks.

The Benefits of Professional Raccoon Control Services

By hiring professionals for raccoon control on your property, you can protect your home and your yard from the destruction of these furry bandits. Professional raccoon control services in Toronto, like Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control, ensure that these critters are safely removed and relocated.

Humane raccoon control is one of the best solutions for the property owner and the animals alike. By using repellents, barriers, and other techniques, the risk of disease and health hazards can be greatly reduced.

Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control is certified and holds licensing under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to trap and relocate pest animals, including raccoons. In fact, we are the only pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in Canada to be designated "Certified Wildlife Control Professional" AND hold the following licenses: Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals Permit, Falconry Permit, and Pest Control License.

Take the Necessary Precautions and Get Professional Assistance for Raccoon Infestations

Protect yourself and ensure the safety of your family and pets by contacting Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control today for preventive raccoon control. Our team looks for signs of raccoons on your property and safely and effectively removes them—permanently. Call us today at (416) 429-5393 to learn more about our raccoon control in the summer and fall.