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Dealing with raccoons in multi-unit buildings is a whole different animal (pun intended). Pinpointing where the animal(s) gained access to the building or where they are hiding out is much more challenging. And of course, because there are many interconnected spaces, raccoons can be on the move and evade capture. Join us as we explore how to deal with a raccoon infestation in an apartment complex situation.
What are the Concerns with Raccoon Infestations in Apartment Buildings?
- Entry Points
Where a single-family home has limited vulnerabilities, an apartment complex can have many. Finding all of them and ensuring they are secured can be difficult and time consuming. - Cost
Because there may be a slew of areas where raccoons can gain access to a building, the costs associated with preventing raccoons from entering apartment buildings or repairs can be substantial. - Health Concerns
There are always health concerns when wildlife interacts with humans or their pets. In a building with multiple tenants, families, and pets, those concerns are multiplied. - Liability
The owners or managers of a residential complex will want to nip any raccoon activity in the bud as soon as possible to avoid liability for tenant or building property damages.
Why Are Raccoons Attracted to Apartment Buildings?
Raccoons are attracted to an easy meal and warm, safe place to nap or have babies - this applies to the wild as well as to urban settings. Apartment buildings often provide plenty of spaces and opportunities to meet those needs in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
- Easy Access to Food Sources
Large garbage dumpsters are the holy grail of wildlife buffets. Well-meaning tenants leaving out food for either pets or wildlife contribute as well. - Warm and Secluded Spaces
Attics, crawl spaces, or utility areas make for fantastic places to build a nest and call home. - Lack of Natural Predators in Urban Settings
Nature usually has a way of keeping wildlife populations in check, but when natural predators are no longer part of the equation, raccoon populations are allowed to explode. Less predators means more adult raccoons reaching sexual maturity and more litters surviving. - Human Activities
We humans often seem to create our own problems. By carelessly or incorrectly disposing of our waste, leaving ground floor doors and windows open, or putting out pet food we unknowingly encourage the presence of raccoons and other wildlife.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation in Multi-Unit Properties
- Noises
Scratching and scurrying noises in walls, ceilings, or attics. Raccoons are also very vocal, so screeches, chatter or whistles are often heard. - Strong Odours from Urine and Droppings
A musky or pungent smell (think cat litter box) is often an indicator of raccoon activity. - Trash Bins or Dumpsters
Trash bags may be ripped open, removed from container and garbage is strewn about. - Raccoon Sightings
You'll most often lay eyes on raccoons on balconies, ground floor patios, near the garbage disposal, or by entrances and stairwells. - Disturbances at Night
Raccoons, being the nocturnal little rascals they are, may make a fine racket while getting into your garbage and other mischief.
What to Do When You Suspect a Raccoon Infestation
- Tenant Reporting System
Set up a reporting system and encourage your tenants to report sightings and signs of raccoons or other wildlife; - Tenant Education
Remind tenants of best practices to avoid attracting wildlife; - Inspection and Assessment
Property managers should conduct a regular thorough inspection or hire a professional; - Identify Entry Points
Check the roof, vents, chimneys, and roof edges for signs of damage. Pay close attention to a void space of about 2 feet between the roof and the penthouse units; - Monitor Raccoon Activity
Regularly check your Security cameras and/or install additional motion-sensor cameras in high-risk areas.
Raccoon Removal Strategies for Multi-Unit Buildings
The raccoon removal process is the same, whether the animals are in a single family home or an apartment complex. Locate. Catch. Remove.
- Hire a Professional Raccoon Removal Company
Because raccoons look for quiet and secure spots, you often cannot see them. Use of thermal imaging may be necessary to confirm the location of the animals. A reputable wildlife control expert will be able to do that for you, remove the animals, and assist with measures to prevent a repeat occurrence. - Seal Entry Points
Once the raccoons have been located and removed, it's time to close and secure gaps with heavy-duty materials (metal mesh or hardware cloth and sheet metal is recommended); - Install Raccoon-Proof Trash Solutions
Locking bins or containers and educating tenants will go a long way. - Landscape Adjustment
Any tree branches close to balconies or roof lines should be cut back. Raccoons are most excellent climbers but the long jump isn't on their list of athletic achievements. Trimming vegetation back to about 6 feet from the building will help.
Post Raccoon Removal Cleanup and Sanitation
Ah yes, the fun part. Don't skimp here, this is important. The removal and cleanup of the latrine, as well as disinfection of the area and contaminated materials should be left to professionals. Safety protocols must be observed and PPE equipment is a must. Here's what that entails:
- Thorough removal of droppings, urine, and contaminated materials.
- Disinfection of affected areas to prevent disease transmission.
- Repair of damaged structural elements and insulation.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Understanding Local Wildlife Protection Laws
Your Professional Wildlife Removal Company is well versed in the legalities around raccoon relocation and humane removal guidelines. - Tenant Responsibilities vs. Property Management Duties
Generally speaking, tenants have an obligation to conduct themselves responsibly and to report any issues immediately. Property management then is obligated to address those complaints and take action to remedy them. You can learn more about this here: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/consumers/renting-a-home/i-am-renting/landlord-tenant-responsibilities - Avoiding Liability Issues
Landlords or management are required to take steps to get rid of the raccon(s) and to avoid any tenant injuries and property damage caused by raccoon problems in apartment complexes.
Long-Term Raccoon Prevention Strategies for Apartment Complexes
- Regular Building Inspections
Seasonal checks for potential raccoon entry points; - Tenant Education
Informing residents about proper trash disposal and food storage;
Implement a reporting system and encourage tenants to advise management of raccoon activity. - Security Measures
Installing better fencing, securing vents, and ensuring dumpsters are well-maintained will all help manage the risk of raccoon infestation. - Partner with a Raccoon Removal Professional in Toronto or the GTA
Entering into a maintenance agreement with a dedicated wildlife agent can save you much money, time, liability and reputation. Pro-active and preventative measures will always trump emergency removal options.
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control
Hawkeye is a licensed, experienced wildlife control and removal company that has dealt with raccoons in all sorts of scenarios for over 30 years. Hawkeye's raccoon removal technicians are licensed trappers and certified to work at heights. In addition to removal methods offered by most other wildlife control companies, Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers Permanent Removal of captured wildlife. Contact Hawkeye to learn more about getting rid of raccoons in apartments or make an appointment.
