Raccoon-Related Challenges in Brampton's Residential Areas

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
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• 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.
  
  

Secure Your Trash Bins

• Invest in lockable, heavy-duty trash bins and use bungee cords to further secure the lid, if necessary.
  
  
• If at all possible, store your garbage cans indoors and take them out to the curb on the morning of collection day.
  
  
• Don't forget about your compost bin! Raccoons (and other critters) have an appetite for what's in there, too.
  
  

Remove Attractants from Your Yard

• Eliminate Food Sources
  Do not leave your pet's food or water dish outside and empty the bird bath in the evening. Remove fallen fruit from your fruit trees. Raccoons love an easy meal. Let's make finding food in your yard as difficult as possible.
  
  
• Prune bushes and trim tree limbs to remove cover and hiding spots. Most wildlife avoids being out in the open and seeks the cover of shrubs and foliage.
  
  
• Secure outbuildings and remove any unused machinery. Those places make wonderful dens for local wildlife.
  
  

Hire Professional Raccoon Removal Services

• Humane Raccoon Removal
  When you've followed all of the instructions and secured your home as best as you can and you still have a problem with uninvited raccoons, it's time to call in the Professionals. A wildlife control company such as Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control can trap and remove your raccoon(s) humanely and securely. And, permanently. 
  
  
• After Care
  After the successful removal of your pesky raccoon(s), raccoon control experts can help you assess and repair damages and provide the expertise needed to prevent future raccoon infestations.
  
  

Protect Your Home – Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control

All members of the Hawkeye Team are trained and licensed trappers. We advocate for wildlife and the humane treatment of all living creatures. Unlike other Raccoon Removal companies we can offer permanent removal solutions: The animal we remove will not return. Guaranteed.

Call Hawkeye today and get the help you need to get rid of raccoons and secure your home in Brampton.