Why Humane Raccoon Removal Is the Best Option in Oakville

Oakville, like many urban centres in Ontario, struggles with the effects of a growing raccoon population. Unfortunately, the number of raccoons in your neighbourhood is directly connected to the availability of food sources and den sites.

Raccoons are very intelligent nocturnal animals with paws that are able to pry things open, turn knobs and handle objects. They are especially skillful at opening garbage and compost bins. So, why are urban raccoons a concern and what should you do about them? Join us as we explore how we can discourage raccoons and other wildlife from visiting our homes, as well as how to humanely evict them once they've invited themselves in.

The Problem with Raccoon Infestations in Oakville

Why Are Raccoons a Concern?

Concerns vary from what is often referred to as 'nuisance' damage and real damage to your home or property to health issues for pets, humans, and yes, even the raccoons themselves.

• Nuisance Damage
  This includes tossed over trash bins, strewn about garbage, or torn up lawns - things that require your time and effort but are not costly.
  
  
• Property Damage
  In order to access your home, raccoons have to find or 'create' a way in. They do so by tearing up roofs and siding, damaging roof vents, etc. Once they've made it inside your home, they often rip apart insulation and disturb wiring - all of which can lead to more serious hazards like water damage, an unnecessarily high hydro bill, or even a fire. And here's where it can get expensive fast.
  
  
• Health Risks
  Of course, raccoons are the primary carrier of rabies - a viral disease that is fatal if contracted by humans (pets, too). There are also lesser known viral and bacterial diseases transmitted by raccoons: Raccoon Roundworm, Distemper, and Leptospirosis. And, a diet of human leftovers isn't good for the raccoons, either. None of our highly processed foods fulfill their nutritional requirements and an easy trash can meal will not encourage the animals to forage for more nutritional and appropriate foods.
  
  
• Traffic and Road Safety
  This area is often overlooked; there are thousands of collisions with raccoons and other wildlife on Ontario's roads every year. Not only is this expensive but any automobile accident can also lead to serious injuries to drivers and passengers (never mind the animals - it's usually fatal for them).
  
  

With all of these concerns in mind, we should do our best to modify our environment and not inadvertently invite raccoons into our space. There are a number of actions we can take or habits we might need to change to prevent wildlife from viewing our home as an all-inclusive resort. And, if it's too late for that and we're already hosting one or more trash pandas, there is humane raccoon removal.

The Benefits of Humane Raccoon Removal

There are two methods of humane raccoon removal in Oakville: Trap and Release and Permanent Removal. Both are humane, both are legal. Let's have a look at what ethical and humane raccoon removal actually means:

Ethical and Compassionate Approach

• Ensuring raccoons are safely removed without causing undue mental or physical distress or discomfort;
• Reducing unnecessary suffering of wildlife.
  
  

Compliance with Local Wildlife Laws

• Illegal Methods or Equipment
  Most leg traps are illegal in Ontario and so are kill traps. Both would almost certainly cause the caught animal to suffer. That's why there are strict regulations in place in terms of what type of traps are permissable and how to care for the animal once it is in the trap. Oakville by-laws prohibit the feeding of all wildlife (except songbirds and hummingbirds) and carry associated penalties (people can be fined between $300-$500 and/or be summoned to court) for violations. Know your by-laws.
  
  
• Hire a Reputable Oakville Raccoon Removal Service
  By engaging a licensed and experienced Wildlife Agent you will comply with legal regulations and requirements and avoid possible charges or fines.
  
  

How Humane Raccoon Removal Works

Inspection and Assessment

• Identifying Raccoon Entry Points and Nesting Sites
  It is important to pay special attention to the roof, all avenues leading up to the roof, the chimney and vents, the siding of the home, etc.;
  
  
• Use of Infrared Cameras or Thermal Imaging Devices to Locate Raccoons
  If the raccoons are in the walls or a space that is inaccessible, professional equipment can pinpoint the animals' location.
  
  

Exclusion and Removal

• One-way doors to allow raccoons to leave but not return;
• Live trapping and relocation within a one kilometer range;
• Live trapping and permanent removal (euthanasia).
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Cleanup and Disinfecting

• Removal of the den and any nesting materials;
• Removal of all feces and urine (raccoon latrine);
• Disinfecting affected areas (floors, walls, insulation, etc.)
  
  

Preventive Measures

Now, that your raccoon(s) have been evicted, it is prudent to repair or reinforce areas that may be exploited by a returning animal or a newcomer.

• Seal off potential entry points in attics, basements, and garages;
• Move waste bins indoors if possible or secure garbage bins outside (ensure there is a heavy and secure lid);
• Remove outdoor food sources like pet bowls, bird feed, and compost piles.
  
  

Why Choose Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control?

Experienced and Certified Wildlife Experts

We have engaged in humane raccoon removal in and around Oakville for over 30 years. Our licenses allow us to cover all aspects of animal wildlife control and removal with one important advantage: PERMANENT REMOVAL and GUARANTEED RESULTS. Learn more about Hawkeye here »

Comprehensive Raccoon Prevention Services

Our focus is on helping you keep wildlife out. In addition to raccoon removal in Oakville, we will work with you to address any existing or potential issues.

Quick and Effective Response

Our team of 12+ professional animal, bird and wildlife control technicians readily available to help you. We excel at response time and availability in emergencies as well as larger and more complex animal and wildlife problems at airports or in commercial areas. Our team has experience in rigging, climbing, wildlife rescue, wildlife biology, firearms licenses, radio licenses (for airports), first aid, CPR, proper disinfection techniques, pest control, animal control, and trapping. In addition, we have a biologist on staff to provide an ecological perspective on bird and wildlife populations so we can best understand and assess situations and provide you with the best possible service.

Contact Hawkeye for Humane Raccoon Removal in Oakville

Humane raccoon removal refers to trapping or sometimes physically capturing the animal(s) and either relocating them to an area no more than one kilometer away or euthanizing them. That choice is yours to make. There is a high probability that a relocated raccoon will return to your property. In contrast to other wildlife removal companies, we are able to offer permanent removal.

Contact us today if you are a home or business owner and want learn more about humane raccoon removal in Oakville.