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Do You Have Raccoons in Your Backyard? Risks, Prevention and Professional Solutions
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Raccoons can be pesky creatures that invade your space uninvited, so it's important to understand what risks they present and how you can prevent them from intruding. In this blog post, we'll discuss the dangers posed by these wild animals as well as what proactive measures you can take to protect your backyard.
Why Are There Raccoons in My Backyard?
The first step to successful raccoon control is understanding why raccoons are drawn to properties where humans and domestic animals live.
- Food sources including attractants such as compost piles, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and pet bowls can become an endless buffet for raccoons.
- Sheds, garages, and hollow spaced under decks can double as shelters for raccoons during inclement weather, when hiding from predators, and for pregnant raccoons.
- Dark backyards appeal to raccoons because they provide the perfect cover for movement and shelter.
- Water sources are a natural draw for raccoons, not only for their survival but because these creatures have a habit of washing their food. Water sources can include pet water bowls, fountains, and ponds.
- Unsealed trash cans left outside between garbage days are a main attraction for raccoons. They can even use their sharp claws and teeth to open closed lids.
- Raccoons will often dig through lawns in search of grubs and insects to eat
Read more: Do You Have Raccoons in Your Backyard? Risks, Prevention and Professional Solutions
How Can I Protect Myself from Common Raccoon Diseases?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Raccoons aren’t as innocent as they look. Not only can they cause significant destruction to your home or property, but they also carry a variety of diseases that can be contracted by humans and domestic pets. Raccoon diseases can be contracted through scratches, bites, and through contact with raccoon poop and urine.
In this blog post, we will cover how common diseases carried by raccoons can be prevented and what symptoms to look out for should anyone come down with one of them.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Raccoon?
It is important to note that while raccoons are considered nocturnal, they are frequently seen during daylight hours when searching for food and water. While most raccoons will avoid contact with humans, raccoons who feel threatened or are sick may attack in defense.
A sick raccoon may make strange sounds or show signs of difficulty walking, rough, matted fur, weight loss, aggression/fear, and/or hiding or staying in one place for long periods.
Read more: How Can I Protect Myself from Common Raccoon Diseases?
Why Should Toronto Residents Avoid Contact with Raccoons?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Did you know that in the first five months of 2023, there were nearly 90 reported cases of raccoon bites and scratches in the City of Toronto? This represents a 117% increase compared to the average number of reported incidents between 2018-2022.
It’s no surprise that urban areas, like Toronto, provide raccoons with a consistent source of food and shelter. Now, with the winter months ahead, raccoons will become even more prevalent on the streets of Toronto as they look for a place to call home. As a result, they will likely venture farther from their usual habitat to find a cozy spot.
But be careful—with their cute little bandit masks and playful demeanor, raccoons may seem harmless. Make sure to keep your distance to avoid any potential encounters.
Read more: Why Should Toronto Residents Avoid Contact with Raccoons?
What Should You Do if You Have Raccoons in Your Attic During the Winter?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Do you often hear raccoon sounds coming from your attic at night? You're not alone; many homeowners are surprised to find unexpected guests lurking in their homes during the winter. Raccoons are sly and intelligent creatures that can easily gain access to your home through gaps or holes in your roof, chimney, foundation, or siding and make a home in your attic during the colder months. While raccoons do not “hibernate” all season, they do settle in for a long rest where they feel secure from any predators or from being disturbed.
So, what should you do if you have raccoons occupying your attic during the winter months? In this blog post, we'll explore the best methods to remove them from your attic and provide some advice on how to prevent it from happening again.
Read more: What Should You Do if You Have Raccoons in Your Attic During the Winter?
How Can I Protect My Business from Raccoons in Toronto?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you own a business in Toronto, raccoons can be major pests. They've been known to rummage through garbage cans and dumpsters looking for food, rip open roofs and chimneys in search of shelter, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. While it may seem like they're just harmless creatures trying to survive, the damage they can do if left unchecked has the potential to cost your business plenty. Fortunately, when it comes to raccoon control in Toronto, there are some helpful steps you can take to protect your property from these unwanted visitors.
What Are the Dangers of Raccoons to My Business?
Raccoons are notorious for being adept at finding ways into buildings, raiding trash cans, and causing costly damage to structures such as roofs, electrical systems, and insulation thanks in large part to their sharp claws and teeth.
They can make their way through wood, plaster, drywall, roofing materials, and metal. Raccoons are also capable of disassembling and destroying ventilation systems and pipes to gain access to the interior of a building.
Moreover, raccoons are known carriers of diseases, such as rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella, that can put your employees, customers, and products (especially in food-related businesses) at risk.
Why Is It Important to Protect My Business from Raccoons?
Once raccoons gain entry to a business’s structure, it quickly becomes their haven from cold temperatures, predators, and inclement weather. Raccoons seek shelter primarily for survival. In commercial buildings, this can include the chimney, the attic, a crawl space, and hidden areas under a patio or deck.
Aside from exterior damage, raccoons will tear away at interior walls, insulation, wires, and other objects to improve their new living space. When raccoons set up home on a business’s property, it increases the risk of interaction with humans, which can lead to serious consequences and health risks.
Read more: How Can I Protect My Business from Raccoons in Toronto?
Nearly 100 young raccoons seized from Rehabilitation Facility in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
- Written by: Dan Frankian
September 26th,2023
Nearly 100 juvenile raccoons were removed from a Rehabilitation Facility in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario.
According to news reports, these animals were orphaned kits, slated to be released into the wild after being cared for by Mally's Third Chance Raccoon Rescue. Long time wildlife advocate Dan Frankian questions the timing of the planned release - it is almost winter. What are the chances of survival for these young raccoons? How exactly have they been prepared for their return to the wild? Do they know how to find and secure a den for the winter months? Contrary to popular belief, raccoons do not hibernate. They enter a state of slowed metabolism, called torpor. Unlike hibernation, torpor only lasts a few weeks. After that, they will have to find food and shelter.
Perhaps the more dire question is: Why were there so many orphaned raccoons in one facility alone? How did they become orphaned? Were they housed separately? What safety measures were in place to prevent the spread of rabies?
It is heart breaking to think that all these kits were left to fend for themselves, but perhaps not all that surprising. Determined home owners using DIY devices and unlicensed trappers often end up catching a new mother/lactating raccoon, not realizing that taking her a kilometre away effectively orphans her offspring. Similarly, installing a one way door in an attic, will also separate the mother from her kits and sentence them to a slow and horrible death. Not to mention the stress to the mother, unable to reach and care for her young. In fact, the animals that ended up in Kawartha Lakes are considerably luckier than the vast amount of raccoon kits who starve to death.
Read more: Nearly 100 young raccoons seized from Rehabilitation Facility in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
How to Clean Up Raccoon Poop
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Dealing with raccoon poop might not be the most pleasant task, but it's a necessary one if you want to maintain a safe and healthy environment around your home!
Raccoon feces can carry harmful pathogens, including the eggs of the raccoon roundworm, which can pose serious health risks to humans and pets. That's why it's crucial to know how to clean up raccoon poop safely and effectively.
What Does Raccoon Poop Look Like?
Identifying raccoon poop is the first step in the cleanup process. Raccoon feces are usually about 2 to 3 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. They’re dark in colour and often contain visible berries, seeds, or other undigested food.
Increased Coyote Encounters in Cities across Canada
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Burlington, Ontario is not the only city that has reported a noticeable increase in coyote sightings and interactions with residents. Coyote sightings are becoming a much more frequent occurrence in many urban centers across Canada.
Urban sprawl and the loss of habitat is often cited as the main reason for many previously shy and skittish critters boldly moving to the city. It makes sense; we continuously expand our living space into more rural areas and end up displacing wildlife in the process. But, we are in a rather unique time because of the last three years and COVID lockdowns.
During lockdowns, human traffic was way down, signaling to animals that people had vacated the outdoors and perhaps it was safe for them to reclaim territory. Parks and woodlands were free of playing children, joggers, hikers, and people playing outdoors. All was quiet. Many building projects came to a halt, leaving behind abandoned sites, perfect for denning and raising offspring.
On the other hand, those pesky humans (us) who were locked in their homes and craving contact and connection, delighted in seeing wildlife in their backyards and started leaving out food. Nature, and animals in particular, have a way of healing the soul. During a time when people felt isolated, alone, and disconnected, even just observing otherwise hard to spot wildlife, brought a bit of joy.
Read more: Increased Coyote Encounters in Cities across Canada
Raccoon Control Tips to Protect Pets
- Written by: Dan Frankian
As pet owners, it's important to protect our furry companions from potential threats like raccoons. Raccoons can invade a property and wreak havoc on outdoor pets or even unsecured indoor cats if the necessary measures are not taken. If you've noticed any signs of strange wildlife in your backyard, it may be time to start implementing some raccoon control techniques. In this blog post, we'll cover some raccoon control tips for keeping these mischievous critters away from your beloved family pets!
Understanding Raccoon Behaviour and Habits
Toronto is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the often-misunderstood raccoon. These masked mammals have adapted to city life and can often be found rummaging through trash cans or lounging in trees.
Understanding their natural tendencies is crucial not only for coexisting peacefully with these creatures but also for preserving our communities and keeping our pets safe. With their sharp claws and keen sense of smell, raccoons can be formidable adversaries, but they also display remarkable intelligence and resourcefulness.
Health Risks and Concerns for Pets
Raccoons can pose significant health risks to pets. The most significant concern is the transmission of diseases through bites, scratches, or contaminated saliva, urine, or feces. Dogs have a tendency to actually ingest raccoon feces. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and canine distemper virus, which have severe consequences for our pets if left untreated.
It's essential to recognize the symptoms of potential raccoon-related illnesses in our pets early on and take immediate action. Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations go a long way in keeping our pets healthy and happy. Remember to always supervise your pets while outdoors and don't let them come into contact with raccoons or any other wildlife.
Will a Raccoon Attack My Dog or Cat?
While raccoons are generally not aggressive towards animals larger than them, it's always important to take precautions to ensure your pet's safety. During walks throughout the neighbourhood, keep dogs (and cats) on a leash to have full control if a raccoon is encountered.
Although raccoons are typically non-confrontational, a raccoon will attack another animal if provoked or if it feels threatened. Raccoons are especially protective of their kits. When it comes to dogs and raccoons, dogs tend to scare raccoons by barking or chasing them. On the other hand, a curious cat might provoke a raccoon, although it is a rare occurrence.
Why Is Raccoon Control Important in Toronto during the Summer and Fall?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
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.
Read more: Why Is Raccoon Control Important in Toronto during the Summer and Fall?
Pigeon Control vs. Pigeon Removal: Understanding the Difference when Choosing the Right Solution
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you're dealing with pesky pigeons invading your property, it's important to understand the difference between pigeon control and pigeon removal. While they may sound similar, the two solutions have different approaches and outcomes.
Pigeon control focuses on preventing pigeons from entering and settling in a certain area, while pigeon removal involves permanently removing the birds from the area. Depending on the severity of the pigeon problem and your desired outcome, one solution may be more appropriate than the other. Keep reading to find out which solution is right for you.
What Should You Do if You Encounter a Raccoon in Toronto?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Encountering a raccoon in Toronto might seem like a great photo op, but it can turn scary in seconds. Even the most dangerous raccoon can appear to be friendly and downright cute at first. But the fact remains: raccoons are wild animals. They can and will attack people and small pets if they feel threatened. That’s why if you see a raccoon, whether in public or on your property, it’s best to leave it alone.
But what if a raccoon approaches you? What should you do? In this article, we discuss some safety tips and actions you should take if you or your family encounter a raccoon in Toronto.
Why Are Raccoons Dangerous?
Raccoons are wild animals that have unpredictable behaviour around humans. When its personal space is threatened, or they feel cornered, a raccoon will use its sharp claws and teeth to defend itself.
Raccoons are known to be carriers of various diseases. In fact, raccoons are the second most likely wild animal to be infected with rabies. While the symptoms of rabies may take weeks or months to take effect within the human body, once it begins, rabies is 100% fatal.
Read more: What Should You Do if You Encounter a Raccoon in Toronto?
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