Guaranteed Raccoon Removal is what we do - we're here to help.
Unlike almost all other Greater Toronto Area animal control operations, as a licensed furbearer trapping company Hawkeye can employ raccoon control methods IN ADDITION TO relocation of captured raccoons in the Greater Toronto Area. That is why we guarantee the permanent removal of raccoons and other wildlife.Call 416.429.5393 if you're having trouble with raccoons - Hawkeye's technicians are standing by at our Toronto offices.
Toronto - the Raccoon Capital of the World
Yes, Toronto is famous for many things - unfortunately its losing battle against the common raccoon is one of them. Our local trash pandas are resourceful, adaptable, and plentiful. 'Raccoon-proof' garbage bins are proving not so effective after all and a $31 million dollar investment by the City of Toronto offers little or no return.
But raccoons aren't only interested in what we throw out. Oh no... Toronto winters are cold and your home may be just the right place to hunker down and wait for spring. Older detached homes and townhouses are often especially popular with raccoons. Keeping raccoons from getting into your Toronto area home should be your priority and, we will help with that. However, since you are on this page, we're probably past that. That's ok, you've come to the right place.
After a raccoon has already gained entrance, it is important to ensure that all animals are out before closing up. Spring and early summer are especially tricky; chances are, your adult raccoon is happily raising her young in your home. Attics are a particularly popular dwelling location. The damage to your home will be greatly multiplied by a raccoon trapped inside, or by a female frantic to get back to her kits. As well, trapped animals will suffer a horrible death, leaving a smelly, decomposing carcass.
The Raccoon Removal Process (from City of Toronto Raccoon Removal Specialists!)
Initial Assessment
Depending on your situation, we'll determine exactly where on your property or in your home the raccoons are - this may be as easy as you telling us because you have actually seen them, or, in more complex circumstances, a Hawkeye licensed technician will visit and locate the little buggers for you. We carry infrared cameras that help us find raccoons and other wildlife hidden in walls or other inaccessible places.
Humane Trapping Methods
Again, depending on your particular case, a different raccoon removal approach and a host of different traps may be used to successfully catch and then remove the raccoons. In some cases, passive removal is appropriate; it causes minimum disturbance to the animals by allowing them to leave, on their own schedule, through a one-way exit. This method may only be used if there are no raccoon kits present.
In other scenarios, active removal including hand capture or live trapping may be in order. In Canada, all traps used to capture raccoons must be certified under the AIHTS. It is of UTMOST importance that traps are checked regularly and the animal's safety is ensured - ideally twice a day.
Safe Relocation Practices
In Ontario, captured wildlife must be released within a kilometer of capture. While this is good practice and ensures that the animal won't starve to death after being dumped outside of its territory, it unfortunately also means that more often than not, the animal returns right back to your property or home. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is in a unique position to offer additional solutions - call us today!
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Your next priority should be to remove any raccoon feces and clean the latrine. Raccoon excrement carries a number of parasites which can easily be transferred to you or your pets. It is important to use proper health and safety precautions - please do not attempt to do this by yourself.
Raccoon Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Exclusion and Prevention is the most effective method for coping with almost all types of raccoon damage in Toronto. It is essential to understand that if no attempt is made to prevent raccoon access to your property, buildings, or crops, the removal of one or more individual animals will do no more than create a vacant territory and allow other raccoons to establish a presence.
Eliminate All Potential Sources of Food and Water
Raccoon prevention starts with securing garbage and compost bins, cleaning your yard and picking up fallen fruit from your fruit trees, feeding your pets inside, storing pet food inside, and eliminating all standing or pooling water.
Secure Raccoon Access Points
Repair roof, block any gaps that lead to porches, patios and sheds, cap chimneys, remove unused towers or antennas, secure and apply screening to ventilation openings - your Hawkeye Raccoon Removal Technician will help with finding and securing any entry points to your home.
Installing Raccoon-Proof Barriers
Unfortunately, there aren't many actually working raccoon-proof barriers. What we have found to work very well is Electric Flex Tracks. While not carrying strong enough current to injure the animal, it is absolutely enough to inspire second thoughts and turn the other way. Talk to us for more details!
Common Habitats for Raccoons
Raccoons in the wild and in their natural habitat would be fond in forested areas near water sources like streams, ponds, and marshes. While their natural habitat is disappearing and being replaced by urban development, the highly intelligent and adaptable raccoon has learned to survive and, in fact, thrive right here, in Toronto. Dens traditionally built in tree cavities, rock crevices, or other animals' abandoned burrows, are now realized in attics, under decks and porches, or in backyard sheds.
Signs of Raccoon Infestation
Nocturnal Activity
While raccoons can absolutely be out 'n about during the day, they are most active at night. You may be hearing some shuffling scratching, dragging, or even chitter chatter in the middle of the night. Chances are, you've got yourself a raccoon in the attic.
Physical Evidence
Occasionally, your uninvited house guest will make an appearance and let you get a glimpse of him. But, more likely, you'll find your trash bin dumped and raided or possibly stumble upon a raccoon latrine.
Damage to Property
Raccoon damage is wide ranging - from torn siding or ripped up roof shingles, to bent and torn soffits and vents, to interior damage due to urination (mold, wood deteriation, etc.).
We will employ raccoon removal methods such as installing one-way exit doors, or one of several trapping methods. Again, it is of utmost importance that we capture all animals, that no babies are left behind. We will then remove the animals. Because of our unique licensing, Hawkeye can offer options OTHER than releasing the captured raccoon(s) within a Kilometer radius of your Toronto area residence or business.
The Role of Professional Wildlife Control
When to Call an Expert
Unless you are the adventurous type with lots of spare time - right away. Particularly when it comes to cleaning up after your raccoon and ensuring that all entry points into your home have been identified and repaired, you are well advised to let a Wildlife Professional deal with that.
Choosing a Toronto Raccoon Removal Service
Get an Assessment and Quote in writing; there should be a set cost and nothing left open ended
The company you choose needs to be licensed and insured
Referrals are great - make sure they are reputable
Time in business - make sure the company you're looking to hire isn't going to disappear overnight - and before completing the job
Understanding Local Regulations
Before attempting to capture and remove any wildlife it's a good idea to check with your city or municipality what is or isn't allowed. The City of Toronto has some information under their 'Wildlife in the City' section and you can find more info at Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s website.
Community Resources for Raccoon Removal Issues
Here are some articles that may be helpful in deciding if or how to remove raccoons from your Toronto property:
Hawkeye has been providing Raccoon Control and Raccoon Removal Services for the City of Toronto for well over 30 years.
Founder Dan Frankian holds a Canadian commercial falconry license, a Master Falconry Permit in the State of Florida, an Ontario Fur Managers license for commercial fur and trapping nuisance wildlife as well as numerous firearms licenses, Advanced Wildlife Control Operator, Exterminator License, is Bats Standard Certified, and a Certified Urban Marksman. Dan is the ONLY CWCP (Certified Wildlife Control Professional) IN CANADA plus holding CWCP certification in the US. He is also a graduate of the Embry-Riddle Wildlife Hazard airport course. Mr. Frankian is a sought after expert on wildlife control matters and frequently speaks to the media and at conferences.
Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control is your one-stop solution for Raccoon Control and Raccoon Removal in Toronto; from capture to removal and necessary structural repairs .
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Again, depending on your particular case, a different raccoon removal approach and a host of different traps may be used to successfully catch and then remove the raccoons. In some cases, passive removal is appropriate; it causes minimum disturbance to the animals by allowing them to leave, on their own schedule, through a one-way exit. This method may only be used if there are no raccoon kits present.
Raccoons in the wild and in their natural habitat would be fond in forested areas near water sources like streams, ponds, and marshes. While their natural habitat is disappearing and being replaced by urban development, the highly intelligent and adaptable raccoon has learned to survive and, in fact, thrive right here, in Toronto. Dens traditionally built in tree cavities, rock crevices, or other animals' abandoned burrows, are now realized in attics, under decks and porches, or in backyard sheds.
