The raccoon has a distinctive black mask and furry ringed tail. Fully grown raccoons range from 20 to 40 inches long and can weigh 10 to 40 lbs.
Why Raccoons Are Considered A Nuisance Animal/Pest Species
Raccoons can be found throughout all of Ontario and are active all year round. Because of their size and intelligence, raccoons are one of the most challenging, commonly dealt with nuisance animals in our industry. Although they mainly live in the wild, raccoons have adapted very well and are attracted to urban areas. Raccoons are classified as pest species mainly because of their destructive nature. They are continually seeking food, safety and shelter and can become invading, annoying and troublesome. Raccoons will establish their dens in our attics, chimneys, sheds, crawlspaces, under decks and porches within our home, recreational/cottage and commercial properties. They especially love attics because they are warm and spacious. Since raccoons are nocturnal animals, they are most active at night and therefore, can be quite a nuisance to occupants trying to sleep.
In all areas, raccoons can cause significant damage to roofs, garages, storage units, decks, porches, gardens and lawns of homes, recreational properties and businesses. Raccoons will access homes and buildings through chimneys, unscreened vents, existing gaps/holes and if necessary, they will chew and claw through almost anything including electrical wires, wood, shingles, siding, aluminum fascia, soffit, duct systems, insulation, drywall, vapour barrier, water piping and plumbing lines to gain access. Once you have a raccoon or a family of raccoons they will cause major damage and leave a mess of feces and urine.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of raccoons destroying your home, recreational/cottage or commercial property, exclusion is the best prevention following the safe and humane removal.
Solace Pest Solutions can provide you with many exclusion solutions including:
- Blocking off potential access points to your attic, garage and other buildings.
- Securing the perimeter of decks, sheds and crawl spaces.
- Installing a chimney cap.
- Trimming branches to prevent easy access.
- Installing one-way exclusion doors to allow animals to leave while preventing re-entry.
- Repairing holes and rotting or damaged materials and structures.
- Exclusion proofing soffit/roof intersections, roof vents, exhaust fans, fascia, roof peaks and shingles.