Cities are chock-full of raccoon problems with Toronto and the GTA being no different. This blog discusses the common raccoon problems for Toronto GTA homeowners. The information provided outlines their behavior and characteristics to help you understand your options.
Raccoons are quite common in Toronto and have increasingly become a problem not only in the GTA but throughout Ontario as well. Raccoons have no natural predator to keep their population in control and as we continually destroy their natural habitat they have no choice but to adapt to our residential areas. The most common raccoon problems include:
Raccoons can be destructive urban mammals. Their strength alone, combined with their determination to get food and shelter make for a potentially costly combination. Raccoons have a variety of skills that allow them to exhibit a variety of behaviors, most revolving around the basics: foraging for food and seeking shelter. They are very opportunistic animals especially when it comes to meeting their basic needs. They have nimble fingers which allow them to open garbage bins to seek out food. The City of Toronto has introduced new green bins to tackle this issue, you can read further about this on our blog here. Even with the new bins, raccoons adapt very quickly, so it is still a good idea to stay alert. I came home from work one day to find a raccoon in my bedroom. He had opened the balcony door and went into my room. I had a pizza box on my desk and it was tumbled over and the remaining pizza was gone. I found the raccoon behind my bed. I opened the window and left the room closing the door behind me. He left shortly after. Food attracts raccoons! Dog or cat food left outside is pretty much an open invitation to a raccoon, and they may even come in through a pet door to get to the food. Raccoons in many areas have simply lost their fear of people. They are very strong and can defend themselves, in some cases, even against big dogs, so do not corner them. Never corner a wild animal!
How to approach your raccoon problems
One of the most commonly used methods is trapping and relocating. Trapping is were you cover all entry holes the raccoons use except one. A one-way door is installed so the raccoons can exit and not reenter. One they have exited, the final entry-hole is closed. If there are babies involved, different precautions must be taken. The mother raccoon must be removed first in order for the babies to be moved into a insulated heated box which is placed near the hole. The mother raccoon then returns to the babies, relocating them into a new safe site. Never trap a wildlife animal in your home as this is inhumane and illegal. For wildlife removal services, we recommend calling a professional to ensure safety, humane practices and professionalism.
There’s a reason professional wildlife trapping companies exist. Do-it-yourself options for raccoon removal like trapping and releasing them elsewhere leads to the risk of you trapping a family or neighbor’s pet, or even worse a toddler. If you decide to conduct it on your own, check to see what laws are in place regarding wildlife trapping and relocating. It is illegal to kill raccoons in Ontario. There was a very sad case in Pickering where someone set up snares which killed a litter of baby raccoons, one by one. A resident of Pickering had a baby raccoon enter their garden struggling to get out of the snare. It was reported and a $1000 reward for information on the culprit was placed. See the link here. Another Ontario resident set rat poison around a tree to kill off squirrels and ended up killing 3 pet dogs and putting 3 critical ill. It was lucky no children ate the poison. So please be aware when attempting to solve raccoon problems yourself, as there are other risk factors involved.
Professional Raccoon Removal
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated specialize in nuisance wildlife control. We remove unwanted wildlife from homes and businesses, and solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From home inspections to preventative measures, wildlife trapping, we solve raccoon problems with professional expertise.
First off when it comes to Bat Control you need to know they are a protected animal. It is illegal to kill a bat in Toronto or in fact anywhere in Canada. Bats play an important role in many environments around the world. Bats help pollinate flowers like mango, banana, cocoa, durian, guava and agave (used to make tequila – this is very important). Bats also control pests like mosquitoes and other insects, eating thousands of insects every night. Insect-eating bats are great for keeping bugs away from crops, as well as the places where the bats roost.
Bat characteristics
Bats are nocturnal mammals, meaning the majority of their activity takes place at night. Bats usually breed in the late summer or early autumn.
Bats are located throughout most of Ontario but they prefer to be near fresh water where they can forge for insects. The Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat are the most common bats found in and near buildings in Ontario. During the winter months the Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats will hibernate. Little brown bats have an adult wing span between 9 to 11 inches and a body length between 2-4 inches. Their colour can range from a dark brown to reddish brown or pale tan. The big brown bat has an adult wing span between 13-16 inches and their body length can range from 3-6 inches. Their color can range from light brown, to reddish brown or dark brown.
In 2006 a bat disease called White-nose syndrome (WNS) was identified. It has been associated with the deaths of over 5.7 million bats across the USA and Canada, according to figures from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the MNR. In some hibernation sites, numbers have declined by 80-100% since 2006. This disease is not known to be transferable to humans but is a huge danger to this protected species.
Bat Diseases
Globally, bats are considered ‘reservoirs’ (long-term hosts) of a number of viruses, many of which are not harmful and cannot be passed to humans. Bats are not normally aggressive and will avoid contact with humans. This means that there is no risk if you do not handle bats. The rabies virus is transmitted via a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or from its saliva coming into contact with your mucous membranes (your eyes, mouth or nose). If you do need to handle bats always wear thick gloves to avoid getting bitten. Rabies can be a deadly disease if not treated immediately. Even though not all bats carry rabies, and of those that do, not all are likely to transmit it. If bats enter your living space it’s usually by accident or because they have rabies and are rabid. Only 10% of cases with bats in living areas are due to rabies. In Canada there are usually only one or two human cases of people infected by rabies per year. So be careful!
It is illegal to kill a bat, they are protected animals
Bat Control
It is not uncommon for bats to live in attics and multi story buildings. These bats enter through small openings or vents that are left open. Bats can fit through an entry point as small as a quarter of an inch and have little difficulty gaining access to structures through cracks and crevices. Though bats, especially in great number look dangerous, they are harmless and vulnerable creatures unless their life is threatened. Though they are harmless, most people don’t like bats in their house because they make disturbing noises, can come into contact with people and can spread diseases.
To remove bats from your home or building it needs to be humane. The most effective humane way to remove bats from an attic or building is with a live exclusion. This is where none of the bats are killed in the process. The idea behind bat exclusion is to let the bats leave the attic on their own but prevent them from returning. This is achieved by installing one-way devices, such as mesh netting and bat valves on the entry points.
Bat removal is not easy and it is highly recommended to hire a professional to avoid any harm to yourself or the bat(s). Bat feces also called bat guano is risk to your health and it is advised to remove the bats as soon as possible.
Bat Baby Season
Bat baby season starts in mid – summer. If you have babies in your attic it is illegal to remove them until the babies are old enough to leave the nest. The babies are unable to get food during the maternity season because they cannot fly. If you remove the mothers and block their access to the roost, then the babies are going to starve to death.
If bats are roosting in your attic or walls, it’s important to have bats evicted from your home as soon as possible to avoid costly bat guano cleanup, attic insulation replacement and possible health risk.
SOS Wildlife Removal have answered 100’s of bat removal cases and are available 24/7.
Birds are opportunistic animals just like raccoons, squirrels, skunks and other wildlife who seek out their three primary needs – food, shelter and heat. The same needs as humans! This is often the reason you will find wildlife in your home, as you have met these needs and are seen as a resource. Birds being opportunistic will find a gap in your roof and enter your attic where it is also nice and quiet for them to nest. Even though birds are a nice sight, they can be a nuisance when they are nesting in your home or on your property. Not only do they create a lot of noise and leave a mess with their nesting materials, feathers and droppings but their droppings pose health risks and building nests in vents is a fire hazard!
The health risks of having birds on your property are due to the spores and germs in the feces which are released into the air. Inhaling these spores can lead to lung conditions or even meningitis.
Birds build their nests in vents, blocking them. Each year they continue to bring more material into the vent which increases the fire hazard risk. Damage to air conditioning equipment, industrial machines, insulation, roofs, fascia and soffits, and structural issues are often observed as a result of pest-birds, birds in vents in turn requiring bird control or bird removal. Getting the birds out and cleaning the droppings and removing hazard risks is essential. However as birds are a creature of habit, often returning to the same area over and over again, not only do you need bird removal Toronto you need to wildlife proof these areas too.
Before touching the birds or the nest you need to check the law. In Ontario most birds, including their nests and eggs are protected under law – The Migratory Bird Treaty. But depending on the type of bird, different rules apply. You may need approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources before removing a nest or eggs.
There are three birds indigenous to North America that are considered nuisance pests and are not protected under law. They are the Sparrow, Starling and Pigeon. For other bird species you can check the Ministry’s website for more information.
Bird Removal Toronto / Bird Prevention
The most common practice for bird removal Toronto in the wildlife control field is to use deterrents. The most commonly used and effective solutions are deterrents like bird spikes, netting, scare devices shock tracts and trapping. The most common tactic used is bird spikes.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are installed upon flat services where the birds nest like ledges and signs. Spikes are the most common used as they are durable and effective. The spikes don’t hurt the bird but make it impossible for them to land. Even though they may be an eye sore they are better than unsightly and unsanitary bird feces. Bird spikes are attached using a very strong adhesive so they are durable. Each spike strip can range from 3 inches to 7 inches depending on the area to be covered.
Bird Netting
Bird netting is used to exclude birds from much larger areas such as balconies or parking garages. Bird netting is extremely durable and can be expected to last many years. A stainless steel cable is attached around the perimeter of the area to be excluded and the net is attached using small steel rings. It is a permanent solution providing excellent control.
Shock Track
Shock track is a discreet bird deterrent system that has the advantage of deterring all species of birds. It employs an intermittent electric pulse which while unpleasant, does not injure birds in any way. The track is less than an inch in height so it is excellent in areas where aesthetics are important.
Trapping
There is an option to trap the animal and release them elsewhere, however birds are great navigators and can return. Using the one way door is our standard preferred method as trapping and removing is not a permanent solution. Trapping is used usually on larger buildings. One way doors are our preferred method rather than trapping and relocating. One way doors are specially designed doors which allow the animal to exit the property and not reenter.
To bird proof your home, the birds are first removed, the area is cleaned to remove all feces and then either the spikes, shock tracks or netting are attached.
Birds are a creature of habit, often returning to the same area again and again, not only do you remove the birds you need to wildlife proof these areas too
The best solution for your bird problem is a humane, cost effective permanent pest management strategy like any or the above. If you are unsure of the species you have you can call us and we can help you identify the bird. Birds are a nuisance to both businesses and home owners because of their tendency to roost and nest inside buildings. Birds nesting in a stove vent or attic is a significant nuisance and their ability to carry and spread disease is easily equal to that of rats. If you have Starlings, Pigeons or Sparrows, call us for bird removal Toronto on 647-994-9453.
A common type of call we receive are related to baby wildlife. People find baby wildlife in their garden, under their deck, in the park with no sign of the mother. When you come across a sick, injured or orphaned animal you instinctively want to help. As advocates for wildlife we always recommend that wildlife be left undisturbed unless it is injured or TRULY an orphaned baby animal.
If you find an injured wild animal call Toronto Animal Services (TAS) or 416-338-PAWS (7297)
1. Before acting, check if baby animal is orphaned
You need to ensure that the “orphaned baby animal” is definitely orphaned before helping. Many baby animals that are found alone are not stray. It is easy to think that a baby raccoon or squirrel is abandoned when in fact their parents are still caring for them. There are many reasons why a baby raccoon or baby squirrel may be lying at the bottom of a tree or outside their nest buy more often than not, the mother will return. If you find the nest but it is not intact it still doesn’t mean the baby is orphaned. Mother raccoon / squirrels often have a few nests she can carry them to if the nest is unsafe or not intact.
Unless you are certain that the parent is no longer caring for the baby wildlife animal, it is advised to take steps to make sure the parent is gone prior to taking the young away. A baby wildlife animal with it’s mother ensures the best care. When young wildlife are inadvertently removed from their parents, their likelihood of survival decreases. This even applies to expert care.
Interesting Fact:
Although squirrels rarely interact, they learn who their nearby relatives are by hearing their unique calls. If they fail to hear a relative’s calls for a few days, they may investigate and rescue orphans.
2. Things to keep in mind when you find baby wildlife
The first 24 to 48 hours after a wild orphaned animal is found is the most critical. They usually have been without food or water for a while and are confused and afraid.
Depending on the species will depend on when the mother will return.
Raccoon are active in the evenings/night time
Squirrels are active during the day
Opossums are nocturnal
Skunks are nocturnal
If you’ve found a baby raccoon, the mother raccoon will most likely return in the evening/night hours. Put a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in a box and put the babies on the towel to keep them warm. Use gloves, like gardening gloves to lift the babies. If you find the raccoon during the day put the box in a dark warm place like your garage, free of neighborhood pets and children. This will keep the raccoon babies safe until the evening. You can fold the flaps of the box over to keep them warm. Leave the box at the bottom of the tree near the nest, or at the bottom of a tree near to where they were found. In the evening and the mother raccoon will be able to open the box and retrieve them that night.
Myth:
Mothers will abandon their babies if they smell humans on them. (this only applies to some animal species).
Mother squirrels will retrieve their babies during the day, not at night. Again place the babies in a blanket in a box and place them near the area where they were found or at the bottom of the tree below the nest. Try to place the box that allows the babies to stay warm and avoid the elements.
Keep your distance from the box and check every few hours to see if the mother has retrieved them. The mother will not come out if she senses danger.
Do not feed the babies!
It is highly advised not to feed the babies but to call a wildlife rehabilitator. In the instance where it is necessary to feel the wildlife animal, ensure you have the proper guidance from a professional.
3. Who To Call
If the orphaned babies are not retrieved in 6-8 hrs you should call a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
If you are based in Toronto GTA contact Toronto Wildlife Centre or 416-631-0662. If you are based outside Toronto GTA this map here should indicate your closest wildlife rehabilitation center or you can call us on 1-800-981-0330, we can provide free advice on what to do next, however we do not rehabilitate wildlife.
It is not recommended for an inexperienced unliscened person to attempt to hand raise an orphaned animal. Not only is it discouraged, it is illegal! You are aloud to sustain an orphan for a few days before it can be transferred to a rehabilitation center.
Here is a report in GuelphMercury about a Wellington resident who found three baby raccoon. The lady phoned a rehabilitation center who wouldn’t help until she was sure the babies were truly orphaned. This is very important as the chances for baby animals survival decrease if taken away from their mother. Ensuring they are truly orphaned is a tough but necessary step.
General FAQs
Who Do You Call If You Find a Baby Raccoon?
If you find a baby raccoon on your property or anywhere nearby, the best way to deal with it is to call professionals who offer baby raccoon removal services.
What Do You Do If You Find a Baby Raccoon Alone?
If you find a baby racoon on your property, before acting, you should check if the animal is indeed orphaned and the parent is no longer caring for it.
How to Help a Baby Raccoon?
If you find an orphaned baby raccoon, place it in a safe environment that is protected from natural elements and free of any pests. Also, place it as close as safely possible to the area where it was found.
Are Baby Raccoons Dangerous?
Even though baby raccoons are small and weak, they can still carry rabies and other diseases. Additionally, they bite and scratch when handled.
Why do animals break in? It is very frustrating when wildlife enter our homes as they are messy, noisy and just plain annoying. Growing up we learn that urban wildlife are generally more scared of us than we are of them, but then why do they become unwanted house guests?
I believe that understanding why animals break in will help us solve this problem. If you check out our post How do animals get in you will find ways which will also help keep urban wildlife out.
2 main reasons for wildlife breaking into houses
Adaptation
Primal needs
1. Adaptation of urban wildlife
Raccoons, squirrels, skunks or opossums are constantly adapting better to urban life. As Toronto grows bigger wildlife have no choice but to adapt to the city, thus becoming less scared of humans. Many people feed raccoons or squirrels in their backyard or in the park, but this isn’t the best approach in dealing with wildlife in the city as they become less scared of us and they get confident approaching closer.
To help discourage wildlife from your property, do not feed them and when putting our your garbage, secure the bins. The new wildlife proof bins being introduced to Toronto should help this. If there are any wildlife animals in your yard, make large noises at them to leave. Inform your children to keep away from wildlife, especially when unsupervised, telling them not to feed them.
2. Primal Needs of urban wildlife
Raccoons, squirrels, skunks and other pests have basic needs that attract them to our homes. Their needs are similar to ours:
Shelter
Food
Heat
Nest
Animals are attracted to our homes as we have fulfilled these needs for ourselves, seeing it as a resource for themselves.
Shelter
Raccoons, squirrels, opossums and skunks all look for dens not just during the cold weather but all year round. Raccoons, squirrels or any pest will take advantage of any weak parts on our homes. They will scratch or chew through wood or any small holes to gain entrance. To stop them gaining access to these areas it is advisable to cut away all tree branches near your home to reduce access and to assess you home several times a year to see if there are any holes or weak points that you should fix. I can’t advise wildlife proofing your home enough, a service SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated provide that is effective and is worth it. No matter how high a fence you put up to protect your property, many wildlife animals have very sharp claws and will burrow under it or find other means to counter-act it. Wildlife proofing includes putting a wire mesh under your fences or porch which restricts animals from digging down to go under. For more information on wildlife proofing please call us on 1800-981-0330
Food
Wildlife are attracted to our homes because of fruit falling from trees, food in trashcans or in compost bins, BBQ leftovers and even pet bowls and bird feeders and more. It is important to clear out fallen fruit, have trashcans with tightly secure lids and take any precautions to ensure that food is inaccessible for wildlife. Soon we will have the new wildlife proof bins being released in Toronto in 2016. Lastly feed pets inside and don’t overflow bird feeders. Every little bit helps!
Heat
The heat escaping from holes in vents and open chimneys attract wildlife. It is important to check how efficient your home is, as it not only attracts critters but it is costing you money.
Below is a video of raccoons being chased by our team from the chimney flue. They are attracted to the heat.
Nest
Twice a year animals have babies but throughout the year wildlife keep an eye out for dens. However in baby season, Spring and Autumn, you will have a higher risk of finding wildlife in your homes as mothers are trying to find somewhere warm and dry to nest for a few weeks. If you do find baby animals in your home, do not touch them. Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated immediately as they need to be removed professionally and kept with their mother.
We will always have wildlife within our city environment, and we will have problems with these animals until we take preventative measures to keep them from homes. You can read our other posts on Toronto’s human – wildlife conflict and also Signs that wildlife are in your home already. Once the repairs are done and you begin a regular inspection of your home, we believe your wildlife problems will be over.
Birds are opportunistic animals just like raccoons, squirrels, skunks and other wildlife who seek out their three primary needs – food, shelter and heat. The same needs as humans! This is often the reason you will find wildlife in your home, as you have met these needs and are seen as a resource. Birds being opportunistic will find a gap in your roof and enter your attic where it is also nice and quiet for them to nest. Even though birds are a nice sight, they can be a nuisance when they are nesting in your home or on your property. Not only do they create a lot of noise and leave a mess with their nesting materials, feathers and droppings but their droppings pose health risks and building nests in vents is a fire hazard!