Raccoons are not just mischievous but can also be quite destructive when they invade urban areas, particularly homes. For residents in Toronto, Scarborough, and nearby locations, recognizing the early signs of a raccoon invasion can save a great deal of trouble and expense. If you suspect raccoons are taking refuge in or around your home, here are key indicators to watch for, ensuring you can promptly call our experts for raccoon removal in Toronto or Scarborough.
Signs of a Raccoon Intrusion
Unusual Noises:
One of the principal signs of a raccoon intrusion may not be visible at first. Raccoons are nocturnal and most active in the evening when your home is quiet. We provide the best raccoon removal services in Toronto, Scarborough, and beyond if you suspect an intrusion. Here’s what to listen for:
Description of Sounds:
- Heavy Thumping: Raccoons are larger and heavier than most rodents or birds that might enter your home. They make noticeable thumping sounds as they move around, which can be heard clearly in an otherwise quiet household.
- Chattering and Vocalizations: Raccoons are quite vocal compared to other pests. They often communicate through various sounds, including chattering, growling, and a high-pitched screech. These sounds can rise during their mating season or, on the other hand, assuming they feel compromised.
- Scratching and Rustling: Scratching or rustling within the walls, ceiling, or attic space can indicate that a raccoon is attempting to build a nest or explore its surroundings.
Potential Locations:
- Attic: Raccoons prefer the attic due to its hidden and warm environment. The insulation can mute their movements slightly, but thumping and vocal noises are usually still audible.
- Chimney: Raccoons often use chimneys as makeshift holes, which can lead to distinct echoes of their noises down the chimney pole into your living space.
- Walls and Between Floors: Less common but still possible are noises indicating raccoons are present in the wall gaps or crawl spaces between floors. Softer but continuous sounds of movement or scratching might detect it.
Recognizing these sounds early on is key to mitigating the risk of larger infestations and potential damage. If you suspect the presence of raccoons, it’s advisable to contact us to assess and address the situation efficiently.
Visible Damage Outside Your Home:
Raccoons aren’t just an irritation because of their noise; they also cause visible damage that can be costly to repair. Here’s what you should pay special attention to:
Garbage Disturbances:
- Raccoons are known for their knowledge and ability, allowing them to open covers, loosen bunches, and even open catches. They frequently search through garbage bins for food, leaving trash scattered around your property. It will not only create a mess but can also attract other pests.
Structural Damage:
- Torn Vents and Roofing: Raccoons have strong and capable nails, which they use for climbing and tearing apart materials. They can rip open vents, shingles, and roofing materials to access your attic or crawl spaces.
- Marks on Wooden Beams and Siding: Look for claw marks on wooden structures. These indicate that raccoons use these points to access various parts of your home. Persistent scratching and gnawing can lead to significant structural damage over time.
Foul Odors:
The presence of nasty smells can be a very upsetting indication of a raccoon intrusion. Understanding the sources and dangers related to these scents is significant for maintaining a sound living climate.
Causes of Odors:
- Raccoon Droppings and Urine: Raccoon waste products are unpleasant-smelling and contribute to the degradation of materials and surfaces in your home. Raccoon droppings are often found near their nesting areas and can emit a strong odor.
- Decomposition: Unfortunately, raccoons can sometimes become trapped and die in unreachable places like wall holes or tight spaces. The decomposition process leads to a distinct and unpleasant odor permeating the house.
Raccoon Tracks and Droppings:
Identifying raccoon tracks and droppings around your property can provide crucial clues about their presence and movements.
Identification Tips:
- Tracks: Raccoon tracks are distinctive. They have five toes and resemble a human hand in shape. Mud, snow, and soft soil around your home are common places where you might spot these tracks.
- Droppings: Raccoon droppings are similar in size and shape to dog droppings but may contain undigested food particles like seeds or insect parts. Due to health risks, always avoid handling droppings without protective gear.
Implications of Findings:
- Tracks and droppings in or around your home usually indicate an established raccoon population. Regular sightings of fresh droppings or tracks suggest an active, possibly breeding, population on your property, which can lead to more severe infestations. If you notice these signs, it may be time to contact our raccoon removal Toronto service to address the issue before it escalates.
Harmed Pets and Livestock:
Raccoons can pose a direct threat to pets and backyard livestock through aggressive encounters.
Interactions with Pets:
- Pets may become more anxious or nervous, assuming they indicate the presence of a raccoon. Watch for unusual screeching, teasing, or staring at a specific spot, which indicates their awareness of a nearby raccoon.
Livestock Threats:
- Raccoons attack more modest animals, such as chickens or ducks, often breaking into coops or pens. They can cause serious injuries or pass through these creatures and thus spread diseases among them.
Increased Activity at Night In Toronto:
Understanding the nighttime activity nature of raccoons can help monitor and manage their activities.
Raccoons’ Nocturnal Nature:
- Raccoons are usually active at night, searching for food, water and mates. This extended action can signal stronger noise, more noticeable damage, and more persistent experiences as you consider your property one after the other.
Surveillance Tips:
- Security Cameras: Install cameras that have night vision to monitor outdoor activity. It can help you determine the level of raccoon activity and the primary areas they use.
- Motion Sensors: Motion-activated lights or alarms can deter raccoons from entering your property and alert you to their presence at night.
Tips for Homeowners:
Managing wildlife encounters, especially with raccoons, begins with prevention. Here are some effective steps to help get raccoons out of your home, provided by leading experts in raccoon control in Toronto:
Preventive Measures:
- Secure Trash Cans: To prevent raccoons from wasting food, use raccoon-proof covers or secure litter boxes with lids or weights. Keep garbage cans in an enclosed area, such as a carport or shed, when not in use.
- Reinforce Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as loose vents, damaged chimneys, or open attic windows. Use durable materials to repair these areas. Cover chimneys and vents with appropriate wildlife-proof covers.
- Remove Food Sources: Keep pet food indoors and secure compost bins. Ensure that bird feeders are raccoon-resistant, or remove them if raccoons are a persistent problem.
- Use Deterrents: Consider using motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or noise machines to scare away before they settle in.
Conclusion:
Knowing the signs and going to great lengths to prevent raccoon activity around your home is important. If precautions fail or you see signs of a serious raccoon spread, contact our pest control company. If precautions fail or you see signs of a serious raccoon spread, contact Pestong Pest Control. We have the skills and equipment to handle raccoon excrement safely and properly. We offer expert advice and recommend specialist strategies for raccoon removal in Scarborough and Toronto, including evacuation and proactive management solutions to address your wildlife concerns.
