Raccoons in the garage or shed are a common problem for homeowners in Toronto and are difficult to remove. Raccoons primarily find shelter in structures to breed so if you spot raccoons in January through to September, you can accurately assume that baby raccoons are also involved.

There are a number of methods you can use to get rid of raccoons in your garage.

Do Nothing

Raccoons make a den in your garage because they want somewhere safe, quiet and warm to breed. Once the babies are grown (usually by end of summer), the family may leave and the baby raccoons go on to start an independent life. It is also very common for these animals to have multiple dens. The mother may choose to relocate to another den as soon as the babies can follow. In this case you can simply seal all entry points to ensure they don’t return.

Waiting may not be an option if the animals are making too much noise at night or causing damage to your property or yard.

Trapping

Many people erroneously believe that trapping is a humane way to get rid of raccoons. There are a good number of reasons why trapping shouldn’t be an option.

For one, it is illegal to transport wildlife in Toronto for more than 1 kilometer without a permit. This leaves you little range to release the animal and there is a good chance that it will find its way back to your garage since these animals are expert navigators.

Trapping a mother raccoon condemns the young raccoons to death by starvation. This is inhumane and causes other problems including rotting corpses that can be difficult to find and to remove.

Raccoons are also nocturnal animals so they mostly get trapped at night while leaving their den to forage for food. This situation exposes the animal to pets, predators and harsh weather.

It is best to avoid trapping all together.

One Way Door (Exclusion)

Experts agree that the best way to get rid of raccoons is to use a one way door. Begin by sealing all potential entry points with metal flashing or galvanized steel mesh leaving only one exit point. Dig a trench around the structure if it’s a shed or deck, 1-2 feet deep, before installing the barrier.

Install a one way door on the remaining entry hole. The door allows the raccoon to leave the den but cannot re-enter since the door only sings outward. Remove the door and seal the hole once you confirm that all raccoons have left the den.

Although effective, it is best to let a professional handle the exclusion. The door might be too small or installed incorrectly thus trapping or injuring the raccoon. Separating a mother from its babies will cause the animal to become aggressive and mothers are known to cause extensive damage while attempting to get back to their young ones. This is the most effective way to remove raccoons from attics and from under decks as well.

Call A Wildlife Removal Company

Exclusion is undoubtedly the most effective and humane wildlife control method but it should be performed by an expert. This is a multi-step and often complicated process which may also include cleaning out the den so other wildlife aren’t tempted to occupy the empty space and sealing all potential entry points among other steps.

Only an expert can guarantee that your raccoon problem is solved permanently. Hire a wildlife control company in Toronto that offers a warranty for its work; preferably for at least one or two years. Wildlife Shield offers professional solutions to all urban wildlife problems. Call us now: 647-560-3988.