Raccoons might seem cute in the wild, but they become a serious nuisance when they invade your attic. These nocturnal animals are known for their intelligence and dexterity, making them tricky to remove once they’ve made your home their own. If you’re a homeowner in Toronto dealing with unwanted raccoon guests, this comprehensive guide will walk you through effective, humane, and professional solutions for getting rid of raccoons safely.
✅ Why Raccoons Target Attics
Attics provide raccoons with:
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Warm shelter from harsh weather.
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Quiet nesting spots for raising their young.
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Easy access points such as roof vents, soffits, and chimneys.
Once inside, they can:
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Tear insulation and ductwork
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Damage electrical wiring
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Leave behind feces and urine, which carry diseases like leptospirosis and raccoon roundworm
That’s why immediate action is essential.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Raccoons from the Attic
🪜 Step 1: Confirm You Have Raccoons
Before you proceed with any removal method, confirm it’s raccoons you’re dealing with.
Common Signs of Raccoons in Your Attic:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Noises at night | Thumping, scratching, or chittering sounds |
| Foul odor | Urine or feces smell, especially near ceiling vents |
| Damaged insulation | Torn or flattened insulation near nesting areas |
| Entry points | Holes in roof, soffits, or torn shingles |
If you’re noticing these symptoms, you likely have a raccoon infestation.
🧲 Step 2: Locate the Entry Point
Raccoons are crafty climbers. Look for:
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Torn roof vents
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Gaps around chimneys
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Loose soffits or fascia boards
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Holes in eaves or siding
Mark these areas clearly. You’ll need to seal them after removal to prevent re-entry.
🛠️ Step 3: Choose the Right Removal Strategy
There are a few options to remove raccoons. Here’s a comparison:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| One-way exclusion doors | Humane, effective, prevents return | Needs proper installation |
| Live trapping | Can be relocated legally (check local laws) | Risk of injuring raccoon or yourself |
| Repellents (ammonia, light, sound) | Non-invasive | Short-term, rarely fully effective |
| Professional Raccoon Removal | Guaranteed results, safe, humane | Involves service fee |
🧰 Step 4: Consider Professional Help
Removing raccoons on your own can be dangerous and often ineffective. At Pestiseed’s Raccoon Removal Toronto, our licensed wildlife technicians use humane exclusion techniques to safely evict raccoons and prevent future invasions.
We also offer related services like:
🧹 Step 5: Clean and Sanitize the Attic
Raccoons leave behind dangerous pathogens. After removal, the attic should be:
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Vacuumed of droppings
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Disinfected with enzymatic cleaners
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Inspected for parasites (like fleas or ticks)
This is another reason why many Toronto homeowners opt for professional raccoon cleanup services.
🔧 Step 6: Seal Entry Points
Prevention is key. Once the raccoons are gone, seal the access points with:
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Metal flashing
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Heavy-duty mesh screens
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Reinforced vents or chimney caps
You can also use raccoon-proof soffit and fascia boards. Regularly inspect your roof and attic during seasonal transitions to prevent new entries.
When to Call a Professional Raccoon Removal Service
If any of the following apply, you should contact an expert immediately:
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You suspect a mother raccoon with babies
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You’ve tried DIY methods with no success
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Raccoons keep returning after previous removal
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You’re unsure how they’re getting in
🛡️ With Pestiseed’s expert raccoon removal services in Toronto, you’ll receive:
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Humane eviction and exclusion
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Thorough property inspection
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Ongoing prevention strategies
🏡 Bonus Tips: Keeping Raccoons Out for Good
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Secure garbage bins with locking lids.
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Trim tree branches near your roof.
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Install motion-activated lights around your attic vents or roof edges.
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Don’t leave pet food outside.
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Use chimney caps and attic vent covers.
If raccoons have invaded once, they’ll likely try again—especially if your attic still smells like their old den.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of raccoons in your attic isn’t just about eviction—it’s about permanent prevention and ensuring your home is safe from future infestations. With Pestiseed’s trusted raccoon removal team in Toronto, you’re guaranteed a humane, safe, and effective approach backed by years of experience.
