London Raccoon & Wildlife Removal

Raccoons in the attic, a family in the chimney or a skunk under the deck: Toodaloo Pest Control removes raccoons and other wildlife from homes and businesses in London, Ontario. We find how the animals are getting in, use humane exclusion so they leave on their own, and then seal and reinforce the entry points so they cannot come back. Same-day service is available. Call 519-914-0478, answered 24 hours a day.

Signs you have raccoons

• Heavy thumping, growling or chattering in the attic or chimney at night
• Torn shingles, lifted soffits, bent roof vents or a chewed fascia board
• Garbage bins, compost or green bins knocked over and torn open
• A raccoon latrine: droppings piled in one spot on a roof, deck or flat surface
• Muddy paw prints on siding, downspouts or the chimney

Why raccoons pick London houses

Raccoons settle where food and shelter are close together. The City of London’s guidance on feeding wildlife says squirrels and raccoons will take up residence in nearby attics to stay close to a food source, that skunks prefer to burrow under sheds and decks for the same reason, and that raccoons keep a shared latrine area on neighbouring properties that can become a health hazard to people. That is why the City’s Public Nuisance By-law (PH-18) prohibits nuisance feeding of wildlife, with a maximum penalty of $10,000.

Ontario’s rules: why raccoons cannot be trapped and driven away

Ontario lets a property owner, or an agent the owner asks for help, capture or remove wildlife that is damaging the property, but live-captured animals must be released within 1 kilometre of where they were caught and within 24 hours. The province explains that this keeps animals near the food and den sites they know, so they do not have to fight for new territory, and that moving an animal that seems healthy can still spread disease. The City of London notes that relocation beyond 1 km is prohibited under the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and the province’s rabies guidance lists never trapping and relocating wildlife as a prevention step.

In practice that means trapping and driving a raccoon to the country is not allowed, and releasing it nearby usually brings it straight back. Exclusion, where the animal leaves and the way in is closed, is the method that works.

A mother raccoon and her young

Attics and chimneys make attractive den sites for a mother raccoon raising young. Ontario’s guidance says the simplest answer for a raccoon family in a chimney is often patience: after eight to ten weeks the female and young leave and do not return. It warns never to smoke them out or pour anything down the chimney, because adult raccoons can climb out of a chimney but their young cannot. The province prefers removals in autumn, after the young have left, and stresses not sealing animals inside.

How we remove raccoons

1. Inspection. We check the roof, chimney, vents, soffits, attic, deck and shed for every way in and look for signs of young.
2. Humane exclusion. We install a one-way exit on the main entry so the animals can leave but not get back in, timed so no young are left behind.
3. Seal and reinforce. Once the animals are out, we close the openings with materials raccoons cannot tear through and fit chimney caps and vent covers.
4. Clean-up. We remove nesting material and droppings where needed and point out insulation or roof damage for repair.

Rabies and staying safe

Ontario lists raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes as the wildlife most commonly found with rabies in the province. Signs can include an animal losing its fear of people or acting very aggressive, although only lab testing confirms rabies. If a person has been bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies, the province says to report it to the local health unit, a doctor or an emergency department; if a pet is exposed, call a veterinarian. For a live animal that looks sick but has not touched anyone, Ontario’s Wildlife Health Information Line is 1-888-574-6656.

Do not try to handle or corner a raccoon yourself. A cornered raccoon will defend itself, and a mother defending kits is especially dangerous.

Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in London

The City of London directs calls about sick or injured wildlife to the London Animal Care Centre (519-685-1330), and calls about sick, injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife to the Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre (519-264-2440). Ontario says sick, injured or orphaned wildlife should go to an authorized wildlife rehabilitator.

Skunks under decks and sheds

Skunks look for dry, sheltered space under decks, porches and sheds. The City of London recommends screening below ground around any structure without a foundation in a reverse L shape, 12 inches down and 18 inches out from the structure, so burrowing animals cannot dig under it, and covering basement window wells with mesh or a commercial cover.

Raccoon-proofing your property

• Keep garbage, recycling and compost where wildlife cannot reach them or in secure bins, and put them at the curb on the morning of collection, as the City of London advises
• Do not leave garbage cans out overnight and keep lids secured, as Ontario suggests
• Fit a chimney cap and cap or screen roof, dryer and bathroom vents with secure mesh
• Trim branches that reach the roof or chimney
• Check shingles, eaves, soffits and vents every spring and fall
• Seal holes and gaps at ground level, but only once you are sure no animal is inside

Squirrels in the attic?

Squirrels need a different approach because of their size and how they chew in. See our squirrel removal in London page, or call and we will tell you which animal you are likely dealing with from the noises and the damage.

Licensed and insured wildlife work

Toodaloo is a licensed pest control company with $5 million in liability insurance, and our satisfaction guarantee covers every visit. We remove raccoons and other wildlife for homeowners, landlords and businesses across London.