Mississauga, like most of the GTA, is home to a large population of raccoons. Despite rapid human expansion and land development, raccoon populations continue to rise in most urban centres throughout North America.
There are a number of reasons why raccoons have been able to thrive in urban environments. Here are just a few reasons why raccoons have been so successful in Mississauga:
Plenty of Food
Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they aren’t picky eaters. Cities tend to provide them with more food options in a smaller range than they would typically find in woodlands. Garbage and green bins, vegetable gardens, pet food and lawn grubs are all common food sources for city raccoons and they generally don’t have to travel too far to find them.
No Natural Predators
In the wilderness raccoons are prey for cougars, bobcats and coyotes but the in city they have almost no natural predators. The number one killer of raccoons in urban settings is traffic and studies have shown that raccoons have learned to avoid crossing major streets and thoroughfares. A lack of predators means longer lives and more opportunities to produce offspring.
Abundant Shelter
Raccoons are mostly nocturnal which means they need a protected place to sleep during the day. Secure den sites are especially important to mother raccoons during the spring birthing season. Raccoon babies aren’t able to look after themselves until months after birth, so females need to find a safe place to stash their litters.
In the wilderness raccoons make their homes in tree hollows, logs and caves but in the city they have many more options. Raccoon intelligence and physical capabilities mean they can gain access to many structures found in cities. Here are some common den sites for Mississauga raccoons:
- Attics
- Chimneys
- Garages
- Under decks, porches, sheds
Urban raccoons typically maintain between five and ten alternate den sites in any given neighbourhood and will divide their time between them depending on the circumstances.
Removing Raccoons
While the truth is that we can’t get rid of all the raccoons in Mississauga, there are simple steps that homeowners can take to keep their house and property raccoon-free. It’s important to remember that raccoon behaviour is driven primarily by their need for food and shelter.
Making sure that your property is free of food attractants and maintaining your home will go a long way toward keeping your house protected. Raccoons are clever and even when you’ve done everything right they can still find a way to get inside your roof, attic or chimney.
In times like that it’s important to seek out professional raccoon removal specialists. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in humanely removing and excluding raccoons from houses.
Our process includes:
- Complete interior and exterior inspection of your home and property for raccoon activity and damage
- Humane removal of the raccoons, including mothers with babies
- Securing and repairing actual and potential entry points
- Clean up and repair of raccoon damage
- Lifetime guarantee on our workmanship and materials.
If you suspect raccoons have found their way into your attic, then trust the experience and know-how of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to get rid of them. Call us today – 416-417-2939!
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