Raccoons are common in Toronto, and knowing the signs of a raccoon in the house can save you from a lot of trouble. These animals often seek shelter in homes, especially in attics or basements, where they can create a mess and spread disease. 

You’ll likely hear unusual noises at night, such as scratching or thumping, which means they’re moving around. A strong, unpleasant smell could also indicate their presence, as raccoons often leave droppings or urine in your home. Additionally, look out for visible damage, like torn insulation or chewed wires. 

Understanding what attracts raccoons to your house is crucial for prevention. They are drawn to easily accessible food sources, like garbage bins, pet food, or even bird feeders. They also look for warm, dry places to nest, making attics and chimneys prime locations. If you notice any of these signs, it’s clear that you need to get rid of a raccoon quickly. By recognizing these indicators early, you can take steps to address the issue effectively and humanely.

Sounds That Signal Trouble

One of the first clues that you might have a raccoon in the house is the sound. These animals are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. If you hear scratching, thumping, or scampering noises coming from your attic or walls during the night, it’s a good indication that a raccoon has taken up residence. These sounds can be particularly loud and persistent, especially if the animal is trying to build a nest or is looking for food within your home.

Raccoons are also vocal creatures. They communicate through a variety of sounds, including chittering, growling, and even purring. If you hear these unusual noises, it’s likely that one is nearby. Pay close attention to these auditory signals, as they are often the first sign of an infestation. Ignoring these sounds can lead to significant damage as they will chew through insulation, wiring, and anything else they can get their paws on.

Finally, if you have pets, pay attention to their behaviour. Dogs and cats may become agitated or focused on certain areas of the home where raccoons are present. Pets can detect these intruders long before humans can, so their reactions can be a valuable early warning system.

Smells That Should Raise Alarms

Another strong indicator of a problem is an unusual smell in or around your home. Raccoons have a distinctive musk that can become quite pungent, especially if they have been in your home for an extended period. This smell is often described as a mix of urine and a musty odour. If you notice a new, unpleasant smell that you can’t easily identify, it could be a sign of a raccoon infestation.

Additionally, raccoons are not the cleanest creatures and will leave behind waste products wherever they go. The accumulation of droppings can produce a strong, foul odour that permeates your home. This is not just unpleasant; it can also pose health risks, as raccoon droppings can carry parasites and diseases harmful to humans.

The smell of rotting food can also indicate a raccoon presence. These animals are scavengers and will bring food into your home to eat later. If you detect the smell of decaying food, it might be because a raccoon has left a stash somewhere within your walls or attic. This can attract other pests and further complicate the issue.

Sightings That Confirm the Presence

Physically seeing a raccoon or its evidence is a surefire way to confirm an infestation. Look for signs such as paw prints, droppings, or damage to your home. Raccoon paw prints are distinctive, resembling tiny human hands with five fingers. You might find these prints in dusty or muddy areas around your property.

Raccoon droppings are another clear indicator. They are typically cylindrical, with blunt ends and can contain seeds, fur, or other food remnants. Finding these droppings in your attic, garage, or yard is a strong sign that raccoons are around. It’s essential to handle these droppings with care, as they can carry diseases.

Damage to your home is another visual clue. Raccoons are strong and dexterous animals capable of prying open soffits, tearing shingles, and chewing through wood and wiring. Look for signs of forced entry, such as bent or broken vents, damaged insulation, or torn roofing materials. This kind of damage is often a clear sign that raccoons have made their way into your home.

What Attracts Raccoons to Your House?

Understanding what attracts raccoons to your house is key to preventing an infestation. Food sources are the most common attraction. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to pet food, garbage, bird feeders, and even garden crops. Ensuring that these food sources are securely stored can help deter raccoons from coming onto your property.

Shelter is another significant factor. Raccoons seek out safe, warm places to nest and raise their young. Attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys provide ideal nesting sites. Ensuring that these potential entry points are sealed can prevent raccoons from gaining access to your home.

Additionally, raccoons are attracted to water sources. Ponds, fountains, and even pet water dishes can lure them to your property. Eliminating or securing these water sources can help make your home less appealing to raccoons.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of a Raccoon

Once you’ve identified the signs of a raccoon problem, it’s crucial to take action to resolve the issue humanely. One effective method is to remove attractants. Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, store pet food indoors, and remove bird feeders if necessary. Eliminating these easy food sources can encourage raccoons to move on.

Sealing entry points is another critical step. Inspect your home for potential access points, such as gaps in the roof, vents, and chimneys. Use heavy-duty materials to seal these openings securely. Installing caps on chimneys and repairing any damaged soffits or vents can prevent raccoons from re-entering your home.

Using deterrents can also be helpful. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can scare raccoons away from your property. Additionally, placing ammonia-soaked rags or commercial raccoon repellents in areas where raccoons are active can deter them from returning.

Why Skedaddle is the Best Choice for Raccoon Removal in Toronto

When dealing with a raccoon problem, it’s essential to hire professionals who understand the complexities of wildlife control. Skedaddle is the best choice for homeowners in Toronto because of our expertise and commitment to humane practices. We don’t trap or relocate wildlife; instead, we focus on safe and effective removal methods that prevent future infestations.

Our team of trained professionals uses innovative techniques to assess and address raccoon issues. We begin with a thorough inspection to identify entry points and nesting sites. We then use one-way doors to ensure that raccoons can exit your home but cannot re-enter. This method is both humane and effective, ensuring that the animals are not harmed and that they stay out of your home.

In addition to removing the raccoons, we also provide comprehensive repair services to seal entry points and prevent future infestations. Our goal is to ensure that your home remains raccoon-free, providing you with peace of mind and a safe living environment.

Trust the Experts

Detecting the signs of a raccoon problem early is crucial to protecting your home and health. By paying attention to sounds, smells, and sightings, you can identify a raccoon presence and take steps to address it. Understanding what attracts raccoons to your house and implementing effective deterrents can help prevent future infestations.

If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, trust the experts at Skedaddle. Our humane and effective methods ensure that raccoons are safely removed and that your home is protected from future invasions. Don’t wait until the damage becomes severe—contact Skedaddle today and secure your home from unwanted wildlife.