As humane wildlife removal technicians, every job presents a unique learning experience. One of our technicians, Ben, was recently called to a Toronto residence to investigate scratching sounds from a chimney. He quickly figured out that raccoon removal would be necessary. 

A Chimney With Caps And Screening

The homeowners were perplexed as they thought they had gone above and beyond to avoid having a raccoon in their chimney. They lived in an older residential neighbourhood in Toronto and knew that some neighbours had experienced problems with raccoons getting into their chimneys in the past, so they didn’t want to go through the same headaches others had.

The homeowners installed a chimney cap and some DIY screening around it to help prevent wildlife from entering. They believed they had done an appropriate job of eliminating the risk of raccoons from entering. 

Unfortunately, the raccoons showed the homeowners that a chimney with a cap and DIY methods could be easily defeated. Older communities in Toronto offer ideal living quarters for raccoons as there are many food sources and an abundance of older homes with easy access points to get inside. They commonly use strong, old tree canopies to access the roof and gain access to an entryway. This is why dealing with a raccoon in the chimney is a common occurrence in Toronto. 

Finding Animal’s Entry Ways

When bad weather or storms come through the Toronto area, they can often cause damage to older homes. Homeowners can often not see this damage from the ground, or they may not think the damage isn’t a problem at the time. However, it can quickly become an issue if wildlife finds it and uses it to gain access to a home. 

It’s no secret that wildlife can be incredibly persistent when it comes to finding a way into our homes. From squirrels to raccoons and everything in between, these creatures are pros at sniffing out even the tiniest entryways. So if you’re dealing with a determined animal, taking precautions to keep them out is essential. Don’t underestimate their ability to find a way in, whether it be through unsecured windows, cracks in the foundations, or unsecured chimney caps! 

Wildlife are natural problem solvers who will do whatever it takes to access the safety and shelter they need. By being proactive and securing your home, you can protect your property and wildlife.

Finding The Raccoons

In this job, our homeowners couldn’t see the chimney from the ground. They could hear scratching coming from the area but were unsure of the noise. When Ben arrived to assess the situation, he used a drone to fly over the home and find the entryway the raccoons had created in the chimney. After recording for a short amount of time, Ben even caught an image of the raccoon on the roof, entering the damaged chimney. He was able to show the homeowners how their chimney cap and DIY screening were no deterrent for the raccoons. 

Raccoons in Toronto are curious creatures with dexterous hands and fingers and can easily pry open screening or chimney caps to access a home. Ben advised the homeowners this was the case, and they were dealing with a raccoon who was taking advantage of the warm shelter in their chimney.

After completing a complete assessment of the property, Ben placed a one-way door over the chimney, allowing the raccoon the ability to exit but not return. The chimney caps were replaced with new ones that prevent wildlife from entering. 

Thankfully, Ben and the homeowners were only dealing with one raccoon on this job. If left undetected, the raccoon could have had babies, or other wildlife could have found the entryway leading to a bigger infestation. 

Why Hire Skedaddle?

Hiring professionals to get the job done is imperative when dealing with wildlife. Animals can be dangerous and spread disease if not dealt with properly. At Skedaddle, we understand the behaviour of wildlife and know how to keep your family and the animals safe throughout the removal process. 

Depending on the area of the home where the animals are suspected, it can be dangerous for homeowners to access the area. In this job, Ben was able to use a drone to see the rooftop, something the homeowner would not be able to do without getting up on the roof. 

Our technicians have the safety equipment and training to safely reach areas and install preventive barriers. After removing wildlife from the home, we also ensure they don’t return. 

Wildlife can also leave behind a mess that can cause harm to your family, and we clean up to make sure there is no sign of wildlife left after the removal. 

Keeping Wildlife Out Of Homes

This job was an excellent reminder that regular chimney caps and DIY methods are often not enough to keep wildlife out of homes in the Toronto area. Animals are drawn to readily available food sources and the warmth and safety of homes. So, don’t let your guard down. Our Toronto team will be able to safely secure your chimney from future wildlife entry while allowing for proper airflow. If you are dealing with raccoons in Toronto, contact Skedaddle today!