The most effective and permanent solution is to hire a licensed wildlife removal company. Aspen Wildlife Control uses humane exclusion techniques — including one-way doors — that allow raccoons to leave your property safely while preventing re-entry. All methods comply with Ontario’s OMNRF and Quebec’s MFFP wildlife regulations. Contact us for a free inspection across the Ottawa-Gatineau capital region.
DIY raccoon removal is not recommended and can be dangerous. Raccoons become defensive when cornered and can carry rabies and parasites. Home remedies, repellents, and eviction fluids are largely ineffective and do not address root causes such as entry points or food attractants. Professional removal by a licensed technician is the safest and most permanent solution.
Standard exterminators typically handle insects and rodents — not wildlife. Raccoon removal requires a licensed wildlife control technician trained in humane exclusion methods. Aspen Wildlife Control specializes in raccoon removal across Ottawa and Gatineau, using methods that comply with provincial animal welfare legislation. Poison-based extermination is not permitted for raccoons in Ontario or Quebec.
No. Poison is illegal, inhumane, and dangerous for raccoon removal in Ontario and Quebec. It poses serious risks to children, pets, and other wildlife through secondary poisoning. Poison also fails to address the entry points that allow raccoons onto your property. Aspen Wildlife Control uses only humane, regulation-compliant exclusion methods.
Common signs include thumping or scratching noises in the attic or walls at night, raccoon droppings near entry points, damaged soffits or roof shingles, torn insulation, overturned garbage bins, and a strong musky odour. If you notice any of these signs in your Ottawa-Gatineau home, contact Aspen Wildlife Control promptly.
Raccoon removal costs vary based on the severity of the infestation, the number of entry points, and whether attic decontamination or insulation repair is required. Aspen Wildlife Control offers free on-site inspections and personalized quotes. Contact us at 613-606-1190 (Ottawa) or 819-968-0349 (Gatineau) for accurate pricing.
Yes. Raccoons can injure cats and small dogs if cornered or threatened. They also carry diseases transmissible to pets, including distemper and parasites such as Baylisascaris roundworm. Raccoon feces in your yard or attic can expose pets to these pathogens even without direct contact. Keep pets indoors if raccoon activity is suspected and contact a professional immediately.
If you find a lone baby raccoon, do not handle it — the mother is likely nearby and will return. If the baby appears injured, ill, or has been alone for more than 24 hours, contact Aspen Wildlife Control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitation centre in Ottawa-Gatineau. Relocating or handling baby raccoons without a permit is illegal in Ontario and Quebec.
After professional raccoon removal, prevent re-entry by sealing all gaps in your roofline, soffits, eaves, vents, and chimney with durable, raccoon-proof materials. Secure garbage bins with locking lids, remove outdoor pet food, and trim overhanging tree branches. Aspen Wildlife Control includes entry point sealing and prevention advice with every removal service in Ottawa-Gatineau.
In Ontario, raccoon trapping without a permit may be restricted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. In Quebec, the MFFP regulates wildlife removal and certain interventions require authorization. Using improper traps or relocating raccoons without authorization can result in fines. Aspen Wildlife Control handles all removals in full compliance with Ontario and Quebec wildlife law.
Raccoons removed by Aspen Wildlife Control are handled according to OMNRF (Ontario) and MFFP (Quebec) provincial guidelines. Where permitted, raccoons are relocated to suitable natural habitat. Baby raccoons discovered during removal are referred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. No raccoon is harmed during the removal process — humane treatment is a core part of every job.
Most raccoon removal jobs are completed within three to seven days, depending on the level of activity and whether a mother raccoon has young. Exclusion devices are typically installed on day one. Our technicians monitor progress and confirm the property is clear before sealing entry points permanently. Aspen Wildlife Control serves Ottawa-Gatineau with prompt response times.
Ottawa has an estimated 30 to 40 raccoons per square kilometer in urban and suburban areas. The raccoon population in the capital region continues to grow alongside urban development, making residential infestations increasingly common — particularly in neighborhoods near green spaces, rivers, and wooded areas such as Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, and Gatineau.
Raccoons in Ottawa-Gatineau are most active from April to October. Breeding season runs from January to March, with litters born between March and June. Spring is the highest-risk period for attic infestations, as mother raccoons actively seek warm, sheltered nesting sites. Removal is more complex during maternity season due to the presence of dependent young.
Yes. Chimneys are one of the most common entry points for raccoons in Ottawa-Gatineau homes, especially during spring when mother raccoons seek nesting sites. Raccoons mistake chimneys for hollow trees. Aspen Wildlife Control recommends installing a chimney cap after removal to prevent re-entry. Never light a fire if you suspect a raccoon or litter is inside.
Some homeowner’s insurance policies in Ontario and Quebec cover structural damage caused by raccoons — such as damaged soffits, insulation, and wiring — but typically exclude the cost of wildlife removal itself. Review your policy carefully and contact your insurer directly. Aspen Wildlife Control can provide a detailed damage report to support your insurance claim.
Yes. Raccoons are a primary carrier of Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm whose eggs are found in their feces and can cause serious neurological illness in humans if ingested. Raccoons can also carry rabies, leptospirosis, and canine distemper. Never handle raccoon droppings without proper protective gear. Aspen Wildlife Control offers safe attic decontamination services following every raccoon removal.
Yes. Aspen Wildlife Control offers comprehensive attic decontamination and insulation restoration services following raccoon removal across Ottawa-Gatineau. This includes the removal of contaminated insulation, disinfection of affected areas, and installation of fresh insulation where needed. Raccoon damage to insulation and structural materials should be addressed promptly to prevent mould, odour, and ongoing health risks.
Our team begins with a thorough inspection to identify raccoon entry points and areas of activity. Humane exclusion devices are installed to allow raccoons to exit safely without the ability to re-enter. Once the property is confirmed clear, all entry points are permanently sealed. We also provide a full prevention assessment and decontamination recommendations where needed.
Yes. Aspen Wildlife Control provides professional, humane removal services for a wide range of wildlife across Ottawa-Gatineau, including squirrels, skunks, bats, birds, groundhogs, mice, rats, and more. We also offer attic restoration and contamination removal services. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and we will recommend the appropriate solution for your property.