Why Raccoon Removal in Gatineau Is Crucial Before the Cold Season

Every fall, raccoons begin searching for a safe place to spend the winter. Their favorite shelters: attics, crawl spaces, and sheds — warm, quiet spots where they can comfortably ride out the cold. Waiting until freezing temperatures to act means giving them months to damage your home from the inside. Early raccoon removal in Gatineau isn’t just a precaution — it’s a key step to protect both your property and your health.

Intrusion risks rise as temperatures drop

As nights grow colder, raccoons become more active in their search for warmth. They climb roofs, push aside soffits, and widen small openings to slip inside. Once they settle in, they make themselves at home — nesting in insulation, storing food, and sometimes preparing to give birth.

Intervening early prevents your home from becoming their permanent shelter. Aspen Wildlife Control recommends scheduling an inspection by late September to detect signs of activity and plan the removal before raccoons burrow deep into the structure.

Cold weather complicates removal and increases costs

Once frost sets in, entry points are harder to reach and roofs become slippery. The animals, now less mobile, retreat to the deepest, hardest-to-access parts of the attic. This makes removal longer and more complex — often requiring extra openings or even partial wall access.

By acting early, raccoon removal in Gatineau is faster, cleaner, and less stressful for the animals. Aspen Wildlife Control can then seal all openings immediately — something much harder to do in the middle of winter.

Structural and health damage worsen with delay

A raccoon doesn’t just move in — it destroys. They tear off shingles, rip insulation, and chew through ventilation ducts. Even worse, their droppings can carry dangerous parasites such as Baylisascaris procyonis, which can contaminate the air.

Conducting raccoon removal before the cold season prevents these contaminants from accumulating in insulation throughout the winter. Aspen Wildlife Control follows up with professional cleaning and disinfection, ensuring your home remains safe and sanitary.

Stopping colony formation in spring

Female raccoons begin nesting as early as February. If they’ve spent the winter in your attic, they’ll likely return in spring to raise their young there. Late intervention often leads to recurring infestations that become increasingly difficult to stop.

Acting before winter breaks that cycle: preventive raccoon removal combined with professional sealing keeps them from returning when temperatures rise again.

Hiring Aspen Wildlife Control before the cold season means anticipating the risks — not just repairing the damage afterward.

FAQ’s

Why is raccoon removal in Gatineau more urgent in the fall?

Because raccoons actively seek shelter before freezing weather. Removing them early prevents long-term infestation.

What kind of damage can a raccoon cause to a house?

They tear insulation, bend soffits, damage electrical wires, and contaminate attic air with droppings.

How does Aspen Wildlife Control handle raccoon removal in Gatineau?

The team inspects entry points, uses humane capture methods, and securely seals all openings to prevent re-entry.

Can raccoon removal be done in winter?

Yes, but it’s riskier and more expensive. Cold weather limits access to affected areas and extends the intervention time.

How can I prevent future raccoon removal in Gatineau?

Maintain your roof, trim branches near the house, and secure garbage bins before the cold season begins.