Humane Raccoon Removal Methods: Prioritizing Safety and Long-Term Solutions

At Aspen Wildlife Control, we understand the frustration of a raccoon infestation.  But we also believe in resolving these issues humanely and effectively.  Here’s an overview of our methods that prioritize the safety of raccoons, your family, and your property:

Determining Sex and Maternity:

Before implementing any removal strategy, our trained technicians will prioritize the safety and well-being of any potential offspring.  This involves assessing the situation to determine the sex of the raccoon(s) involved and  whether there are any dependent babies present.  Provincial regulations regarding removal  differ slightly for females with young, and we strictly adhere to these guidelines set forth by  Ontario’s Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF)  and Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Fauna and Parks (MFFP).

Exclusion Techniques:

These methods allow raccoons to leave your property on their own, preventing them from re-entering.  This approach is favored by the OMNRF and MFFP for its humane approach. Here are some common exclusion techniques:

• One-Way Doors: We strategically install one-way doors at entry points like chimney flues, soffit vents, or crawl spaces. These doors allow trapped raccoons to exit but prevent them from returning.
• Chimney Caps: Chimneys are a common entry point for raccoons. We’ll install a secure, wildlife-proof chimney cap that allows proper ventilation while keeping unwanted guests out.
• Exclusion Wire Mesh: We may use heavy-duty wire mesh to seal gaps around your roofline, eaves, or other potential entry points. This prevents access while allowing for proper ventilation.

Live Trapping and Relocation:

In some situations, live trapping may be necessary.  We only use traps approved by the OMNRF  and MFFP and adhere to all provincial trapping regulations.  Our traps are placed strategically and monitored regularly to minimize stress on the animal.

Once trapped, raccoons are relocated to a suitable habitat away from human residences, following provincial guidelines for wildlife relocation.  This ensures the animal has a chance to thrive in a natural environment.

Why We Don’t Use Poison or Extermination:

Poisoning raccoons is not only inhumane, but also dangerous and ineffective.  Here’s why we avoid these methods:

• Danger to Pets and Children: Poisons can be accidentally ingested by pets or curious children, leading to serious health problems or even death.
• Secondary Poisoning: Secondary poisoning occurs when a predator or scavenger eats a poisoned animal, leading to its death as well. This can disrupt the natural food chain and pose a risk to endangered species.
• Ineffective for Long-Term Solutions: Poisoning only removes the immediate raccoon causing problems. It doesn’t address the attractants that lured the animal in the first place, leaving your property vulnerable to future infestations.

The Aspen Wildlife Control Difference:

We believe in humane and effective solutions.  Our trained technicians will use a combination of exclusion techniques and live trapping (when necessary) to ensure a complete and lasting resolution to your raccoon problem.  We’ll also provide recommendations to help prevent future infestations, giving you peace of mind and protecting your property.

For a free consultation and a humane solution to your raccoon problem, contact Aspen Wildlife Control today!