Raccoons may look like cute little thieves with the black markings around their eyes looking like tiny little black masks, but they are also pretty notorious creatures and can be a nuisance for most homeowners in Burlington, Ontario. Have you ever noticed that raccoons live in just about every city? That’s because cities often have more food and shelter for wild animals like raccoons. Raccoons in the city have adapted to living alongside people, so if you find one on your property, don’t panic!
You can do several things for raccoon removal Burlington safely and prevent them from returning to your property.
Raccoons are common
They are a nuisance and a threat to our health, pets, and the environment. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies and parasites like tapeworms. Raccoon removal in Burlington is best left to professionals who have the experience needed to trap raccoons safely and relocate them using techniques that protect people’s property and the raccoons’ lives.
Raccoons can cause damage
One of the biggest reasons to get rid of raccoons is that they can cause damage to your property. The animals will rip off shingles and chew through wood, leaving holes in your roof. They are also known to nest under porches or decks, which can weaken these structures and make them an eyesore in your yard. And if you have a pool, the last thing you want to see is a bunch of raccoons swimming or floating in it.
Raccoons carry fleas and ticks that could infect your pets with diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Boxer Great Dane Mix.
Seal any entry points they could use
To keep raccoons away from your property, seal any entry points they could use to gain access to your attic or basement. Raccoons can climb up the sides of houses and buildings, so there are several things you can do to prevent them from doing this.
- The first step is installing metal flashing around your roof where it meets the structure’s walls.
- The second step is installing metal flashing around chimneys, windows, foundations (and other openings) on your home’s exterior.
- The third step is to consider installing motion-activated lights on your property to deter raccoons. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be used with other methods for getting rid of raccoons.
Conclusion
You are now armed with the knowledge you need to deal with raccoons in your yard. An important thing to remember is that you should never try and trap a raccoon on your own. Raccoons are intelligent creatures that are known for their ability to adapt. This means that even if you get rid of raccoons by using specific methods, they will likely come back again in the future.
Moreover, these animals can also be dangerous, especially if they feel threatened or trapped, therefore, it is best to call in the experts to deal with them.
Ontario Rules: You Need a Licence to Trap a Raccoon
In Ontario, raccoons are protected by law. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act covers them. You need a licence to trap a raccoon. You cannot trap one on your own without it. A trapped raccoon must be released within 1 kilometre of where it was caught. Moving a raccoon far away is illegal. It is also cruel. A raccoon moved to a new area does not know where to find food or shelter. Other raccoons will fight it for territory. Many relocated raccoons die. A licensed trapper knows the rules. They can trap and release the animal in a legal way. In some cases, a trapped raccoon must be put down. That is the law in Ontario. Call a licensed wildlife removal company. Do not try to trap a raccoon yourself. You can be fined. You can also be bitten. Raccoons can carry rabies.
How to Tell If a Raccoon Is in Your Attic
Raccoons are nocturnal. They are active at night. Listen for sounds after dark. You may hear thumping, scratching, or walking above your ceiling. You may hear chattering. Check for droppings near the attic entry. Raccoon droppings look like small dark pellets. They often pile up in one spot, called a latrine. Check your insulation. Raccoons tear it up to make a nest. They also flatten it where they sleep. Look for entry holes. A raccoon can fit through a hole as small as 10 centimetres (4 inches). Check the roofline, the vents, and the chimney. Look for paw prints in dust. Smell the attic. Raccoon urine has a strong smell. If you find these signs, do not go into the attic alone. Call a professional.
How to Keep Raccoons Away Without Trapping
The best way to keep raccoons away is to remove what attracts them. Secure your garbage bins. Use bins with locking lids. Put a bungee cord around the lid. Store bins in the garage until collection day. Bring pet food inside at night. Do not leave it on the porch. Clean your barbecue after each use. Grease attracts raccoons. Pick up fallen fruit from your yard. Trim tree branches that hang near your roof. Raccoons climb trees to reach the roof. Cap your chimney. A chimney cap stops raccoons from climbing down. Motion-activated lights can help. Motion-activated sprinklers can help too. Raccoons get used to them over time. So use them with other methods. Do not rely on one trick alone.
What to Do If You Find Baby Raccoons
Baby raccoons, called kits, are often found in attics in spring. Do not touch them. The mother is often nearby. She may be out looking for food. She will come back at night. Wait 24 hours. If the mother does not return, the kits may be orphaned. Do not try to raise them yourself. It is illegal in Ontario without a licence. It is also hard. Baby raccoons need special care. Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In Ontario, you can contact the Ontario SPCA or a local wildlife centre. They will take the kits and raise them. They will release them when they are old enough. Wear gloves if you must move a kit. Wash your hands after. Raccoons can carry parasites in their droppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to trap a raccoon in Ontario?
Yes. Raccoons are protected under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. You need a licence to trap one. A trapped raccoon must be released within 1 kilometre of where it was caught. Call a licensed wildlife removal company.
How do I know if a raccoon is in my attic?
Listen for thumping, scratching, or walking at night. Look for droppings, torn insulation, entry holes, and paw prints. Smell the attic. Raccoon urine has a strong smell.
How can I keep raccoons away without trapping?
Secure your garbage bins with locking lids. Bring pet food inside at night. Clean your barbecue. Trim tree branches near the roof. Cap your chimney. Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers.
What should I do if I find baby raccoons?
Do not touch them. The mother often returns at night. Wait 24 hours. If she does not return, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the Ontario SPCA.
Can a raccoon fit through a small hole?
Yes. A raccoon can fit through a hole as small as 10 centimetres (4 inches). Check the roofline, vents, and chimney for entry holes.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Wildlife rules vary by province and state. Check your local rules and call a licensed professional before you trap or move any wild animal.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026