Raccoons have a reputation for being mischievous and destructive, despite their innocent appearance and charming tiny cheeks. In their hunt for food, raccoons frequently destroy garbage cans and uproot plants and sod. Raccoons may carry and spread illnesses, including rabies and roundworm. When raccoons are rabid or feel threatened, they can turn violent and bite humans or other animals.
With the rising number of raccoons, it’s more crucial than ever to learn how to keep them from becoming a nightmare in your life. Read on to learn about the many sorts of raccoons to be on the lookout for, as well as the sizes of holes they may utilize to get into your home.
Various Species of Raccoons in Canada
Raccoons come in seven different varieties and may be found worldwide, from Alaska to Argentina. The common raccoon, or Procyon lotor, is the only species of raccoon that is often seen in Canada.
This species of raccoon, often known as the North American raccoon, may be found in every province except Newfoundland and Labrador. These tiny creatures may be found all around Canada, and many Toronto residents encounter them regularly.
Because they’re so ubiquitous, it’s crucial to protect your home and seal any gaps to keep them out.
How Big Is a Hole their Paradise?
When raccoons break into a home, they are ferocious creatures and serious pests. But, honestly, how much room do they need to go through a hole in your roof? How much can they squeeze and distort their bodies to get inside a hole? It appears to be a lot. Adult male raccoons can fit through openings as tiny as 4 or 5 inches wide, while most female raccoons can get through even smaller holes. They can accomplish this because their skeleton is slight and slender. It bends a little to allow fur primarily to fit through practically any space. That is the key; we don’t see the actual raccoon behind all the fluffiness, which makes it appear nearly five times its actual size with the addition of fat and fur, even though they are essentially pretty little thin creatures.
Which Holes are Preferred by them?
There are various openings in your home that raccoons might take advantage of. Yes, there are small gaps in your vents, which raccoons use their human-like hands to pull open or claw away at. Afterwards, since their bodies are flexible, they easily adjust to the size of the hole, as we described previously. They enter through a vent, and there’s a good possibility they’ll decide to reside in your attic because it’s one of the safest areas for these creatures, especially during the winter.
For a full list of areas penetrable by raccoons see our raccoon inspection page, it will blow you away!
Precautions to prevent them
You may use the following tip to keep raccoons away from your home.
• Examine your home for any holes and ensure they are adequately sealed. Keep the bricks in a random place if there is a significant gap that is impossible to shut; raccoons find it challenging to remove the weight. Inspection and care should be taken to make sure animals aren’t currently inside before doing so.
• There mustn’t be any attractants within the property; this is why they get in and take away bird feeders and other food sources. If you have plants, peppermint oil spray, or any other odor-producing natural substance it may assist in keeping them away from your plants.
• Put rubbish in tight containers; if raccoons can’t locate anything else, they can eat the garbage.
• Double-check that all gaps have been adequately filled.
• To get rid of raccoons, use a trap or contact a professional.
You may also attempt exclusion on your own or contact a professional who specializes in it. Animal or raccoon exclusion is the technique of installing one-way doors to remove animals humanely while disabling return access to the same area. Prevention is sealing vulnerabilities or gaps in your property where a raccoon or other animal may choose to damage and enter. Prevention is done using strong gauge galvanized steel mesh or traditional building materials. It’s a straightforward procedure that requires a thorough understanding of raccoon behavior. For this sort of service, it is suggested that you contact SIA Wildlife Control since our expert professionals are familiar with all of the ways a raccoon might get access to your home and attic and can deal with them promptly.
