Residing in Etobicoke implies a tree-lined street, ravines and the convenient access to the lake. Nonetheless, it also implies that one will share the neighbourhood with one of the most innovative (and most tenacious) dwellers in Toronto: the raccoon.From Islington to Long Branch, Mimico to Rexdale, raccoon removal in Etobicoke is one of the most common wildlife calls every single year.
Not only are these masked bandits cute, but they are capable of ripping the roofs to shreds, infesting the attics with vermin, gnashing electrical wires, and transforming your quiet backyard into a social house of sin at night. This comprehensive resource includes everything Etobicoke homeowners need to know in 2025: infestation symptoms, Ontario legislation, humane removal methods, prevention, and the process of selecting assistance.
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Why Raccoons Love Etobicoke
The combination of old houses and easy access to roofs, an excessive number of mature trees, ravine systems (Humber Valley, Mimico Creek) and the location of Lake Ontario make Etobicoke the best playground of raccoons. Bring out unsecured garbage cans on collection evening and pet food that is thrown outside, and you have basically set the welcome mat.
Most calls spike in:
- Late winter/early spring females are searching for warm den sites to have babies
- Late summer juveniles learning to forage on their own- Fall, everyone bulking up before winter
How to Spot a Raccoon Problem on Your Property
Night Noises: There is a great deal of heavy pounding and scratching and chattering or infantile wailing. Such sounds are located in the attics, inside walls, chimneys or under decks.
Dilapidated Roof or Soffits: Shingles that are torn or ripped, vents ripped or stripped siding might be evidence of a raccoon or other creature. Such damages occur usually on the roofline, eaves or the dormers.
Raccoon Droppings (Latrines): The presence of a raccoon could be noticed by the pungent odor of urine and heaps of dark and berry-stained feces. They tend to be either in corners of attics, on decks, or in garages.
Activities: Find five-toed handprints in mud or snow. They can be found frequently around garbage spots, gardens, or bird feeders.
UProverted Garbage: Bins that are overturned every night, despite the use of bungee cords, can be indicative of the possibility of raccoons. This tends to be that way in driveways or side yards.
Greasy Rub Marks: Since the animals tend to have frequented the same areas, dark spots along the edges of roofs, fences or doorways and exits could suggest what the animals frequented.
When you are having two or more of them, then you are sure that you have an active family of raccoons currently living (or residing) on (or in) your property.
Ontario Law & Humane Raccoon Removal in Etobicoke (2025 Rules)
Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act:
- Homeowners are allowed to harass, trap, or humanely euthanize raccoons that are causing property damage no permit required.
- Poison, glue boards, and body-gripping traps are illegal.
- You cannot relocate a raccoon more than 1 km from the capture site (it’s actually prohibited for anyone except licensed rehabilitators).
- Family separations are considered inhumane and against the law because mother raccoons with babies have to be reunited or removed.
Toronto Animal Services will not evict healthy raccoons off of the personal land. The licensed private wildlife companies are the only legal and human option available to the majority of Etobicoke residents.
DIY vs Professional Raccoon Removal: Quick Comparison
| Factor | DIY Attempt | Professional Service (Recommended) |
| Legal compliance | Easy to accidentally break the law | 100 % compliant with Ontario regulations |
| Baby season handling | High risk of orphaning kits | Mandatory family reunification or removal |
| Entry-point sealing | Often miss hidden holes | Full home inspection + guaranteed repairs |
| Disease & parasite cleanup | Rarely done properly | Biohazard-level decontamination included |
| Warranty | None | Typically 1–5 years written guarantee |
| Time required | Weeks of trial and error | Usually solved in 1–3 visits |
Humane Removal Process Used by Top Etobicoke Companies
- Full exterior & attic inspection (daylight hours)
- Identification of all entry points (including secondary ones raccoons will use once the main hole is blocked)
- Installation of one-way doors that let raccoons leave but not return
- Monitoring period (7–21 days) to ensure the entire family has exited
- Permanent sealing of entry points with heavy-gauge steel screening and metal flashing
- Attic decontamination, insulation replacement, and odour neutralization
- Written warranty and follow-up visit
Prevention Tips That Actually Work in Etobicoke
- Secure garbage and green-bin lids with ratchet straps or raccoon-proof latches
- Remove outdoor pet food at night
- Install chimney caps and vent covers with ¼-inch galvanized steel mesh
- Trim tree branches at least 3 metres away from the roof
- Motion-activated lights and sprinklers around decks and sheds
- Keep compost bins sealed and avoid adding meat or dairy
When to Call a Professional Immediately
Call the same day if you notice:
- Baby raccoon sounds (high-pitched chirping) – spring/summer
- Strong ammonia smell coming from the attic
- Water stains on ceilings (urine damage)
- Raccoon acting aggressively, disoriented, or out during daylight (possible rabies/distemper)
Final Thoughts
This issue of removal of Raccoon in Etobicoke is not something that can be solved once. Such a trap-and-relocate attempt in a brief period would tend to lead to the same (or another) family of raccoons being relocated directly back within a few weeks. The only long-term solution is the professional and humane eviction and sufficient exclusion work and prevention.
House, family and the raccoons, conserve. Choose licensed and insured wildlife control company that practices humane activities of Ontario stringent nature.
Ready to Get Rid of Raccoons for Good?
Don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Get a free, no-obligation inspection from a trusted Etobicoke wildlife expert today.