Tips on how to deal with pesky raccoons this spring

Raccoons are a daily nuisance for many homeowners.

They get into your organic garbage bins. They can also feed on your lawns and gardens looking for grubs and larvae.

The more determined ones though can even get inside your home through uncapped chimneys and loose shingles or holes in your attic, roof or garage.

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As the temperature warms up, raccoons will start to emerge from their winter refuge and continue their foraging ways.

Here are some useful tips to deal with these pesky critters.

Cut their food supply

If possible, place all organic garbage bins indoors until pick-up day. Raccoons are very resourceful and often topple bins to get at the food inside.

Use deterrents

The City of Toronto recommends the sprinkling of pure soap flakes on lawns and watering thoroughly. This may prevent raccoons from pulling up the sod and getting at the grubs. Sprinkling diluted Tabasco sauce or hot chilli flakes on fruits and vegetables in your garden may also deter them. Automatic lights installed in the front or back of your home can also help.

Clog up entry spots

Raccoons are excellent climbers but you can limit their presence by clogging up entry spots with galvanized sheet metal. Be sure to repair any sidings or holes at your home as well.

Trap them

If all else fails, live trapping may be your only option. Commercial wildlife removal companies can be hired to remove the unwanted guests. However, it is not recommended to do it on your own. The City of Toronto says using body gripping traps or placing poison could result in criminal charges and/or provincial charges with fines up $5,000.

LET US KNOW:  Do you have unique raccoon problems of your own? If so, reach out to us and we may contact you for a future story.