Raccoons

Yes – raccoons are one of the most destructive wildlife animals that can get into a home, and an infestation should be treated as urgent. A single raccoon in an attic can cause significant damage in a short period of time: they tear apart insulation for nesting material, contaminate it with urine and feces, and can compromise the structural integrity of soffit, fascia, and roof decking. Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), found in their droppings, is also a serious health concern for both people and pets.

We respond to raccoon calls throughout Durham and York Region – from Oshawa, Whitby, and Ajax to Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill – and in almost every case, early intervention saves homeowners significant repair costs. If you hear thumping or movement in your attic, especially at dusk or overnight, don’t wait to call.

No. In Ontario, trapping and relocating wildlife – including raccoons – requires a valid Trapper’s Licence or a Certificate of Qualification in Wildlife Control. Homeowners who attempt to trap raccoons on their own risk violating the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which carries significant fines. There are also strict rules around how far trapped animals can be relocated and how they must be handled.

Beyond the legal issues, DIY trapping is often ineffective. If a mother raccoon with kits is improperly removed, the young can be left behind to die inside your walls or attic – creating an odour and secondary pest problem. Affordable Pest Control’s licensed technicians handle raccoon removal across Durham Region, including Pickering, Bowmanville, Courtice, Brooklin, Uxbridge, and surrounding areas, in full compliance with Ontario wildlife regulations.

Raccoons are large animals and usually not subtle – signs of their presence include:

• Heavy thumping, running, or scratching sounds, typically at night or early morning
• Visible damage to your roofline, soffits, fascia, or roof vents – raccoons are strong enough to pry these open
• A strong ammonia smell from urine accumulating in the attic
• Dark staining or sagging on ceilings below an infested attic space
• Raccoon droppings (large, dark, tubular) near entry points or on your roof
• Disturbed or flattened insulation visible if you access the attic

Homeowners in Whitby, Ajax, Oshawa, and other parts of Durham Region often first notice the problem when they hear noise overhead at night. If you suspect raccoons, avoid entering the attic yourself – raccoons are defensive, especially mothers with young, and their droppings present a real health hazard. Call our team for a safe, professional inspection.

Yes, and this is one of the most important parts of raccoon removal. In Ontario, raccoons typically give birth between March and May, meaning a significant number of calls we receive in spring involve a mother and her kits. Removing only the adult without addressing the young – or separating them prematurely – is both inhumane and illegal.

Our licensed technicians are trained to locate and safely remove kits from attics and crawl spaces throughout Durham and York Region, including Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Stouffville, Thornhill, Woodbridge, and Maple. We ensure the family is handled together and relocated appropriately, protecting both the wildlife and your home.

Raccoon removal cost depends on several factors: the size of your home, the number of animals involved, whether kits are present, and the extent of exclusion work needed to seal entry points. A straightforward adult removal from a standard home in Ajax or Pickering is a different scope than a larger property in Brock Township or Uxbridge with multiple entry points and a litter of kits.

Because every situation is different, we offer free, no-obligation quotes to homeowners across Durham and York Region. Call us at (905) 425-0589 or (647) 966-3742, 7 days a week from 7 AM to 11 PM, and we’ll assess your situation and give you an honest, transparent price before any work begins.