There are several methods you could use to remove raccoons in Mississauga from your property. However, getting to understand how raccoons got access into your property is a better place to start. Using a one-way door that allows critters to exit your structures for water or food but prevent getting back in can be a useful yet inexpensive way to deal with these invasive critters.
What is a one-way door?
Ideally, one-way doors are used by DIY pest controllers to evict stubborn wildlife. These contraptions are usually installed in common identified entry points. When the raccoon leaves the house, a small door shuts down behind them. When they return, the door is locked blocking their access back to your structures. This forces the raccoons to move to other den sites within the neighborhood.
How does a One-way door work?
One-way doors are slanted doors that have torsion springs. A raccoon living in your attic will have to go outside regularly for food and water. Raccoons are nocturnal; they will only leave at night. For this method to work, you will need to identify the raccoon’s entry points. Mount the one-way exclusion door on the hole the raccoon uses to get out. The next time they leave your structure to forage for food, they will be locked out.
Does the One-way door exclusion method always work?
Not always. The One-way door is a great solution for skunks, squirrels, and rats. But for raccoons, it’s a little different since they are more agile and strong. If a raccoon is determined to get back into your attic, nothing will stop it. Raccoons have the capability of ripping a one-way door right out. It could also find a new place to access your attic. Therefore, this technique isn’t foolproof for raccoons.
What happens if there are babies?
There’s usually a big limitation with getting raccoons out of an attic. Thisisbecausemost of the time a raccoon is in your attic, it always a female adult nursing a litter of babies. Blocking her out will force her to tear her way back into your structures. A nursing mother raccoon will have her nipples sticking out her coat. If the raccoon living in your attic is a nursing adult female, exclusion won’t work very well.
When does exclusion work?
The best scenario to use a one-way door exclusion method is when you are dealing with a single adult— for instance, a male raccoon living under your porch or shed. You will block off all identified entry points narrowing it down to just one spot where you will install the one-way door.
Are there any risks involved?
Controlling wildlife isn’t an easy task; that is why it’s a job best fit for professionals. Most of the time animal pest find their way into your home is because they are looking for a place to raise their young. Your attic, walls and chimney offer safe locations to bring up babies. Installing a one-way door without determining if there are babies could lead to the injury or death of the animals. A one-way door could separate the babies from the mother leading to two potential outcomes for the property owner:
- Mother raccoon desperately ripping through the roof
- Starving baby raccoons inside your structures
How can I prevent wildlife intrusion?
- Control and remove raccoon food sources from your property, practice good clean habits
- Maintain your roof, foundation, andouter walls
- Repair and seal cracked holes
- Remove wood piles, debris, andoverhanging branches
- Consult a wildlife removal expert
- Use commercial and natural raccoon deterrents
Discovering that you have raccoons living in your property can be a very frustrating experience. However, it is important to consider all possibilities before tackling this kind of situation on your own. If you are unsure how to get rid of raccoons in your property, consult your local wildlife removal service.