Calgary Pest Control & Exterminator Services

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Raccoon removal is a complex task governed by local wildlife regulations and often requires professional help, as raccoons are intelligent, persistent, and can be aggressive. In Alberta, removal and relocation are subject to provincial and municipal laws which prioritize humane methods.

Identify Entry Points: Raccoons typically gain access through weak points in a structure, such as:
- Damaged soffits or fascia boards.
- Uncapped or loose chimney tops.
- Gaps around utility lines (pipes, wires).
- Rotten wood near the roofline or foundation.
Confirm the Situation: Use signs like paw prints, droppings (latrines), scratching noises, or visual sightings to confirm the animal is a raccoon.
Check for Young: This is the most critical step. Female raccoons often seek dens from late winter to early summer (January to July) to give birth. It is illegal and inhumane to seal an entry point without confirming all young have left. Sealing the mother out while leaving the young inside will cause them to die and create a major odor problem.

Professional wildlife services generally use one of the following legal and humane methods:

The Best Method: Install a one-way exclusion door over the main entry point.
Function: This metal door allows the raccoon to push its way out of the den but prevents it from re-entering.
Timing: This must only be done after confirming the young are mobile (usually 8-12 weeks old) or if the den is unoccupied.

Method: Raccoons are sensitive to disturbance. Placing strong irritants inside the den site encourages the animal to move out on its own.
Irritants: These include bright lights, loud radio noise (talk radio works well), and smells they dislike (like ammonia or rags soaked in vinegar). This should be done only near the den entrance, not deep inside the structure.

Regulation: In Alberta, the relocation of raccoons is highly regulated and often requires a permit from the municipality or Fish and Wildlife. Relocating a raccoon without authorization can result in fines.
Effectiveness: Trapping is often discouraged because relocated raccoons rarely survive in new areas, or they are replaced by a new raccoon in the vacated territory (the "vacuum effect").

Seal All Gaps: Once the raccoon is out, immediately repair and seal the entry point using heavy-gauge wire mesh (hardware cloth), sheet metal, or concrete. Raccoons can easily tear through plastic or foam.
Chimney Caps: Install a durable metal chimney cap and screen.
Trim Branches: Trim tree branches back at least 5-6 feet from the roofline to prevent easy access.

Garbage: Secure all garbage cans with metal clamps or bungee cords.
Pet Food: Never leave pet food or water bowls outdoors overnight.
Bird Feeders: Remove bird feeders, as spilled seed is a major raccoon attractant.
Fruit/Vegetables: Collect all fallen fruit and vegetables from gardens.

Droppings: Raccoon feces (latrines) are a biohazard because they can contain Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), which is dangerous to humans and pets.
Procedure: Wear a respirator and disposable gloves. Feces must be collected and sealed in double plastic bags, then the area must be cleaned with scalding water or a bleach solution.