Everything you would like to know about raccoons can be answered down below. If you have any questions that are not below, please feel free to contact us and we will fully explain your situation on these pests.

How do I recognize a raccoon?

The fur of raccoons has guard hair of 2-2 1/4 inches long on the back areas, and underfur is 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" long and dense. Fur colours vary in areas. Most raccoons are a dirty blondish with darker colours of guard hairs mottling the overall appearance. Reddish colours occur regularly in areas and some raccoons are darker colours. They have 40 teeth, including 4 elongated and sharp canine teeth. The hind legs of the raccoon are longer than the front legs, giving them a hunched appearance as they walk or run. Toes number five on each foot and the front feet are dexterous, allowing the raccoon to grasp and clutch items.

How big is a raccoon usually?

Depending on the animal it is possible for them to be a meter long and 20 kilograms (3 feet 3 inches & 40 pounds). However this is often only the case with larger males, normally they are about as big as a large house cat

When are raccoon most common?

Raccoons are nocturnal meaning active at night. You may hear noises (loud noises) in the attic, walls, roof, garage, fireplace etc., during this time. You may also hear squealing or crying during mating season. Vents, attic fans, and roofing can easily be damaged by a raccoon attempting to enter or exit your premises. If they have been nesting in your place for a while, you may experience a bad odor due to fecal matter and urine. (Fecal matter and urine carry bacteria and should not be inhaled or touched.)

Do raccoons carry any disease?

Raccoons can be carriers of rabies and canine/feline distemper. Raccoons may have a roundworm that can infect humans who accidentally ingest or inhale eggs that are passed through raccoon feces. They may also be hosts for leptospirosis and giardiasis. Take responsibility for your family's and pet's health by preventing contact with wildlife and keeping their vaccinations up to date.

What attracts raccoons to a residence?

Raccoons are attracted to a residence for garbage, pet food, fruit, water, shelter, compost (worms and food waste) and BBQ grills usually.

What could I do to avoid attracting them to my residence?

You could try feeding pets inside or remove food after a meal. Keep BBQ grills clean and stored in garage/shed. Try keeping garbage in metal sealable containers and block any openings under buildings.

What should I do with my pets in case of a raccoon encounter?

Pets such as dogs and cats should not be let out unsupervised and preferably need to be kept on a leash and controlled. When rabbits or other small animals are housed outdoors, proper protection is absolutely necessary. If possible, pets should be brought into the house or a secure outbuilding at night to avoid any chance of raccoon attacks.

Do raccoons hibernate for the winter?

No. While they do aestivate, they do not sleep for the entire winter. Aestivation means sleeping for extended periods, but an animal in this state can be awoke, while an animal in hibernation cannot be awoke. Breeding season begins in February in most parts and as early as December in warmer areas, so by this time they fully awake and are active.

When do raccoons mate, bear their young?

Breeding season begins in February in most parts and as early as December in warmer areas. They bear their young in April and May.

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Ontario Pro-Pest deals with every kind of client, from the small residential houses to major commercial hi-rise buildings, providing exceptional service to everyone.

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