Trapping and then relocating raccoons is one effective way of getting rid of the pests and is a popular option for many expert wildlife removal companies in Ontario. There are many DIY guides for trapping coons and relocating but it is best to leave this job to a professional. These guides may seem straightforward and simple but there is a lot of crucial information that isn’t included in these DIY instructions.
Why You Should Hire a Professional to Relocate Raccoons
Trapping without the proper information is as inhumane as killing the animal if not worse. Some of the risks of DIY trapping include;
- Using the wrong size cage which may strangle, squeeze or injure the raccoon
- A frightened raccoon can get injured or die from exhaustion trying to escape the trap
- The trapped animal is exposed to predators and harsh weather
- The raccoon may die of starvation or dehydration if you don’t inspect the cage regularly
- Raccoon traps are not exclusively for coons; your pets may also get trapped
- Catching a mother raccoon leaves its babies to die from starvation/dehydration/exposure
Assuming that you are able to capture the animal safely, relocating has its own unique set of challenges including;
- Raccoons are vicious and especially so when trapped. The animal may try to bite or scratch through the cage. Raccoons can infect humans with rabies by biting or scratching
- Raccoon feces and urine, which is most likely present in the cage, carry several potential diseases. Experts classify raccoon feces as hazardous waste
- It is illegal to transport wildlife in Ontario for more than a kilometer without a permit. Raccoons are expert navigators and they will find their way back
- Introducing raccoons to an unfamiliar environment is almost always a death sentence. The animals have to find new places to forage, are exposed to predators and fight with resident raccoons since these animals can be territorial
- The raccoon may wander into the road in the unfamiliar territory and may be ran over by vehicles
Trapping and relocating raccoons is not as easy and straight forward as most people would like to portray. Also keep in mind that relocating the coons is only one part of a successful operation.
You need to seal all entry points with galvanized mesh to prevent the animals from returning or other raccoons from occupying the empty nest. There are raccoon babies to worry about in spring, cleaning and disinfecting after successful removal and clearing food sources and other attractants to discourage wildlife from coming on your property in the first place.
The best way to get rid of your raccoon problem is to hire a wildlife removal service in Ontario. Make sure you get a warranty of at least 2 years for the best result. For professional raccoon removal call: 647-557-7932