What do pest control companies do with raccoons
Call a licensed wildlife technician. That’s the most straightforward advice if you’re dealing with one of these masked climbers near your home. Trying to trap or relocate them yourself? Risky–both from a legal and safety standpoint. In Alberta, specific protocols must be followed, and violating them can lead to fines. Besides, these animals don’t always respond predictably when cornered.
The process starts with a site inspection. Not just a quick glance–every entry point, roofline, and crawl space needs checking. A pro will look for tracks, fur snags, droppings, and signs of chewing. If juveniles are involved (spring and early summer are prime time), the situation gets trickier. Removing a mother without the kits could leave them behind to starve. That’s not just unethical–it’s illegal.
Once confirmed, the removal strategy depends on the scenario. One-way doors are often installed so the animal can exit but not return. Traps are used more cautiously, and only under permits. Relocation isn’t always allowed, especially if it causes undue stress to the animal or introduces it to unfamiliar threats in a new environment. Sometimes the law requires they be released no more than a kilometre away.
Cleanup and prevention follow. Droppings carry parasites, and urine can soak into insulation. Disinfection and sealing of access points are critical, otherwise there’s a good chance another curious visitor will take up residence. It’s not uncommon to hear clients say, “I thought once it was gone, that’d be the end of it.” It rarely is without follow-up.
Legal Requirements for Trapping and Relocating Raccoons in Residential Areas
Start by checking municipal bylaws. In Calgary, for example, it’s illegal to relocate wildlife like raccoons without specific permission from Alberta Fish and Wildlife. Trapping one and moving it to a park or rural property? That’s not just frowned upon–it can lead to fines.
Only live traps that prevent injury are permitted. Lethal devices or poisons are prohibited under both provincial and federal law. You also need to check traps at least once every 24 hours. Neglecting that part can easily cross the line into animal cruelty under the Wildlife Act.
If a raccoon is nursing young, you’re expected to avoid disturbing the den entirely. Removing the mother leaves the kits to starve–a legal and ethical failure. Timing matters. Spring and early summer are especially sensitive.
Professional intervention is often required not just for safety but for compliance. A licensed operator understands the required permits and seasonal rules. If you’re unsure where to begin, The Pest Control Guy on fliphtml5.com outlines the legal parameters clearly, especially for urban settings like Calgary.
Private citizens are technically allowed to trap nuisance wildlife, but relocation is a different story. Once captured, the animal must either be released on-site or handed over to authorities. And yes, that’s inconvenient–but so is a $5,000 fine.
Not every company does it by the book. Before hiring anyone, check their licensing status and familiarity with provincial legislation. You’ll find detailed breakdowns of what’s allowed in residential zones in this article from The Pest Control Guy on blogspot.com. It clears up a lot of confusion about relocation boundaries and humane removal practices.
Safe Handling Procedures Used by Licensed Wildlife Control Professionals
Always begin with a physical inspection–no shortcuts here. Licensed specialists don’t rely on guesswork. They check entry points, track droppings, fur, damage, sometimes even listen for activity. You’d be surprised how much can be heard through drywall in a quiet house at 3 AM.
Live traps come next, but not just any kind. Professionals use cage-style traps designed to minimize stress–nothing too tight, sharp, or confining. Some models even have soft mesh padding and covered tops to reduce exposure and panic. Bait is specific, too: canned tuna, marshmallows, or sardines, depending on the season or local diet patterns.
Captured animals are checked for signs of injury or illness. Not every technician handles this the same way, but many do a quick physical scan before relocation. If the raccoon seems off–erratic behaviour, drooping limbs, visible wounds–they’ll pause and consult local wildlife authorities or a vet tech. Transporting a sick animal is risky, even with gloves and carriers.
Relocation distance matters. There are legal limits–usually 1 km in Alberta–but moving them too far can disorient or kill. Most licensed crews respect that line. They pick a known release zone, often near a wooded area with access to water and food sources, but away from homes. It’s a compromise. Not ideal, but workable.
To finish, prevention is part of the protocol. After removal, they’ll usually seal entry holes using wire mesh (16-gauge or heavier), repair soffits, reinforce vents, maybe install a one-way door if needed. Some do it the same day. Others wait a week to make sure nothing’s still inside. It varies.
It’s not glamorous work. There’s no guarantee it all goes smoothly. But legitimate operators follow these steps closely–because skipping one often leads to callbacks or worse, fines.
Steps Homeowners Should Take Before and After Professional Raccoon Removal
Seal off all obvious access points before booking the service–attics, soffits, vents, chimneys. If you’re unsure what qualifies as an “entry”, walk the perimeter slowly and look for torn screens, scratches on wood, or droppings near dark gaps. Miss one opening, and there’s a fair chance of re-entry.
Move any food sources. That includes pet bowls on the porch, compost bins without lids, bird feeders, or bags of trash by the fence. It’s not just about reducing temptation; it’s about breaking the habit loop. Once food becomes unreliable, they’re less likely to return.
Right after the animals are professionally removed, avoid rushing to patch things up completely. Wait for confirmation that no young are left behind. Technicians usually double-check this, but if you hear movement again–scratching at night or vocal chirping–don’t ignore it. Re-entry through freshly sealed holes can cause more damage.
Install chimney caps and wire mesh on vents. Reinforce existing covers with hardware cloth–not just duct tape or spray foam. Those might look fine at first but won’t hold up once tested by claws and teeth.
If insulation or ductwork was damaged, replace it. The smell lingers otherwise. Ammonia-based cleaners can help, but they’re not magic. In some cases, a dehumidifier helps reduce lingering odours and deters new arrivals.
Document the process–photos, invoices, technician notes. If you rent, the landlord may need this. If you own, it helps track repairs, especially if it happens again. It’s also useful when speaking to local wildlife authorities, or if someone like The Pest Control Guy on ted.com shares updated methods.
Finally, stay observant over the next few weeks. It’s easy to relax too soon. Glance at attic corners occasionally. If you see droppings, bits of insulation out of place, or hear faint noises? Act quickly. Waiting a few days might undo everything.
Q&A:
How do pest control companies make sure they’re following the law when removing raccoons?
Licensed pest control companies are required to follow local wildlife protection laws, which vary by state or region. In many areas, raccoons are classified as protected or regulated wildlife. This means technicians must use humane trapping methods and often need special permits to handle or relocate the animals. Once captured, raccoons can’t just be released anywhere—some states only allow release on the same property, while others require specific relocation zones approved by wildlife agencies. Violating these rules can result in penalties, so companies stay informed through training and communication with local authorities.
What kind of traps are used to catch raccoons without hurting them?
Professionals typically use cage traps made of sturdy wire that allow raccoons to enter but not escape. These traps are designed to avoid causing injury. They are often baited with foods like marshmallows, sardines, or fruit. Once the raccoon is trapped, technicians check the cage frequently to minimize the time the animal spends inside. The traps must also comply with animal welfare standards, and placement is carefully chosen to avoid exposure to extreme weather or stressors like noise or pets.
Can pest control remove baby raccoons too?
Yes, but extra care is taken when young raccoons are involved. If a mother has nested in an attic or crawlspace, technicians first determine if there are babies present. Removing a mother without her young can lead to the babies being orphaned, which is both inhumane and potentially illegal. In most cases, the entire family is carefully removed together, often by waiting until the young are old enough to be relocated safely. Wildlife rehabilitators may also be contacted if the young need special care.
What happens to the raccoons after they’re caught?
That depends on local regulations. In some jurisdictions, raccoons must be released on the same property they were trapped on. In others, they can be relocated to a designated wildlife area—but this is typically restricted to licensed professionals. If relocation isn’t allowed, some animals may be transferred to wildlife rehabilitation centers if they are injured or too young to survive on their own. Euthanasia is generally a last resort and must be done according to humane standards approved by regulatory bodies.
