Raccoon Removal in Toronto: 2026 GTA Guide

Have raccoons in your attic? Get free quotes from licensed wildlife operators across the GTA.

Raccoons are the most destructive wildlife problem in GTA homes. A single adult raccoon can weigh 15 kilograms and has paws that function almost like hands. They can peel aluminum soffits, pry off roof vents, and tear through shingles with surprising ease. And once they find your attic, they will keep coming back unless the entry points are sealed and the attraction is removed.

Signs You Have Raccoons

• Sounds in the attic. Heavy, rhythmic thumping at night is the most common sign. Raccoons are primarily active from dusk to about midnight and again in the hour before dawn.
• Torn or damaged roof vents and soffits. Raccoons pop plastic mushroom vents off entirely. They pry open soffit panels.
• Raccoon droppings near the foundation or entry points. Raccoon feces is typically cylindrical, 5 to 7 cm long, and often contains undigested berries or corn. It carries health risks.
• Torn or displaced insulation. Raccoons shred insulation for nesting. If your heating bills suddenly spike, check the attic.
• Visible entry points. Gaps in soffits, damaged roof edges, or open chimneys without caps.
• Smell. A strong, ammonia-like odour in the upper floors, especially in the morning.

The Legal Reality

In Ontario, raccoons are protected wildlife. This has important implications for removal:

• Trapping and relocating raccoons more than 1 kilometre from the capture site is illegal
• Any wildlife operator you hire must hold a valid Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources licence
• Raccoons with babies cannot be removed until the babies are old enough to leave the den (approximately 8 to 10 weeks)
• Blocking an entry point while a raccoon is inside is illegal animal cruelty

How Professional Removal Works

1. Inspection. The operator examines the exterior to identify all entry points, assess the extent of the problem, and confirm whether babies are present in the attic.
2. One-way door installation. A one-way door is installed over the primary entry point. The raccoon can push through it to leave but cannot get back in.
3. Waiting period. If babies are present, the operator waits 3 to 7 days for the mother to move them out. Once confirmed empty, the exclusion phase begins.
4. Full exclusion sealing. Every potential entry point on the roof is sealed with galvanized steel mesh or hardware cloth. Not just the one the raccoon used.
5. Attic cleanup and sanitation. If the raccoons were in the attic for any length of time, professional remediation of droppings and contaminated insulation is recommended.

Cost of Raccoon Removal in the GTA

• Basic removal and exclusion (one entry point): $350 to $500
• Multiple entry points or extensive damage: $500 to $750
• Attic cleanup and sanitization: $500 to $2,000 depending on attic size and contamination
• Insulation replacement: $1,000 to $3,000 depending on attic size

Prevention: Keep Raccoons Out

• Trim tree branches at least 2 metres back from the roof. Raccoons are excellent climbers and jump up to 4 feet horizontally.
• Install chimney caps on all chimneys.
• Seal all roof vents with galvanized steel mesh, not plastic.
• Check and repair soffit panels annually.
• Secure garbage with bungee cords or raccoon-proof lids. The green bins Toronto provides are not raccoon-proof on their own.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Have an annual roof inspection before denning season (late fall or early winter).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have raccoons in my Toronto home?

Signs include heavy thumping in the attic at night, torn roof vents or soffits, raccoon droppings near entry points, insulation torn and displaced, and a strong ammonia smell.

What does raccoon removal cost in Toronto?

Basic raccoon removal with one-way door and sealing runs $350 to $500. More extensive damage costs $500 to $750. Attic cleanup adds $500 to $2,000.

Can I trap and relocate a raccoon myself?

No. In Ontario, relocating raccoons more than 1 kilometre from the capture site is illegal. Use a licensed wildlife operator.

When is raccoon season in the GTA?

March through May is denning season. Female raccoons look for attic shelter to give birth. June through August is baby season.

What damage do raccoons cause to GTA homes?

Raccoons tear vents and soffits, shred insulation, chew electrical wiring creating fire hazards, and urinate and defecate in attics causing health concerns.

Have raccoons in your GTA home? Get free quotes from licensed wildlife operators today.