Raccoon & Squirrel Removal in Stouffville: A Homeowner's Guide

Raccoon peeking out of an attic vent on an Ontario home

Why homes near the Oak Ridges Moraine, Musselman Lake and Stouffville’s newer subdivisions see raccoons and squirrels trying to get into attics, and what to do about it.

Quick Answer

Stouffville sits next to the Oak Ridges Moraine, with woodlots, conservation areas and farmland close to many homes. That gives raccoons and squirrels an easy path to rooflines. The most common signs are noises in the attic, damaged soffits or roof vents, and chewed fascia. Humane one-way exclusion and sealing the entry point is the lasting fix. wildlife removal in Stouffville

Why Stouffville Sees So Much Wildlife

Many Stouffville neighbourhoods back onto green space, from the moraine’s woodlots to the area around Musselman Lake and the rural edges of Ballantrae and Gormley. Raccoons and squirrels live in these areas and move easily into backyards, sheds and roofs nearby.

Stouffville has also grown quickly. In newer subdivisions, roof vents, soffit corners and gaps around siding can give wildlife a way in, and as young trees grow taller, branches start to reach rooflines.

Raccoons vs. Squirrels: How to Tell

Raccoons

Heavy thumping or walking sounds in the attic, usually at night
Torn soffits, lifted shingles or damaged roof vents
Knocked-over garbage and compost bins
Droppings piled in one spot on the roof or in the attic

Squirrels

Scratching, scurrying or rolling sounds in the attic, usually in the early morning and late afternoon
Small chewed holes in soffit corners, fascia or vents
Chewed wiring or insulation in the attic
Squirrels seen going in and out of the same spot on the roofline

Common Entry Points in Stouffville Homes

Roof vents and plumbing stack vents
Soffit corners and loose soffit panels
Gaps where the roofline meets a dormer or garage roof
Chimneys without a proper cap
Gaps under decks and sheds (raccoons and skunks)

Older homes near Main Street and the historic core can have aging soffits and fascia, while newer homes often have gaps around vents and siding that were never fully sealed.

Why You Shouldn’t Trap and Move Wildlife Yourself

Ontario rules require wildlife to be released close to where it was caught, so trapping and driving an animal away isn’t a legal or lasting solution. In spring, there may also be babies inside. Removing the mother and sealing the hole can leave young trapped in the attic. That’s why humane exclusion is the safer approach.

How Humane Wildlife Removal Works

Inspection: we find every entry point and check for babies, especially from spring into early summer.
One-way exclusion: we install a one-way door so the animal can leave but can’t get back in.
Sealing and repairs: once the animal is out, we seal the entry point with strong materials wildlife can’t chew through.
Prevention: we point out other weak spots on the roofline and advise on trimming trees and securing bins.

When Is Wildlife Season in Stouffville?

Spring: raccoons and squirrels have babies, often in attics and chimneys.
Summer: young animals become active and families move around more.
Fall: squirrels and raccoons look for warm winter spots and push into attics.
Winter: animals already inside stay put, so damage to insulation and wiring keeps building.

What You Can Do Right Now

Trim tree branches back at least a few metres from your roof.
Use locking lids on garbage and compost bins.
Cap your chimney and check roof vent covers.
Walk around your home and look up for chewed or loose soffits.
Don’t feed wildlife or leave pet food outside.

Hearing smaller animals in the walls instead? It may be mice. Read our guide to mice and rat removal in Stouffville.