Raccoon & Wildlife Removal in Scarborough: A Homeowner's Guide

Raccoon peeking out of an attic vent on an Ontario home

Why homes near the Scarborough Bluffs, the Rouge Valley, Highland Creek and Scarborough’s ravines see raccoons, squirrels and skunks, and what actually keeps them out.

Quick Answer

Scarborough has more green space than most of Toronto, from the Bluffs and the Rouge Valley to the Highland Creek ravines. Raccoons, squirrels and skunks live in these areas and move into nearby backyards, decks and attics. Common signs are thumping in the attic at night, torn soffits or roof vents, and digging under decks or sheds. Humane one-way exclusion and sealing the entry point is the lasting fix. Learn about wildlife removal in Scarborough.

Why Scarborough Sees So Much Wildlife

The Bluffs and the lakeshore: homes in Cliffside, Birch Cliff, Scarborough Village and Guildwood sit close to wooded bluffs and parks along Lake Ontario.
The Rouge Valley: Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek border one of the largest natural areas in the city.
Ravines and creeks: Highland Creek, its branches and other ravines run through many neighbourhoods, giving wildlife a direct path to backyards.
Older homes and mature trees: many Scarborough bungalows and backsplits have aging soffits and roof vents, and mature trees give squirrels and raccoons easy access to rooflines.

Raccoons, Squirrels or Skunks? How to Tell

Raccoons

Heavy thumping or walking in the attic, usually at night
Torn soffits, lifted shingles or damaged roof vents
Knocked-over garbage and green bins

Squirrels

Scratching or scurrying in the attic in the early morning and late afternoon
Small chewed holes in soffit corners, fascia or vents
Chewed wiring or insulation in the attic

Skunks

Holes dug in the lawn, often in small patches
Burrows under decks, porches and sheds
A strong smell around the yard at night

Common Entry Points in Scarborough Homes

Roof vents and plumbing stack vents
Soffit corners and loose soffit panels
Where the roof meets a dormer, garage or addition
Chimneys without a proper cap
Gaps under decks, porches and sheds

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 fix. In spring there may also be babies inside. Sealing the hole before they’re out can trap them in the attic, which is why the order of the work matters.

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 bins, trees and decks.

When Is Wildlife Season in Scarborough?

Spring: raccoons and squirrels have babies, often in attics and chimneys.
Summer: young animals become active and skunks dig under decks and sheds.
Fall: squirrels and raccoons look for warm winter spots and push into attics.
Winter: animals already inside stay put, and damage to insulation and wiring keeps building.

What You Can Do Right Now

Use locking lids on garbage and green bins, and put them out the morning of pickup.
Trim tree branches back from your roof.
Cap your chimney and check roof vent covers.
Close off gaps under decks and sheds with sturdy mesh, after making sure nothing is living there.
Don’t leave pet food or birdseed out overnight.