Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Church building with two storeys and a three-storey bell tower
Problem: Long-standing raccoon activity inside the bell tower
Service: Raccoon exclusion and interior disinfection
Visits: 2 visits

Summary

Wildlife Shield was contacted to address prolonged raccoon activity inside a church bell tower. Inspection confirmed extensive contamination across multiple levels and several accessible entry points through damaged shuttered windows. The project required staged cleaning, humane removal, and permanent exclusion to restore the space and prevent re-entry.

Background / Property Context

The structure is a large church with a multi-level bell tower. The tower includes open, shuttered windows without glass and interior wooden framing, creating elevated, sheltered areas attractive to wildlife. Access within the tower spans multiple floors connected by structural beams and platforms.

Customer Concern

The customer reported ongoing raccoon presence in the bell tower over an extended period, with concerns about contamination, odour, and continued access by wildlife.

Inspection & Findings

During the initial inspection, our team identified years’ worth of raccoon droppings distributed across several floors of the bell tower. Multiple entry points were observed, primarily through damaged wooden shutters on open windows. Nesting material and heavy debris accumulation were visible on ledges and structural surfaces. No active animals were directly observed during the inspection, but signs indicated regular use of the space.

Cause Analysis

Bell towers provide elevated, quiet environments that are appealing to raccoons for denning. Open or damaged shuttered windows allowed repeated access over time. The lack of physical barriers and the height of the structure reduced natural disturbance, enabling long-term occupancy.

Treatment / Removal

Visit 1:
The first visit focused on inspection and contamination management. Technician Ardian completed a detailed assessment of all accessible levels to identify primary and secondary entry points. Due to the volume of droppings, a comprehensive cleaning process was carried out. Hospital-grade botanical sterilizers were applied to contaminated surfaces, followed by boiling steam treatment to neutralize pathogens, including the risk of raccoon roundworm. This process made the area safe for continued work and preparation for exclusion. Following the inspection and cleaning, a detailed exclusion plan was prepared and approved by the customer.

Visit 2:
On the return visit, humane exclusion measures were installed throughout the bell tower. An adult raccoon one-way door was installed to allow any remaining adult animals to exit. A second one-way door was installed to accommodate mature juveniles. All identified access points were addressed, including six shuttered windows, which were sealed using galvanized steel mesh securely fastened to prevent wildlife entry while maintaining ventilation.

Exclusion & Repairs

Galvanized steel screening was installed over all accessible shuttered window openings. Mesh was cut and secured to match the shape of each opening, ensuring full coverage with no gaps. All exclusion materials were wildlife-resistant and suitable for long-term exterior exposure.

Outcome & Confirmation

Following installation, the one-way doors were left in place for the appropriate period to allow animals to vacate naturally. On final inspection, the one-way doors were removed, exclusion materials were checked, and no further signs of raccoon activity were observed. The bell tower was confirmed secure, and the customer reported no continued wildlife presence.

Technician Notes

Ardian documented heavy, long-term contamination across multiple floors, requiring extensive cleaning prior to exclusion. Due to the height and layout of the bell tower, access and movement between levels were carefully managed. All work was completed using humane, non-lethal methods with permanent exclusion installed on every identified opening.

This work was completed by our Toronto Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.