03 May

Squirrel and Raccoon Attic and Deck Exclusion – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story Victorian century home with raised foundation
Problem: Early-morning attic noise consistent with squirrel activity; secondary wildlife presence under rear deck
Service: Squirrel and raccoon removal and exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

Wildlife Shield responded to reports of attic activity at a century home and completed a full inspection that identified squirrel access at the soffit and a raccoon denning area beneath the rear deck. Humane one-way doors and permanent exclusion materials were installed to resolve both issues. A follow-up visit confirmed successful removal and secure exclusion.

Background / Property Context

The property is an older Victorian-style home with original wood soffits and a raised foundation. The age and construction materials presented natural vulnerability points along the roofline and deck areas that wildlife could exploit.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported early-morning noise in the attic, raising concerns about squirrels entering the structure. During the inspection, additional wildlife activity was identified beneath the back deck.

Inspection & Findings

A roof-level inspection was completed by two technicians due to the height and safety requirements. An opening was observed at a soffit-to-wall intersection where the wood had been chewed through, consistent with squirrel entry behavior. At the rear of the property, signs of raccoon activity were found beneath the deck, including an opening suitable for an adult raccoon and dependent young.

 

Cause Analysis

Older wood soffits are more susceptible to chewing and deterioration, especially on century homes. Elevated rooflines provide squirrels with easy access points, while enclosed deck structures offer raccoons sheltered denning areas. These combined features created multiple entry opportunities for wildlife.

Treatment / Removal

During the first visit, humane, non-lethal exclusion measures were installed. A one-way door was placed over the soffit opening to allow squirrels to exit without re-entry. A raccoon one-way door was installed at the deck entry point to allow the adult to leave, along with a separate provision to ensure dependent young could vacate safely.

Exclusion & Repairs

Galvanized steel mesh was installed over approximately fifteen feet beneath the deck to prevent future access. Additional galvanized mesh was secured at a secondary soffit area near the roof peak. All materials were fastened to cover existing gaps while maintaining ventilation and structural integrity.

 

Outcome & Confirmation

On the second visit, the homeowner reported no further wildlife activity. All one-way doors were removed, and the exclusion work was reinspected with no deficiencies found. No additional entry points or signs of return activity were observed.

 

Technician Notes

The work was completed without access limitations. Due to roof height, a two-technician setup was used for safety. Technician Ardian completed the primary roofline exclusion with support from Blerti during installation and final inspection.

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

19 Apr

Raccoon Removal From Second-Floor Roof Overhang – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-storey Victorian century home
Problem: Raccoon activity on roof with mobile young present
Service: Humane raccoon removal and roofline exclusion
Visits: Two

Summary

Wildlife Shield was contacted regarding raccoon activity on a Victorian-style home where young raccoons were observed moving across the roof surface. An inspection confirmed access through a second-floor roof overhang. A two-visit humane removal and exclusion process was completed, with follow-up confirmation of successful eviction and secure repairs.

Background / Property Context

The property is a multi-storey century home with slate roofing, brick masonry, and stepped rooflines. The second-floor roof overhang created sheltered voids along flashing and soffit transitions, which can be vulnerable on older structures when materials deteriorate over time.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported repeated raccoon activity on the roof and observed young raccoons moving independently. There were concerns about further damage to the roof structure and continued access into the home if the animals were not removed properly.

Inspection & Findings

During the initial inspection, technicians identified an entry point at the second-floor roof overhang. Signs of nesting activity were present, including displaced insulation and debris on the roof surface below the entry area. The young raccoons were confirmed to be mobile, allowing for the use of one-way exclusion methods.

 

 

Cause Analysis

Raccoons commonly target roof overhangs on older homes due to weakened wood, aged flashing, and sheltered access points. Elevated rooflines provide safety from ground threats while offering proximity to attic voids suitable for denning. Once access is established, repeated use can quickly worsen existing structural gaps.

Treatment / Removal

On the first visit, a humane removal strategy was implemented by Richard and Blerti. A raccoon-specific one-way door was installed over the identified entry point to allow the adult raccoon to exit while preventing re-entry. Given that the young were mobile, an additional one-way door was installed to allow them to vacate the structure safely on their own.

Exclusion & Repairs

Approximately ten feet of galvanized steel mesh was installed along the roof overhang to reinforce the vulnerable area and prevent future access. The mesh was securely fastened to follow the roofline contours and flashing transitions. No access limitations were encountered during installation.

Outcome & Confirmation

At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no further raccoon activity. All one-way doors were removed, and the exclusion work was inspected and found to be intact with no signs of tampering or re-entry. The roof overhang remained secure, and no additional wildlife activity was observed.

Technician Notes

  • Entry point located at second-floor roof overhang
  • Mobile young confirmed prior to exclusion
  • One-way doors functioned as intended
  • Galvanized mesh installed without structural limitations
  • Final inspection confirmed successful removal and exclusion

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

05 Apr

Raccoon Removal from Basement Ceiling and Crawlspace — Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-story Victorian century home with a front deck
Problem: Raccoon with young accessed crawlspace and basement ceiling after burrowing under deck and foundation
Service: Humane raccoon removal and structural exclusion
Visits: Two visits

Summary

We were contacted regarding persistent raccoon activity in the basement ceiling of a multi-level century home. Inspection confirmed a raccoon had burrowed under a rear deck, tunneled beneath the foundation, and accessed the basement ceiling cavity. The presence of young increased the complexity of the job and required careful, humane handling. All entry points were addressed and the structure was fully secured to prevent recurrence.

Background / Property Context

The property is an older Victorian home with a raised rear deck and crawlspace construction. The deck design and soil conditions allowed wildlife access beneath the structure, creating concealed pathways to the foundation wall and interior ceiling voids.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported ongoing noise in the basement ceiling, including heavy movement and vocalizations consistent with wildlife. There were concerns that the animal had established a den inside the structure and that young were present.

Inspection & Findings

Our inspection identified multiple access points beneath the rear deck where soil had been displaced. A burrow was traced from under the deck, along the foundation, and into the crawlspace area. From there, the raccoon had entered the basement ceiling cavity.

Interior inspection of the basement ceiling showed damaged drywall and signs of wildlife entry. Audio confirmation indicated the presence of young in the ceiling space.

Photos show open foundation penetrations, vent openings without proper screening, and areas where drywall had been compromised to allow access.

 

Cause Analysis

Raccoons commonly seek sheltered denning areas during spring, especially in properties with decks and crawlspaces. In this case, soft soil adjacent to the deck and unprotected foundation openings allowed excavation beneath the structure. The age of the home and existing penetrations made the basement ceiling accessible once the crawlspace was reached.

Treatment / Removal

During the initial visit, technician Richard conducted a full exterior and interior assessment and identified all primary and secondary access points. A humane removal plan was established to ensure the adult raccoon could safely relocate her young.

During the second visit, interior drywall was carefully opened to access the ceiling cavity. The young raccoons were retrieved, which prompted the adult to vacate the structure naturally and relocate with them. No trapping or forced removal was required, and no one-way door was ultimately needed due to the immediate vacating behavior.

Exclusion & Repairs

Following removal, trenching was completed along the accessible perimeter of the deck. Galvanized steel mesh was secured to the structure and buried approximately one foot deep and extended outward to prevent future burrowing.

Foundation and vent openings were screened with heavy-gauge mesh, and interior access points were sealed. Photos show mesh installation over wall penetrations and along foundation gaps to restore the structural barrier.

 

 

Outcome & Confirmation

A final inspection confirmed that all identified entry points were properly secured and that no wildlife remained within the structure. The raccoon and young successfully relocated, and no further activity was reported following completion of the work. The exclusion system was left intact and inspected before closing the job.

Technician Notes

This was a complex wildlife intrusion involving multiple access pathways and young present inside a finished ceiling cavity. Coordination between interior access and exterior exclusion was required to resolve the issue without harm. All work was completed without weather or access limitations.

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

03 Apr

Raccoon Chimney Entry – Chimney Exclusion on Attached Victorian Home – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-story attached Victorian century home, red brick
Problem: Raccoon activity on roof with suspected chimney entry
Service: Raccoon removal and chimney exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

Our team addressed raccoon activity originating from a chimney on a high, three-story attached home. Inspection confirmed chimney access despite prior roofline sealing. Humane exclusion was completed using one-way devices appropriate for late baby season, followed by permanent chimney sealing once activity ceased. Read More

06 Mar

Raccoon Removal and Deck Exclusion — Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-story Victorian century home with a front deck
Problem: Wildlife activity reported under front deck
Service: Raccoon removal and deck exclusion
Visits: Two

Summary

The customer reported a wild animal living under the deck. After an inspection it was clear the animal was a raccoon. Our team completed a two-visit raccoon removal and exclusion project at a century home in Toronto. Activity was confirmed beneath the front deck, and a full perimeter trench-and-mesh exclusion system was installed with a one-way door. Follow-up confirmed successful eviction and no further wildlife activity. Read More

20 Feb

Raccoon and Squirrel Removal with Roofline Exclusion – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-story Tudor-style century home
Problem: Raccoon and squirrel activity within separate areas of the roof/attic
Service: Raccoon and squirrel removal with full exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

We completed a two-visit wildlife removal and exclusion service after confirming the presence of both a raccoon and a squirrel occupying different sections of the roof. The work focused on humane eviction using species-appropriate one-way doors, followed by permanent exclusion to prevent re-entry at known vulnerability points. Read More

06 Feb

Squirrel Exclusion and Roofline Repair – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Large three-storey red brick house with first- and second-floor front porches
Problem: Squirrel activity in first-floor roof overhang
Service: Squirrel exclusion and roofline sealing
Visits: 5

Summary

We addressed a long-standing squirrel issue affecting the first-floor roof overhang of a multi-storey residential property. Repeated inspections identified multiple access points along deteriorated roofline and drip edge sections. Humane exclusion and phased sealing were completed over several visits to fully resolve the activity. Read More

23 Jan

Squirrel Exclusion and Roof Vent Protection – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story Victorian residential home
Problem: Squirrel activity in attic and roof area
Service: Humane squirrel exclusion and roof vent protection
Visits: Three

Summary

We were contacted regarding early morning attic noises consistent with squirrel activity. A multi-visit exclusion was completed to address confirmed roof vent entry points and reinforce other vulnerable areas. Follow-up visits confirmed the squirrel issue was resolved, with additional findings related to a separate pest concern. Read More

16 Jan

Squirrel Entry Exclusion at Rear Soffit and Deck Line – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-storey Victorian residential home
Problem: Squirrel activity in wall and attic areas
Service: Humane squirrel exclusion and exterior sealing
Visits: Three visits

Summary

Our team completed a multi-visit squirrel exclusion at a tall Victorian home in Toronto after the homeowner reported recurring early-morning and evening noises inside the wall and attic spaces. Inspection confirmed squirrel entry at a rear siding intersection, along with an additional opening being accessed by birds. Humane one-way doors and targeted exterior exclusion were installed, followed by follow-up sealing and final confirmation that all wildlife activity had ceased. Read More

09 Jan

Squirrel and Bird Entry Remediation on a Three-Storey Victorian Roof — Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-storey Victorian residential home
Problem: Squirrel activity in attic with secondary bird entry
Service: Humane squirrel removal and full roofline exclusion
Visits: Three visits

Summary

Wildlife Shield was contacted after the homeowner reported early-morning ceiling noises consistent with squirrel activity. Inspection confirmed squirrel entry at a soffit intersection, along with a secondary opening being used by birds. Due to the height and roof complexity, a multi-visit approach was required to allow animals to exit safely, followed by permanent exclusion. All work was completed humanely and without further activity reported. Read More