28 Jun

Preventive Raccoon Exclusion on Residential Roof in Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-storey detached red brick house
Problem: Reported raccoon activity on the roof; entry into the roof system unconfirmed
Service: Raccoon exclusion and rooftop wildlife prevention
Visits: 2

Summary

Wildlife Shield was contacted to assess reported raccoon activity on a residential roof in Toronto. While no active roof entry point was confirmed during inspection, multiple vulnerable roof and soffit areas were identified. Preventive exclusion and sanitation work was completed to reduce the risk of raccoon access and future roof damage.

Background / Property Context

The property is a two-storey detached red brick home with a pitched asphalt shingle roof. Several roof penetrations, soffit intersections, and vent bases were present, which are common attractants for raccoons seeking shelter or leverage points. Mature trees and nearby structures provided roof access opportunities.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported seeing raccoon activity on the roof and was concerned about the possibility of entry into the roof system or attic space. Although no interior disturbance was reported, the customer requested a thorough inspection and preventive sealing of sensitive areas.

Inspection & Findings

During the initial inspection, Ardian assessed the full roof surface, vents, plumbing stacks, and soffit intersections. No primary entry point into the roof or attic was identified at the time of service. However, staining, debris, and raccoon droppings were observed on roof surfaces, indicating regular rooftop activity. Several roof penetrations and soffit junctions were identified as potential future entry points if left unprotected.

 

Cause Analysis

Raccoons commonly access residential roofs when overhanging trees, adjacent structures, or roof geometry provide climbing opportunities. Roof vents, plumbing stacks, and soffit intersections can be manipulated by raccoons using body weight and leverage, particularly when flashing or shingles loosen over time. Repeated rooftop activity often precedes attempts to gain entry.

Treatment / Removal

No animal removal was required, as no raccoon was occupying the structure at the time of inspection. Preventive exclusion measures were recommended and approved by the homeowner during the initial visit.

Raccoon droppings present on the roof surface were removed and treated using hospital-grade botanical disinfectants, followed by high-temperature steam sanitation exceeding 100 degrees to reduce biological contamination.

Exclusion & Repairs

Wildlife Shield completed the following exclusion work during the first visit:

  • Installed four galvanized steel roof vent covers to prevent raccoon access through vent openings.
  • Sealed three plumbing vent bases with galvanized steel mesh to prevent shingles from being lifted.
  • Secured one large soffit intersection using approximately seven feet of galvanized steel mesh.
  • Reinforced a second soffit intersection with galvanized steel mesh to eliminate access gaps.

All materials were mechanically fastened and conformed to the existing roof and soffit structure to ensure durability and weather resistance.

 

 

 

 

Outcome & Confirmation

A follow-up visit was completed to confirm that all exclusion materials remained secure and properly fitted. No further raccoon activity was reported by the homeowner. All sealed areas were re-inspected, and the roofline showed no signs of new disturbance or attempted entry.

Technician Notes

Ardian completed a full rooftop inspection and preventive exclusion service. No structural entry was present at the time of inspection. Work focused on long-term wildlife prevention at known raccoon pressure points. All work was completed safely using working-at-heights procedures.

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

14 Jun

Raccoon Exclusion Between Side Fence and Deck – Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Semi-attached two-story house with second story built into the roof
Problem: Raccoon activity reported under a deck
Service: Raccoon exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

We were contacted regarding suspected raccoon activity beneath a rear deck. During inspection, our team confirmed that the animals were not living under the deck itself, but instead had established a denning area within a narrow void between two side fences adjacent to the house. A humane exclusion and full mesh containment were completed over two visits, with no further activity reported following completion.

Background / Property Context

The property is a semi-attached home with limited side-yard clearance. A deck spans the width of the rear yard, restricting access beneath it and concentrating animal movement along the narrow fence line beside the structure. This created a concealed and sheltered corridor suitable for wildlife denning.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported raccoon activity believed to be coming from under the deck, with concerns about ongoing noise and the presence of young animals.

Inspection & Findings

Inspection confirmed raccoon occupancy within the confined space between two parallel fences along the side of the house. Evidence indicated an adult raccoon and mobile young using this corridor, with access extending toward the deck area. No active denning was found directly beneath the deck structure.

Photos show a long, narrow gap between fence structures and the house, with exposed soil at the base and overhead coverage created by adjacent structures. The area appeared shielded from view and weather.

 

 

Cause Analysis

The issue developed due to a combination of tight structural spacing and limited human access along the side of the house. The fence configuration created a protected travel and nesting corridor that raccoons could access from ground level. Seasonal breeding behavior likely contributed to the presence of both an adult raccoon and young in this location.

Treatment / Removal

Because the deck spanned the full width of the yard and could not be excluded directly, exclusion efforts focused on the side fence corridor. Galvanized steel mesh was installed along both sides and across the top of the fenced gap to fully contain the area. One-way doors were installed to allow the adult raccoon and mobile young to exit safely without re-entry. All work was completed using humane, non-lethal methods.

Exclusion & Repairs

The steel mesh was securely fastened to existing wood and structural surfaces using mechanical fasteners and washers. Mesh coverage extended from ground level to the upper fence line to eliminate climb-back opportunities. Photos show tightly secured galvanized mesh following the contour of the fence line and house, with no visible gaps remaining.

 

 

 

Outcome & Confirmation

At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no new raccoon activity. The one-way doors were removed, and the exclusion work was inspected in full. No movement, entry attempts, or signs of wildlife activity were observed through the fenced corridor or beneath the deck. The exclusion remained intact, and the issue was considered resolved.

Technician Notes

The work was completed over two visits by our technician, Ardian. Due to the deck occupying the entire yard width, exclusion under the deck was not feasible; however, full containment of the side fence corridor successfully addressed the access point. All materials remained secure at the final inspection.

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