Job Overview
Location: Pickering, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey house
Problem: Nocturnal activity reported in or on the roof
Service: Raccoon removal and wildlife exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
We responded to reports of nighttime roof activity at a detached home in Pickering. Inspection confirmed raccoon entry through a compromised soffit. Humane one-way removal was completed, followed by full roofline and vent exclusion. A return visit confirmed successful removal and no further activity.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-storey detached home with multiple roof penetrations, including roof vents, a wall vent, and soffit sections along the roofline. The work was completed in April, with clear access and no seasonal weather limitations.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported ongoing noise and movement at night coming from the roof area, raising concerns about wildlife presence and potential damage.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, activity consistent with raccoon presence was identified. A soffit section had been pulled down, creating an access point into the roofline. Attic inspection was completed due to the timing within early raccoon baby season; no young were found. Additional vulnerable areas were noted at roof vents and a wall vent.
Photos from the inspection show:
- Animal droppings present on attic insulation
- Exterior roofline and soffit condition at the suspected entry area
- Multiple roof vents prior to and after screening
- An open wall vent consistent with wildlife access
- Installed galvanized screening at soffits and vents after completion
Cause Analysis
Raccoons commonly access homes through weakened soffits and roofline gaps, particularly where building materials can be pulled down. Roof and wall vents without wildlife protection also provide secondary access points. The combination of accessible soffit edges and unprotected vents contributed to the issue at this property.
Treatment / Removal
A humane, non-lethal approach was used. A one-way door was installed over the primary soffit entry point to allow the adult raccoon to exit without re-entry. The attic was checked to confirm no dependent young were present before proceeding.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following successful exit, full exclusion work was completed:
- One raccoon one-way door installed and later removed
- Six roof vents sealed with galvanized steel vent cages
- One wall vent sealed with a galvanized steel cage
- Approximately four feet of soffit reinforced and sealed with galvanized steel mesh
All materials were securely fastened and aligned to the existing structure.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no further noise or activity. The one-way door was removed, all exclusion work was inspected, and no additional wildlife presence was observed or reported.
Technician Notes
The work was completed by our wildlife technician, Grant. Entry damage was limited to the soffit area, and all identified access points were addressed during the initial service. Final inspection confirmed the exclusion remained intact with no signs of continued raccoon activity.
This service was completed by our Pickering wildlife team. For wildlife removal inquiries in Pickering, contact 905-581-3703.