Expert Tips from Greenshield Pest Control
Raccoons are one of the most common wildlife problems homeowners face across Ontario, particularly in Kingston, Belleville, and surrounding areas such as Gananoque, Napanee, Amherstview, and Trenton. While they may look harmless, raccoons can cause serious damage to roofs, attics, insulation, siding, and vents and they can pose health risks when living too close to people.
At Greenshield Pest Control, we regularly help homeowners prevent raccoon intrusions through professional wildlife control, humane removal, and long-term exclusion solutions. Below are our expert recommendations to help keep raccoons out of your home before they turn into a costly issue.
Secure Your Home’s Entry Points
Raccoons are extremely resourceful and will take advantage of even small weaknesses in a home’s exterior. Common entry points include roof vents, soffits, chimneys, fascia boards, and damaged siding.
Greenshield recommends:
- Inspecting your roofline and exterior regularly
- Repairing loose or damaged materials as soon as possible
- Installing chimney caps and wildlife-proof vent covers
Preventative sealing and reinforcement play a major role in keeping raccoons from gaining access to your home.
Remove Attractants Around Your Property
Food sources are one of the main reasons raccoons keep returning to a property.
To reduce attraction:
- Store garbage in sealed, wildlife-resistant containers
- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors
- Clean BBQ grills thoroughly after use
- Remove fallen fruit from trees
If food is available, raccoons will continue to visit and over time, they may attempt to enter your home.
Trim Trees and Overgrown Vegetation
Raccoons are excellent climbers and often use nearby trees or structures to access rooftops.
Best practices include:
- Trimming tree branches at least 6–8 feet away from your roof
- Removing vines or vegetation growing along siding
- Securing fences, sheds, or structures that provide roof access
Reducing these access points significantly lowers the risk of raccoon intrusion.
Protect Attics, Roofs, and Deck Areas
Warm, sheltered spaces such as attics and areas beneath decks are ideal nesting locations for raccoons.
To prevent nesting:
- Reinforce attic vents and weak roof areas
- Install heavy-gauge wire or proper exclusion barriers under decks
- Address moisture issues that may attract wildlife
Once raccoons settle in, removal becomes more complex and expensive.
Use Motion-Activated Deterrents
Raccoons prefer quiet, undisturbed environments and are primarily active at night.
Effective deterrents include:
- Motion-activated lighting
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Wildlife deterrent devices
Deterrents can help discourage activity, but they are most effective when combined with proper exclusion and repair work.
Avoid DIY Raccoon Removal
Raccoons can become aggressive when threatened and may carry diseases such as rabies and raccoon roundworm. DIY trapping or removal can be dangerous and may also violate local wildlife regulations.
At Greenshield Pest Control, we use humane, professional methods that prioritize safety, legality, and long-term prevention — especially for homeowners in Kingston, Belleville, and nearby communities where raccoon activity is common.
Book a Professional Wildlife Inspection
A professional inspection can help identify:
- Active raccoon entry points
- Signs of nesting or structural damage
- Areas at risk for future intrusion
Greenshield Pest Control provides complete raccoon solutions, including humane removal, exclusion work, and preventative repairs to protect your home long-term.
Quick Raccoon Prevention FAQs
How do raccoons get into attics?
Raccoons typically enter through damaged roof vents, soffits, chimneys, or weak rooflines.
Are raccoons dangerous to homeowners?
Raccoons can carry diseases and become aggressive when cornered, making professional removal the safest option.
Will raccoons come back after removal?
Without proper exclusion and repairs, raccoons often return. Long-term prevention is key.
Trust Greenshield Pest Control
As a local, family-owned pest control company, Greenshield Pest Control proudly serves Kingston, Belleville, and surrounding areas with reliable, professional wildlife control services. Our focus is on long-term protection, not temporary fixes.
If you’re noticing signs of raccoon activity or want to prevent future problems, contact Greenshield Pest Control today to schedule a professional inspection.
