It is not uncommon to find raccoons in sewers and storm drains in Ontario but they rarely make a permanent residence there. Sewers, especially, have strong gasses including hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which the typical raccoon can’t stand for prolonged periods of time.
That being said, raccoons will use sewers and storm drains to get around the city, to forage for food and water and may occasionally get stuck and fail to find their way out. If you are concerned about raccoons in the storm drain or sewer, call a professional raccoon removal company to get rid of the animals safely and humanely.
On your part, keep garbage cans inside or tie down the lids with bungee chords or zip ties. Make sure you don’t leave pet food outside including bird seed and seal all potential entry points into your home with galvanized steel mesh or metal flashing. This includes holes as small as 4 inches in diameter. Similarly, don’t keep water outside especially after dark. The idea is to have little on your property that will attract the coons when they do leave the sewer or storm drain to forage. The animals may eventually attempt to get in your house especially when winter rolls around or when they need a safe, warm place to breed.
Hire a Licensed Wildlife Removal Company
The obvious reason for hiring a professional wildlife removal company in Ontario is you will have a hard time getting into the sewer to remove the raccoons. Remember that these are wild animals and which means they can be vicious when cornered. It is best not to approach raccoons if you can help it.
It is also illegal to transport wildlife for more than a kilometer without a permit. In the unlikely event that you are successful in trapping the animal, there is every chance that it will find its way back to your vicinity. Raccoons are expert navigators.
Finally, you need to mind raccoon babies. Raccoons breed from late winter to early fall so there is a good chance that the animal you wish to trap or relocate has younglings. The baby raccoons would be left to die of starvation and dehydration in this case.
A wildlife removal expert will know what to do if you are concerned about raccoons in sewers near your house. The expert can also help you to wildlife proof your home until the animals can be removed safely.