Raccoon Feces Removal in Downtown Toronto

Case Study: Raccoon Feces Removal in Downtown Toronto

Danforth Village, Toronto 2020 

This article will analyze and recount the call for raccoon feces and will and will go through the steps that the technician took during the case in the Danforth Village in Toronto in 2020.

Exterior Inspection 

A technician was dispatched to the site. The homeowner complained of raccoon feces around her property. The technician immediately conducted an exterior inspection throughout the property carefully and stumbled on a raccoon latrine. Raccoon latrines are a common site whenever raccoon presence is active. Raccoons build these latrines by digging a shadow trench and depositing all their feces inside of it. The latrine can create all kinds of issues and can actually incentivize the raccoons coming back to do their business. The homeowner indeed complained of returning raccoons. 

raccoon feces during inspection
Raccoon feces were found on a property in Downtown Toronto

Initial Measures 

The technician assessed the situation and discussed the course of action with the homeowner. The technician proceeded to sterilize and deodorize the property thoroughly. He did this through a concentrated formula that disperses through a nozzle. 

To take care of the feces, the technician went around the property carefully and deposited the feces in a leak-proof secure bag carefully wearing personal protective equipment. Personal Protective Equipment is of high importance. The technician wears a full-body suit, goggles, and a respirator mask to prevent breathing in airborne particles. Raccoon feces can be highly toxic and can expose people to several viruses. The rabies virus in raccoons can be transmitted to other mammals including humans as well. 

raccoon feces found throughout property
Heavy raccoon feces presence found during the exterior inspection

The technician spotted feces on the deck, on the stairs leading up to the porch, in the backyard, and even on the roof. This is not surprising since raccoons are very good climbers. They will often use their climbing skills to invade attics in residential homes by pushing in the soffit at the roof intersection.  

This is why feces removal should only be undertaken by professionals as soon as possible. Children and pets are the greatest at danger when raccoon feces are on the property. Apart from rabies, raccoon feces can also contain ringworm eggs that pass through the stool and can find their way into the soil. The soil can be then ingested when kids or pets play outside which will result in infection. 

After the removal of the feces from the property, the technician went on to thoroughly disinfect the areas with industry-grade disinfectants. The technician here takes his time to make sure every area is covered. After the disinfection stage, the technician went on to disinfect the area with industry-grade deodorizers to neutralize the rancid smell that comes from the feces as well as from the latrine. 

disinfecting feces from stairs
After safely removing the feces, the technician disinfected the affected areas

Conclusion

The homeowner was happy with the result. It was recommended to relocate the raccoons by the technician. The feces that were collected were safely discarded afterward. This highlights a far too familiar problem with raccoons in the Greater Toronto Area. As Toronto is a settlement people and raccoons alike move to the city for opportunities. Raccoon control is essential in a city still visibly connected to nature.