Job Overview
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey residential house with attached garage
Problem: Nocturnal activity and noise originating from the roof area
Service: Raccoon removal and roof exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
Our team responded to reports of nighttime activity on the roof of a residential property in Oshawa. Inspection confirmed a raccoon had forcibly entered directly through the roof decking. The issue required staged exclusion, monitoring, and final confirmation to ensure no further wildlife access.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached two-storey home with standard asphalt shingles. Roof penetrations and vent structures were present along the roofline, creating potential points of vulnerability once initial damage occurred.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported repeated noise and movement on or within the roof during nighttime hours, raising concern about property damage and ongoing wildlife access.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our technician identified an unusual entry point: shingles had been torn back and a clean hole punched directly through the roof plywood. This type of access is consistent with raccoon behaviour when targeting attic spaces from above rather than through soffits or fascia.
Cause Analysis
Raccoons are strong climbers and can exploit rooflines when footholds are available. In this case, once shingles were lifted, the exposed plywood allowed the animal to force entry. After the initial opening was restricted, continued attempts resulted in a secondary breach only inches away, demonstrating site fidelity and persistence.
Treatment / Removal
A humane, non-lethal removal approach was used. A one-way wildlife door was installed over the primary opening to allow the raccoon to exit without re-entry. Activity was monitored between visits to confirm continued use of the exit device and to identify any new damage.
Exclusion & Repairs
After the second visit revealed a new opening adjacent to the original entry, the area was reinforced and sealed. Heavy-gauge exclusion mesh was installed and secured over the affected roof section, with shingles restored overtop to prevent further access while maintaining roof integrity.
Outcome & Confirmation
On the final visit, no further wildlife activity was reported or observed. The one-way door was removed, exclusion materials were inspected, and all repaired areas remained intact. The roof showed no new signs of disturbance, confirming successful resolution.
Technician Notes
Richard noted that direct roof entry through plywood is less common but can occur when raccoons repeatedly target the same structure. All work was completed safely using appropriate roof access procedures, and the exclusion was designed to withstand repeat attempts.
Photos (as provided)
- Before: Torn shingles with a visible hole through the roof plywood near roof vent structures.
- During: One-way door and protective mesh installed over the roof opening, secured with fasteners.
- After: Reinforced mesh and sealed roof section with shingles restored; no open access points visible.
This service visit was handled by our Oshawa Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Oshawa, contact 905-581-3789.