In Varennes, on the South Shore, a single-family residence in the La Trinité neighbourhood was plagued by a prolonged presence of raccoons in its attic. These animals, common in this waterfront area near Contrecoeur, had taken up residence in the attic for several months, leaving behind a considerable accumulation of droppings and urine. The situation presented a significant health risk, in particular because of the potential presence of Baylisascaris procyonis, an intestinal parasite of raccoons that can be transmitted to humans and is particularly dangerous for young children. Foul smells had been spreading in the rooms on the second floor, disrupting the daily life of the residents for several weeks. Our team took care of the entire process, from the initial inspection to the complete professional decontamination of the attic. Our team in Varennes is well aware of the characteristics of this problem in the South Shore waterfront.
Identification of the extent of contamination
Initial inspection revealed a raccoon latrine in the northeast corner of the attic. This behaviour, typical of the species, concentrates the parasitic risks in a single point, but at a high density. Technicians measured an area of about six square meters that was densely contaminated, with fiberglass insulation completely impregnated with droppings and urine. Secondary moulds, identified as Aspergillus and Penicillium, were visually detected on the surrounding wood surfaces, indicating that the moisture in the droppings had changed the attic microenvironment over a long period of time. In addition, two carcasses of young raccoons, probably from a litter from the previous season, were discovered in the insulation. This observation confirms that the animal had used the attic as a calving site, which explains the greater extent of the contamination. The entire attic was documented in detail before any removal work was carried out in order to build up a complete photographic file for the owners. Our decontamination achievements after wild animals illustrate the complexity of these situations.
Removal of contaminated materials and enhanced decontamination
Due to the high parasitological risk associated with Baylisascaris procyonis, a reinforced protocol has been applied. The soiled insulation was slightly moistened before removal to limit the suspension of parasite spores and eggs in the attic air. It was then vacuumed and packaged in double airtight bags labeled biohazardous materials. The framing surfaces were treated with dry steam at 120 degrees Celsius, an effective method of destroying Baylisascaris eggs that are resistant to ordinary chemical disinfectants. A thorough fungicide treatment followed to eliminate the mold identified during the inspection. All of this work was carried out in a day and a half, with forced ventilation of the attic for the duration of the intervention. Specialized attic decontamination after raccoon is one of the most delicate interventions we carry out on the South Shore. The owners were able to observe the progress of the work step by step, which contributes to a full understanding of the procedures and reinforces their confidence in the quality of the remediation carried out.
Insulation Repair, Permanent Exclusion and Follow-up
Once the surfaces were validated as sound by a second inspection under UV light, a new blown cellulose insulation treated with boron salts was installed. This material is naturally unattractive to rodents while offering excellent thermal performance. The raccoons’ entry points, mainly wind-lifted fascia curbs and a moisture-deteriorated section of wooden fascia, were replaced and reinforced with galvanized aluminum fascia guards. Raccoon nail-resistant soffit ventilation grilles were installed around the entire perimeter of the roof. A telephone follow-up was carried out thirty days after the work to confirm the absence of any suspicious activity. Homeowners have been advised that regular cutting of branches overhanging the roof is the most effective long-term preventative measure. For any questions or service requests, visit the South Shore Certified Exterminator website and consult our pest prevention plan offer for a comprehensive protection of your property.