Raccoon Removal: A Comprehensive Guide
Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures, but their presence on your property can quickly become a nuisance. They can damage your home, spread diseases, and create a safety hazard. This guide will provide you with valuable information on how to deal with a raccoon infestation.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation
- Noises: Scratching, scurrying, and chittering sounds in your attic, walls, or chimney
- Damage: Chewed-on shingles, torn screens, ripped-up insulation, and damaged gutters
- Sights: Raccoon droppings (often large and cylindrical), footprints, and sightings of the animals themselves.
- Odors: A strong, unpleasant odor coming from your attic or other areas.
Raccoon Removal Methods
1. Prevention:
Secure Food Sources: Store garbage in tightly sealed containers, keep pet food indoors, and clean up any fallen fruits or birdseed. Eliminate Entry Points: Seal any potential entry points into your home, such as holes in the roof, chimneys, and foundation. Remove Attractors: Eliminate potential den sites like woodpiles, overgrown vegetation, and bird feeders near your home.
2. Humane Trapping:
Live Traps: Utilize humane live traps baited with attractive food (like fruit, nuts, or dog food). Proper Placement: Place traps in areas where raccoons are frequently seen, ensuring safe and humane capture. Relocation: Once captured, contact your local wildlife control or animal shelter for proper relocation. Never release a trapped raccoon yourself.
3. Professional Removal:
When to Call a Professional: If you suspect a raccoon den or have a significant infestation, it's best to contact a licensed and experienced wildlife removal professional. Professional Services: Professionals can safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property, assess for damage, and provide exclusion services to prevent future infestations.
Important Considerations
- Safety First: Never attempt to handle a raccoon yourself. They can be aggressive and carry diseases like rabies.
- Legal Considerations: Check local regulations regarding wildlife trapping and relocation.
- Disease Prevention: Wear gloves and use caution when cleaning up after a raccoon infestation. Disinfect any contaminated areas thoroughly.
Diseases Associated with Raccoons:
- Rabies: A serious viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through bites.
- Roundworm: Can be transmitted to humans through contact with raccoon feces.
- Distemper: A contagious viral disease that affects various animals, including raccoons.
Raccoon Prevention Tips
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home's exterior for any potential entry points.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home to prevent raccoons from accessing roofs and attics.
- Secure Chimneys: Install chimney caps to prevent raccoons from entering.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with a qualified wildlife control professional for specific advice and assistance with your raccoon problem.
