Raccoon Removal

The combination of urbanization and raccoon adaptability is a major factor in the troublesome behavior of these animals. Raccoons have the ability to change their diets based on local availability.

That means that their diet shifts from wild berries and river trout to the tomatoes in your garden and the contents of your trash can as towns and cities rise where forests once stood. Even worse, they would happily transition from digging burrows to creating a den in your attic.

In appearance and behavior, raccoons resemble bandits. If they get the chance, they’ll raid your trash and break into your house. If you’re concerned about these furry little nighttime burglars, you should contact a raccoon removal expert.

What Do Raccoons Look Like?

The North American raccoon is the most common and well-known, ranging from northern Canada and most of the United States southward into South America. It has a black “mask” across its eyes and a tail with 5 to 10 black bands.

Also known as “masked bandits,” raccoons are admired for their intelligence and cunning. They have very strong paws that are very nimble and manipulative. These characteristics equip them with the tools they need to damage and destroy property in order to survive in urban environments. They are also nocturnal, which means they are most active at night.

Some interesting facts about raccoons:

• The raccoons are clever enough to twist handles and open doors with their extremely dexterous paws.
• A baby raccoon’s cry of distress can resemble that of a human baby.
• The maternal instinct in raccoons is extremely strong, and if they are separated from their young, they will cause serious harm.
• In a residential area, raccoons may have up to 5 or 6 den sites.
• Raccoons can carry the rabies virus without displaying any symptoms.

What Do Raccoons Like to Eat?

Raccoons, despite being classified as a carnivore, are omnivorous, which means they will eat both plants and animals as a primary food source. They prefer vegetables, fruits, insects, slugs, snails, fish, frogs, turtles, small animals, eggs, and anything left behind in the garbage. They can also change their diet in response to what is available nearby.

Raccoons feed every day but must forage to locate their food. They are mistakenly thought to “wash” their food before eating it if water is available. This misconception stems from their habit of looking for food in or near water and then manipulating it while eating.

What is the Ideal Habitat for Raccoons?

Raccoons adapt extremely well to human presence. Even in towns and cities they den in buildings and thrive on a diet of garbage, pet food, and other items. Because food availability is the most important factor influencing raccoon abundance, large cities frequently have the highest population densities.

However, in the wild, raccoons live mostly alone. Raccoons live in a wide range of forest and grassland habitats in the wild. They are usually found near water and are good swimmers. Whereas in large cities, they will construct their dens in chimneys, attics, roofs, crawl spaces, under decks, and sheds.

Why Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Raccoons are usually just a nuisance. It’s annoying when there’s trash all over the lawn, but that’s about it. But, if raccoons have moved into a human home, they pose a threat.

To begin with, raccoons are not particularly aggressive, but they can and will attack if provoked. Pets such as dogs and cats can suffer serious injuries as a result of a raccoon encounter.

When raccoons decide to nest in a residential or commercial structure, they can cause a variety of problems. Some of these raccoon issues are easily resolved, while others can have serious consequences for both the buildings and the people who live in them.

The following are some common raccoon issues and warning signs to look out for:

• Raccoons have the ability to enter buildings and inflict significant internal damage in addition to causing extensive external damage. Raccoons can cause damage by tearing open a weak area or by finding an existing opening into a building.
• Raccoons prefer to build their dens in areas that are warm, dry, and quiet. As a result, when trampled on or littered with urine and feces, attic insulation can quickly become damaged. It is also not uncommon for raccoons to displace areas of insulation, allowing heat to escape living spaces.
• Raccoons can readily expose or rip electrical wires due to their strength and dexterity. While property damage is undoubtedly a concern, the risk to the lives of those occupying the building is even more so.
• Raccoons are also carriers of the rabies virus. Rabies is a rare disease, with only a few thousand cases reported across all carrier species. However, raccoons account for roughly one-third of all reported cases. Raccoons, more commonly, are host to several types of bacteria that can make humans sick.
• Raccoon excrement frequently contains roundworms. They can result in a variety of symptoms when consumed, such as nausea, blindness, loss of motor control, and even death. Additionally, the eggs of roundworms are highly resilient and can spread through dirt, building materials, and water runoff.

What Really Keeps Raccoons Away?

Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food sources. You can take advantage of this trait by repelling them with scents they dislike, such as hot pepper, onion, garlic, and peppermint oil.

To begin, peppermint oil is extremely effective against raccoons. The smell naturally repels them because they dislike the smell for some reason. Pepper and cloves are two other repellents. Another natural repellent is the use of natural predators’ urine.

Ammonia-soaked rags are also an effective natural deterrent. The strong odor of ammonia can deter raccoons from entering your property. Soak rags or cloths in ammonia and place them in areas known to be frequented by raccoons, such as near entry points or trash cans.

How Do You Get Rid of Raccoons Fast?

You are not alone if you have a raccoon problem. These bothersome creatures are a common pest in many parts of the country. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them quickly:

• Install a motion-activated sprinkler: This is an excellent way to keep raccoons away from your property while not endangering them. Simply place the sprinkler in areas where raccoons are known to congregate, and it will deter them with a quick blast of water when they get too close.
• Try an ultrasound animal repellent: These devices make a high-pitched noise that only animals can hear, so it won’t bother humans. It can, however, be very effective at keeping raccoons away.
• Use rodent repellent trash bags: This is a simple but effective way to keep raccoons away from your trash. There are special bags available that are infused with a rodent-repelling scent. Simply put your trash in these bags, and the raccoons will stay away.

Tips for Raccoon Control

Raccoon removal from your home can be challenging. If you live in a city, you probably can’t deal with them unless you have a permit. That is why your best bet would be to contact a professional.

However, there are a couple of things that you can do to prevent them from entering your home in the first place:

Eliminate access points: Raccoons frequently break into homes through foundational gaps or holes in the roof. Examine your house and caulk any gaps that might be used as entrances. Consider sealing your chimney, roof, and attic. This will assist in permanently keeping raccoons out of your house.

Secure the trash can: Another way to keep raccoons at bay is to keep your trash can secure. Raccoons are known for rummaging through garbage, so keeping your trash can lid tightly closed will make them less likely to bother. To keep raccoons out, try placing a heavy rock or brick on top of the lid.

Install a fence around your property: If you have a serious raccoon problem, you may need to install a fence around your property. This will prevent raccoons from entering your property and make it more difficult for them to enter your home. Make the fence at least 6 feet tall and bury it at least 2 feet deep to prevent raccoons from digging under it.

Raccoons in the city are also highly social animals with incredible memories. You must work after raccoon removal to ensure that the infested area is no longer a safe haven for returning raccoons.

Titan Pest Services with All Required Permits

Titan Pest Services is a full-service pest control and extermination company.

Our pest control treatment plans are customized for each home and business, so you only pay for what you need. The sizes of residential and commercial properties vary, as do their needs and concerns; at Titan Pest Services, we provide service treatment plans that address your pest problem.

If you need help keeping your home pest-free or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.