Do you ever see raccoons on your property or in your neighborhood? Raccoons are cute from a distance but can cause enormous amounts of damage to your property. Let us explore how to safely remove raccoons from your property and keep your property raccoon free.
Most DIYers do not realize raccoon removal is a much bigger project. Successful raccoon control includes trapping, removing, relocating, identifying entry points, exclusion repairs, cleaning, and disinfecting. Each state has its own regulations and ordinances regarding raccoon trapping and release. In most cases, it is more cost-effective to hire a professional.
WHEN ARE RACCOONS MOST ACTIVE?
You will most likely experience a raccoon in your home or on your property during the spring. Raccoons can be found year-round, but in the winter, many raccoons seek the comfort of their dens. They are most active during the spring. In the spring, raccoons typically give birth and only have 1 liter per year. During this time, many momma raccoons will seek shelter for their cubs in safe, warm places like an attic.
You will most likely hear a raccoon in your attic at night because they are nocturnal. You may never actually see the raccoon. You will typically hear loud thumping sounds. On the other hand, if babies are present, you may see momma raccoon foraging for food during the daytime. In this case, you may hear crying/whimpering noises during the day, too.
HOW TO REMOVE A RACCOON FROM YOUR ATTIC
If you have a raccoon in your attic, be very cautious if you decide to enter. When raccoons feel cornered, they can become very aggressive, especially when a momma is protecting her cubs.
TRUTECH’S RACCOON REMOVAL PROCESS:
- Live Trap
- Remove
- Exclude
- Sanitize
- Prevent
If babies are not present, we strategically place a live trap and then remove the raccoon. Once we ensure the attic is raccoon-free, we seal all entry points, & sanitize the attic.
If babies are present in an attic, we utilize natural products that have the scent of male raccoon urine. During a raccoon’s birthing period, she is highly protective of her cubs, and male raccoons are dangerous during this time. So, if a momma raccoon smells the scent of a male raccoon, she will likely relocate urgently with her cubs.
Note: Every situation is unique, and this method does not work 100% of the time, but Trutech guarantees a raccoon-free home.
RACCOON TRAPPING
If you are going to try live trapping a raccoon on your own here are some things to keep in mind:
- Your state’s laws.
- Raccoons will cause a great amount of destruction, especially when startled.
- Raccoons are a rabies vector species and their waste carries roundworm, Salmonella, and other diseases.
LIVE TRAP PLACEMENT
Place traps in an area where raccoons frequent. Because you need to check a trap regularly, it needs to be placed in a somewhat accessible location. Raccoons have extremely dexterous front paws with five long, tapered fingers and long nails. Raccoons destroy everything they can get their hands on when trapped.
Do not place a trap on the roof. A shingle roof will likely be destroyed, and unless the trap can be stabilized, it is not safe for a raccoon to be in a trap on a pitched roof.
Avoid trapping in the attic. Raccoons can damage ductwork, insulation, stored items, drywall, electrical lines, water lines, etc.
Be mindful when setting a trap on the ground. The trap needs to be secured and away from anything you do not want to be destroyed. The lawn underneath the trap and close-by flowers or shrubbery will likely be damaged if accessible. Place the trap on concrete or dirt if possible. If not, place the trap in a space that is invaluable and does not have any valuable surroundings within arm’s reach.
RACCOON DANGERS TO YOUR HEALTH
Raccoon waste carries bacteria that you do not want to breathe in. You will need to wear proper PPE for the job. Respirators and animal handling gloves should always be used.
After raccoon removal, sanitization is highly recommended to remove any bacteria associated with the animals’ waste.
HOW TO GET RID OF RACCOONS IN YOUR YARD
Raccoons like all other animals are seeking food, water, and shelter. If you don’t want raccoons on your property, do not create an environment for them.
Follow these tips to keep your yard raccoon-free:
Keep your garage door closed especially at night
Garages provide generous shelter space for raccoons. Many people will leave their garage doors open to provide shelter for outdoor animals, like cats, but the destruction from a raccoon would make you change your mind. Once a raccoon enters your garage, it can cause enough destruction to enter your living space. Or you may already have openings/holes in the walls of your garage which a raccoon will utilize to gain access to your home.
Do not leave food outside
If your pet eats outside, please ensure you remove their dish and water bowl after they are finished eating. If your family has a meal outside, be sure to take all used plates, utensils, and condiments inside and ensure the space is crumb-free.
Safeguard your birdfeeders or avoid using them
Be very cautious about the location you choose. If possible, put only one day’s worth of seed in the feeder at a time.
Secure garbage cans
Raccoons are strong and have very dexterous hands so be sure to keep your garbage can tightly shut and inaccessible. If you are having trouble with a raccoon continuously rummaging through your trash, consider tying your garbage can shut.
Retrieve fruits and vegetables from your garden as soon as its ready.
If a raccoon knows there is a food source available, you will have a return visitor who will likely bring other guests.
HOW TO PREVENT RACCOONS FROM ENTERING HOME
If you see a raccoon on your property, it is possible that that raccoon will be seeking shelter on your property as well.
Prevent raccoons from entering your home by following these tips:
- Trim any trees that provide access to your roof.
- Keep your yard clear of debris that can be utilized as nesting material.
- Inspect your property for any potential entry points. If any entry points are found, have them repaired.
- If you have a chimney, ensure it has a sturdy, tight-fitting cap.
- If you have a crawlspace, ensure the crawlspace door fits tightly.
- Keep your doors closed.
- If you have a doggy door or cat door, ensure it is inaccessible after dark.
- If you have a pool, always keep it covered after dark if you are not using it. You do not want a raccoon to defecate in your pool as their feces contain harmful bacteria.
DO RACCOON REPELLENTS WORK?
Raccoon repellents are a temporary fix to resolve your raccoon problem. Raccoons will become familiar with store-bought raccoon repellents and learn to live with them. While in the field, we come across many people using mothballs to try to deter various animals. Mothballs are toxic to both humans and animals. It is not safe to use mothballs on your property as you may harm a child, pet, or other untargeted animals unintentionally.
PROFESSIONAL RACCOON CONTROL
Since the population of raccoons continues to increase, the most effective resolution for your raccoon issue is to control the population around your home. Trutech offers recurring programs to safely and humanely keep your property raccoon-free. During our services, we always check for new signs of activity and provide a thorough exterior home inspection.
Raccoons are very smart and therefore can be very challenging to deal with. As a raccoon invasion persists, the amount of destruction will continue to rise. For guaranteed peace of mind solution, call your Trutech Wildlife Professional today.
