Raccoons typically cause problems by rummaging through garbage cans, raiding pet food, and disrupting quiet neighborhoods at night. However, like most wildlife, raccoon behavior may turn aggressive when these pests feel threatened.

Raccoon teeth and claws are sharp, and these powerfully built animals can reach up to 20 pounds in weight. As a result, a raccoon attack, though rare, can be dangerous to people, cats, and dogs.

There are a number of diseases that people can be exposed to by coming in contact with raccoons. The common ones include rabies, leptospirosis, and baylisascaris infection. These raccoon diseases have symptoms like pain, fatigue, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea that mimic the flu, making many victims underestimate the need to seek medical attention. Left untreated, more serious ailments like organ failure can develop.

Many residents want to know how to deter raccoons rather than how to trap them. Trapping is an effective way to remove these pests, but it also comes with some dangers to users. Several raccoon deterrents may help while posing less risk.

Scare and Harassment Tactics

Raccoons prefer dark, quiet places like attics, chimneys, or gaps beneath decks. Keeping these areas well-lit and playing loud music can disturb their rest and force the pests to move. Pinwheels, balloons, or empty soda cans blowing in the wind may also deter raccoons.

Unfortunately, sound, light, and frightening tactics become less effective as the animals get used to them. These cheap, easy methods are a good first step but may not be enough to keep raccoons away for good.

Habitat Modification

Eliminating sources of food and shelter in the yard is another raccoon deterrent. Homeowners can:

• Screen attic, porch, and foundation vents with heavy duty wire mesh.
• Secure the garbage can lid with bungee cords or buy a new bin with a tight-fitting lid.
• Remove outdoor pet food or seal it in secure metal or glass containers.

Property owners may be alerted to the presence of raccoons under decks through various sights, sounds, and smells. The pests designate an area to eliminate waste, known as raccoon latrines, that smell abhorrently and contribute to the spread of disease. Finding a latrine in the yard is a sure sign of infestation. Additionally, raccoons make scratching noises and vocalizations throughout the night that may keep residents awake. The presence of tracks around private properties also points to the existence of raccoons under decks. Finally, individuals can test for the presence of the pests by situating a few sticks just outside deck openings. Placing them so that no animal could move through without disturbing the sticks allows for safe raccoon detection.

Thumping, rustling, and scratching sounds coming from the attic are clear indications of animal infestations. Raccoons are especially playful and like to tumble about, making loud noises that disturb residents. Young raccoons also like to chatter and chirp when calling for their mothers. Additionally, while raccoons generally dispose of waste away from nesting sites, they may let their droppings and urine collect in attics. The overwhelmingly foul smell quickly permeates houses.

Since they are voracious and messy eaters, raccoons leave behind telling signs of their presence. In the search for bits of digestible food, the pests discard paper products, plastic bags, and similar pieces of garbage. Therefore, when property owners are dealing with raccoons in trash, they’re likely to wake up to debris strewn about their yards. Additionally, given the prospect of a steady food source, raccoons will construct nests nearby. Individuals may also be alerted to raccoons in the trash by the sighting of adults, tracks throughout lawns, and the odorous presence of raccoon latrines.

Though sightings of the pest are rare given their nocturnal nature, property owners are able to detect the presence of raccoons in trees many other ways. For instance, raccoons often leave tracks in the dirt around the base of trees they’re living in. These tracks are distinct in their resemblance to tiny human hands. Their claws, which make them excellent climbers, are used to scratch trees, walls, and fences, and finding scuffed paint and tree bark typically points to raccoon infestations. At night, residents may hear chattering, growling, or snarling sounds. Finally, the presence of droppings at the base of trees points to the existence of raccoon populations in the area.

Raccoons won’t necessarily go away independently, especially if they have access to food and water nearby. They may leave temporarily to visit another den but return. Unfortunately, you will have to convince a raccoon to move away permanently. Working with professional wildlife control experts like Critter Control is the best way to do this.

Critter Control technicians have traps and equipment for effective, humane removal practices. They ensure your safety and the safety of the raccoon. After removal, they implement exclusions to prevent future raccoon encounters.

The experts at Trutech first identify the extent of raccoon activity to help them create an effective removal plan. They aim to create the safest and most humane way of raccoon removal, which will likely involve using a custom trap.

When trapping, our technicians place safe and humane cage traps in areas where raccoons frequent, usually on concrete or dirt, if possible. Because traps must be checked regularly, they must be placed where they can easily access them.

Raccoons have extremely dexterous front paws with long nails that help them destroy everything they can get their hands on when trapped. For example, the lawn underneath the trap and nearby flowers or shrubbery will likely be damaged if accessible. Never go near the trapped animal to avoid getting scratched or clawed; let Trutech handle it with their safety gear.

Our experts will know exactly what to do with the raccoon after its capture. They may need to deliver it to the local wildlife department for rabies testing or obtain permission to relocate it to another property.

Many factors determine raccoon removal costs, including location, the raccoon’s condition, the type of property, the number of raccoons involved, and the time of year. You should never try raccoon removal by yourself. You may violate local or state laws and regulations, contract a disease by getting bitten or scratched, or cause further damage to your property.

At the first sign of raccoon activity, contact Trutech for a quote that includes inspecting your property, removing the raccoon, and implementing exclusions so you don’t have to worry about raccoon infestations in the future.