How to Effectively Remove Raccoons From Your Property
Do you have a raccoon problem on your property? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. These nocturnal animals can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family. In this article, we will discuss effective ways to remove raccoons from your property and prevent their return.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior
Raccoons are fascinating creatures that have adapted to living in a variety of environments. They are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness, which allows them to thrive in both urban and rural areas. Let’s explore some interesting facts about raccoon behavior.
Raccoon Feeding Habits
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything. They have a varied diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and even garbage. In fact, raccoons are notorious for raiding garbage cans in search of a meal. To prevent raccoons from accessing food sources, it’s important to secure your garbage cans and keep your property clean and free of debris.
Interestingly, raccoons have a unique method of washing their food. They will often dunk their food in water before eating it, which is thought to help soften the food and make it easier to digest.
Raccoon Nesting and Mating Patterns
Raccoons typically mate in late winter or early spring, and their gestation period is around two months. Females will create a nest in a tree hollow, attic, or crawl space to raise their young. The nest is usually made up of leaves, twigs, and other materials that the female collects. Once the young are born, the mother will nurse them for several weeks before they are able to venture out on their own.
It’s important to note that raccoons can cause damage to your property if they decide to make a nest in your attic or crawl space. They may tear up insulation, wires, and other materials to create their nest. If you suspect that raccoons have made a nest on your property, it’s important to have it removed by a professional to prevent their return.
Raccoon Intelligence and Adaptability
Raccoons are highly intelligent animals and can quickly adapt to changes in their environment. They are excellent climbers and can scale walls, trees, and even gutters to access your property. In fact, raccoons have been known to climb up to the roof of a house and enter through a chimney or vent.
Raccoons are also excellent problem solvers and can quickly figure out how to overcome obstacles in their way. For example, if you have a raccoon-proof garbage can, they may try to tip it over or knock it down to access the food inside. To prevent this, it’s important to choose a garbage can that is sturdy and difficult to tip over.
In conclusion, understanding raccoon behavior is crucial to effectively removing them from your property. By knowing their feeding habits, nesting and mating patterns, and intelligence and adaptability, you can take steps to prevent them from causing damage and becoming a nuisance.
Identifying Raccoon Infestations
Before you can effectively remove raccoons from your property, you need to identify signs of their presence.
Signs of Raccoon Presence
Raccoons are nocturnal animals and are primarily active at night, making them difficult to spot. Signs of raccoon presence can include tracks, droppings, and damage to your property, such as torn shingles, damaged siding, and chewed wiring. If you suspect raccoons are on your property, it’s essential to act quickly.
Common Raccoon Damage to Property
Raccoons can cause significant damage to your property. They can tear holes in your roof, chew through wiring, and damage your siding and insulation. They are also known carriers of diseases, posing health risks to you, your family, and your pets.
Health Risks Associated with Raccoons
Raccoons are known carriers of diseases, such as rabies, distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis. These diseases can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites, scratches, and contact with their feces. It’s crucial to take precautions when dealing with raccoons to avoid contracting any of these diseases.
Preventative Measures to Keep Raccoons Away
The best way to deal with raccoons on your property is to prevent their entry in the first place.
Securing Trash and Food Sources
Raccoons are drawn to food sources, so it’s essential to keep your property clean and secure. Make sure to keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and bring them inside at night. Don’t leave pet food out, and clean up any fallen fruit and nuts from trees on your property.
Eliminating Potential Nesting Sites
Raccoons will seek out sheltered areas to create a nest. Close off access to crawl spaces, attics, and sheds to prevent them from nesting on your property. Trim any overhanging branches and remove any debris that could provide a hiding place for them.
Installing Raccoon-Proof Fencing
Installing a raccoon-proof fence can be an effective way to keep them off your property. Make sure to bury the fence at least a foot into the ground, so they can’t dig underneath it. The fence should also be at least six feet tall and have a slippery surface to prevent raccoons from climbing over it.
Humane Raccoon Removal Techniques
If you already have a raccoon problem on your property, there are humane ways to remove them.
Live Trapping and Relocation
Live trapping is an effective way to remove raccoons from your property without harming them. Once trapped, relocate them at least ten miles away from your property, so they can’t return. Make sure to check local regulations before trapping and relocating raccoons.
Using Raccoon Repellents
There are various natural and chemical raccoon repellents available that can deter raccoons from your property. These repellents can be sprayed on plants, around nesting sites, or around your property’s perimeter.
Employing Natural Deterrents
You can also employ natural deterrents, such as bright lights and loud noises, to scare raccoons away from your property. Keep in mind that these methods may not work for all raccoons, and some may become accustomed to them over time.
Conclusion
Dealing with raccoons on your property can be frustrating, but taking preventative measures and using humane removal techniques can help solve the problem. By understanding raccoon behavior and identifying signs of their presence, you can effectively remove them from your property and prevent their return. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if necessary, as dealing with raccoons can be dangerous and challenging.