Raccoons
These mischievous, furry bandits are best known for knocking over trashcans and stealing contents. While cute from a distance, having one in your home can be frustrating, and down right destructive.
Common problems with raccoons:
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Living in the attic or crawl spaces
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Living in the chimney
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Destructive behaviors in the attic or walls
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Knocking over trashcans
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Bothering/Riling up pets
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Stealing birdseed or outdoor pet food
Raccoon Behavior
Raccoons are as determined as they are dexterous. They can become an extreme nuisance in their pursuit of food or shelter. They will open or knock over trashcans in order to steal the scraps of food, which can cause quite a ruckus in the middle of the night. Raccoons will also steal pet food and birdseed when they can, sometimes going so far as to break into screened in porches to get to bowl of pet food.
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Raccoons are also notorious for choosing to make shelter in human homes. It's not uncommon for mother raccoons to make their nest in a chimney, where the babies will make a terrible racket as they grow older. Mother raccoons and solitary raccoons are both known to frequently tear open soffits, vents, and even walls to access the interior of homes. Most commonly, they will take up in the attic, where they will rip up insulation, urinate and defecate, and, destroy anything and everything they can get their hands on.
Raccoon Removal and Prevention
When it comes to raccoon removal, it's best to leave it to the professionals. When cornered, raccoons can lash out in fear, causing injury and possibly transmitting diseases. They are smart animals and can easily avoid and ignore poorly placed traps. Sometimes raccoons need to be removed manually, which can be dangerous without the proper training or protection.
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Another possible problem is when there are baby raccoons in the nest. If the babies are not removed and the mother cannot retrieve them, the babies can suffer and die, leading to terrible sounds and smells. If the nest was in a wall, it can cost hundreds, sometimes even thousands to cut open the wall and remove the babies. It's best to have a qualified professional handle it from the beginning.
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The best way to get rid of raccoons is to prevent them from being attracted to your home in the first place. Ensure that the lids to trashcans and compost bins are securely shut and locked. Do not leave pet food out overnight. Remove possible nesting locations such as dead trees, unkempt brush/firewood piles, and run down sheds. Visually inspect the roof line of your home for any obvious damage or holes.
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If you notice any damage/holes or suspect raccoons may have made their way into your home, don't hesitate to contact us. We can help determine what the problem is and offer a free estimate and/or inspection.
Don't wait! Get in touch with us today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy a repellent or a sound emitter to drive them off?
A: No! While there are a number of chemical or urine based repellent on the market, they are only effective in specific circumstances and when used by professionals. Noise deterrents, or sonic sound emitters, also will not work. These devices are a scam. If animals are not bothered by the sounds of cars or people, they won't be bothered by sound emitters.
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Q: Can't I just do it myself/have my handyman do it?
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A: It's not advised. Wildlife can pose many dangers. Without proper protective gear, wild animals can attack and injure people or transfer diseases via fecal matter or bites/scratches. When trapping or exclusion are done improperly, it can lead to many problems down the road, such as animals being trapped inside walls/attic, other animals taking up residence, and, even worse damage to your home, which can lead to expensive bills down the road.
We take pride in every job we do. That's why we have a Lifetime Guarantee on all our repairs. Wildlife won't be able to get past our repairs, and if they somehow do, we will come back and make things right, for free. Don't put yourself or your family in danger. Leave wildlife removal to the professionals.