How to Get Rid of a Raccoon (Guide)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to get rid of raccoons. Raccoons can be a nuisance, causing damage to your property and potentially transmitting diseases. In this article, we will provide you with effective methods for raccoon removal, ensuring a humane approach to dealing with these pesky critters. Whether you’re facing raccoons in your yard, attic, or even in your walls, we’ve got you covered with practical solutions.

Let’s dive in and learn how to effectively handle raccoon problems while maintaining the well-being of these curious creatures.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify raccoon nesting areas and eliminate food sources.
• Seal entry points and use live traps if necessary.
• Contact a wildlife control company for professional assistance.
• Recognize signs of raccoon infestation such as knocked-over trash cans and unfamiliar sounds.
• Invest in professional grub treatment and secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids to deter raccoons in your yard or garden.

Identifying Signs of a Raccoon Infestation

If you suspect a raccoon infestation on your property, it is crucial to be able to identify the signs. Recognizing these signs will help you take appropriate action to remove raccoons and prevent further damage. Here are some key indicators of a raccoon infestation:

1. Knocked-over trash cans: Raccoons are known for rummaging through trash cans in search of food. If you consistently find your trash cans knocked over or scattered around your property, it may be a sign of raccoon activity.
2. Tracks: Raccoons have distinctive tracks with five toes on both their front and hind feet. Look for these tracks in muddy areas or on soft surfaces near potential entry points.
3. Droppings: Raccoon droppings are cylindrical in shape and often have a dark, tubular appearance. If you come across droppings that resemble this description, it could be a sign of raccoon presence.
4. Unfamiliar sounds: Raccoons can create a variety of sounds, including mewing, whistling, and growling. If you hear these noises coming from your attic, walls, or other secluded areas of your property, it is likely that raccoons are nearby.

By being vigilant and aware of these signs, you can take the necessary steps to address a raccoon infestation promptly. Remember, it’s crucial to handle raccoon removal safely and responsibly to protect both yourself and the raccoons.

Table: Signs of a Raccoon Infestation

Remember, if you suspect a raccoon infestation, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your property and potential health risks. Take the necessary steps to remove raccoons safely and consider contacting a professional wildlife control company for assistance if needed.

Getting Rid of Raccoons in the Yard or Garden

If you have raccoons invading your yard or garden, it’s important to take action to deter them and protect your plants and property. By implementing a few effective deterrents and making your yard less appealing to raccoons, you can successfully get rid of these unwanted visitors. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Secure Your Trash Cans

Raccoons are attracted to yards in search of food sources, and trash cans can be a treasure trove for them. To prevent raccoons from rummaging through your garbage, invest in trash cans with tight-fitting lids or use bungee cords to secure the lids. This will make it difficult for raccoons to access the food waste and discourage them from coming back.

2. Remove Potential Food Sources

Make sure to remove any potential food sources from your yard that may be attracting raccoons. This includes fallen fruits, bird feeders, and pet food left outside. Regularly clean up fallen debris and consider using raccoon-resistant bird feeders or raccoon guards to protect your bird feeders from unwanted visitors.

3. Create an Unappealing Environment

Raccoons are less likely to frequent yards that don’t offer them a comfortable environment. Consider investing in professional grub treatment for your lawn, as raccoons often dig for grubs. Additionally, you can install motion-activated lights and sprinklers to startle raccoons and make them feel unwelcome. Eliminating hiding spots, such as brush piles or dense vegetation, will also discourage raccoons from making your yard their home.

By implementing these raccoon deterrent strategies, you can effectively get rid of raccoons in your yard or garden. Remember to be persistent and consistent in your efforts to create an environment that is unappealing to raccoons. If your raccoon problem persists, consider contacting a professional wildlife control company for additional assistance.

Removing Raccoons from the Attic

If you suspect that raccoons have made their way into your attic, it’s essential to take action promptly. By addressing the issue swiftly and effectively, you can minimize damage and prevent further infestation. In this section, we will explore effective methods for removing raccoons from the attic while ensuring their safety and preventing their return.

Identifying if Raccoon Babies are Present

Before taking any measures to remove raccoons from your attic, it’s important to determine if there are any babies present. Separating mothers from their young can be harmful and inhumane. To identify if raccoon babies are present, listen for high-pitched vocalizations or scratching sounds coming from the attic. If you suspect the presence of babies, it’s advisable to wait until they are old enough to leave on their own before proceeding with removal.

Using One-Way Doors for Humane Removal

Once raccoon babies have matured, you can employ one-way doors to encourage the raccoons to exit your attic. One-way doors allow raccoons to leave but prevent them from reentering, ensuring a humane approach to removal. These devices can be installed over entry points that raccoons use to access your attic, providing a straightforward and effective solution. However, it’s essential to seal off other potential entry points to prevent new raccoons from taking their place.

Professional Pest Control for Humane Removal

If you are uncomfortable with or unable to handle raccoon removal on your own, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional pest control company. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your attic. Additionally, they can address any damage caused by the raccoons and provide sealing services to prevent future infestations.

By employing the appropriate removal techniques and ensuring the safety of raccoon babies, you can effectively eliminate raccoons from your attic. Whether you choose to use one-way doors or enlist the help of professionals, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to minimize damage and prevent further infestation.

Getting Rid of Raccoons Under the House or Deck

Raccoons can often find shelter and create nests under houses or decks, causing potential damage and creating a nuisance. If you are dealing with raccoons in these areas, it is important to take appropriate steps to remove them safely and prevent future infestations.

Step 1: Live Traps

One effective method to remove raccoons from under your house or deck is to use live traps. Set the traps near the entry points, baited with food that raccoons are attracted to, such as fish or sweet fruits. Once caught, release the raccoons at least five miles away from your property to ensure they do not return.

Step 2: Barriers and Exclusion

To prevent raccoons from returning, it is crucial to block their access points. Install wire mesh or hardware cloth around the foundation of your house or deck, ensuring there are no gaps for raccoons to squeeze through. Securely fasten the barriers to prevent raccoons from pushing them aside.

Step 3: Cleaning and Nest Removal

After removing the raccoons, thoroughly clean the area to eliminate any remaining smells or attractants. Dispose of any nesting materials, feces, or debris left behind. This will help discourage raccoons from returning and prevent the spread of diseases.

Step 4: Professional Assistance

If you are unable to remove the raccoons or prefer professional assistance, consider contacting a wildlife control company. They have the expertise and knowledge to safely remove raccoons from under your house or deck, ensuring the well-being of both you and the raccoons.

By following these steps, you can effectively get rid of raccoons under your house or deck and prevent future infestations. Remember to prioritize safety and humane treatment when dealing with wildlife.

Keeping Raccoons Off the Roof

Raccoons on the roof can cause significant damage to shingles, vents, and other structures. To protect your roof from raccoon damage, it is important to take proactive measures and implement effective deterrents.

Identifying Raccoon Access Points

Before you can effectively keep raccoons off the roof, you need to identify the access points they are using to climb up. Inspect your property for overhanging branches, nearby trees, or structures that provide easy access to the roof. Trim back any branches and consider installing barriers like metal sheeting or chimney caps to prevent raccoons from gaining entry.

Securing Garbage Cans

Raccoons are attracted to garbage cans, so it is crucial to secure them properly. Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids or invest in raccoon-resistant garbage cans. Additionally, secure the cans to a fence or post to prevent raccoons from knocking them over and accessing the roof.

Using Raccoon Deterrents

There are several effective deterrents that can discourage raccoons from climbing onto your roof. Electric fencing can create a barrier that raccoons will avoid. Spark arrestor caps can be installed on chimney flues to prevent raccoons from entering. Remember to follow local regulations and safety guidelines when using deterrents.

By taking these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of raccoon damage to your roof and protect your property from these nuisance wildlife.

Dealing with Raccoons in Walls

If you hear strange noises coming from your walls, it could be a sign of raccoons nesting in your home. Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily access the small openings or gaps in the exterior of your house. Once inside, they can cause damage to insulation, wiring, and other structures. If you suspect raccoons in your walls, it is best to seek professional pest management assistance for safe and effective removal.

Professional pest management companies have the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely remove raccoons from your walls without causing harm to the animals or further damage to your property. They will assess the situation, identify the entry points, and develop a customized removal plan. This may involve the use of humane traps or exclusion methods to safely relocate the raccoons.

Raccoons in walls can be disruptive and damaging. It is best to hire a professional pest management company to safely remove raccoons without causing harm or damage to your property.

Once the raccoons are removed, it is crucial to seal off any entry points to prevent future infestations. This may involve repairing damaged siding, sealing gaps, or installing barriers to keep raccoons out. It is important to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage and potential reinfestation.

Remember, dealing with raccoons in walls can be challenging and potentially dangerous. It is always recommended to leave this task to the professionals. They have the expertise to handle the situation effectively, ensuring the safety of both your home and the raccoons involved.

Table: Signs of Raccoons in Walls

It is important to address raccoons in walls promptly to prevent further damage and protect your home. Contact a professional pest management company to safely remove the raccoons and ensure your peace of mind.

Preventing Raccoons at Bird Feeders

When it comes to attracting birds to your backyard, bird feeders are a popular choice. However, they can also attract unwanted visitors like raccoons. These clever critters are known for their ability to access bird feeders and help themselves to the delicious seeds, leaving little for the birds. But fear not! There are several strategies you can employ to prevent raccoons from raiding your bird feeders.

One effective solution is to hang your bird feeders high off the ground. Raccoons are excellent climbers, but by placing your feeders at a height of at least 6 feet, you make it much more difficult for them to reach the food. You can also use narrow poles or baffles to deter raccoons from climbing up to the feeders. These obstacles make it challenging for raccoons to gain access and discourage them from trying.

Cleaning the area around your feeders regularly is another crucial step in raccoon prevention. Spilled seeds and food residue can attract these hungry animals. By regularly cleaning up, you remove the temptation for raccoons and make your yard less appealing to them. Additionally, avoid using suet cakes, as raccoons are particularly fond of this high-energy treat.

For extra protection, consider investing in raccoon-resistant bird feeders. These specially designed feeders feature mechanisms that make it challenging for raccoons to access the seeds. From weight-activated perches to adjustable baffles, these feeders make it nearly impossible for raccoons to steal from your feathered friends. Another option is to use raccoon guards, which are wire cages that enclose the feeder, allowing only small birds to access the food.

By implementing these preventative measures, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of birds flocking to your feeders while keeping pesky raccoons at bay. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in maintaining a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and your backyard birds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, effective raccoon removal requires a combination of strategies to ensure both the safety of your property and the well-being of these creatures. By following these raccoon removal tips, you can effectively address the issue while promoting humane raccoon control.

Remember, it is important to identify and address the root causes of raccoon infestations, such as removing food sources and sealing off entry points. Additionally, using live traps or contacting professional wildlife assistance when necessary can ensure the safe removal of raccoons from your property.

However, if you encounter difficulties or prefer professional assistance throughout the entire raccoon removal process, it is highly recommended to contact a wildlife control company. Their expertise and experience can provide the guidance and support needed to resolve the raccoon issue in a humane and effective manner.