Raccoons are one of the most common pests that homeowners deal with. These animals remain close to residential areas because of the large amount of food available to them.
Additionally, raccoons also live in a wide range of habitats and are very adaptive creatures. Many times, the presence of food and water is what dictates the area they choose to live.
However, a raccoon issue isn’t something that the average homeowner wants to deal with. Because of them encroaching on a homeowner’s property, this creates conflicts between raccoons and humans.
In the following section, we’ll outline some of the most common problem areas when it comes to raccoons. By the time we reach the end of the article, hopefully, you’ll understand why you need to contact a wildlife or animal control specialist for raccoon removal.
Common Raccoon Problems
The following areas are some of the most common areas associated with raccoon infestations.
- Raccoons are commonly found in attics, chimneys, window-wells, crawlspaces, and basements.
- It’s not uncommon for them to be found under decks, sheds, porches, or any other structures they find comfort.
- When raccoons cause damage to homes or other structures, it’s important to bring someone in to control them. They will tear holes in roofs and siding, dig up parts of the lawn, and search through garbage cans.
In urban areas, raccoons commonly use human dwellings to make themselves comfortable. They are one of the only wild animals that have learned to adapt themselves to highly populated areas.
In many big-city locations, raccoon numbers have climbed despite the growth of urban construction. Normally, in terms of wildlife, it’s the other way around.
Multiple locations exist in and around homes for raccoons to use for dens. This, combined with high amounts of scrap food, create the perfect environment for these animals to exist.
However, these animals cause quite a bit of damage around a homeowner’s property. Let’s examine some of the most common areas these pests leave their marks.
Consequences of Raccoons On Your Property
Raccoons will become a nuisance even if they’re not living on your property. Just the fact that they enter your domain to search for food will lead to damage and other issues on your land. These are the most common consequences of raccoons on your property:
- Raccoons get into trash cans, knock them over, and damage them.
- They will knock down and damage bird feeders.
- Raccoons will eat Koi fish from ponds in a homeowner’s yard.
- It’s not uncommon for them to litter areas with their droppings.
- They commonly harass pets and cause injuries.
- They will enter open doors and windows to gain access to your home and find food.
It’s not difficult to avoid these examples of damage by changing some of the habits you have around your home. Secure your garbage cans inside of an enclosure to prevent raccoons from scratching them and tipping them over.
You can install an electric fence around your Koi ponds to prevent raccoons from eating the fish. Additionally, areas frequented by your pets should be sprayed with repellent. You can also avoid unwanted confrontations by keeping your pets on a leash.
Raccoon Burrowing
It’s not always guaranteed that raccoons will only cause problems above ground. Their scavenging nature will lead them to find comfort beneath the foundation of your home.
Some of the more common areas to find raccoons beneath the ground are crawlspaces, decks, and concrete stoops. These animals will burrow beneath these structures to create dens for comfort.
These pests will sometimes use these areas year-round, while other times, they will take advantage of them to avoid elements of the weather. When the weather is a factor, raccoons will resort to burrowing to avoid the heat and sun.
Raccoons In Attics
The attic is another commonplace to find raccoons using your space to stay comfortable. Can you hear something moving around in your attic? Do you hear chirping in the area late at night?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you could have raccoons in your attic. The most common time to hear these animals is shortly after sunset when they exit the property to go out and forage for food.
There are several ways a raccoon will gain entry to your attic. Regardless of how they enter the area specifically, it’s not uncommon for high amounts of damage to occur as a result.
These animals will sense weak spots throughout the structure of your home and take advantage of them. These are the most common entry points for these animals:
- Attic fans
- Attic roof vents
- Chimneys
Raccoons In Chimneys
The chimney is another very commonplace to find raccoons hanging out. Chimney flues are a great place for these animals to create a den, and you may notice some strange noises coming from the area.
Raccoons can easily move up and down the length of a chimney. However, many homeowners believe that the presence of these animals in the chimney means they’ve fallen and gotten stuck. Normally, this isn’t the case.
Raccoons will use chimneys as a place to raise their young. This can end up as a very damaging situation if any of these animals die in the chimney.
One of the most damaging situations is when dead raccoons block the chimney, causing carbon monoxide to enter your home. Smoke is unable to ventilate and exit, which can lead to injuries to members of your family.
If you’ve noticed a strange noise in your attic or chimney, or any other signs of raccoons around your property, you need to take action quickly. FindAPestPro provides several efficient options for raccoon removal on your property.
They’ve partnered with some of the most reliable pest control companies in your area. All of them are licensed and bonded, ensuring you have access to only the best options when you need pest removal. Obtaining services through them is simple and easy and usually only requires entering your name, address, and the services you require.
Click here to read our past blog, Termite Facts, Management, and How to Get Rid of Them
