Living with Raccoons: How to Coexist with These Clever Critters

Living with raccoons can be a challenge, but it is possible to coexist with these clever critters. Raccoons are highly intelligent and resourceful animals, and they can be quite persistent when it comes to getting what they want. Knowing how to handle raccoons and their behavior can help you and your family stay safe and live in harmony with these wild animals. In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to coexist with raccoons, including how to keep them away from your home, what to do if you encounter one, and how to prevent them from becoming a nuisance.

Summary

• Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful animals
• Know how to handle raccoons and their behavior
• Keep raccoons away from your home
• What to do if you encounter one
• Prevent them from becoming a nuisance

Keep Raccoons Away from Your Home

The best way to coexist with raccoons is to keep them away from your home in the first place. Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so make sure to keep your garbage cans securely covered and your pet food stored away. Keep bird feeders away from your home, as these can attract raccoons. Additionally, make sure to seal any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior, as these can provide an easy entry point for raccoons.

What to Do if You Encounter a Raccoon

If you encounter a raccoon, it’s important to remain calm and not panic. Raccoons can be dangerous if they feel threatened, so it’s best to keep your distance and not approach them. If the raccoon is in your home, open a door or window and let it out. If the raccoon is in your yard, make loud noises or use a water hose to scare it away.

Prevent Raccoons from Becoming a Nuisance

If raccoons are becoming a nuisance in your area, there are steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a problem. Make sure to keep your garbage cans securely covered and your pet food stored away. Additionally, trim any overhanging tree branches, as these can provide easy access to your roof and attic. If the raccoons are still a problem, you may need to contact a wildlife control expert for assistance.

Pro Tip

To help keep raccoons away from your home, consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers. These can be an effective deterrent and can help keep raccoons away from your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep raccoons away from my home?

The best way to keep raccoons away from your home is to make sure to keep your garbage cans securely covered and your pet food stored away. Additionally, make sure to seal any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior, as these can provide an easy entry point for raccoons.

What should I do if I encounter a raccoon?

If you encounter a raccoon, it’s important to remain calm and not panic. Raccoons can be dangerous if they feel threatened, so it’s best to keep your distance and not approach them. If the raccoon is in your home, open a door or window and let it out. If the raccoon is in your yard, make loud noises or use a water hose to scare it away.