How to Remove Raccoons from Your House
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Are you dealing with a raccoon infestation in your home? If so, you’re not alone. Raccoons are one of the most common nuisance animals in the United States. They’re also incredibly intelligent and resourceful, making them difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your house.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to remove raccoons from your home. We’ll cover topics such as:
- Identifying the Problem
- Exclusion Techniques
- Repellents and Deterrents
- Habitat Modification
- Trapping and Removal
By following these steps, you can successfully get rid of raccoons and keep them from coming back.
Identifying the Problem
The first step in removing raccoons from your home is to identify the problem. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so they’re most active at night. If you’ve noticed raccoons in your yard or around your home, it’s likely that they’ve found a way inside.
Look for signs of raccoon activity, such as tracks, droppings, and damage to your home. Raccoons are omnivores, so they’ll eat almost anything. If you’ve noticed food missing from your pantry or garbage cans, it’s likely that raccoons are the culprits.
Exclusion Techniques
Once you’ve identified the problem, the next step is to use exclusion techniques to keep raccoons out of your home. Start by inspecting your home for any potential entry points. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so be sure to check around windows, doors, vents, and chimneys.
Once you’ve identified the entry points, seal them off with metal flashing or hardware cloth. Make sure to use materials that are strong enough to withstand a raccoon’s claws and teeth.
Repellents and Deterrents
In addition to exclusion techniques, you can also use repellents and deterrents to keep raccoons away from your home. There are a variety of commercial repellents available, such as sprays, granules, and ultrasonic devices. These products can be effective, but they’re not always reliable.
You can also use natural repellents, such as ammonia, vinegar, and hot pepper spray. These products can be effective, but they need to be reapplied regularly.
Habitat Modification
Raccoons are attracted to certain types of habitats, such as wooded areas and water sources. If your home is located near a wooded area or a body of water, it’s likely that raccoons will be attracted to it.
To reduce the chances of a raccoon infestation, you should modify the habitat around your home. Remove any sources of food and water, such as pet food, bird feeders, and standing water. Trim back any trees or shrubs that are close to your home, and keep your yard clean and free of debris.
Trapping and Removal
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you’re still dealing with a raccoon infestation, it’s time to consider trapping and removal. This should be done by a professional wildlife control operator, as it can be dangerous to attempt to trap and remove raccoons on your own.
The wildlife control operator will set traps in the areas where the raccoons are active. Once the raccoons are trapped, they will be humanely removed from your property.
Pro Tip
If you’re dealing with a raccoon infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Raccoons can cause a lot of damage to your home and spread diseases, so it’s important to take steps to remove them as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep raccoons away from my house?
The best way to keep raccoons away from your house is to use exclusion techniques, repellents and deterrents, and habitat modification. Seal off any potential entry points, use commercial or natural repellents, and modify the habitat around your home to make it less attractive to raccoons.
Are raccoons dangerous?
Raccoons can be dangerous, as they can carry diseases such as rabies. They can also cause a lot of damage to your home, so it’s important to take steps to remove them as soon as possible.
