Raccoons may look sweet and harmless, with their fuzzy little faces and adorable paws; however, don’t be fooled, raccoons can be a serious problem for your home. They rummage through your garbage, damage attics and roofs, and bring with them many diseases—placing you and your family at risk. Due to the increase in urbanization and the loss of habitat, raccoons have been venturing into homes and claiming their new territory. You can prevent raccoons from choosing your property with these three simple steps.
1. Seal Entry Holes to Control Access
Making sure that your home has no open holes or other entry points is one of the most effective methods of raccoon prevention. Inspect your house thoroughly to locate any crevices where raccoons may enter. Believe it or not, they can squeeze through some surprisingly small spaces such as chimneys, attic vents, and seams along roofs and baseboards. You can use sheet metal or heavy screening to close off the entry points.
2. Keep Garbage Cans Closed Tightly
An open garbage can, or one that is not sealed tight, is a buffet for these little bandits. To prevent raccoons from digging through your trash, make sure to have a lid that locks into place with handles or clamps. If necessary, you can keep your garbage cans inside at night.
3. Do Not Feed Them
The most important prevention tip we can give you is to not feed them. While you may not be voluntarily feeding them, raccoons will feast off any food and water dishes that have been left outside for your pet. To deter their feasting, make sure to feed your pets during the day and do not leave their food or water bowls outside, especially at night.
Contact Our Raccoon Experts
If you believe you already have a raccoon problem on your property, we can help. Attempting to remove raccoons on your own can be dangerous. We recommend contacting our team of experts who can safely and humanely remove your unwelcome guests. Your family’s safety and comfortability are our number one priority. If you have any questions about raccoon prevention or if you would like to schedule your free consultation, give us a call today.