Wildlife Removal Company

Raccoons: Their Habitat and What to Do If They Get Into Your Home

Raccoons are one of the most recognizable and adaptable wildlife species in North America. Known for their distinctive black “mask” and ringed tail, these nocturnal creatures are as clever as they are curious. While their natural habitat is the wilderness, raccoons have increasingly adapted to suburban and urban environments, making homes and businesses vulnerable to their mischief. Let’s dive into raccoons’ habitat and behavior, and what steps you should take if they find their way into your home.

Natural Habitat of Raccoons

Raccoons are highly versatile animals that can thrive in a variety of environments. In the wild, they are most commonly found near forests, marshes, and rivers where food and water are plentiful. These areas offer raccoons a rich supply of their favorite meals: insects, berries, fish, and small animals.

However, raccoons are opportunistic by nature. As cities expand and more green spaces are converted into human habitats, raccoons have adapted by moving into urban and suburban areas. Here, they scavenge garbage bins, gardens, and pet food bowls, making life near humans highly convenient.

Urban and Suburban Living: Raccoons in Cities

In cities and neighborhoods, raccoons often seek shelter in attics, garages, chimneys, and even under decks. These areas provide them with warmth, security, and proximity to food sources. Raccoons can be particularly destructive in these environments. They have strong, nimble paws capable of tearing shingles, chewing through wires, and ripping open vents to gain access to homes. This often leads to significant property damage and, in some cases, potential health risks for residents.

Dangers of Raccoons in Your Home

When raccoons make themselves at home in your attic, chimney, or garage, they can cause both structural damage and serious health concerns.

• Structural Damage: Raccoons are known to chew through insulation, tear apart ductwork, and even gnaw on electrical wiring, creating potential fire hazards.

• Health Risks: Raccoons are carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. One of the most concerning is raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a parasite that can be found in raccoon feces and can infect humans through accidental ingestion. In rare cases, this can lead to severe neurological damage. Raccoons can also carry rabies, canine distemper, and leptospirosis, which can be dangerous to pets, especially unvaccinated dogs.

How to Handle a Raccoon in Your Home

If you discover a raccoon inside your home, it’s important to act quickly—but safely. Here are some steps to take:

1. Don’t Panic or Approach: Raccoons are wild animals, and they can become aggressive if they feel threatened, especially if they have babies. Avoid direct confrontation.

2. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service: Removing a raccoon from your home is not a DIY job. Wildlife control professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to safely capture and relocate raccoons without harm to the animal or your property.

3. Seal Entry Points: After the raccoon has been removed, it’s crucial to seal off any entry points they may have used to get into your home. Wildlife control experts often inspect your home and help identify potential weak spots, such as broken vents, loose shingles, or holes in the roof or foundation.

4. Clean and Disinfect: Raccoons can leave behind droppings, urine, and food scraps, which can harbor bacteria and parasites. A thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the affected areas is essential to protect your home from any lingering health risks.

5. Remove Food Sources: Keep garbage cans sealed, remove pet food from outdoors, and secure compost piles. Raccoons are resourceful when it comes to finding food, so eliminating their food supply will help discourage them from returning.

Preventing Future Raccoon Intrusions

To prevent raccoons from making a return visit, you can take a few simple precautionary steps:

• Secure Your Trash: Use raccoon-proof garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Close Off Chimneys and Vents: Install chimney caps and cover any vents or other potential entry points with heavy-gauge screening.
• Trim Tree Branches: Raccoons are excellent climbers and often access rooftops via overhanging tree limbs. Keep trees trimmed back from your home to prevent this.
• Remove Pet Food and Birdseed: Avoid leaving food outside overnight, as this is a major attractant for raccoons.

Conclusion

Raccoons may be adorable to observe from a distance, but they can quickly become troublesome when they invade your home. These crafty creatures are drawn to urban areas in search of food and shelter, but the damage they cause can be costly. The best way to protect your property is to stay vigilant, seal entry points, and call a professional wildlife control service if you suspect a raccoon has moved in. By acting quickly and responsibly, you can ensure that both your home and the raccoon stay safe.