How to Handle Raccoon Infestations: Tips from Critter Control

Raccoons are cute, clever creatures that we often admire from a distance. However, when they decide to make their home in your attic, garage, or crawl space, they can quickly become a nuisance. Raccoon infestations can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family. At Critter Control, we specialize in humane wildlife removal and are here to help you understand and manage raccoon infestations.

Why Do Raccoons Invade Homes?

Raccoons are highly adaptable animals that thrive in urban and suburban environments. They seek out warm, dry, and safe places to nest, which makes attics, chimneys, and other parts of homes ideal spots for them. The main reasons raccoons invade homes include:

Shelter: Raccoons are drawn to attics, garages, and chimneys because they provide safe, dry shelter from the elements and predators.
Food Sources: Garbage cans, pet food, and gardens can attract raccoons to your property. Once they’ve found an easy food source, they’re more likely to stick around.
Nesting: During breeding season, typically February through March in Ohio, female raccoons seek secure places to raise their young. Attics and crawl spaces often fit the bill perfectly.

Signs of a Raccoon Infestation

Detecting a raccoon infestation early can help prevent extensive damage and reduce health risks. Here are some common signs that raccoons may have taken up residence in your home:

Noises in the Attic: If you hear scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds, especially at night, it could be raccoons moving around in your attic.

Unpleasant Odors: Raccoons leave behind urine and feces, which can create a strong, unpleasant smell in your home.

Damage to Property: Look for chewed wires, insulation that’s been torn apart, or damage to vents and shingles where raccoons may have gained entry.

Tracks and Droppings: Raccoon tracks typically show five distinct toes, and their droppings can resemble those of a small dog, often containing seeds or other undigested food.

Risks of Raccoon Infestations

Raccoons are not just noisy house guests—they can cause serious damage and pose health risks. Some of the most common problems associated with raccoon infestations include:

Property Damage: Raccoons can chew through electrical wiring, insulation, and even ductwork, leading to costly repairs.
Health Hazards: Raccoons are known carriers of diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.
Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites often hitch a ride on raccoons, potentially infesting your home and posing additional health risks.

How to Prevent Raccoon Infestations

Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to raccoons. Here are some steps you can take to make your home less attractive to these critters:

Secure Garbage Cans: Use raccoon-proof lids or store garbage cans in a secure location to prevent raccoons from scavenging for food. Consider putting garbage cans out the morning of collection, rather than the night before.

Eliminate Food Sources: Bring pet food indoors at night, cover compost bins, and clean up fallen fruits or birdseed from your yard.

Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in roofing, vents, and chimneys, and seal them with sturdy materials.

Install Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden. Motion-activated lights can deter them from approaching your home.

What to Do if You Have a Raccoon Infestation

If you suspect a raccoon infestation, it’s essential to act quickly. Attempting to remove raccoons yourself can be dangerous and may not be effective. At Critter Control, we provide professional, humane wildlife removal services to ensure that raccoons are safely and effectively removed from your property. Our process includes:

Inspection: We conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify entry points and assess the extent of the infestation.
Removal: Using humane trapping and exclusion methods, we safely remove the raccoons from your home.
Repairs and Prevention: After removal, we seal entry points and provide recommendations to prevent future infestations.
Cleanup: We offer cleanup and decontamination services to remove raccoon droppings, urine, and any nesting materials left behind.

Trust Critter Control for Safe and Humane Raccoon Removal

Raccoon infestations are more than just a nuisance—they can pose real risks to your home and health. Trust the experts at Critter Control to handle the situation safely and humanely. With our professional wildlife removal services, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected from unwanted critters. Contact us today for an inspection and take the first step towards a raccoon-free home!