How To Keep A Raccoon Away From Your House

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Keep Raccoons Away from Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Raccoons, the masked marauders of the night, are notorious for their cleverness and adaptability. But when their presence becomes a nuisance around our homes, we need to act. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of raccoon behavior and offer effective strategies to keep them at bay.

Raccoons: A Nuisance in Disguise

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores that are known for their adaptability and intelligence. They are mostly active at night and excel at climbing, swimming, and burrowing. While they can be fascinating creatures to observe from a distance, their presence near our homes can lead to several problems:

  • They can raid garbage cans, leaving a mess and attracting other pests.
  • They may damage property by chewing on wires, insulation, and even shingles.
  • Raccoons can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

The first step in keeping raccoons away from your home is understanding their behavior. Raccoons are highly territorial and will defend their dens and food sources aggressively. They are also curious and opportunistic, so anything that attracts their attention may draw them closer to your property.

Proven Strategies for Raccoon Prevention

  1. Secure Your Garbage:

Garbage is a major attraction for raccoons. Keep your trash cans tightly sealed and place them in a secure location where they cannot be tipped over or accessed easily.

  1. Eliminate Food Sources:

Besides garbage, pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit can also attract raccoons. Avoid leaving these items outdoors overnight and clean up any spills or debris.

  1. Seal Entry Points:

Raccoons are skilled climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your home for any gaps or holes around windows, doors, vents, and chimneys. Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping.

  1. Deterrents:

Certain scents and sounds can deter raccoons. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around potential entry points or hang mothballs from trees. You can also install motion-activated lights or alarms to scare them away.

  1. Trapping and Relocation:

If other methods fail, you may consider trapping and relocating raccoons. However, always consult with local wildlife authorities or pest control professionals to ensure proper handling and to comply with applicable laws.

Expert Advice and Tips

  1. Never Approach or Feed Raccoons:

Raccoons may appear friendly, but they can be dangerous and carry diseases. Never approach or attempt to feed these animals.

  1. Vaccinate Pets:

Vaccinate your pets against rabies and distemper to protect them from diseases carried by raccoons.

  1. Monitor Your Property:

Keep an eye on your property for signs of raccoon activity, such as overturned trash cans, droppings, or damage to structures.

  1. Be Patient and Persistent:

Keeping raccoons away from your home requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

FAQ on Raccoon Prevention

  • Q: Why do raccoons come to my yard?
  • A: Raccoons are attracted to food sources, shelter, and water. If your yard provides any of these, it may attract raccoons.
  • Q: How do I know if raccoons are in my attic?
  • A: Listen for noises in the attic, such as scratching, scurrying, or vocalizations. Check for droppings or urine stains.
  • Q: Can raccoons damage my home?
  • A: Yes, raccoons can chew on wires, insulation, and other materials, causing damage to your home.
  • Q: Is it legal to trap and relocate raccoons?
  • A: Laws vary by location. Always check with local wildlife authorities or pest control professionals before trapping or relocating raccoons.

    Conclusion

    Keeping raccoons away from your home is a multi-faceted approach that requires understanding their behavior, eliminating attractants, and implementing effective deterrents. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can regain control of your outdoor space and protect your property and loved ones from these masked marauders.

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    How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your Home
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