Getting Rid of Raccoons: A Complete Guide

Oleh Bradley Bednar March 11, 2023 Post a Comment

Raccoons are cute animals, but they can cause a lot of trouble when they invade our property. Not only do they rummage through garbage cans and destroy gardens, but they can also carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. If you're dealing with a raccoon problem, don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll show you how to get rid of raccoons for good.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Before you start getting rid of raccoons, it's important to understand their behavior. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night. They are also opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat almost anything they can find, including garbage, pet food, and even small animals like birds and rodents. Raccoons are also very intelligent animals, which makes them difficult to trap or deter.

If you want to get rid of raccoons, you need to understand how they behave and what attracts them to your property. This will help you develop a strategy that is effective in keeping them away.

Preventing Raccoon Infestations

The best way to get rid of raccoons is to prevent them from coming onto your property in the first place. Here are some simple steps you can take to make your property less attractive to raccoons:

Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
Remove any sources of food, such as pet food, from outside
Trim trees and bushes to eliminate access points to your roof
Seal any holes or gaps in your home's exterior

By taking these steps, you can reduce the chances of a raccoon infestation on your property.

Trapping Raccoons

If you already have a raccoon problem, trapping may be necessary. However, trapping can be difficult, especially if you're dealing with an intelligent animal like a raccoon. Here are some tips for successful trapping:

Use a bait that is attractive to raccoons, such as canned cat food or marshmallows
Place the trap in a location where the raccoon is likely to travel, such as near your garbage cans or along a fence line
Check the trap frequently and release any non-target animals immediately
Dispose of trapped raccoons in accordance with local regulations

Remember, trapping can be dangerous and should be done by a professional if you're not experienced.

Deterrents for Raccoons

If you want to keep raccoons away from your property without trapping them, there are several deterrents you can use. These include:

Motion-activated sprinklers
Ultrasonic devices
Bright lights
Ammonia-soaked rags

While these methods can be effective, they may not work for all situations. It's important to identify the root cause of your raccoon problem before deciding on a deterrent method.

Professional Removal Services

If you're dealing with a severe raccoon infestation or are unable to remove them yourself, it may be time to call in a professional removal service. Professional removers have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property.

When choosing a professional removal service, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable company. Look for reviews online and ask for references before making a decision.

Raccoons can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can get rid of them for good. By understanding their behavior, preventing infestations, trapping, using deterrents, and calling in professional removal services when necessary, you can protect your property and ensure the safety of your family and pets.