Raccoons are a common problem for many homeowners, as they can cause damage to property and spread disease. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, it is possible to effectively get rid of raccoons and keep them away from your property.
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What Is A Raccoon?
Raccoons, also known as Procyon lotor, are medium-sized mammals that are native to North America. They are known for their distinctive black and white markings, as well as their dexterity and intelligence. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which means that they are most active at night. They are also omnivorous, which means that they will eat a wide variety of foods.
What Attracts Raccoons
Raccoons are attracted to a variety of food sources, including garbage, pet food, and fruits and berries. They are also attracted to water sources, such as ponds and swimming pools. Raccoons are also known to take up residence in attics, chimneys, and sheds, as these provide them with a safe and warm place to live.
Signs You Have a Raccoon Problem
There are several signs that you may have a raccoon problem. These include:
- Damage to your property, such as ripped screens or holes in your roof
- Raccoon droppings in your attic or other areas of your property
- Noise in your attic or other areas of your property at night
- Seeing raccoons on your property during the day
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9 Tips to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Yard
- Remove food sources:
Raccoons are attracted to a variety of food sources, including garbage, pet food, and fruits and berries. To discourage raccoons from visiting your property, make sure to keep these food sources out of reach. This can be done by securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, feeding pets indoors, and picking ripe fruits and berries as soon as they are ready. - Use motion-activated lights and noise-making devices:
Raccoons are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. Motion-activated lights and noise-making devices, such as alarms or radios, can be an effective way to scare them away from your property. - Place a barrier around your property:
Raccoons are excellent climbers, so a physical barrier can be an effective way to keep them out of your yard. This can be done by installing a fence with a smooth, outward-facing surface, or by planting thorny bushes around the perimeter of your property. - Use a repellent spray:
Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, so using a repellent spray can be an effective way to keep them away. Some examples of repellent sprays include those made with ammonia or mothballs. - Seal entry points:
Raccoons are known to take up residence in attics, chimneys, and sheds. To keep them out, make sure to seal any potential entry points, such as holes in your roof or gaps in your chimney. - Keep pet food and water inside:
If you have pets, make sure to keep their food and water bowls inside to prevent raccoons from being attracted to your property. - Keep your yard clean:
Raccoons are attracted to cluttered yards, so make sure to keep your property clean and tidy. This includes removing any piles of debris, such as fallen branches or leaves, and trimming back overgrown bushes. - Use traps:
If raccoons have already taken up residence on your property, trapping and relocating them can be an effective solution. Make sure to use humane traps and to check them regularly to avoid causing harm to the animal. - Hire a professional wildlife removal service:
If the raccoons are causing significant damage, or if you are unable to trap and remove them yourself, it may be necessary to hire a professional wildlife removal service. These services are equipped to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property and can also help prevent future invasions.
(Video) Get Rid of Raccoons
FAQ About Raccoons
What do Raccoons Eat?
Raccoons are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of foods. Some of the things they are known to eat include fruits, berries, nuts, insects, fish, and small mammals. They also enjoy eating pet food and garbage, which is why it is important to keep these food sources out of reach.
How to Repel Raccoons
There are several ways to repel raccoons, including: -Remove food sources, such as garbage and pet food -Use motion-activated lights and noise-making devices -Place a barrier around your property, such as a fence or thorny bushes -Use a repellent spray, such as one made with ammonia or mothballs.
Are Raccoons Dangerous?
Raccoons can carry diseases that can be dangerous to humans, such as rabies and roundworm. They can also cause damage to property. It is important to take precautions when dealing with raccoons and to never approach or handle them.
Are Raccoons Rodents?
No, raccoons are not rodents. They are mammals that belong to the Procyonidae family. Rodents are a separate group of mammals that includes animals such as rats, mice, and squirrels.
In conclusion, raccoons can be a nuisance and potentially dangerous, but with the right knowledge, techniques and preventative measures, you can effectively get rid of them and keep them away from your property. It’s important to handle the situation with caution and to never approach or handle raccoons as they can carry diseases that can be dangerous to humans. It’s always best to hire a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property.
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