Why Raccoons Might Target Your Property
Raccoons are opportunistic animals attracted to food and shelter. They may scavenge through trash bins, eat pet food left outside, or tear through vents and roofing to access your attic. Gardens also provide a bounty of fruits and vegetables, making your property an inviting spot. Addressing these factors is the first step in managing their presence.
Remove Attractants
Start by eliminating the resources raccoons find appealing. Secure trash bins with lockable lids, store pet food indoors, and harvest ripe produce promptly. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also deter raccoons, as they dislike sudden disturbances. By addressing these attractants, you reduce the chances of raccoons setting up camp on your property.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your property for potential entry points. Check for gaps in roofs, vents, chimneys, and foundations. Seal these openings with durable materials like metal mesh or heavy-duty caulking. If a raccoon has already entered, wait until it leaves at night to block the entryway, or use a one-way door that allows it to exit but not re-enter.
Step 3: Use Humane Animal Trapping and Relocation
If raccoons persist despite your preventative efforts, humane animal trapping and relocation is an effective solution. Humane traps are designed to safely capture raccoons without causing injury. Place the trap near their nesting area or along their travel path, baiting it with foods like peanut butter, marshmallows, or canned fish.
Once captured, relocate the raccoon at least 10 miles away to a suitable habitat. Avoid separating a mother raccoon from her babies, as this could leave the young vulnerable. Always check local wildlife regulations, as trapping and relocation laws vary by area.
Step 4: Call a Professional Wildlife Control Service
For persistent or challenging cases, consulting a professional is often the best course of action. Experts in humane wildlife control have the knowledge, tools, and permits to remove raccoons safely and efficiently. They can also provide advice on long-term prevention strategies.
Why Choose Humane Methods?
Using humane ways to get rid of raccoons is beneficial for both the animals and your conscience. Non-lethal methods protect raccoons while respecting their role in the ecosystem. In contrast, inhumane approaches, such as poisoning or lethal traps, not only cause unnecessary suffering but may also be illegal in many areas.
Long-Term Prevention
After successfully removing raccoons, focus on long-term deterrents:
Install fencing: Use electric or mesh fencing around gardens or compost piles.
Trim trees: Prune branches near your roof to prevent raccoon access.
Maintain your property: Regularly inspect for vulnerabilities and address them promptly.
Comments