Raccoons have earned a reputation for being highly adaptable creatures, often thriving in both rural and urban environments. Known for their distinctive mask-like facial markings and ringed tails, these animals are far from timid when it comes to seeking out shelter and food sources. They’re opportunistic by nature, which means they don’t hesitate to rummage through garbage, pet food, or even find their way into attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys. Once inside, raccoons can cause a surprising amount of disruption. Their sharp claws can tear insulation, their waste can create sanitation issues, and their nocturnal activity can disturb the peace of a household at night.
One of the reasons raccoons are so successful in urban and suburban settings is their intelligence. They’re problem-solvers, capable of opening containers, prying up shingles, and squeezing through tight gaps. Their presence isn’t just inconvenient; it can also pose health concerns. These animals are known carriers of parasites and diseases that can spread through droppings or saliva. While they’re rarely aggressive unless cornered, the fact that they’re wild animals means their presence in human spaces is a serious matter that needs professional attention.
Signs Of An Infestation
It often doesn’t take long for homeowners to realize they might be unknowingly sharing their space with furry squatters. One of the most obvious signs is unusual noise at night. These creatures are primarily nocturnal, so scratching, thumping, or chattering in the attic or walls after dark is a common red flag. Homeowners might also notice physical evidence outside. Knocked-over trash cans, paw prints in the yard, or damage to rooflines can all point to raccoon activity. Small garden beds or bird feeders raided overnight are additional hints that these may be lurking nearby, searching for quick and reliable meals.
Inside, insulation that looks shredded or disturbed is another giveaway, as raccoons often tear it apart to create nesting areas. Droppings can sometimes be found in concentrated areas, which not only smell unpleasant but also indicate that animals have established a more permanent presence. Even a strong, musky odor can be a clue. When food or water sources are easily accessible, scavenging creatures are more likely to stay close by. If left unchecked, their numbers can increase quickly, and the damage to property becomes progressively more costly and disruptive for homeowners dealing with their presence.
Professional Removal And Prevention Methods
When raccoons make themselves at home, attempting to deal with the problem without training can lead to frustration and, at times, dangerous encounters. Professional wildlife removal specialists use a combination of knowledge and equipment to address the problem effectively. The process usually starts with a detailed inspection of the property to determine how the animals are getting inside. Entry points such as loose vents, uncapped chimneys, or small gaps along the roofline are common targets.
Once identified, humane removal techniques are used to encourage the animals to leave. Exclusion devices, for example, allow raccoons to exit a structure but prevent them from getting back in. In cases where a whole family is involved, extra care is taken to ensure young ones are accounted for, since separating them from their mothers can create additional challenges. After removal, sealing entry points and reinforcing weak spots are critical steps in preventing a repeat problem.
Another important aspect of prevention involves eliminating attractants. Pet food left outdoors, open compost piles, or unsecured garbage bins are essentially invitations for raccoons. Professionals often provide recommendations tailored to the property, helping homeowners reduce the risk of future intrusions. This two-pronged approach—removal followed by prevention—ensures that the solution isn’t temporary but addresses both the immediate problem and the conditions that caused it.
Why Prompt Action Matters
The longer raccoons remain inside a structure, the more damage they can cause. Insulation damage alone can lead to higher energy bills, while chewed wires pose a fire hazard. Accumulated droppings not only smell but can also contribute to air quality problems inside a home. Because of their intelligence, these wily creatures are quick to take advantage of weaknesses, and what begins as a small intrusion can become a much larger issue if not handled promptly.
There’s also the consideration of repeated behavior. Once raccoons have found a reliable source of food or shelter, they often return to the same place year after year, even if temporarily removed. That’s why long-term solutions go beyond just removing the animals; they involve reinforcing structures and minimizing attractants so the problem doesn’t come back. Acting quickly not only reduces immediate damage but also prevents costly repairs and repeated headaches in the future.
Dealing with raccoons in or around your home is not something most people expect, yet it happens more often than many realize. These animals are resourceful and persistent, which means effective removal requires more than quick fixes. At Two Guys Wildlife Removal, our focus is on helping property owners resolve these problems with professional solutions that address both the animals themselves and the conditions that drew them in. If you’ve noticed signs of raccoons on your property or you’d like to learn more about prevention strategies, reach out to us today. Contact us directly to schedule service or to ask questions about how we can help protect your home from further disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons
Q1. How Do Raccoons Usually Find Their Way Into Homes?
A1. Raccoons are naturally curious and persistent animals, so they’re drawn to any weak spots in a structure. They can climb with ease and are strong enough to pull apart shingles, push through loose vents, or slip into uncapped chimneys. They’re often attracted by the smell of food or the warmth of attics and crawl spaces, which makes these areas especially vulnerable. Once they find even a small gap, they can enlarge it and settle inside.
Q2. What Problems Can Arise If Raccoons Stay Too Long?
A2. The longer raccoons remain inside, the greater the potential for trouble. They can tear insulation apart, chew on electrical wires, and leave behind droppings that create sanitation concerns. Over time, the combination of property damage and health risks becomes much more serious, and in some cases the repairs can be extensive. Quick action is key to preventing small issues from spiraling into larger, more expensive ones.
Q3. Can Preventive Steps Really Stop Raccoons From Coming Back?
A3. Yes, preventive measures make a huge difference. Once the animals are removed, sealing every entry point and reinforcing weak areas ensures they can’t get back inside. Beyond that, eliminating easy food sources like unsecured trash bins or outdoor pet bowls reduces the attraction to the property. When both structural reinforcement and lifestyle adjustments are made, the chances of raccoons returning drop significantly.