Raccoons

What are raccoons?

Raccoons are common wildlife mammals that are known for getting into outdoor trash. They have a propensity for mischief and are identified by their salt-and-pepper gray, black, and white bodies and their very distinguishing black masks. Raccoons are nocturnal and are found in wooded areas.

Are raccoons dangerous?

Raccoons are not directly dangerous unless you try to handle them, corner them, or inadvertently threaten their babies. With no other option available, raccoons will attack you to escape. This threat, however, is much greater if the raccoon in question has rabies.

Raccoons can cause a variety of other damages in and around our homes that often extend beyond tipped-over trash cans. For example, raccoons are skilled climbers but will not take any care to avoid damaging your home as they scale its walls. When raccoons seek shelter inside your home, you can expect some of the following damages:

• Ripped up insulation
• Damage to vents
• Ripped off shingles
• Broken or chewed fascia
• Broken ducts

What are raccoons doing in and around my home?

Raccoons are scavenging pests, meaning they knock over or rummage through practically anything if they think they may get a meal out of it. This is why, when leaving their homes in the morning, homeowners with raccoon problems often find their trash strewn about their yards and their trash bins tipped over. Another commodity our homes often provide to raccoons is shelter. Residential properties offer several empty, warm spaces that humans don't regularly visit for raccoons to nest in. These areas may include sheds, garages, and attics, among others.

How do I get rid of raccoons?

Raccoons can be tricky pests. As a homeowner, the best thing you can do to solve your raccoon problem is to partner with a pest control company. Pest control professionals such as those at DANCAN have the proper experience and equipment to come alongside you as you deal with those critters. At DANCAN, we use only the highest quality tools when excluding or removing wildlife from your property and hire only the best pest technicians who are trained to handle even the trickiest of raccoons.

How can I keep raccoons away?

The best way to deter raccoons from your property, other than partnering with a pest control professional, is to reduce the availability or potential food sources on your property. Raccoons are omnivorous and will eat practically anything they can find. However, there are a few ways to discourage them from taking up residence on your property.

Ensure that your yard remains free of food by cleaning it regularly. Make sure your trash cans are inaccessible to invading raccoons. In addition, consider investing in heavy-duty trash cans and storing them away in an area where raccoons cannot reach until trash day arrives.