What are raccoons?
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals. Adults grow to be about the same size as a medium or large housecat. Raccoons have many easily recognizable features, including a black “mask” of fur that covers their eyes, a fluffy black and gray ringed tail, and a hunched appearance. Raccoons appear hunched because their hind legs are longer than their front legs. Raccoons’ bodies are covered in a salt and pepper-colored fur. Raccoons are nocturnal, and therefore mainly active overnight.
Are raccoons dangerous?
Raccoons are potentially dangerous to both people and pets, in addition to being destructive to property. Inside homes or other buildings, raccoons have the potential to cause extensive structural damages and contaminate surfaces with urine and feces. Raccoons can become aggressive when they are cornered. If they feel threatened they may defend themselves by biting or scratching you, your kids, or your pets. Raccoons carry and transmit a variety of diseases and are common carriers of rabies. Great care should always be taken to avoid contact with raccoons.
Why do I have a raccoon problem?
Raccoons are attracted to properties with plentiful food, water, and shelter sources. Wooded areas, natural bodies of water, pet food, unsecured garbage cans, gardens, and compost piles can attract raccoons to your property. Once on your property, they may find their way into your home or garage while foraging for food or while seeking out warm and secluded shelter.
Where will I find raccoons?
Raccoons typically live in wooded areas that are close to water sources. However, as we have expanded our habitat, raccoons have had to expand theirs. It is common for people and raccoons to live in close proximity to each other. Populations of raccoons tend to be high in suburban areas due to the great abundance of food and shelter present. They often take up residence outside homes underneath decks and sheds. Inside, they nest in attic spaces, wall voids, and crawlspaces.
How do I get rid of raccoons?
To eliminate destructive raccoons from your home or business, partner with a professional pest control company. At Proven Pest Management, we offer customizable and flexible pest management services that will completely solve your raccoon problem. Our highly trained professionals offer property owners personable and personalized wildlife control services at an affordable price. To learn more about the raccoon control services we provide throughout Tennessee and Mississippi, call Proven Pest Management!
How can I prevent raccoons in the future?
Keeping raccoons from finding their way onto your property and into your home can be a tricky task, but luckily, there are some things you can do to help deter them:
- Make sure trash cans have locking lids.
- Keep compost piles and gardens a distance away from the exterior of your home.
- Trim tree branches away from the outside of your home, as raccoons will use them to gain easy access inside.
- Place wire mesh around decks, sheds, and similar structures to keep raccoons from nesting underneath.
- Keep tight-fitting caps on all chimneys.
- Make sure vent covers are secure.
- Repair holes along your roofline.
- Loose or missing roof tiles should be repaired or replaced.
