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Raccoons


**Wildlife Pests Require a Wildlife Professional & are NOT Considered Pest Control – We are providing this information as a service to our customers and would be happy to refer you to a wildlife control company to further assist you. **

Despite their plush cuddly appearance, raccoons can be highly aggressive and dangerous especially when they feel threatened or are protecting their young.  Raccoons are nocturnal creatures and although typically quite when it comes to vocalizations, adults do growl and squeal.  Young make a “chattering” sound that is often mistaken for birds.  Mother raccoons may nest in hollow trees or logs when available; however, they have adapted very well to living among humans and are often found inside wall voids, attics and chimneys of homes during nesting season. Raccoon litters are born in the spring, with raccoon kits remaining with their mother for nearly a year. Healthy mother raccoons may be seen periodically during daytime hours during nesting season as they take breaks from their young to nap.

When access permits, they can also be found in sheds, garages or under low lying decks or slightly raised patios.  Raccoons cause significant damage when achieving access into a structure as well as during the time in which they inhabit their nest.  Urine and feces are of great concern as raccoons are known carriers of diseases including rabies, distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis as well as numerous parasites and therefore pose a health risk to both humans and pets.  Raccoons appearing to be sick or injured during daylight hours should be reported to the division of wildlife or a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.

Raccoons are scavengers by nature and frequently forage in garbage cans and dumpsters sometimes becoming stranded inside when the dumpster has been recently emptied.  In this situation it is best to place a board or sturdy branch into the dumpster and back away leaving the raccoon to climb out on its own.  Instinctually inquisitive, raccoons have been known to enter the interior of homes through open doors, windows and pet doors in search of food.  Due to their nocturnal nature, it is strongly recommended that homeowners keep doors, windows and pet doors closed at night.  Garbage cans or dumpsters should be kept tightly closed and pet food should be brought inside at night in order to discourage raccoon activity. Keeping trees trimmed away from the home, removing food and water sources and using preventative measures such as chimney caps are all ways of reducing the likelihood that your home will suffer from a raccoon invasion.

Raccoons that have gained access into the structure of a home or other building are best handled by trained professionals due to their aggressive and unpredictable behaviors.  Teeth and claws of raccoons are capable of inflicting serious damage.  State division of wildlife departments do not typically respond to nesting raccoons, therefore homeowners will need to contact a wildlife professional for assistance in removal or relocation of raccoons.  In addition, state laws have strict guidelines in regards to these situations.