Raccoons Under Your House: What to Do

If you've noticed signs of raccoons living under your house, such as noises at night, damaged property, or droppings, you're not alone. Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures that often find shelter in human-made structures. However, their presence can pose health and safety risks. Here's what you need to know and do if raccoons are under your house.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they're most active at night. This is why you might hear them scurrying around or making noises under your house during the late hours. They're also known for their masked appearance, which has earned them the name "masked bandit." But don't let their cute appearance fool you; they can cause significant damage and may carry diseases.

Identifying Raccoon Activity

Before you take any action, it's essential to confirm that the animals under your house are indeed raccoons. While there are other nocturnal creatures like opossums and squirrels, raccoons have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Raccoons are about the size of a small cat, with a distinctive "mask" of black fur around their eyes and a ringed tail. They're known for their agile hands, which they use to manipulate objects and open containers. If you spot any of these signs around your property, it's a strong indication that raccoons are present:

• Noises at night, such as scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds
• Droppings, which are typically larger than those of other common pests and may contain undigested food like berries or nuts
• Damage to your property, such as torn insulation, chewed wires, or damaged roof tiles
• Trash cans knocked over or food left out for pets being raided

Risks Associated with Raccoons

Raccoons can pose several risks to your home and family. They're known carriers of diseases like rabies, roundworm, and leptospirosis. Their droppings can also harbor bacteria that can cause illnesses in humans, such as salmonella. Moreover, raccoons can cause significant structural damage to your home, leading to costly repairs.

In addition to these health and safety risks, raccoons can also be aggressive when cornered or protecting their young. They have sharp claws and teeth, which they're not afraid to use if they feel threatened. Therefore, it's crucial to approach raccoon removal with caution and consider hiring a professional.

What to Do If Raccoons Are Under Your House

If you've confirmed that raccoons are living under your house, the first step is to stay calm and avoid any direct contact with the animals. Here are some steps you can take to safely remove them:

1. Inspect Your Property: Look for any holes or gaps that raccoons might be using to enter your home. Common entry points include chimneys, attics, and gaps under decks or porches.

2. Seal Entry Points: Once you've identified the entry points, seal them off with hardware cloth or metal flashing. Make sure to use a material that raccoons can't chew through. It's best to do this at night when the raccoons are out, to prevent them from finding alternative entry points.

3. Exclude the Raccoons: Before sealing the entry points, you'll need to ensure that the raccoons can exit your home. You can do this by placing one-way exclusion devices over the entry points. These devices allow the raccoons to leave but not re-enter. You can purchase these devices at hardware stores or hire a professional to install them.

4. Clean Up Droppings: After the raccoons have been removed, it's essential to clean up any droppings they may have left behind. Wear gloves and a mask when handling raccoon droppings, as they can harbor diseases. Use a solution of bleach and water to disinfect the area.

5. Prevent Future Infestations: Once the raccoons have been removed, take steps to prevent future infestations. This includes securing trash cans, not leaving pet food out, and regularly inspecting your property for any new gaps or holes.

When to Call a Professional

While it's possible to remove raccoons from your home on your own, it's often best to hire a professional. Raccoons can be aggressive and may carry diseases, making them a risk to handle without proper training and equipment.

Professional wildlife removal services have the tools and knowledge to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your home. They can also help repair any damage caused by the raccoons and prevent future infestations. If you're unsure about any aspect of raccoon removal, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact a professional.

Preventing Raccoons from Entering Your Home

Preventing raccoons from entering your home in the first place is always the best strategy. Here are some tips to help deter raccoons:

1. Secure Your Trash: Raccoons are attracted to the smell of food, so it's essential to secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids. You can also place them inside a garage or shed to further deter raccoons.

2. Feed Your Pets Inside: If you feed your pets outdoors, make sure to bring their food inside at night. Raccoons are known to steal pet food, so this can help prevent them from becoming regular visitors to your property.

3. Trim Trees and Bushes: Raccoons are excellent climbers and can use trees and bushes to access your roof and enter your home. Trim any trees or bushes that are close to your home to make it more difficult for raccoons to gain access.

4. Inspect Your Roof: Regularly inspect your roof for any damaged or loose tiles. Raccoons can exploit these weaknesses to enter your home. Make any necessary repairs promptly to prevent raccoons from gaining entry.

5. Install Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer to avoid bright lights. Installing motion-activated lights around your property can help deter raccoons from entering.

In the end, dealing with raccoons under your house requires a combination of careful inspection, humane removal, and preventive measures. By staying calm, acting promptly, and considering professional help when needed, you can effectively address this issue and protect your home and family from the risks associated with raccoon infestations.