Unwanted Tenants: How to Deal with Raccoons in the Attic

Posted on May 29, 2024 by modernwild

Raccoons may look cute, but when these nocturnal nuisances infiltrate your attic, they bring more than just a dose of wildlife excitement. For homeowners, having raccoons in the attic can lead to a myriad of issues, from structural damage to serious health hazards. This guide will walk you through the steps to identify, prevent, and humanely remove raccoons, ensuring your home remains a safe and peaceful haven.

Call 317-847-6409 For Safe & Humane Raccoon Removal in Indianapolis Indiana

Signs of a Raccoon Infestation or Localized Activity

To effectively address the issue of raccoons in your attic, the first step is to accurately identify their presence. Recognizing the signs early on can prevent a minor inconvenience from escalating into a major problem. Common indicators of raccoon activity, such as unusual noises, droppings, and physical damage. By understanding these signs, you can take timely action to mitigate potential risks to your home and health. The first step in addressing a raccoon problem is knowing how to recognize it.

Common signs of raccoons include:

Noise: Scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds, especially at night.
Droppings: Feces resembling those of a small dog, usually found near entry points.
Structural Damage: Chewed wires, torn insulation, or damaged vents and shingles.

Understanding the Risks of Raccoons in the Attic

Raccoons in the attic or crawl space present several risks:

Health Hazards: They can carry diseases like rabies and parasites such as roundworms.
Property Damage: Their chewing habits can damage insulation, wiring, and structural components, potentially leading to costly repairs.

Raccoon Proofing and Prevention is Key

Securing Your Home

Prevention starts with making your home less inviting to these masked bandits:

Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal any potential entry points, such as gaps in the roof, vents, or chimney.
Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: These can prevent raccoons from using your chimney or vents as entryways.
Trim Tree Branches: Ensure tree branches are at least six feet away from the roof to deter raccoons from climbing.

Regular Maintenance

Consistent home maintenance is vital:

Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect your home, especially the attic, for signs of wildlife intrusion.
Repair Damage Promptly: Address any minor damages immediately to prevent them from becoming potential entry points.

Humanely Removing Raccoons

The Importance of Professional Services

When it comes to removing raccoons, professional wildlife control services are essential:

Humane Methods: Professionals use humane traps and relocation practices to ensure the welfare of the raccoons.
Expertise: Trained professionals can safely handle raccoons, reducing the risk of injury or disease transmission.

Legal Considerations

DIY raccoon removal can be risky and legally complicated:

Wildlife Protection Laws: Many regions have laws protecting raccoons, making it illegal to harm or improperly relocate them.
Avoiding DIY Pitfalls: DIY methods often lead to incomplete removal or other unintended consequences, such as orphaned baby raccoons left behind.

Cleaning and Repairing the Attic

Cleaning Up a Raccoon Infestation

Once the raccoons are removed, cleaning the attic is crucial:

Disinfecting: Use enzymatic cleaners to break down biological waste and eliminate odors.
Deodorizing: Apply commercial-grade deodorizers to remove lingering scents that might attract other wildlife.

Repairing Damages Caused by Raccoons

To prevent future infestations, your attic may need some repairs:

Insulation Replacement: Damaged insulation should be replaced to restore energy efficiency.
Structural Repairs: Fix any chewed wires or damaged wood to maintain the integrity of your home.

Conclusion

Dealing with raccoons in the attic requires prompt and informed action. By identifying the problem, taking preventive measures, and relying on professional services for humane removal, you can protect your home and family from the hazards these unwelcome guests bring. Don’t wait—if you suspect raccoons have taken up residence in your attic, contact a wildlife control company today to ensure a safe and thorough solution.

Ready to reclaim your attic from these clever nuisance critters? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured raccoon removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Your peace of mind is just a call away!

Raccoon Removal 101: Your Essential Guide

Posted on September 1, 2023 by modernwild

When it comes to sharing your home, raccoons are probably the last guests you’d want. Known for their curiosity and dexterity, these midnight marauders can wreak havoc, particularly if they decide that your attic is their new abode.

This guide to raccoon removal is your go-to resource for understanding and managing these intruders. We will take a deep dive into effective raccoon control methods, how to deal with raccoons in the attic and ensure they don’t return. Let’s reclaim your peace and safety!

Call 317-847-6409 for Raccoon Removal Near Indianapolis IN

The Common Raccoon

The Common Raccoon, scientifically known as Procyon Lotor, is a highly adaptable mammal found predominantly in North America. Known for their characteristic black mask and ringed tail, raccoons are omnivorous, ingesting a diet that includes fruits, plants, insects, and small animals. They are renowned for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which often lead them to urban areas in search of food. While their curious nature and dexterity may cause a few headaches for homeowners, there’s no denying the ingenuity and adaptability of the Common raccoon.

Identifying Raccoon Activity

The first step to getting rid of raccoons is knowing whether they’re even present. Once you confirm raccoon activity, then you can take the necessary steps to remove them and clean up any messes they may have left behind. Here are a few telltale signs that raccoons may be living in or visiting your home:

▶ Unusual noises like scratching or rustling coming from the attic or walls.
▶ Sightings of raccoons during the day or night.
▶ Damaged garbage cans and overflowing compost bins.
▶ Animal tracks in soil around your house.
▶ Chewed wires or other damage to property.

Raccoon Control

Once you identify raccoon activity, it’s time to take control. It’s important to note that under Canadian law, it is illegal to poison or relocate raccoons without a permit from your local municipality. The following are the most effective methods of raccoon removal:

Professional Exclusion: The most humane and foolproof method of raccoon removal is to hire a professional wildlife control company. They will identify any potential entry points and areas of risk, install one-way exclusion doors to allow the animals to leave on their own, and clean up any mess left behind.

Professional Trapping: If you hire a professional raccoon control company with proper the means and expertise, they can set non-lethal traps, which can also be effective in removing raccoons. It’s important to note, however, that trapping is only legal if there is a valid purpose for doing so and it must be done in accordance with local laws and regulations.

DIY Repellents: You can also try using animal repellents, which you can buy over the counter or make yourself. You can also try using raccoon deterrents, such as talk radio, loud noises, automatic sprinklers, or motion-activated lights to scare away raccoons. Bear in mind though, these methods are not always effective on their own.

Racoon Proofing and Prevention

When it comes to raccoon control, prevention is key. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your property safe from these furry invaders:

Secure garbage cans and compost bins with tightly fitting lids.

Keep outdoor areas clean and free of debris.

Remove fallen fruit or vegetable matter from gardens or yards.

Install fencing around gardens or other areas that may attract raccoons.

Trim trees and shrubs near your home to reduce cover for access to the roof or attic.

Seal up any potential access points, such as cracks or holes in the foundation or roof.

Final Thoughts

Raccoon removal and control can be difficult, but with the right knowledge and resources, it is possible. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can reclaim your home from these unwelcome visitors and ensure they don’t return. With a little patience and perseverance, you can rest easy knowing your property is protected from raccoons.

Do you suspect you have a nuisance raccoon problem on your property? Are there raccoons in your crawl space or attic right now? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Spot the Signs of Raccoons Around Your House

Posted on November 5, 2020 by modernwild

Do you want to know whether or not your home is secretly subjected to raccoon trespassing and infestation? Well if it is, the signs are certainly out there, you just have to know where to look and what to look for. Raccoons are clever and nimble mammals, but they are not savvy enough to make a clean escape. Raccoons leave behind signs of their visit; evidence that can be used to confirm a raccoon problem.

Continue reading to learn about the types of evidence raccoons leave behind after trespassing onto your property.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-847-6409

Common Signs of Raccoon Mischief

A comprehensive inspection is the best place to start when it comes to either confirming or tackling a raccoon problem. In fact, routine inspections are the best preventative maintenance for raccoon infestations and trouble. This is especially true for homes with wooded lots or homes located near heavily-wooded areas.

During your inspection, you will need to address outdoor and indoor areas of the home. This includes outdoor sheds, storage units, tree houses, and any other place a wild animal could hide or access. Be sure to inspect the major areas of the home first, such as the roof, garage, crawl space, attic, areas beneath the porch or patio, and the interior of the walls. These are common places for raccoons to nest, feed, and reproduce.

Typical Evidence of Raccoon Activity:

🦝 Outdoor paw tracks (use a coat of flour to detect mammal tracks)

🦝 Structural damages (i.e. Fallen roof shingles, bent gutters, scratch marks, etc.)

🦝 Animal scat

🦝 Visibly spotting a raccoon or raccoons

🦝 Sounds or scuffling noises (i.e. on the roof, inside the walls, in the attic, etc.)

🦝 Pillaged outdoor trash cans and pet bowls

🦝 Missing vegetables from the garden

🦝 Potted plants dug up

🦝 Outdoor pet food missing

🦝 Lingering odors coming from attic or other interior area of a home

During the inspection, it is important to locate and identify vulnerable areas that could be accessed by wild animals like raccoons, and seal these areas fast. Seal gaps in siding, windows, and doors, and close off any access points to under porches and patios. Also, replace loose or broken roof shingles and remove all outdoor attractions like garbage and pet food. It is strongly encouraged to hire a professional Indiana wildlife control company for accurate inspections and services.

How to Safely Get Rid of Raccoons in Indiana at a Price You Can Easily Afford

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for affordable wildlife removal and control services for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer safe and humane squirrel abatement services, clean up and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, and free estimates. Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.