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.

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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!

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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.

An Expert’s Guide on How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Yard

Posted on February 22, 2023 by modernwild

Raccoons are one of the most common pests encountered in residential areas. Not only can they be a nuisance, but they also carry serious health risks and can cause considerable damage to both property and vegetation. If you’re looking for ways on how to keep raccoons out of your yard, then this guide is for you! In this post, we’ll cover everything from identifying potential sources of food or shelter that may attract raccoons, as well as steps you can take to prevent them from entering your property in the first place. We’ll also discuss methods such as using raccoon repellents or professional raccoon removal services if needed.

So, whether it’s preventing an infestation before it starts or dealing with existing intruders – this comprehensive guide has all the tips and tricks you need to know when it comes to keeping raccoons away from your home!

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How to Get Rid of Raccoons and Keep They Out

Do Not Feed Raccoons

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize potential sources of food or shelter that may attract raccoons. These can include trash cans left open or unsecured, pet food left outdoors, bird feeders, compost piles, and more. In addition to removing these sources of food or shelter, you should also make sure to keep your yard well maintained by mowing regularly and trimming back trees and shrubs near your house.

Implement Raccoon Control Strategies

You can also take preventive steps such as installing exclusion barriers like fencing with a 4-foot gap between the ground and bottom of the fence or using special raccoon repellents around your property. When using chemical repellents, be sure to follow all directions on the label carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Hire a Licensed Raccoon Removal Service

Finally, if you find yourself in a situation where raccoons have already made their way onto your property and are causing problems, then it’s best to contact a professional raccoon removal company for assistance. Hiring experienced wildlife experts can help remove raccoons from your yard safely and humanely – without the need to trap or relocate them elsewhere.

Control Nuisance Raccoons With These Tips!

With this information in hand, you should now be better prepared on how to keep raccoons out of your yard! Remember that taking proactive steps such as removing sources of food or shelter and using exclusion barriers like fencing can go a long way towards preventing an infestation before it starts. However, if raccoons have already entered your home, then don’t hesitate to contact a licensed and insured wildlife control company for raccoon removal services. With their knowledge and expertise, they can ensure raccoons are removed quickly and safely so you can go back to enjoying your yard again!

Do you have a nuisance raccoon problem on your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

What Do Raccoons Like to Do?

Posted on November 9, 2021 by modernwild

Raccoons are unlike any woodland mammal here in Indiana. There is a reason why they are one of the most common nuisance critters in the state among both residential and commercial property owners. It is important to protect your property from nuisance raccoon activity and tampering if you want to preserve the structural integrity and safety of your investment.

Furthermore, raccoons are known carriers of several transmissible diseases and undesirable contagions like lice and mites. Perhaps by learning more about typical raccoon behavior, you can more clearly recognize why raccoons are attracted to your property and how they are capable of causing so much destruction.

Continue reading to learn what raccoons like to do in order to understand how to get rid of them for good in the safest manner possible.

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Typical Raccoon Behaviors

Raccoons are very intelligent, demonstrating human-like characteristics of curiosity and problem solving. But this is not learned behavior; instead, raccoons are bred with these types of qualities, traits, and natural behaviors. Below are some principal aspects of a raccoon’s life, and what behaviors they display in each.

Fundamental Facts About Raccoons:

🦝► Raccoon Reproduction

Raccoons conceive in wintertime, usually later in the season. This way, their pups are born in the spring, when weather is warm, and the survival-rate is much higher. They hide away and hibernate in warm dens or shelters through the winter but remain active in all other seasons. Mothers generally reproduce one to six baby raccoons, on average. They are extremely protective of their offspring as well. Most raccoon attacks reported have been from instigating or scaring a mother raccoon typing to protect her young.

🦝► Raccoon Social Habits

Once raccoons are 12 months old, they are no longer attached to their mother. They flee the coup, so to say, and become entirely independent. Although independent, raccoons remain in groups, up to five or six at a time, for protection against natural predators, and perhaps even companionship (although not proven). To communicate to one another, raccoons have a language of more than 200 sounds and 12 calls.

🦝► Raccoon Activity

Raccoons are nocturnal, so they rest in the day and then hint for food at night. They eat everything from fruit and nuts to small prey, fish, lizards, birds, and more. They are particularly fond of human food, which is why they tend to raid garbage cans on occasion. Because of over-development, these mammals have lost a lot of their natural habitat and are forced into our residential and urban areas for food and shelter. And for this reason, they are often deemed a nuisance animal in these areas. But not in the wild!

🦝► Raccoon Abilities

Raccoons are not just very intelligent and exhibit curiosity and memory just as humans do, they are also quite good with their hands. Their paws are hyper-sensitive to touch, and also very agile and dexterous. They have human-like hands that allow them to grasp, clutch, hold, pry open, climb, and much more. They can undo latches, locks, doorknobs, and more if the opportunity arises.

Are you interested in animal-proofing your property to get rid of raccoons and other unwanted critters? If so, you are the right place! Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for raccoons and more. We serve residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis and all throughout Central Indiana.