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.

Facts About the Omnivorous Life of Raccoons

Posted on June 22, 2022 by modernwild

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders. This means they will eat almost anything, whenever and wherever they can get it. And with dexterous paws and a higher intelligence, they easily succeed at the task. Unfortunately, this style of eating brings wild raccoons to our front lines, tipping trash cans and rummaging through dumpsters in our local neighborhoods and city areas. So, what are they looking for? Well, just about anything, really.

Continue reading to explore some of the most common things raccoons eat, then use this knowledge to divert raccoon interest away from your property!

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Raccoons are Omnivores

Raccoons are omnivores, just like us! They eat the entire food table, including vegetation, meat, fish, legumes, grains, and more. Their diets reflect their surrounding environments and depend on what’s available and what’s nearby. So, they will vary from region to region, and from species to species. Raccoons will even dig up lawns in search of grubs, empty bird and squirrel feeders, steal pet food, and demolish gardens in residential and city areas!

Plant Matter

Raccoons will eat all types of fruit and vegetables, as well as, starches, legumes, and even grains. This long list includes common foods, such as grass, lettuce, melons, berries, apples, acorns, seeds, nuts, corn, potatoes, peas, cucumbers, and much more. In fact, raccoons have come to rely on corn as a staple in their diets, and really love the taste of sweet corn!

Meats

Raccoons eat an alarming selection of meat and animals. Not only will they gladly eat fast food burgers and turkey sandwiches left in the garbage, but they also commonly eat young birds, bird eggs, duck eggs, turtle eggs, turtles, fish, crayfish, rodents, frogs, snakes, salamanders, grubs, spiders, and many other insects. They will even eat garage and dead animals so long as they are still somewhat fresh.

Pet Food

Also, raccoons that live near urban and suburban areas really love dog and cat food! They are known to go to great lengths to get inside garages and outdoor sheds for a taste of puppy chow! They may even raid horse feed and livestock feed.

Raccoon Removal and Control

If you have raccoon problems, you need professional raccoon removal and control services. Contact a local wildlife control company for non-lethal and humane raccoon exclusion and preventative maintenance. They have the tools and training to safely remove raccoons and prevent their return. To get started on your own, simply remove outdoor attractions like pet food, pet bowls, bird baths, and trashcans.

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.

Common Facts About Wild Raccoons in Indiana

Posted on June 4, 2021 by modernwild

Raccoons are a common woodland and forest species here in the Hoosier state. They are often seen as a nuisance pest because they trespass onto our properties and create loads of trouble. Yet, the raccoon species is a fascinating breed because of their unparalleled intelligence and human-like paws.

Continue reading to learn some of the most common facts about raccoons in Indiana, and what to do if they are bothering your property night after night.

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Raccoons are Mammals

Raccoons are mammals and warm blooded. They are referred to scientifically as Procyon Lotor. They are covered in a thick, gray-colored fur that keeps them cool in the heat and warm in cold weather. They are most recognizable by their striped tail and black “bandit-like” mask over their eyes.

Raccoons Can Range in Size

Raccoons, depending on the region of the world and their diet, can weigh anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds on average. Raccoons found in our neighborhoods are usually fatter because of the constant and easy access to residential garbage cans and dumpsters.

Raccoons are Nocturnal Omnivores

Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they live and stay active at night, and sleep during the day. They are also omnivores because they eat both plants and small animals as their primary food source. Raccoons prefer smaller animals like frogs, crayfish, hermit crabs, insects, and small fish. They are also attracted to eating fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Raccoons Can Live a Long Time

Raccoons are clever and eager to find food. This makes their life expectancy higher than mammals their size because they are good at surviving, even in the harshest conditions. They are known to live up to 20 years in domestication! However, due to many environmental threats, like predators, destroyed habitat, and highways, raccoons in the wild live only 1 to 3 years.

Raccoon Babies are Kits

Raccoon mothers give birth to baby raccoons referred to as kits. They usually carry their litter for about 65 days, and give birth to 2 to 5 kits at a time. They live in dens and protect and feed their young there. This is a safe hideaway from predators, as mentioned before. By three or four months, the baby raccoons are ready to be weaned and venture out on their own.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Indiana

If you are dealing with nuisance raccoons around your property, or have discovered raccoons in the attic of your home, act now. Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for prompt and professional 24 hour critter control in Indianapolis, Indiana for raccoons and more.

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How to Protect Your Property During Raccoon Breeding Season

Posted on March 24, 2021 by modernwild

Did you know that mid-February to April is the prime time for raccoon breeding? It’s true! This means that in a few short weeks, there will be brand new toddler raccoons roaming the woods, cricks, forests, and unfortunately, residential neighborhoods. Thus, adding to the already abundant number of wild coons living nearby. This is troubling for property owners near these naturally wooded areas and watering holes. Although new life is a wonderful thing, this time of year there are still some things to beware of; especially if you have experienced raccoon issues before.

Continue below to learn the common signs of raccoon activity, and how you can protect your property during their peak breeding season.

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Common Signs of Raccoon Activity

There are various hints, signs, and evidence that suggest raccoon intrusion. Indoors, if you experience scratching and rattling noises in the evening, this could mean you have raccoons in your chimney, crawl space, roof, or attic. The noises will sound peculiar but consistent, and may even sound like high pitched squeaks. This could mean there are baby raccoons inside your home that have just been born.

Outside, look for evidence that points toward raccoon invasion. You can look for paw prints in sand, dirt, and mulch. Also, if your trash cans are being ripped open nightly, you could have a family of raccoons nearby looking for food. If gardens are tampered with, roof shingles go missing, and bird feeders are being ripped down, there may be a colony of raccoons living on or next to your property.

Recommended Raccoon Control Methods

To prevent new colonies of raccoons invading your property this spring and summer, take note of some precautionary measures. To reduce the likelihood of raccoons invading your yard, do not make your property attractive to them in the first place. This means, do not leave trash or garbage cans outside, do not leave pet food outdoors, trim tree limbs that hang too close to your roof, and most importantly, contact a local Indianapolis wildlife control company to seal your property.

Licensed critter removal contractors retain the proper permits, knowledge, and resources to safely remove raccoons and implicate prevention strategies to avoid a future intrusion. Outsourcing professional animal control services is a crucial step to seasonal preventative maintenance if you have already spotted raccoons near your property. One raccoon means more, and they could very well already be inside your home! It is important to have a professional inspect first, to entirely eliminate a raccoon infestation problem.

Are you concerned about the nuisance raccoons around your home or business? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate, today.

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How to Make Your Own Non-Toxic Animal Repellent Spray
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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.

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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.

Get to Know the Procyon Lotor

Posted on October 13, 2020 by modernwild

The Procyon Lotor, otherwise known as the North American Raccoon, might have a common stigma in residential and commercial areas, but the truth is, this intelligent animal is quite fascinating to learn about. Raccoons are medium-sized mammals that supplement their diet with fruits, plants, insects, and small invertebrates like crayfish. They are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active during the night. They are easily recognized by their two most distinguishing characteristics, their human-like paws, and their black “bandit” mask across their eyes. Raccoons have dense fur that both, keeps them cool in the heat, and warm in the cold.

Although raccoons are typically looked at as either nuisances or food, there are many interesting facts to know about them. Continue below to learn more about raccoons!

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Basic Raccoon Facts That Might Surprise You!

🦝 Raccoons Hibernate

Just like bears and other hibernating animals, raccoons hibernate as well. However, raccoons only hibernate for a few weeks to avoid harsh and cold weather conditions, unlike other hibernating animals that sleep for entire seasons. Before going into hibernation, raccoons indulge in extra calories to store fat and stay warm in their dens.

🦝 Raccoons Live in Dens

Raccoons’ homes are called dens, similar to a fox den. This can be a hole in a tree or hollow log, or an empty burrow. They use these spaces to live, eat, breed, sleep, and even hibernate. Raccoons are diurnal, meaning they make their homes above ground and below ground. They do not like to dig their own homes underground, so they will often times claim an abandoned burrow instead.

🦝 Raccoons are Prey to Other Animals

Although raccoons are clever creatures, they do fall prey to certain predators out there in the wild. Raccoons are considered food to certain Alpha species, such as bobcats, coyotes, cougars, and sometimes domesticated dogs. Raccoon pups are even more vulnerable to predators. Unfortunately the most common fate that raccoons face is a busy interstate.

🦝 Humans are Not Likely to Get Rabies From a Raccoon

Everyone seems to think that raccoons bite humans and give them rabies all the time. They are known to be vicious rabies infested animals, but the truth is that there has never been an official documented case of a person getting rabies from a raccoon. Movies, books, and stories paint a different picture than this for entertainment reasons. Raccoons are still wild animals and should not ever be provoked or touched, but it is not likely they will attack and give you rabies.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Nashville, Tennessee

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 615-336-5503 to get rid of raccoons in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas. As a qualified wildlife control company licensed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), we strictly adhere to all industry-accepted standards and best practices, and operate within all state and federal regulations that govern wildlife. With more than 3 decades of hands-on experience and premium insurance coverage, you can trust us to deliver the results you expect, and in a time frame that is convenient for you. Contact us today to request a free quote or on-site inspection. We serve all of Nashville, Tennessee, and Davidson County.