Raccoons: Frequently Asked Questions
A raccoon infestation in the attic can be off-putting for homeowners. We’re here to help in away way we can and have constructed this list of the most common questions that people have about raccoon removal. Every animal removal situation is different, but this list will help give you an idea of how or why raccoons have entered your home.
How Are Raccoons Getting Into My Attic?
Raccoons have excellent climbing skills and can climb onto roofs and downspouts. They may chew and scratch their way into an attic through a small gap in a soffit or under an eave. Raccoons can also climb up a downspout or the corner of a house to reach the attic. If you’re hearing noises in the attic at night, you likely have a raccoon problem.
Learn More: Weak Points That Raccoons Use To Enter Attics
What Damage Will Raccoons Cause In The Attic?
Understanding the different types of raccoon damage will help homeowners identify if there are raccoons in their homes. Raccoons like to chew on the wood in attics and on the roof. They will also rip apart insulation to construct their nest.
Raccoon feces is one of the most dangerous aspects of the animal, and droppings produced by one raccoon are enough to cause severe health problems to people in the home. Feces and urine can also seep into the construction of an attic.
The R-value of insulation may be lowered as a result of raccoon activity in your attic. The insulation is designed to be fluffy in order to work and retain its R-Value (how thick the product is). Once it has been torn apart, the home’s heating/cooling system will have to work harder.
Learn More: Common Damage As A Result Of Raccoons In The Attic
What Attracts Raccoons To A Home?
Female raccoons are enticed to nest by the proximity of food sources to potential den sites. Raccoons eat garbage because they don’t have any other options and are often found raiding garbage cans. Most attics attract raccoons because they provide shelter from the weather and protection from predators.
Learn More: Why Is Your Home Attracting Raccoons?
Why Do Raccoons Dig In Lawns?
Raccoons can eat your garden plants and dig up your lawn. They are primarily interested in food, which is why they are invading your yard. They will most likely dig in your lawn in search of insects and plants to eat. Drying grass and the appearance of brown spots in the lawn are two of the most common symptoms of grubs in your lawn. Raccoons and other animals eat the larvae of grubs and will tear apart your property in search of the insects.
Learn More: What Are Raccoons Digging For?
Will Raccoons Leave The Attic On Their Own?
Raccoons prefer to build their homes in attics because attics are warm, dry, secure, and weather-protected. A family of raccoons is unlikely to leave during the winter months due to weather conditions. Everything a raccoon needs to survive is within feet of an attic. If a homeowner chooses to wait for the critters to leave, they could be waiting months or even years.
Learn More: Will Raccoons Live In The Same Attic Forever?
Are People And Pets Susceptible To Raccoon Attacks?
Raccoons will only attack humans or pets if they feel threatened. They will attack humans in self-defense or defend themselves or their litter. Raccoons can transmit serious diseases like rabies. It is not recommended that people attempt to trap raccoons on their own or transport and relocate them outside of cage traps. You should seek medical attention right away if a raccoon has attacked you or your pet, and you will almost certainly need a rabies vaccination.
Learn More: Are Raccoon Likely To Attack You Or Your Pets?
How Many Raccoons Are In The Attic?
Raccoons live in loose communities of 4 to 5 raccoons to protect themselves from predators. Mother raccoons typically produce a litter between 3-4 but can birth up to 7 babies at once. Father raccoon will spend most of his time outside the nest but, in some situations, may stay with his family. Most attics that are infested with raccoons have an average of 4 raccoons.
Learn More: How Many Raccoons Invade One Attic?
What Is The Raccoon Trapping Process?
State laws governing capture, relocation, and euthanization of wildlife apply to raccoon trapping. We can catch and remove your raccoons in a safe, legal, and efficient manner. A thorough understanding of raccoon habits, both before and after trapping and various raccoon trap types, is required. The trap strategy is to trap the mother raccoon and prevent her from attacking when removing her babies from the home. After all the animals are removed, the entry point is sealed up to prevent future infestations, and damage can be repaired.
Learn More: How Do Wildlife Experts Trap Raccoons?
Do Raccoons Spread Disease?
Raccoons can transmit diseases through scratches, bites, and indirect contact. Rabies, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Baylisascaris procyonis are among the most common. The most effective way to avoid these diseases is to keep your distance from raccoons. If you have a raccoon in or near your home, contact Animals Happen to remove the animal safely. Our local wildlife experts offer services to completely clean and remove any left-over urine and feces.
Learn More: What Diseases Can I Catch From A Raccoon?
Have A Question We Didn’t Discuss?
With over a decade of experience, technicians pre-qualified by Animals Happen have seen many different types of raccoon removal situations. If you have a concern that we haven’t addressed, feel free to give us a call and discuss it with one of our wildlife removal experts. They will be able to walk you through the removal process and advise on the best practices for your specific pest problem. Call us at 833-633-1120.