Raccoons are some of the most clever and adaptable animals in the wild. Known for their curious nature and distinctive "masked" appearance, these nocturnal creatures often find their way into urban and suburban environments in search of food, shelter, and a little adventure. Unfortunately, while raccoons may seem cute, they can cause significant damage to your home, garden, and property. Understanding how to coexist with raccoons—or better yet, deter them from becoming too comfortable around your home—is key to preventing potential conflicts.
At Critter Control of Southern Maine, we specialize in humane wildlife control solutions that focus on keeping both you and your furry visitors safe. Here are some expert tips for deterring raccoons and reducing the likelihood of encounters around your home.
Secure Food Sources
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will seek out easy food sources in urban environments. A trash can left unsealed or pet food left outside can quickly attract these clever creatures.
Tips for Securing Food:
- Seal trash bins: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, or better yet, consider using raccoon-proof containers.
- Bring in pet food: Never leave food out for pets overnight. If you must feed pets outdoors, remove bowls as soon as they're finished.
- Clean up fallen fruit: If you have fruit trees in your yard, be sure to pick up fallen fruit to eliminate a tempting snack for raccoons.
Close Off Entry Points
Raccoons are expert climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Once inside your attic, chimney, or crawl spaces, they can cause significant damage and potentially introduce health risks.
How to Seal Your Home:
- Inspect your home for gaps: Check for openings in the roof, vents, chimneys, and eaves. Look for cracks or holes around windows, doors, and foundation areas.
- Use raccoon-proof materials: Install sturdy wire mesh or steel wool to close off any openings larger than 1½ inches.
- Install chimney caps: Raccoons love to nest in chimneys, so ensure that yours has a secure, raccoon-proof cap.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily gain access to your roof or attic via tree branches. To prevent raccoons from using your trees as a pathway into your home, trim branches that are within 6–8 feet of your roofline.
Tree Maintenance Tips:
- Prune branches: Cut back any overhanging branches that could provide access to your home.
- Remove climbing vines: Raccoons can climb up vines like ivy, so be sure to remove any that might give them easy access to your roof or eaves.
Use Deterrents and Repellents
There are a variety of natural deterrents that can make your property less attractive to raccoons. While no solution is 100% foolproof, a combination of strategies can often keep raccoons at bay.
Common Deterrents:
- Ammonia or vinegar: Soaking rags in ammonia or vinegar and placing them near potential entry points or around your yard can create an unpleasant smell for raccoons.
- Motion-activated lights: Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet spaces. Installing motion-activated lights around your home can startle them and encourage them to move elsewhere.
- Noise deterrents: Devices that emit ultrasonic sounds or even just loud noises can make the environment uncomfortable for raccoons.
Maintain a Clean Yard
Raccoons are attracted to areas with easily accessible food, water, and shelter. Keeping your yard tidy is one of the most effective ways to deter them from making it their home.
Yard Maintenance Tips:
- Remove bird feeders: Raccoons are excellent climbers and can access bird feeders. If you must feed birds, use raccoon-proof feeders or remove them at night.
- Check for water sources: Fix any leaks or standing water in your yard, as raccoons need water for drinking and bathing.
- Clear brush and debris: Raccoons seek shelter in dense shrubbery, woodpiles, and other areas where they can hide. Keep your yard free of such hiding spots.
Know When to Call a Professional
If you've tried everything and still find raccoons on your property, it may be time to call in a professional wildlife control service. At Critter Control of Southern Maine, we specialize in humane raccoon removal and prevention. We can assess your property, identify entry points, and implement strategies to prevent future problems—all while ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
Why Choose Critter Control of Southern Maine?
- Humane methods: We use only humane techniques to remove and relocate raccoons.
- Expert knowledge: Our trained specialists understand raccoon behavior and know how to effectively deter them.
- Long-term solutions: We don’t just remove the animals; we provide lasting solutions to keep your home safe.
While living with raccoons can be an interesting experience, it's important to take steps to protect your property and ensure that these clever creatures don’t become a nuisance. By securing food sources, sealing entry points, and maintaining a clean and well-maintained yard, you can reduce the chances of an unwanted raccoon visit. However, if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional wildlife control service like Critter Control of Southern Maine for safe, humane, and effective solutions.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your home raccoon-free!