Raccoons are intelligent creatures known for their adaptability in urban environments but unfortunately, they sometimes see our homes as enticing places to explore and find shelter. To safeguard your residence from potential raccoon intrusions, it’s essential to identify the common entry spots they utilize.
In this article, we will discuss the common entry points that raccoons use to invade homes and ways to secure your home from these curious critters.
Discover common entry spots for raccoons in your home, such as chimneys, attics, vents, and crawl spaces. Use this knowledge to secure your property and protect the well-being of both your home and the raccoons.
How is the Raccoon Getting In?
Raccoons are clever creatures that can find their way into homes through various entry points. Here are some common ways raccoons gain access to houses:
Chimneys: Raccoons are skilled climbers who can scale a chimney’s exterior to enter your home. If there is no chimney cap or it is damaged or improperly installed, raccoons can easily squeeze through the opening and find their way into your house.
Attics: Attics provide raccoons with a warm and secluded space to nest. They can enter through openings such as gaps in the roofline, broken vents, or loose or damaged soffits. Raccoons are adept at squeezing through small openings, so even a small gap can invite them to enter.
Roof Vents: Roof vents, such as those for bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans, are another vulnerable spot. If the vent covers are damaged, loose, or missing, raccoons can push their way in. They are attracted to the warmth and potential food sources inside your home.
Crawl Spaces: Raccoons can also access houses through crawl spaces, especially if openings or gaps in the foundation or vents exist. They can easily slip through these spaces and find their way into the main living areas of your home.
Pet Doors: If you have an unprotected or locked pet door, raccoons may take advantage of this access point. Raccoons are intelligent and can figure out how to manipulate pet doors to gain entry.
Damaged or Weak Structures: Raccoons are opportunistic and can exploit any weak or damaged areas of your home’s exterior. This includes loose siding, rotting wood, or gaps in the eaves. They can claw or chew through these vulnerable spots to gain access.
To prevent raccoon entry, inspecting your home regularly for any potential entry points is important. Seal gaps and openings in the roof, walls, foundation, and vents.
Install secure chimney caps and ensure all doors and windows are properly sealed. Keep your property clean and free from potential food sources that might attract raccoons.
Suppose you suspect a raccoon has entered your home. In that case, it’s best to contact wildlife control professionals who have the expertise to safely remove the raccoon and address any damage or potential entry points.
What To Do If There’s A Raccoon In Your House
Discovering a raccoon inside your house can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, remaining calm and taking appropriate steps to handle the situation safely is essential. Here’s a simple guide on what to do if you find yourself with a raccoon in your house:
Ensure Your Safety: First and foremost, prioritize your safety and the safety of others in the household. Keep a distance from the raccoon and avoid any direct contact. Raccoons may feel threatened when cornered or startled, potentially leading to defensive behavior.
Create an Exit Route: Open any doors and windows that lead to the outside. Provide a clear and unobstructed path for the raccoon to leave alone. Dim the lights in the room to make it less appealing for the raccoon to stay indoors.
Make Noise and Provide an Escape Route: Use loud noises such as clapping, shouting, or banging on pots and pans to encourage the raccoon to leave. This can startle the raccoon and prompt it to seek an exit. Direct it toward the open doors or windows, allowing it to find its way back outside.
Seal Off Access Points: Once the raccoon has left, it’s crucial to identify and seal off any entry points to prevent future intrusions. Inspect your house for gaps, holes, or openings that may serve as potential raccoon entry points. Common areas to check include vents, chimneys, crawl spaces, and loose or damaged screens. Properly secure or repair these areas to deter raccoons from reentering.
Seek Professional Assistance: If the raccoon refuses to leave or you’re unable to handle the situation on your own safely, it’s best to contact professional wildlife removal services or local animal control authorities. They have the expertise and equipment to handle raccoon removal safely and humanely.
Clean and Sanitize: After the raccoon has been removed from your house, cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas is essential. Raccoons can carry diseases and parasites, so disinfect surfaces and dispose of any contaminated materials, such as food or nesting materials, with caution.
Remember, dealing with a raccoon in your house requires careful handling and respect for the animal’s natural instincts.
Prioritize your safety, provide an exit route, and take steps to prevent future raccoon intrusions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage raccoon encounters and safeguard your home.
How Do I Stop Raccoons From Getting Inside?
Preventing raccoons from gaining entry into your home is crucial to avoid potential damage and disturbances. Here are some practical steps you can take to deter raccoons and protect your property:
Secure Trash and Food Sources: Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, so it’s essential to secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids or invest in raccoon-proof containers. Avoid leaving pet food or bird feeders accessible to raccoons by bringing them indoors at night or utilizing raccoon-proof feeders.
Seal Potential Entry Points: Inspect your home for any potential entry spots, such as loose vents, gaps in the foundation, or damaged screens. Seal these openings with sturdy materials like wire mesh, steel wool, or caulk. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, rooflines, and crawl spaces, as raccoons are adept climbers and can squeeze through small gaps.
Reinforce Attic Access: Ensure your attic is properly sealed by inspecting for gaps, loose shingles, or damaged soffits. Use heavy-duty wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover openings like vents, chimneys, or roof gaps while still allowing for ventilation.
Install Motion-Activated Lights and Alarms: Raccoons are nocturnal creatures often deterred by bright lights and unexpected noises. Install motion-activated lights or alarms around your property, especially near potential entry points. These deterrents can startle and discourage raccoons from approaching your home.
Trim Tree Branches: Trim back tree branches close to your home, as raccoons can use them as access points to roofs or upper-level windows. Keep vegetation away from the sides of your house to eliminate hiding spots and discourage raccoons from getting too close.
Maintain a Tidy Yard: Keep your yard clean and debris-free, as cluttered areas can attract raccoons looking for potential den sites. Trim bushes and shrubs away from the house, and store firewood at least 20 feet away. Regularly inspect your property for signs of raccoon activity, such as paw prints or droppings, and take appropriate action if detected.
Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of raccoons entering your home. Remember, it’s essential to respect raccoons as wild animals, prioritize their safety, and protect your property.
Hire a Professional to Remove Raccoons in the House
When faced with a raccoon intrusion in your home, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance for safe and effective removal. Here are the reasons why hiring a professional is the best course of action:
Expertise and Experience: Wildlife removal professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle raccoon infestations. They understand raccoon behavior, nesting habits, and entry points, allowing them to develop tailored strategies for removal. Their expertise ensures a safe and efficient process, minimizing the risk of injury to humans and raccoons.
Humane Removal Practices: Professional wildlife removal services prioritize humane methods of raccoon removal. They employ strategies that focus on the well-being of the raccoons while ensuring their relocation to suitable habitats. These professionals are trained to handle raccoons responsibly, following ethical guidelines and local regulations.
Assessing and Securing Entry Points: One key aspect of professional raccoon removal is identifying and securing the entry points that allow the raccoons into your home. Wildlife experts thoroughly inspect your property to determine how the raccoons gained access and implement measures to prevent future intrusions. This proactive approach helps safeguard your home against repeat incidents.
Minimizing Damage and Risks: Raccoons can cause significant damage to property, from chewing through insulation and electrical wiring to creating unsanitary conditions with their droppings. Professional removal services eliminate the raccoons and address any existing damage and potential health risks associated with their presence.
Safe and Efficient Trapping: Trapping raccoons on your own can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Professionals have the necessary tools and techniques to safely trap raccoons without causing harm to the animals or risking injury to humans. They know how to handle raccoons to minimize stress and ensure a successful capture.
Prevention and Education: Beyond removal, wildlife professionals offer valuable prevention tips and education on making your home less attractive to raccoons. They can provide guidance on securing garbage cans, sealing potential entry points, and maintaining a clean environment to deter raccoons from returning.
Conclusion
Protect your home from raccoon intrusions by identifying common entry spots like chimneys, attics, loose vents, and crawl spaces. Take proactive measures to fortify your home and seek professional assistance if you suspect an infestation.