Raccoons can turn a cozy attic or a hidden corner of your home into their own private nesting space. Once they settle in, they can cause structural damage, leave behind waste, and even pose health risks. If you’re dealing with a raccoon invasion, it’s crucial to take the right steps to get them to move out safely and effectively. In this guide, we’ll focus on humane and practical methods to evict raccoons while ensuring they don’t return.
Assessing the Situation
Before taking action, it’s important to understand the nature of the problem. Raccoons often invade homes in search of warmth, shelter, and safety—especially during their breeding season. If you’ve heard scratching or thumping sounds, it’s likely they’ve already set up a nesting area. Inspect your attic, roof, or crawl spaces for signs of raccoon activity, such as droppings, chewed insulation, or damaged entry points.
Determining the number of raccoons and their level of activity is also key. If you’re dealing with a mother and her cubs, eviction must be handled with extra care to avoid separating them, as this could cause further problems. Moreover, understanding their entry points will help you strategize an effective removal plan. Look for open vents, loose shingles, or any gaps in your home’s exterior that might provide access.
Finally, check your local regulations. In some areas, raccoon removal is governed by wildlife protection laws. For instance, relocating raccoons may require a permit or need to be conducted by licensed professionals. Taking these steps ensures your approach is humane, safe, and compliant with the law.
Encouraging Raccoons to Leave
Evicting raccoons humanely requires a combination of techniques that make their current nesting spot uncomfortable and uninhabitable. Start by creating an environment that discourages them from staying. Use bright lights and loud noises in the infested area, as raccoons prefer quiet, dark spaces for nesting. Consider placing a radio in the attic or using motion-activated lights to disrupt their sense of security. These deterrents can motivate them to look for alternative shelter.
In some cases, applying scent-based repellents can be highly effective. Products like eviction fluid, which mimic the scent of predators, can convince raccoons that the area is no longer safe for their young. Other strong-smelling deterrents, such as ammonia or vinegar-soaked rags, can also encourage them to move out. Be sure to place these items near the nesting area but avoid directly disturbing the raccoons, especially if cubs are involved, to prevent aggressive behavior.
Timing is another important factor. If you’re dealing with a mother raccoon and her cubs, it’s best to wait until the cubs are mobile enough to leave the nest with her. This ensures the eviction process is humane and minimizes the chance of abandoned young. Always check the space thoroughly before sealing any entry points, as locking raccoons inside can lead to further property damage or health hazards. If the situation seems too complex, consulting a wildlife professional ensures a safe and effective resolution.
Sealing Entry Points Post-Eviction
Once raccoons have been successfully evicted, sealing entry points is essential to prevent future infestations. Raccoons are opportunistic animals, and any accessible weak spots in your home can invite them back. Below are key areas to secure, along with practical methods for making your property raccoon-proof.
Inspecting Vulnerable Areas Thoroughly
Begin by conducting a detailed inspection of your home’s exterior. Focus on common entry points such as roof vents, chimneys, soffits, and gaps around doors or windows. Pay special attention to areas near trees or power lines that raccoons can use to climb onto your roof. Even small openings can be potential access points, as raccoons are capable of squeezing through surprisingly tight spaces.
During the inspection, look for signs of damage caused by the previous infestation. Broken shingles, loose siding, or gnawed wood may need immediate repair. Additionally, examine areas near garbage bins and outdoor sheds for vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues proactively ensures that raccoons will not find easy opportunities to return.
Reinforcing Potential Access Points
Once vulnerabilities are identified, reinforce them with durable materials that can withstand raccoon tampering. Steel mesh or hardware cloth is ideal for covering vents, chimneys, and other openings without blocking airflow. For larger gaps, use heavy-duty materials such as galvanized metal to patch holes securely. Avoid using lightweight materials like chicken wire, as raccoons can easily tear through them.
If you’re sealing an attic or crawl space, ensure the edges are flush and tightly fitted. Adding caulking or weather stripping around gaps can provide an extra layer of protection. It’s also a good idea to install chimney caps and roof vent covers specifically designed to deter wildlife. These measures make it significantly harder for raccoons to breach your home’s defenses.
Pruning Trees and Managing Climbing Access
Raccoons are excellent climbers and often use overhanging branches, fences, or trellises to access rooftops. Prune back tree branches at least 10 feet away from your roofline to reduce the chances of raccoons reaching your home. Similarly, ensure that climbing aids such as lattice panels, downspouts, or drainpipes are not positioned in a way that allows easy access.
For additional protection, consider adding raccoon guards to trees or poles near your property. These devices create physical barriers that prevent raccoons from climbing upward. By cutting off these climbing routes, you’re not only protecting your home but also discouraging raccoons from lingering on your property altogether.
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of a Raccoon?
Securing Garbage and Outdoor Attractions
Raccoons are drawn to food sources, so managing outdoor garbage is a critical step in prevention. Use raccoon-proof trash cans with locking lids, and keep bins in secure areas such as a garage or shed whenever possible. Clean up food scraps or pet food left outdoors, as these can act as magnets for wildlife.
Additionally, remove or secure other attractions such as bird feeders, compost piles, and water sources like fountains or ponds. Adding motion-activated sprinklers near these areas can further deter raccoons from approaching. By eliminating these easy food and water sources, you make your property less appealing and help maintain long-term protection against infestations.
Preventative Measures to Keep Them Out for Good
Preventing raccoons from returning requires consistent effort and a combination of strategies. By fortifying your property and removing appealing elements, you can significantly reduce the chances of another infestation. Below are some effective measures to help you keep raccoons out for good.
Maintain Your Home’s Exterior
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your home stays raccoon-proof. Inspect your property periodically for any signs of damage, such as loose shingles, cracked siding, or holes in the foundation. Address these issues promptly to eliminate potential entry points. For added protection, install durable barriers such as heavy-gauge mesh over vents, soffits, and chimneys to keep wildlife out without affecting ventilation.
Don’t overlook doors and windows. Ensure they close securely and repair any torn screens. Adding weather stripping or reinforced seals can block small gaps that raccoons might exploit. Regular upkeep keeps your home in top condition while preventing future invasions.
Secure Trash and Food Sources
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, so controlling access to food is a critical preventive measure. Use sturdy, raccoon-proof trash bins with locking lids to secure your waste. Avoid leaving garbage outside overnight, as this is prime scavenging time for raccoons. If possible, store bins in a garage or shed to keep them out of reach.
In addition, eliminate other food sources that may attract raccoons. Keep pet food indoors, clean up after barbecues, and avoid leaving fallen fruit or birdseed in your yard. By removing easy access to food, you reduce the likelihood of raccoons targeting your property.
Modify Your Landscaping
Your yard can either deter or invite raccoons, depending on how it’s designed. Trim back trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding spots and climbing access to your roof. Consider using gravel or mulch around your home’s foundation, as raccoons tend to avoid rough surfaces that are uncomfortable to walk on.
Installing motion-activated sprinklers or lights in your yard can further discourage raccoons. These devices startle animals and make your property less appealing for exploration. A well-maintained landscape not only boosts your home’s curb appeal but also serves as a deterrent for unwelcome wildlife.
Add Physical Barriers to Vulnerable Areas
For added protection, install physical barriers in areas that raccoons might target. Use chimney caps to block access to fireplaces and sturdy vent covers for roof openings. If you have a garden or compost pile, surround it with raccoon-proof fencing, ensuring that the fence is tall enough and buried at least 12 inches deep to prevent digging.
Additionally, installing raccoon guards around utility poles, trees, or downspouts can restrict their climbing ability. These barriers make it much harder for raccoons to access elevated areas, such as attics or roofs, keeping them out of your home for good.
Why Choose AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix?
Dealing with raccoons can be a challenging and frustrating experience, but with AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix, you don’t have to face it alone. Our expert team specializes in humane raccoon control and removal and long-term prevention strategies to protect your home and property. From safe eviction techniques to professional-grade repairs and sealing, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
As a trusted name in wildlife control, AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix ensures the job is done right the first time. Don’t let raccoons take over your home—contact us today to schedule an inspection and regain peace of mind. We’re here to keep your property raccoon-free and safe for your family.