Raccoons are known worldwide for their uncanny behaviour as well as the destruction they can cause when they get loose in human territory. Once you live in an area that serves as a habitat for these animals, you are sure to have run-ins with them. The roof of your home is one of the areas that are particularly vulnerable to raccoon damage and as such you must take steps to protect your property. This will likely include the use of professional raccoon removal services.

Raccoons in Buildings- the Signs

Raccoons will take up residence in a building that is occupied by people. When this happens the animals aim for rarely used spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.  Often, you know you have a raccoon problem when you observe signs such as scratching sounds coming from the location or the sounds of scurrying feet. You are more likely to notice these signs at night when the nocturnal animals are usually most active.

When raccoons make their way into your roof they damage the insulation a well as the wooden structure in your roofing system. This damage is multiplied if a mothering raccoon moves in with her kits. This type of damage may drive your energy bill through the roof and lead to moisture problems and ice dams as well.

Construction sites and abandoned buildings are perfect shelter for raccoons.

Raccoons in Abandoned or Unoccupied Buildings- the Risks

Raccoons also move into abandoned buildings. The problem with this is that, unlike occupied buildings, the invasion of these buildings often goes unnoticed which essentially means the raccoons are left relatively unchecked. What ultimately results is extensive damage as raccoon’s biological waste helps to speed up the deterioration of wood and other soft material structures. The animals also chew and scratch at much of the space causing additional damage. Any building that is occupied by wild raccoons poses a threat to others in the area as the raccoons may migrate from one building to another.

Periodic building inspection is important in detecting raccoon presence, especially in buildings that are unoccupied. Raccoons tend to move into buildings when they are nursing (February to April) or when winter approaches. The animals typically prefer the hollowed out sections of trees, however, human expansion along with their adaptable nature has led to the use of buildings (both occupied and unoccupied) as suitable alternatives.

Avoiding the DIY Raccoon Removal Approach

DIY raccoon removal is not recommended because it may be dangerous for the raccoon as well as the individual attempting the removal. Raccoons can carry diseases, such as rabies, that can be harmful to human health. Contact with a raccoon or its waste during a DIY removal process exposes you to these diseases. Additionally, as a DIY raccoon remover, you are likely to be ill-equipped to deal with raccoons that are in their mothering phase. You, therefore, run the risk of endangering the young kits and by extension, be in violation of animal protection laws.

Expert Solutions- the Number One Choice

The best way to clear a space of raccoon presence is to get the experts involved. Skedaddle’s team of wildlife technicians provide the ideal raccoon removal services. They start with a detailed inspection of the space during which they determine the extent of the inspection then create a strategy for raccoon removal, that when executed, results in a raccoon free space.

After removal, upon the recommendation of the animal control technicians, we will employ our prevention services which include a suite of options designed to ensure that wildlife animals do not return to your home. Our processes are humane and fall within the international standards for animal protection. With Skedaddle’s humane raccoon removal services, you will benefit from a building that is free from raccoon presence and protected from future invasions.