Raccoons are famous for their “bandit mask” fur pattern. If you have ever seen a baby raccoon (called a kit), you are aware of how adorable this pattern can be on their young. However, despite the cute appearance of kits, their presence on your property can spell bad news. Raccoons are very difficult to remove during mating season and even more so during baby season. So, when exactly is this?

Raccoon Mating and Baby Season

The mating season for raccoons happens during the mid-to-late winter. They will wake up from torpor (a hibernation-like sleep during the winter), refuel on some food, and pair up for mating. Raccoons then return to resting during the first stages of gestation.

The gestational period lasts several months. This means that females are giving birth to their kits during the spring. Depending on when they mated, this can start as early as March but may happen as late as June. Raccoons only have one litter per year under normal circumstances. However, in the event of losing a litter, mothers may mate again and have babies as late as July.

April and May are the most significant months for baby births. In Milwaukee and the surrounding area, it can seem like there has been an explosion of raccoon activity during this time.

Raccoons stay with their mothers until the fall or early winter. They stay in the den for the first eight weeks of life and are weaned around 12 weeks. So, if you have a mother on your property, she isn’t going to leave until around the time when she starts getting ready for winter.

The Impact on Raccoon Removal

This is significant for raccoon removal because it is much harder to move families than single raccoons. Basically, mothers aren’t going to leave their kits behind. So, they will keep coming back unless the whole litter is moved. This can’t be done safely and humanely when the babies are very young. Thus, fall and winter tend to be the best times for dealing with raccoon infestations.

What To Do About Raccoons Living on Your Property

If you have raccoons around your home or business, you should address the problem promptly. They can spread rabies as well as other diseases. Plus, they may harm people or pets if they feel threatened. This defensive behavior is especially pronounced when there are kits nearby.

Raccoons can be moved with proper equipment and techniques. However, you should leave this up to the professionals.

It is a good idea to ensure that there are no attractants that may make raccoons want to live on your property. Make sure that any trash cans are closed and sealed (raccoons can knock them over and remove unsecured lids). Additionally, make sure to clean up any messes or pet food that may be accessible. Try to clear any brush or other pied materials under porches and decks. Raccoons like the warmth and safety of human buildings, but they are more likely to stay somewhere with easy access to food.

Get Professional Help

Make sure to call for professional raccoon removal in Milwaukee. Do not attempt to move them yourself. This can be very dangerous and will likely not achieve the results you want. This is a process best left to experienced pros.

Schedule Raccoon Removal in Milwaukee

Do you need to deal with raccoons living near your home or business? Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control of Milwaukee today. We can help with the removal of all types of wildlife in Milwaukee and the surrounding area. Our three-step process achieves superior results compared to traditional methods while also helping to ensure your health and safety. Learn more and schedule your appointment.