Where Do Raccoons Nest In Newmarket Homes?

Newmarket and the surrounding area can be popular with raccoons. Therefore, at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we often get calls from homeowners in the area to deal with these masked intruders. Part of effective raccoon control is knowing where to look. It is also useful to understand why common hotspots are popular with raccoons.

Favourite Nesting Places for Raccoons

Raccoons can potentially nest anywhere they think their offspring will be safe and warm. They also like places that have good access to food and other resources. The following are a few of the top spots in homes.

Under Decks and Porches

Decks and porches offer raccoons safe and secluded nesting spots that are both sheltered from the elements and rarely visited by humans. This is especially true if the area is enclosed. Nesting materials can easily be stacked up in a corner where they will stay dry and warm for raccoon babies. Decks and porches also have the advantage of being easily accessible for raccoons.

Chimneys

For similar reasons, chimneys tend to be popular with raccoons. They are protected from the weather, predators and people. Plus, since raccoons are good climbers, they are fairly easy to access. A lot of people don’t use their chimneys or only rarely do, especially during the spring birthing season. So, these spots tend to be very attractive to raccoons.

Attics

Attics are another common choice for raccoons seeking nests. Like the other hotspots, attics are safe from predators and the weather. Plus, they are very rarely accessed by people. Thus, the raccoons can safely hide away and raise their young. It also doesn’t hurt that many attics are packed with insulation, which can be a convenient nest-building material. Many homes have gaps, eaves, vents and other possible entryways that let raccoons into attics.

Sheds and Other Detached Structures

Finally, raccoons often like to set up shop in sheds and other such detached structures. Again, these are quite easy to access safely. Many sheds are not built to the same standard as other human structures; thus, they are more likely to have gasps that raccoons can crawl through. Sheds with insulation, crawl spaces or other good nest-building spots tend to be especially popular.

Signs of an Infestation

For raccoons, human homes offer a convenient place to set up a nest that is warm, dry, safe from predators and has easy access to food. In other words, spots like the above check everything on the raccoon wish list. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of an infestation:

• Noises coming from the walls or attic - pets may be especially in-tune to these
• Droppings, urine stains or strangely built-up materials (nests)
• Knocked over trash cans
• Damage to your property such as scrapes, bites and gnawed materials

What To Do If You Have Raccoons on Your Property

If you think you have raccoons in your home, call a professional raccoon control service. You should never attempt to handle wildlife yourself. Not only are you less likely to achieve lasting results than the professionals, but you are also putting yourself at risk of being bitten or scratched. Raccoons can carry rabies and other harmful diseases. Plus, their droppings often contain pathogens. In short, get someone with the right equipment and know-how to handle the problem for you.

Schedule Wildlife Removal in Newmarket

Do you need raccoon or other wildlife removal in Newmarket or the surrounding area? Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control of Newmarket is here to help. Our three-step process is proven to effectively remove wildlife and ensure that they stay away while also protecting you and your family from disease. Contact us today to learn more.