Have you noticed unusual noises in your attic or found overturned garbage bins in your yard? These could be signs of raccoon activity on your property. While they may seem harmless at first glance, ignoring raccoons near your home can lead to serious consequences. From raccoon property damage risks to health hazards, it’s essential to address this issue promptly. Let’s explore the dangers of raccoons near home, why they pose a threat, and how to prevent raccoon infestations effectively.

Raccoon Property Damage Risks

Raccoons are notorious for their ability to break into homes and create extensive damage. Their strength and dexterity allow them to rip through roof vents, soffits, and siding, transforming small vulnerabilities into wide-open invitations. While they may only need a four-inch gap to enter, once inside, the damage they cause can be significant.

Some common property damage risks include:

• Attic Insulation Damage: Raccoons often tear apart insulation to build their nests. This not only reduces your home’s energy efficiency but can also be expensive to repair.
• Structural Damage: They can weaken structural elements such as shingles, siding, and wooden frames while gaining entry or creating their nests.
• Electrical Hazards: Raccoons have been known to chew on electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire or short circuits.
• HVAC System Issues: Ductwork can be torn or trampled, impairing your home’s heating and cooling efficiency.
• Water Damage: Entry points made by raccoons can expose your home to rain or snow, leading to costly water damage.

Repair costs from this damage can quickly add up, and failing to address the issue immediately often leads to even greater expenses over time. Prevention and early intervention are crucial to avoiding these expenses and the frustration they bring.

The Dangers of Raccoons Near Your Home

While the physical damage to your property may seem concerning, the health risks associated with raccoons are just as severe. These animals can pose a variety of health threats to you, your family, and even your pets.

Health Hazards

• Diseases: Raccoons are carriers of several diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella, and giardiasis, which can easily spread to humans and pets.  
• Roundworm Parasite: Raccoon droppings can contain a dangerous roundworm parasite called Baylisascaris. If accidentally ingested, the eggs of this parasite can cause severe neurological issues or even blindness.  
• Rabies: Although less common, raccoons can carry rabies, which is transmitted through bites or scratches. This poses a direct threat to pets and humans who may come into contact with them.
• Contamination: Their droppings and urine can create unsanitary conditions, resulting in foul odours and air contamination that might spread throughout the home.

Safety Concerns

• Aggressive Behaviour: Raccoons can become aggressive, especially when protecting their young. An encounter with one may lead to scratches or bites, increasing the risk of disease transmission.  
• Fire Hazards: Chewed wires and compromised electrical systems create potential fire hazards that jeopardize your safety.  

By addressing these risks early, you protect not only your property but also the health and safety of your household.

Prevent Raccoon Infestations

The best way to deal with raccoons is by preventing infestations altogether. Here are some key practices to secure your property and keep raccoons at bay:

Secure Your Home

Properly inspecting and sealing any potential entry points is the first step toward prevention. Pay close attention to:

• Roof vents
• Chimneys
• Siding, soffits, and fascia
• Gaps around doors and windows
• Garage and shed openings

Reinforce vulnerable areas with heavy-duty materials like galvanized steel mesh to make it harder for raccoons to break through.

Maintain Your Property

Raccoons are often attracted to properties that provide easy access to food and shelter. Keep your yard clean and organized by:

• Securing garbage and recycling bins with locking lids.
• Removing food sources such as pet food, fallen fruits, or birdseed.
• Trimming overhanging branches to eliminate access points to the roof.
• Regularly cleaning up debris or brush piles that could serve as potential den sites.  

Utilize Deterrents

Certain deterrents can help further discourage raccoons from lurking near your home:

• Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers: These can startle raccoons and make them less likely to stick around.  
• Repellents: Commercial-approved repellents can be effective but should be used carefully to ensure they meet safety standards for humans and pets.

Call a Wildlife Control Professional

For comprehensive prevention, consult wildlife control experts like us at Skedaddle. With our expertise in assessing and securing properties, we ensure all entry points are identified and properly sealed. This proactive approach eliminates the risk of raccoons making your home their own.

Why Ignoring Raccoon Activity is a Bad Idea

Ignoring the presence of raccoons around your home comes with long-term risks that far outweigh the initial effort of addressing the issue. Whether you’re dealing with damage to your home, health hazards, or threats to personal safety, these animals can quickly cause chaos.

Long-Term Consequences

• Higher Repair Costs: Damage left unaddressed worsens over time, leading to more expensive repairs.  
• Recurring Infestations: Once raccoons find your home inviting, they’ll keep returning unless preventative measures are taken.  
• Health Issues: Ignored contamination or exposure to diseases can lead to serious medical conditions.  

Taking immediate action can save you time, money, and peace of mind.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Humane Raccoon Removal in Durham?

When it comes to dealing with raccoon infestations, Skedaddle sets itself apart as a trusted leader in humane wildlife control. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing effective, ethical, and reliable solutions tailored to protect both your home and the animals involved. Our highly trained professionals prioritize a compassionate approach, employing proven exclusion techniques to remove raccoons without causing harm while ensuring they do not return.

• Comprehensive service model tailored for Durham properties  
• Thorough inspections to identify all access points  
• Securing your property with durable materials for long-term protection  
• Cleaning and decontaminating affected areas to protect your family’s health  
• Preventing future infestations while maintaining property integrity

Skedaddle is dedicated to eco-friendly and community-conscious practices, always respecting local wildlife laws and preserving the balance of the environment. Additionally, our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures you receive clear communication and support every step of the way. When you choose Skedaddle, you gain peace of mind knowing your raccoon problem will be resolved responsibly and efficiently by a trusted team of experts.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Raccoons may appear harmless, but their presence poses significant risks to your home and family. By understanding the dangers of raccoons near home and the potential for raccoon property damage risks, you can prioritize prevention and protect your space. Acting now will help prevent raccoon infestations and ensure your property remains safe and secure.

If you’re concerned about raccoon activity near your property, don’t wait. Contact Skedaddle for professional assistance and humane solutions. Our team is here to help assess, secure, and safeguard your home from unwanted visitors. Reach out today to get started—we’re committed to keeping your home safe for you and your family.