Living in the beautiful, green landscapes of Johns Creek, Georgia, means we’re lucky to share our space with some amazing wildlife. But let’s be honest—raccoons can be a bit too bold for comfort. These critters are clever and curious, often making their way into our yards, homes, and businesses. While they’re interesting to watch, having them around can cause damage and even health risks.
Understanding what’s drawing raccoons to your property is the first step to keeping them away. That’s where Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control comes in. We’re here to help folks in Johns Creek with safe, humane raccoon removal and prevention, so you can enjoy peace of mind.
If raccoons are showing up a little too often on your property, here’s what you need to know.
Key Reasons Raccoons Are Drawn to Your Property
Raccoons are clever creatures with highly developed survival instincts. Here are the main reasons why your property might attract them:
1. Food Sources
Raccoons are scavengers, and they can sniff out a meal from a great distance. Some of the most common food sources that lure raccoons to properties include:
- Open Trash Cans or Compost Piles: Leftover food in unsecured garbage bins or poorly managed compost provides an irresistible feast.
- Pet Food: Pet food left outside, even in sealed bowls, draws raccoons looking for easy pickings.
- Fallen Fruit or Bird Feeders: Fallen fruit from trees or accessible bird feeders offers a predictable and convenient source of calories.
2. Shelter Opportunities
Finding a warm and dry shelter is a top priority for raccoons. Properties that provide easy hiding spots are particularly vulnerable, such as:
- Attics, Garages, or Sheds: These spaces offer warmth and protection, especially during the colder months.
- Dense Vegetation or Woodpiles: Overgrown shrubs, thick hedges, or stacked wood provide cover and nesting areas.
3. Water Availability
Raccoons need access to water for drinking and sometimes even food preparation (they are known to dip their food in water). Sources found on properties include:
- Ponds, Bird Baths, or Pools: These are convenient water supplies for raccoons.
- Leaky Outdoor Faucets: Easy access to dripping or pooled water can encourage them to linger.
What Should You Do If a Raccoon Is on Your Property?
On a quiet spring evening, as you settle in with your favourite book, an unusual rustling catches your attention outside near the back deck. Curious, you grab a flashlight and head out, only to stumble upon an unexpected sight: a mother raccoon and her three tiny, fluffy babies nestled snugly in the corner of your shed. While their cuteness is undeniable, it quickly dawns on you that these uninvited guests aren’t the ideal tenants you had in mind.
First and foremost, stay calm and keep your distance. Raccoons are wild animals, and a mother will instinctively protect her young, so there’s no need to intervene directly.
Your next step should be to consult with our Skedaddle wildlife removal service. We can assess the situation and safely remove the raccoon family.
Avoid attempting to handle the situation yourself, as improper methods could harm the animals or cause unnecessary stress.
To prevent future raccoon visits, Skedaddle ensures your property is fully secured after the animals are removed. Our team will seal entry points, patch up holes, and secure potential access areas.
We also provide guidance on keeping food sources, like garbage bins, properly contained. With Skedaddle, you can trust that your property will stay raccoon-free while ensuring humane solutions for your uninvited guests.
After all, a peaceful resolution is a win for everyone involved (even the raccoons!).
The Risks Raccoons Pose to Your Home and Health
While raccoons might seem harmless, their presence can bring significant risks:
1. Property Damage
Raccoons are strong and resourceful, often causing costly damage to homes:
- Chewing and Tearing: They can chew through shingles, vents, and soffits to gain entry to attic spaces.
- Nesting Issues: Once inside, raccoons may contaminate insulation with droppings or build nests that compromise your attic’s structure.
2. Health Hazards
Raccoons carry a variety of diseases and parasites that can threaten your health:
- Rabies and Leptospirosis: Transmission of these diseases to humans or pets is a serious concern.
- Parasites: Raccoons carry ticks, fleas, and roundworms, increasing the chances of infestation on your property.
3. Safety Concerns
Raccoons can become aggressive if:
- Cornered or Threatened: Defensive behavior, especially from a mother protecting her young, can pose risks to you or your pets.
- Food Is Accessible: Once raccoons associate your property with food, their boldness in seeking sustenance increases.
Humane Raccoon Removal Methods for Georgia Homes
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we understand how important it is to protect both your property and the wildlife that finds its way onto it. Here in Georgia, raccoons are a common sight, but when they move into your attic or crawl spaces, it’s time to take action. Our humane raccoon removal approach ensures the safety of both your home and these curious critters. Here’s how we can help:
Skedaddle’s Humane Approach
First, we’ll take a close look at your property, identifying signs of raccoon activity and pinpointing how they’re getting in. From paw prints and droppings to chewed-up vents or soffits, we’ve seen it all.
Once we’ve got the full picture, our experts will use safe and humane techniques to carefully remove the raccoons. No harm done, and we make sure the animals are handled with care, minimizing their stress every step of the way. After all, we treat them like the neighbors they are!
Preventative Measures
Here in Johns Creek, raccoons are clever and can be persistent, especially with all the food and water sources our environment provides. That’s why keeping them out for good is a top priority. Once we’ve removed the critters, we’ll seal up any entry points they’ve been using—gaps, vents, chimneys, you name it—and shore up weak spots to stop them from coming back. We’ll also share practical tips with you, like securing your trash cans, keeping pet food indoors, and eliminating standing water around your home. It’s all about making your property less inviting to these little bandits!
Clean-Up and Restoration
Raccoons can leave quite a mess behind, and that’s where our team steps in. We’ll clean and sanitize the affected areas to ensure your home is safe and free from harmful bacteria or odors. From attic insulation to damaged structures, we’ll restore your space to its original condition—or better—so you can get back to enjoying your home without worry.
Living in Georgia means embracing wildlife as part of the landscape, but that doesn’t mean we have to share our homes with them. With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, you can count on professional, compassionate service that keeps your property protected while respecting the animals.
Leave the Raccoon Problem to the Professionals
Raccoons may seem harmless or even cute at first, but they can quickly become destructive intruders if their presence is left unchecked. These nocturnal animals are notorious for causing significant damage to roofs, attics, and insulation, while also carrying potential health risks such as rabies and parasites. Acting early to address the problem can save you from costly repairs and protect your family’s well-being.
Don’t wait until the situation worsens—contact us today for a free consultation! Our skilled professionals are ready to help you reclaim your space. Click here to learn more about our raccoon removal services in Johns Creek or book your appointment now. Let us protect your home from unwanted visitors!