Keeping unwanted animals out of your home can seem like a never-ending challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Raccoons are especially clever and resourceful, often finding easy ways into roofs, chimneys, and crawl spaces. Once inside, they can cause structural damage and create serious safety concerns. That’s why taking action to secure your home is so important.

How can you protect your home? With raccoon-proofing techniques and a little help from our experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Milwaukee, you can make sure your home stays safe and animal-free. Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from sealing common entry points to managing attractants like garbage and cluttered yards. Skedaddle expert tips are designed to give Milwaukee homeowners proven, practical ways to prevent raccoons from nesting or finding shelter on their property.

By the time you finish, you’ll have the best advice to lock down your home and keep it secure. It’s time to protect your space with confidence!

How Can You Protect Your Home From Raccoons? 

Did you know that even a tiny crack or gap is enough space for an animal to find its way into your home? It’s true! Many animals, like raccoons, are always on the lookout for weaknesses in roofs, vents, or siding to gain access. That’s why it’s so important to carefully check your home’s exterior for vulnerable points and fix them right away.

Some of the most common problem areas include loose shingles or damaged roof vents. These are easy entry points if left unattended. Similarly, gaps in soffits or fascia boards can go unnoticed and provide a perfect opening. And don’t forget about chimneys or attic vents—if they’re uncapped or broken, they might as well be wide-open doors.

The good news? These problems are easy to fix with a little effort. Installing heavy-duty mesh over vents or chimneys can block access while still allowing airflow. Damaged areas can be repaired using strong, durable materials, and sealing cracks or gaps with caulk can go a long way. These raccoon-proofing methods will make your home much harder for animals to invade.

A few repairs and upgrades upfront will save you headaches later. By staying proactive, you’re helping to keep your space safe and secure from unwelcome visitors.

Secure Your Garbage Bins to Eliminate Food Sources

Animals love an easy meal, and unprotected garbage bins are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for them. To prevent any unwanted visitors, it’s important to manage your trash properly. Simple changes can make a big difference and keep your outdoor space more secure.

Start by using garbage cans with locking lids. These are designed to stop animals from getting inside, and they work well. If locking bins aren’t an option, consider storing your garbage in a garage or shed instead of leaving it outside. Another solid raccoon-proofing technique is to rinse out food containers before tossing them in the trash. Even tiny food scraps or strong smells can draw animals in. And don’t forget to bring pet food inside at night—leaving it out is just asking for trouble.

With a little effort, you can cut off one of the main reasons animals stick around. Making your trash less accessible goes a long way toward keeping your space neat and wildlife-free.

Protect Your Attic and Chimney from Unwanted Guests

When it comes to finding a spot to settle, animals look for warm, quiet spaces away from people. That’s why attics and chimneys often end up being ideal nesting areas. It’s easy for animals to sneak in through small gaps or open spaces, so it’s important to secure these areas to avoid any problems.

One way to protect your chimney is by installing a chimney cap. This simple fix blocks animals from getting in, while still allowing proper airflow. Attics, on the other hand, can be safeguarded by doing a thorough check for any small holes or gaps. Sealing them with strong materials prevents access and adds an extra layer of protection. Lastly, make sure to trim tree branches hanging near your roof. These branches serve as natural bridges for wildlife trying to get closer to your home.

These raccoon-proofing techniques are practical and effective, giving you peace of mind. A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your attic and chimney off-limits to animals.

Keep Your Yard Less Appealing to Animals

A messy yard can be an open invitation for creatures looking for a new hangout spot. If your property has easy food sources or lots of hiding places, animals will take full advantage. The good news is that a few simple steps can help make your yard less appealing and send them elsewhere.

Start by picking up any fallen fruit or nuts from your trees, as they act like snacks for animals. If you have bird feeders, think about keeping them out of reach or even taking them down for a while. Feeders can attract more than just birds and create a steady food source. Another key step is to keep things tidy. Remove woodpiles, brush piles, and other clutter that animals may use for shelter. A clean and clear yard is much less inviting for wildlife.

By following these raccoon-proofing techniques, you’ll create a property that’s less attractive to unwanted visitors. Small changes now can save you from dealing with big problems later.

Protect Your Deck and Crawl Spaces from Nesting Animals

Decks, sheds, and crawl spaces are cozy spots for raccoons to dig in and build a den. To keep them out, you’ll need to take some preventative measures that make these spaces less accessible.

Here’s how you can block access effectively:

• Install Underground Barriers: Animals might try to burrow under decks or sheds to reach shelter. By adding a barrier of mesh or hardware cloth extending below the surface, you’ll stop them in their tracks.
• Check Regularly for Signs of Digging: Look for disturbed soil or holes around your deck or shed. If you notice activity, take steps to block access immediately.
• Use Motion-Activated Lights: These lights turn on when movement is detected, surprising animals and scaring them away. They’re a simple addition, but they can be quite effective.

By securing these vulnerable spaces, you’re cutting off another possible entry point and keeping your property safe from animals looking for shelter.

Summary: Raccoon-Proofing Techniques

Preventing nuisance animals from entering your home or property doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Here’s a quick rundown of the most effective preventive steps you can take today:

• Seal Entry Points: Focus on gaps in roofs, soffits, fascia boards, chimneys, and vents. Reinforce these areas with durable materials like heavy mesh or sealant.
• Secure Trash Bins: Use locking lids and store bins in enclosed spaces when possible. Always rinse food containers to eliminate strong smells.
• Maintain Your Yard: Keep it clean by removing fallen fruit, nuts, and debris. Keep trees near your roofline trimmed to prevent access.
• Protect Decks and Crawl Spaces: Install underground barriers and monitor for signs of burrowing activity. Adding motion-activated lights can also deter animals.
• Fortify Your Attic and Chimney: Install a chimney cap and patch small holes in your attic to block entry.

Taking these steps will help protect your home and lower the chances of wildlife-related problems. Staying vigilant and addressing issues early will save you time, money, and stress.

Skedaddle Has You Covered

Raccoon infestations can lead to expensive damage and even pose health risks for your family. The best way to keep them out is by blocking access before problems arise. With specialized raccoon-proofing techniques, you can avoid costly repairs and protect your home from future issues.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Milwaukee, we pride ourselves on offering professional, humane solutions to all your wildlife concerns. From sealing entry points to offering Skedaddle expert tips on prevention, our team is here to help you keep your property safe and secure.

Don’t wait for animals to settle in—contact Skedaddle today for a quote or to learn more about how our Milwaukee wildlife control services can help protect your home!