As the weather starts to cool down, it’s not uncommon to hear odd noises coming from your chimney. And if those sounds happen to be the pitter-patter of little paws, it’s time to take action. Raccoons are notorious for making themselves at home in chimneys, and while it may seem like a cute and harmless invasion, it’s actually very important to call in professionals for removal. Not only can raccoons cause damage to your chimney and any surrounding property, but they can also carry diseases like rabies. 

Knowing how to tell if a raccoon has rabies and what to do if one approaches you is essential. So whether you’ve noticed a raccoon in your chimney or just want to be prepared for any future encounters, read on for important information on why it’s crucial to trust the local wildlife removal experts at Skedaddle in Milwaukee when it comes to raccoon removal.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, highly adaptable and intelligent. They are renowned for their ability to solve complex problems and their dexterous nature. Their natural habitats are forests near water bodies, but over time, with urbanization cutting down their natural surroundings, they have learned to coexist with humans in urban and suburban areas. This often results in raccoons making their homes in residential areas, particularly in attics and chimneys, which resemble their natural dens in hollow trees. 

The presence of a readily available food source, warmth, and safety from predators in human habitats are primary attractions for these creatures. Their sharp claws and strong hands give them remarkable climbing abilities, providing a straightforward route up our homes and into chimneys. 

Understanding these behavioral patterns is crucial to managing a problem effectively. Raccoon behaviors can be unpredictable and they have been known to act aggressively when cornered. It is important to bear in mind the potential risks and complications of trying to handle an issue without professional assistance.

Why Raccoons Prefer Your Chimney and How to Deter Them

If a raccoon finds its way into your chimney, it’s not by accident. Chimneys resemble large, hollow trees – the natural home for a mother and her kits. Once inside, they are protected from predators and weather elements, making your chimney an attractive abode for them. However, their presence poses various potential risks and nuisances to homeowners. The following are effective ways to deter these masked marauders: 

1. Cap the chimney: This simple solution involves installing a specially designed cover that prevents raccoons from accessing your chimney. The chimney cap also keeps out other wildlife or debris.
2. Clear surroundings: Trim back trees or bushes near the chimney which they could use as a stepping stone to gain access.
3. Light & noise: Temporary deterrents could be applying a bright light or a radio noise in your chimney. Although not a long-term solution, this will make the area less appealing to any animal looking for a new home.
4. Proper food waste management: Store outside trash cans securely, as the smell can attract wildlife. Use animal proof lids and avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight. The less barred access animals have to food, the less likely they are to take up residence in your property.
5. Routine inspection: Regularly inspect your property for signs of wildlife activity. Tracks, droppings, or noise from above the fireplace are strong indicators. Swift detection can prevent lengthy stays from raccoons and reduce potential damage.

Potential Dangers of Unprofessional Raccoon Eviction

The prospect of unwelcome raccoons in your chimney can indeed seem daunting. While it might be tempting to handle the situation on your own, attempting to remove wildlife without professional help brings considerable risks. 

Risk to Personal Safety 

Raccoons are known for their unpredictability and defensive nature, particularly when they feel threatened. An untrained homeowner attempting to remove a raccoon may unknowingly provoke the mammal, leading to an attack. The sharp claws and teeth of a raccoon can inflict serious wounds, not to mention the threat of diseases like rabies which raccoons are known to carry. 

Risk of Incomplete Removal 

Raccoons are sociable animals and often reside in groups. So, if you have spotted a raccoon, chances are there could be more hiding. Non-professionals typically lack the knowledge to effectively locate and remove all animals from a den. Incomplete removal may result in continuous property damage and the problem can re-emerge in no time. 

Risk to Animal Welfare 

As wildlife removal experts, at Skedaddle, we prioritize humane removal methods. We understand that raccoons are an integral part of our ecosystem, playing essential roles such as controlling pest populations. Improper handling of these misunderstood mammals can lead to unnecessary harm or stress to them. 

Raccoon removal may seem straightforward, but it’s a task best left to professionals. When it comes to wildlife removal, your safety, the safety of the animal, and ensuring a long-term solution should be the top priorities. We have the training, resources, and experience to handle these situations safely and effectively.

Call Skedaddle for Local Wildlife Removal Services

If raccoons have taken up indefinite residence within your chimney, it can be a rather puzzling and demanding situation to handle. While you may be tempted to tackle this issue independently, it’s advisable to let professionals handle it in the safest and most humane manner. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is a foremost expert in raccoon removal, giving you multiple reasons to trust their services. 

1. Humane Techniques: At Skedaddle, the ultimate goal is not to merely remove the raccoons, but to do so in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of the animals. Our expertise and dedication to animal welfare equip us to handle these situations in the least stressful way for the raccoons.
2. Efficiency: We understand that having raccoons in your chimney can significantly disrupt your daily life. Leveraging our professional experience combined with state-of-the-art equipment, we’re able to facilitate swift and effective removal of raccoons.
3. Expertise: Our technicians are highly trained in handling wildlife intrusion cases, with special knowledge of raccoon behavior, their habitats, and removal techniques. This ensures your chimney’s raccoon guest is evicted without causing further damage or distress.
4. Comprehensive Service: Skedaddle’s service isn’t about instant resolutions, but lasting solutions. We not only remove the intruding animals but also nosedive into the root cause, aiding in preventing similar situations in the future.
5. Safety: Raccoons may seem harmless, but they can carry diseases and can become aggressive when threatened. Therefore, dealing with these animals requires expertise to ensure personal safety. Our trained technicians adhere to safety precautions and use protective equipment to handle raccoons.
6. Legal Compliance: Various states have different wildlife laws concerning the removal and relocation of animals. Skedaddle ensures to comply with all local laws and regulations, providing you with a lawful solution to your raccoon problem.
7. Post-Removal Cleanup and Repair: Post raccoon removal, your chimney and property may need some repair and clean-up. Raccoons often leave behind remnants and damage. Skedaddle offers a comprehensive clean-up service to restore your chimney to its original state and ensure no harmful contaminants are left behind.
8. Customer Education: Skedaddle believes in not just offering a service but imparting knowledge too. We educate our customers about preventive measures, raccoon behaviors to watch out for, and how to make your property less inviting to raccoons in the future. 

Don’t let raccoons rule your roost any longer. Trust in Skedaddle’s comprehensive wildlife removal services in Milwaukee for swift, humane, and efficient eviction. With our focus on safety, animal welfare, legal compliance, and customer care, you’ll find a lasting solution to your chimney’s raccoon dilemma. Leverage our deep expertise and commitment to customer education. Contact us now and reclaim the serene environment of your home.