Raccoons are more than just nighttime visitors—they can be a real concern for homeowners in Saint Paul. These clever animals have a knack for finding their way into homes, creating potential health and safety hazards. 

Understanding how raccoons get in a house is essential. Often, they enter through attics, chimneys, and even pet doors. What attracts raccoons varies but typically involves easy access to food and shelter. Pet food left outside, open trash cans, and even bird feeders can draw them in. 

If you’re noticing signs of raccoon activity, considering Skedaddle’s services for wildlife removal in Saint Paul is a wise step. We ensure that the removal process is effective and humane, protecting both your home and the local wildlife. With our expert help, you can address the issue quickly and safely, maintaining peace of mind and security for your family.

Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Your Home

Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures and can thrive in urban environments like Saint Paul. They are drawn to areas where they can easily find food, water, and shelter. If you’re noticing an increase in raccoon activity around your home, it’s likely due to the availability of these resources.

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders. They will eat almost anything, from garden vegetables to pet food left outside. Garbage cans are a goldmine for them, especially if they’re not securely closed. Raccoons are known to raid bird feeders and compost piles as well.

Water sources like ponds, bird baths, or even outdoor pet water bowls can attract raccoons. They need water for drinking and washing their food. Homes near water bodies like lakes or rivers are especially prone to visits from these animals.

Shelter is another major factor. Raccoons look for safe, cozy places to nest, particularly during the breeding season. Attics provide ideal conditions. This brings us to the next important question—how do raccoons get in a house?

How Do Raccoons Get in a House?

Raccoons are incredibly resourceful and have strong problem-solving skills. They are known to enter through chimneys and soffit vents. Understanding how they access your home can help you prevent them from getting inside.

One common entry point is the attic. Raccoons can climb trees and jump onto your roof. Once there, they can find weak spots in the roofing or fascia to tear open and gain access to the attic. Chimneys are another favorite. If your chimney is not capped, it becomes an open invitation for raccoons.

Basements and crawl spaces are also vulnerable. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Broken vents, gaps in the foundation, or even an open basement window can serve as entry points. They are also known to dig under decks or porches to create dens.

Once inside, raccoons can cause significant damage. They might tear insulation, chew wires, and contaminate the area with their waste. This not only creates a mess but can also pose health risks. Therefore, it’s crucial to secure potential entry points and maintain regular inspections.

The Hazards of Raccoons in Your Home

The presence of raccoons in your home poses multiple risks, both structural and health-related. Understanding these hazards can emphasize why prompt action is necessary if you spot signs of raccoon activity.

Raccoons are known carriers of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. They can also carry parasites such as roundworms and fleas, which can spread to pets and humans. Their waste can contaminate your living space, leading to respiratory issues and other health concerns.

Structurally, raccoons can be very destructive. They may rip apart insulation for nesting material, which can lead to increased energy costs. Chewing on electrical wiring is not uncommon and poses a fire hazard. Additionally, the odor from their waste can be overwhelming and difficult to remove.

Raccoons are also noisy. If one has taken up residence in your attic or walls, you’ll likely hear scratching, thumping, and chattering, especially at night. This can disturb your sleep and overall peace of mind. Therefore, addressing a raccoon issue promptly is vital for maintaining a healthy and safe home environment.

Preventing Raccoon Visits

Preventing raccoon visits involves a combination of securing your home and reducing attractants. By taking proactive measures, you can minimize the chances of raccoons making your property their next target.

Firstly, secure your garbage bins. Use raccoon-proof lids and avoid leaving trash bags outside overnight. This simple step can significantly reduce the appeal of your home to raccoons searching for food.

Next, remove any potential food sources. Bring pet food indoors at night and clean up fallen fruits or vegetables from your garden. If you have bird feeders, consider placing them out of reach or removing them altogether.

Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points. Ensure that vents, chimneys, and other openings are securely covered. Repair any damaged sections of your roof or walls promptly. Trimming tree branches that hang over your roof can also make it harder for raccoons to access your home.

While these steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of raccoon visits, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Regular maintenance and inspections can help you stay ahead of potential issues and ensure your home remains raccoon-free.

Why Skedaddle is Your Best Choice for Humane Wildlife Removal in Saint Paul

Choosing Skedaddle for your wildlife control needs ensures that you receive expert, humane, and effective solutions. Our team is highly trained and experienced in handling various wildlife issues, with raccoon removal being a significant part of our services.

We pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach. From initial inspection to final repairs, we manage every step of the process. This thoroughness guarantees that all aspects of the problem are addressed, preventing future occurrences.

We start with a comprehensive inspection to identify entry points and assess the extent of the issue. Our team then uses specialized techniques to gently encourage the raccoons to leave your property. We do not trap or relocate them; instead, we employ methods that allow them to exit safely and prevent re-entry.

Once the raccoons are out, we carry out necessary repairs to secure your home. This includes sealing entry points and providing suggestions to make your property less attractive to wildlife. Our methods ensure long-term protection and peace of mind.

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our operations. We believe in transparent communication, providing you with detailed information about the issue and our proposed solutions. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible for you.

Our humane methods are not only ethical but also effective. By focusing on exclusion and prevention, we ensure that the animals are treated with respect and that your home remains protected. With Skedaddle, you can trust that both your property and wildlife are in good hands.

Call Us Today

Raccoons around your Saint Paul home can pose various risks, from structural damage to health concerns. Understanding what attracts raccoons and how they gain entry is crucial in preventing and addressing these issues. By taking proactive measures and seeking professional help when needed, you can protect your home and maintain a safe living environment.

At Skedaddle, we offer expert, humane wildlife control services to help you address and prevent raccoon problems effectively. Our comprehensive approach ensures long-term solutions and peace of mind. If you’re dealing with raccoons or want to safeguard your home, don’t hesitate to reach out. Learn more about how we can assist you in keeping your home safe and raccoon-free.