Raccoons may look cute in kids’ movies, but they can do serious damage to your property and pose a danger to families and pets. These furry critters can carry diseases, including rabies. If you get bitten by a raccoon, you should get a rabies vaccine as soon as possible, as the illness is deadly if untreated. Raccoon feces also carry diseases, making it dangerous to clean up after these animals yourself. As a result, you should always schedule professional raccoon removal in Toronto if you suspect uninvited guests.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep wildlife out of your home. For a raccoon-free attic, follow these tips.
How To Prevent the Need for Raccoon Removal in Toronto
Raccoons are wild animals, which means they’re looking for three things:
- Shelter
- Food
- Water
Unfortunately, humans provide these things without meaning to. Part of learning how to keep raccoons away is recognizing and changing the ways you may unintentionally attract raccoons. You can also add features to your home and yard to deter critters from wandering onto your property.
Secure Access Points
Compared to other wildlife, raccoons are relatively clever and have the advantage of opposable thumbs. As a result, they can get into your home in unexpected ways.
According to experts in raccoon removal in Toronto, one of the best preventative measures you can take is securing potential access points. For example, if you have a chimney, you should install a cap to prevent animals from crawling inside. Installing vent covers is another excellent step, as these will keep raccoons from making themselves at home inside your attic.
You should also keep up with roof and siding maintenance, as small holes can quickly become potential entrances. To keep your home’s exterior in the best shape, clean it annually and schedule professional inspections.
Finally, don’t leave your doors or windows open at night. Raccoons become active when the sun sets and don’t retire until sunrise, so they’re most likely to barge into your home when it’s dark.
Eliminate Food Sources
According to experts on raccoon removal in Toronto, raccoons are resourceful creatures that don’t mind consuming human or pet food. To keep these critters from considering your property a food source, keep all pet food indoors and clean up after barbecues and other get-togethers. You should also remove bird feeders, as raccoons are happy to munch on seeds.
If you have fruit-bearing trees, pick the fruit as it becomes ripe. Letting it drop and rot can attract lots of wildlife and potentially make pets sick if they get hold of it.
Maintain Landscaping
Did you know that landscaping can play a significant role in how to get rid of raccoons? These animals are excellent climbers and may use trees and shrubs to access your roof. As a result, it’s crucial to trim branches so they don’t overhang your home.
A bug infestation in your lawn can also make your property more attractive to raccoons. Since these critters eat grubs, an infested yard might as well be a buffet. If you hire raccoon removal in Toronto, the professionals may recommend getting your lawn treated as a precaution.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Since they’re nocturnal, raccoons spook easily at bright, sudden lights. As a result, installing motion-activated lighting is an excellent deterrent. Other repellents rely on chemicals or smell to keep raccoons away, which may bother people and pets. Lights are safe, effective and also protect your home from more human dangers.
Who To Call for Raccoon Removal in Toronto
When you need raccoon removal in Toronto, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is the place to call. These professionals can safely remove raccoons, den materials and latrines; they can also evaluate your property and take steps to keep critters away. For more information, give us a call or submit an online request.
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