Raccoons

WHAT WE DO FOR YOU

Raccoons develop their distinctive mask when they are ten days old. Although they’re admired for their intelligence and ingenuity, these attributes are also what make raccoons so destructive when they decide to live in your home. This nocturnal species prefers to make its den inside warm and dry attics, chimneys, crawl spaces and roof areas. Because distinguishing healthy raccoons from those infected with rabies is difficult, professional removal is always necessary.

By late May, raccoon babies born in the spring are almost fully weaned from their mothers. This process takes approximately 70 days from the time they are born. As the summer progresses, their mother will take her babies out to teach them how to forage for food, and how to survive in urban neighbourhoods. While young raccoons will technically be able to survive on their own, they generally stick with their mother until winter, and sometimes through winter to the following spring.

Even though raccoons do not hibernate, they do spend most of the winter sleeping away in their dens. During late summer, raccoons will eat more than their usual amount to gain body fat to keep them warm and help them survive long winter stretches without eating.

Raccoons, like most wildlife, craft multiple dens in an area so they can move around depending on the weather, food availability, and predators. In the summertime, raccoons spend more time in their cooler summer den sites, such as below decks and sheds. As their babies mature, raccoon families might outgrow smaller dens, and move on to their next home. Homeowners might notice the remnants of raccoons on their property, but assume the animals have moved on. This may be the case temporarily, but raccoons will remember their previous den sites as the weather cools down in the fall. If there are no preventive measures taken, you may be openly inviting these critters to return for warmth when winter returns.

Raccoon Facts

Raccoons are sometimes referred to as “masked bandits” and are often admired for their intelligence and ingenuity. These traits also make them quite destructive to homes and businesses. Because of their size, intelligence and health risks, they should be dealt with very carefully.

FACT: Raccoons most often like to make dens in chimneys, roofs, and attics, especially over bedrooms where it tends to be quieter. They are nocturnal (i.e. active at night), making them quite a nuisance when homeowners are trying to sleep.

FACT: Raccoons have very manipulative paws, which mean they can open jars, garbage cans, and even door latches. They are also quite strong and will rip up shingles, soffit, flashing, and aluminum.

FACT: Mother raccoons will do just about anything to get to their young if separated and will also try very hard to get back into a den site. The babies (kits) can also be quite curious and destructive once they are mobile.

FACT: The mother instinct in raccoons is very strong and they will cause major damage if separated from their young.

FACT: Raccoons will chew through electrical wires to clear access to a den site

FACT: Frayed wires pose a serious fire hazard, especially if close to flammable materials like wood or insulation.

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