Raccoons are cunning and clever creatures which could enter houses, garages, and sheds using very tiny holes. Indoors they may damage the structure, become a source of sanitation hazard and a health risk due to diseases such as rabies or leptospirosis. A proper removal of the raccoon begins by determining how they are getting into your premises. Homeowners can prevent infestations as well as have a safer environment by identifying and sealing the entry points.
Popular Sites of Raccoon Intrusion
Raccoons are good climbers and can squeeze through holes of only four inches. The most common places of entry are broken roof shingles, loose or missing side, vent openings, chimneys, soffits, and fascia boards. Raccoons prefer attics and crawl spaces especially due to the fact that they are sheltered, warm and comparatively safe against predators. Also, raccoons can use pet doors, basement doors or detached garages, in particular, when they are in search of food or shelter.
Signs of Raccoon Entry
You should be aware of the raccoon signs before you can lock up your house. Search in corners around vents, in an attic or in roof edges because the raccoons claw their way to have a grip. Droppings can be dark and tubular and can be found around points of entry or on the routes of the raccoon. You also are likely to see the overturned trash cans, scattered pet food, or broken gardens. Raccoon movement, scratching, or chattering in attics or walls in the night are great indicators of active presence of raccoons.
Examining Areas of Vulnerability
Complete examination of your grounds can show all possible points of entrance of raccoons before it becomes a big issue. Start with the roofline, looking through the loose shingles, busted vents and gaps between the roof and the walls. Check the eaves, soffits and fascia boards, whether they are old or damaged. Attic fans, chimneys and dryer vents should also be checked in relation to openings. Inspect gaps in the ground level, which could allow the entry of raccoons, such as inspect doors, vents, and windows. Any openings or weak points even small can act as access to these nimble creatures.
Raccoon Removal Preparation
The identification of entry points is an important step in the plan of eliminating the raccoons. When the possible entry points are detected, something can be done temporarily to avoid further intrusion, like placing one-way only doors or closing off the gaps with resilient material. It is imperative to organize these actions though, with professional raccoon removal services. Trying to close an entrance when the raccoons are already in the house may confine the animals and cause more problems. Licensed wildlife control professionals make sure that it is removed safely and humanely then permanently sealed.
Prevention Plans in the Long Run
Once the raccoons have been cleared there is the key to preventing future invasion in keeping your property. Prevention of raccoon can be done by repairing the damaged siding, repairing vents and putting chimney caps or mesh screens on the vents. I would also carry out regular check up, particularly during storms or change of season so that potential weaknesses would be prevented as early as possible. Professional removal of raccoons and active maintenance of property is a combination that will provide the secure environment and reduce the chances of the infestation happening again.
Homeowners can prevent raiding and damage by raccoons as well as minimize the health hazards by being cautious of areas through which they might enter and by acting swiftly. Professional intervention and early detection make the removal of raccoons more productive and avoid small problems developing into expensive costs.