The National Geographic reports that raccoons in urban areas are far more smarter in adapting to the environment than those in rural areas. 80% of the city-breeders can access garbage bins to scour for food while the rural raccoons looked on. For residents in the neighbourhood, their ingenious adaptation skills are however nothing to applaud about. Who wants the invaders messing up their bins, backyards or garden produce?
Raccoons are also known to spread dangerous diseases like rabies. They were the most frequently reported species to spread rabies in 2014, followed by bats, skunks, and foxes. They are nocturnal creatures who creep in at night and create havoc. If you wake in the morning and see droppings on your property, you know who is responsible. Call a licensed pest control company like Action Pest Control at once to have the dung removed. You may contract an infection if you attempt to do it yourself.
Burlington Pest Control helps residents get rid of pests, bugs and rodents effectively, identify and seal entry points, and schedule the regular inspection to keep them at bay. We also give you tips on how to keep them off or tackle them yourself, safely. Take a look at some of the preventive measures below.
4 Tips to Prevent Raccoon Invasion in Your Backyard
Seal Garbage Bins
Your garbage bin is a gourmet restaurant for a raccoon. They are omnivorous creatures who feast on just about anything to fill their bellies. Ensure your bin has a tight fitting lid to keep them away. Don’t leave litter lying around. Remove paper and food spills in your home and yard. Avoid leaving pet food outside. Remove bird feeders and fountains too. Raccoons and other wildlife creatures are always on the lookout for water sources as much as food. Get rid of dry leaves and debris as they make perfect piles for raccoons to play hide and seek with you. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home when the weather turns cooler.
Seal Points of Entry
Raccoons are smart, crafty and highly observant. They can locate and creep in from all kinds of openings to look for food. Look out for broken vents, uncapped chimneys and tree branches near the window. Cover them with heavy material, metal flashing, sheet metal or wire mesh and trim branches to stop them from slipping in. If you have berry bushes, discard the berries lying on the ground. If raccoons enter, avoid closing an entryway until you are sure that all raccoons have left. A trapped young raccoon or an adult can be highly unsafe for your family.
One-Way Doors
Use a single door to get raccoons out of attics and crawl spaces so that they are unable to get back inside once they have left. Call a professional if you are unable to get them out. They make sure that the mother is not isolated from the youngsters and the little ones are not trapped.
Bright Lights
Raccoons like quiet, peaceful surroundings to reside in. Install bright motion-sensing lights in the patio or indoor areas visited by raccoons. Put on the radio or music if required. Human voices can scare them away. The pungent smell of vinegar can often drive raccoons away. Fill up a bowl and place it in key areas so they seek shelter elsewhere.
If you need help to drive out raccoons, rodents or pests, call Action Pest Control at once.
All credit goes to Action Pest Control
