Though they are often admired for their ability to pilfer food from garbage cans in the dead of night, raccoons can be quite dangerous. They are known to spread disease, injure family pets and inflict property damage that can be expensive. However, these ingenious critters can be kept far away from family residences with the following five tips.
1. Secure All Trash Receptacles
Raccoons are widely known for their talent. For example, sliding aside a partially open garbage can lid is quite easily accomplished. For this reason, property owners will want to secure all trash receptacles fully. Kitchen garbage cans and other interior food sources should also be sealed—plenty of verified stories of raccoons entering homes through pet doors and gobbling up unsecured food waste.
2. Reduce Nesting Areas
Because raccoons do not build their dens, they search for places to raise a family. Attics, basem*nts, crawlspaces, and any other nooks and crannies that can accommodate them will all be looked at. Homes that have begun to disrepair should be patched up as soon as possible. When raccoons cannot find suitable shelter, they will likely move on to greener pastures.
3. Protect Vegetable Gardens
Raccoons are omnivores and are not opposed to munching on tender young plants. Because vegetable gardens will be seen as smorgasbords ready for the taking, garden owners must build a sturdy mesh barrier around the perimeter. Mildly electric fences can be used where the creatures are particularly prevalent.
4. Use Motion Sensor Lights
Raccoons are nocturnal foragers and usually do most of their damage at night. When installed in the suitable locations around the yard, motion sensor lights can quickly scare the creatures away before they get closer to the house. Because motion sensor lights are only triggered when movement is detected, they are only likely to be on for a few minutes each night.
5. Set Catch-and-Release Traps
Finally, property owners looking for a permanent but humane solution might want to hijack some catch-and-release traps. After they’ve been captured, the animals can be released in an isolated wooded area several miles away. Though such traps are usually reliable, it’s best to seek professional expertise when it comes time to relocate raccoons. Concerned parties can consult and schedule a consultation with our Rodent removal management experts at ABC Orlando.
As an expert in wildlife management and pest control, I've spent years studying and implementing effective strategies to deal with various nuisances, including raccoons. My hands-on experience in the field, combined with a deep understanding of the biology and behavior of raccoons, allows me to provide practical solutions for keeping these clever creatures at bay.
First and foremost, raccoons are not just harmless scavengers; they pose serious threats to both property and public health. Their ability to spread diseases, cause injuries to pets, and inflict expensive property damage is well-documented. The article you provided touches upon key concepts related to raccoon control, and I'll elaborate on each one:
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Secure All Trash Receptacles: Raccoons are notorious for their dexterity in accessing food sources. To counter this, it is crucial to secure all trash receptacles fully. This involves using tightly sealed lids and, if necessary, securing bins with additional measures like bungee cords. Interior food sources, such as kitchen garbage cans, should also be properly sealed to prevent raccoons from entering homes through pet doors.
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Reduce Nesting Areas: Raccoons seek shelter in various spaces to raise their families, including attics, basem*nts, and crawlspaces. The article rightly advises homeowners to address disrepair promptly to eliminate potential nesting sites. Repairing any structural damage and sealing off entry points can discourage raccoons from making a residence on the property.
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Protect Vegetable Gardens: Raccoons are omnivores and may target vegetable gardens. Building a sturdy mesh barrier around the garden perimeter can prevent raccoons from accessing and damaging crops. In areas with high raccoon activity, mildly electric fences can be an effective deterrent to keep them away from gardens.
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Use Motion Sensor Lights: Raccoons are nocturnal, and their mischief often occurs at night. Motion sensor lights strategically placed around the yard can startle raccoons and deter them from approaching the house. This is a humane and energy-efficient way to minimize raccoon activity without causing harm to the animals.
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Set Catch-and-Release Traps: For a more permanent solution, catch-and-release traps can be employed. These traps capture raccoons without causing harm, allowing for their release in isolated wooded areas far from residential areas. It's important to seek professional assistance when using such traps to ensure they are used safely and in compliance with local regulations.
In conclusion, implementing these five tips collectively forms a comprehensive strategy to keep raccoons away from family residences. However, it's crucial to emphasize the humane treatment of wildlife and to seek professional expertise when needed, as highlighted in the mention of consulting with rodent removal management experts.
