How to Get Rid of Raccoons: Safe and Effective Methods for Your Home

Raccoons are incredibly cute to look at when they’re in the wild. However, these mid-size mammals with their signature masked faces and banded tails can wreak havoc on your home and property. To combat this problem, it’s essential to explore humane raccoon removal methods and get some preventative tips to keep your home raccoon-free.

Why Raccoon Control Is Important 

Raccoons don’t belong in human spaces. When they move indoors or set up their dens on your property, they can create widespread damage and pose health risks. Keeping raccoons away from your property is essential for the health and safety of your family, your garden, and your home.

Potential Damage and Health Risks Associated with Raccoons 

They may not mean to wreak havoc, but raccoons can be incredibly destructive. In addition to causing external damage to gardens, siding, and roof shingles, they can damage indoor elements like walls, insulation, and wiring. Additionally, they pose a significant health risk for humans and pets. Raccoons can carry numerous harmful diseases, including: 

• Rabies 
• Raccoon roundworm 
• Leptospirosis 
• Giardia 
• Salmonella 
• E. coli 

Signs of Raccoon Presence on Your Property 

Raccoons are nocturnal, which means they are typically most active at night. That means you might not see them sifting through your garbage or shimmying up the trellis to try to enter your attic. However, they will leave some telltale signs of their presence behind.

Common Indicators to Watch For 

You may be able to see signs of raccoons or hear them. A few things to look for include: 

• Trash thrown out of receptacles and spread out on the property 
• Paw prints with five “fingers”
• Droppings that are dark and tube-shaped with blunt ends 
• Damaged bird feeders
• Claw marks 
• Damage to plants, including garden crops 
• Property damage, such as widened or new holes in shingles and siding 
• Unexplained thuds or noises like hissing and chittering 

Inspecting for Nests or Entry Points 

Raccoons are clever opportunists that can exploit even relatively small holes to gain access to shelter. Inspect the roof line, foundation, and exterior of the home for any possible irregularities. Loose shingles, uncapped chimneys, broken vents, damaged siding, and other holes may all be indicators of raccoons coming and going. If you find nests nearby or inside sheds, attics, and crawlspaces, it’s a clear sign of raccoon activity on the property.

Raccoon Deterrents and Prevention Methods 

One of the most effective ways to prevent raccoon problems is to make your home and property unappealing to them. If they find consistent sources of food, water, and shelter, raccoons will return and potentially move in — with or without your permission.

Securing Trash and Food Sources 

They don’t call raccoons “trash pandas” for no reason. These animals are notorious for scavenging for food just about anywhere, including in garbage bags and bins. Because raccoons can often open garbage receptacles, it’s important to either secure the lids with a bungee cord, invest in pest-proof receptacles, or stow bins in locked outbuildings like sheds. Other steps to consider taking include: 

• Feed pets indoors, if possible, or restrict feeding to morning and afternoons, removing food before dark. 
• Use secure compost bins and locate them 20 feet or more away from the home. 
• Move bird feeders away from trees and use tall, thin poles with baffles to prevent raccoons from climbing them. 
• Add fencing around gardens and pick up fallen fruit and nuts.

Yard and Property Maintenance 

Piles of debris, leaves, and even firewood can make prime hiding spots for these crafty critters. Keep the yard mowed regularly and free of any debris. Getting rid of grubs and keeping other insects in check can also help reduce raccoons’ food sources. Additionally, trim tree limbs away from the house, as raccoons can climb trees, trellises, and downspouts to gain access to the roof and attic.

Natural and Effective Deterrents 

Raccoons have a sharp sense of smell, which is why many deterrents involve applying strongly scented products that will repel them. Other methods focus on startling these conflict-avoidant pests. A few examples to try include: 

• Spraying trash bins or the perimeter of the yard with a mixture of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and water 
• Making a repellent spray with peppermint essential oil and water 
• Using vinegar or ammonia to repel raccoons from specific areas 
• Installing motion-activated sprinklers 
• Planting lavender, marigolds, and garlic 
• Adding motion-sensor lights to vulnerable areas 
• Scattering coffee grounds in areas where raccoons gather 
• Implementing ultrasonic devices that emit sounds intended to ward off pests 

Humane Raccoon Removal Techniques 

Most states in the United States have laws and regulations surrounding trapping and handling raccoons. Raccoons don’t intentionally mean harm to humans. They are simply focused on survival, which is why it’s so important to rely on humane strategies for raccoon removal and prevention.

Safe and Humane Trapping Options 

Trapping and relocating raccoons can be safe and humane. However, trapping can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Calling a professional for help is advisable before using live cage traps. These humane traps are like long plastic boxes with air holes or cages with a sturdy structure. You place bait inside, and once the raccoon goes in, the trap triggers the door to close. This keeps raccoons safely inside until they can be relocated.

Sealing Entry Points to Prevent Reentry 

Removal is a great step forward, but making sure raccoons don’t return requires sealing things up and ensuring there are no cracks, gaps, or holes that they can use for re-entry. Raccoons are clever and can claw their way through even small holes to get back inside. Seal areas with 16-gauge wire mesh, metal flashing, or professional Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Systems, which provide a permanent barrier to entry. 

When to Call Professional Wildlife Control Services 

Although you can safely take preventative measures and implement deterrents, raccoons may still work their way inside. At that point, it’s time to call for help. Raccoons pose a health risk if you get bitten or scratched, and professionals have the training and equipment needed to maintain everyone’s safety.

Recognizing a Severe or Persistent Raccoon Problem 

Raccoons are nocturnal, so you might not see them in action, but you may notice signs that they are around. For example, you might see tracks in the dirt outside or wake up to garbage strewn across your yard. Inside, you might find piles of dark, tube-shaped droppings with blunt ends or hear noises like hissing, chittering, and screeches. Additionally, persistent raccoon problems are often accompanied by property damage, such as: 

• Damaged plants 
• Claw marks
• Torn siding
• New openings in shingles, walls, insulation, and ductwork 

Benefits of Hiring a Professional 

The last thing you want is to end up facing off with a raccoon that feels threatened or cornered. You also want to avoid inadvertently separating a mother from her pups. Professionals have the education and training that allows them to get to the heart of the situation. Additionally, working with the pros ensures safe, humane removal that keeps you and your family safe.

Contact USX Pest Control for Raccoon Control 

Partner with industry-leading experts to regain control of your property and ensure that the raccoons invading it are safely and humanely removed. Our technicians will perform a thorough inspection to determine why and how raccoons are getting in before coming up with a customized plan for success.

We will even help clean up, disinfect, and repair any damage left behind. Contact USX Pest Control to learn more about our professional raccoon control services or to schedule your inspection.