Suburban Raccoons

The picture on the left is pretty typical of the damage that raccoons can do when they get into your attic and set up a home. In this case, they have easy access from the roof. They have just pushed anything they do not want out onto the roof! Raccoon attic damage can be messy, increase your heating bills and contaminate your home as well.

They have easy access and so does the rain and snow which can cause more problems than just the raccoons. The rain and snow will cause water to get inside introducing mold and water damage to your walls and floors. A simple hole on the side of your home can transition into thousands of dollars in raccoon attic damages. Do something about it quickly.

The raccoons themselves have damaged your house. They have torn the wall apart and they have torn some of the insulation out. Which is going to mean that your home is now not as well insulated. In addition, they will leave feces and urine inside your home. Which over time is going to cause more problems. These include a bad smell and also chances of infectious materials being left in your home.

Call a Professional Raccoon Attic Removal Company

Forget about trapping them or trying to scare them away. Most urban raccoons have seen it all. They are very careful of anything that could represent a danger for them. In addition, even if you could trap them unless you complete repairs properly another family is just going to make a new hole and set up a shop.

The best way to get them out is to install a one-way trap door over the opening so they can get out but not back in. Once they are out the company you hire can replace the one-way trap door with a more permanent wire mesh covering. They can never get back in at that particular spot.  You will want to make repairs first to the siding or the soffit before placing the wire mesh over the opening.

Make Sure the Pups are Old Enough

If there are baby raccoons inside your home, you have to wait until they are old enough to get out on their own. Otherwise, the parents once they are locked out will literally tear your roof apart to try to rescue their young. They are very protective and will do just about anything to rescue them.

The other approach is to make sure the parents are out and if you can gain access to the young pups get them out yourself. Be careful you do not cause more damage. Wear a mask to avoid ingesting any spores and dust into your lungs which can cause serious health issues.

Hire Professionals who Know What they are Doing

If someone tries to tell you that they are going to trap them and remove the raccoons this way, tell them not to bother. First the raccoons are unlikely to enter the trap. Second, other raccoons in the area will eventually move into the now-vacated den. You need to put the wire mesh over the opening anyway so you may as well do the job the right way the first time.

Lastly, many local bylaws require that trapped animals be dropped off within a half-mile of where they were caught. This is next to useless. They will just come back to your home the same night or perhaps the next night.

Finally, have the company you are working with cover all other areas that are potential entry points for raccoons, squirrels and birds. You may as well get the job done right the first time. Above all, there is no need to call them back sometime later.

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