Many consumer’s first inclinations, when faced with this kind of problem, is that they must be killed. Not only does this offend many animal rights groups, but it is also actually the wrong strategy. Killing a family of raccoons will just open the door for another family to take their place. They can tell when a raccoon den is vacant and they will just move in. You get to deal with the problem all over again.
The best approach by far is to block all possible entrances with heavy gauge wire mesh to stop them from getting into your home. If you block one area, they will just find another so examine your entire home for possible entry points and place the wire mesh over them. Use strong screws screw nailed into the wood and seal around the entry point with caulking.
If it is possible that the raccoons are actually inside your attic, for example, you need to make sure they can get out. Most experts will agree that the best way is to install a one-way baffle door so they can get out but not back into the attic. After a few weeks when your sure they are out you can replace the baffle with a more permanent covering.
If they have babies inside your attic, you have one of two choices available. Install the baffle as mentioned above and then once the parents are out, go in the attic and remove the babies. If you do not do this the parents may literally tear your roof apart to rescue them. Be sure to wear a mask when in the attic to avoid breathing the dust and dry feces which could be floating in the air.
The other approach is to wait until the babies can travel, install the baffle, and make sure they are all able to get out of the den in your attic. It means more damage, but these are really the only two choices you have.
For more posts about removing raccoons, click here.
Raccoons are intelligent and have amazing dexterity in their paws. If they can find something…
Raccoons exist in virtually every city across North America and these pesky animals have adapated…
Raccoons can easily climb brick walls. Raccoons climb brick walls as easily as you and…
This homeowner has a huge problem. Not only have raccoons invaded his attic. They have…
If you have raccoons living in your area or worse in your home, you need…
If you have raccoon droppings on my roof that look like this, chances are you…