Suburban Raccoons

Many consumers try a do it yourself approach to removing raccoons. If they have gotten into the attic or somewhere else in their home it can be a big problem. There certainly is no reason you cannot do this job by yourself. You can save money by not hiring a professional, however, there are lots of thing s that consumers need to know when removing raccoons. We review some of the main items that will not only protect your health, but also keep you from being arrested, and make your job easier as well. Being prepared will make sure that you get them out, they stay out and your home is not damaged further. In addition, your health will not be compromised. Health issues are serious and should be considered before trying to remove them yourself.

Removing Raccoons – Health Issues

Always wear a face mask that protects you from breathing dust particles that are stirred up when going into the attic or the den. Raccoons are infected with microscopic worms. These worms can cause lots of problems for humans even death. You really need to protect yourself with a mask and proper clothing.

They also bite and scratch, so make sure that you are also wearing protective clothing and gloves.  Adult raccoons can be quite ferocious and will defend themselves. In rare cases, they could also be infected with rabies and you do not want to risk being bitten by an infected raccoon.

Removing Raccoons – Be Aware of Local Bylaws

In many areas, cities and towns will have local bylaws designed to prevent cruelty to animals including raccoons that live in your home. You cannot kill them or mistreat them. If you trapped them with a live animal trap you cannot let them out any further than a mile away from your home. Raccoons with babies that are younger than 6 weeks must be left n place. If you remove young pups they must be placed in a box outside with water so the parents can find them and take them away. People have been arrested and charged for not following these bylaws. If you are faced with this situation you will be angry and upset. Take a moment to think the situation through and then follow the laws and do the right thing.

Removing Raccoons – Keeping them Out

By far the best way to keep raccoons out is first to install a one-way trap door over the entrance so that they get out but not back in. Once they are out to remove the trap door. Then install heavy gauge wire mesh over the entrance so that they can never get back in. Cover all other potential entrances at the same time. If you do not block the entrance, even though they have been removed another family or even the same family of raccoons will just move back in. Keep the raccoons out on a permanent basis by doing the job right in the first place. Trapping is really a waste of time and money.

You may also have to remove the insulation inside your home if they have been there for a while. The insulation will be soaked with urine and there will be lots of feces or raccoon scat lying around. Hire experts to dispose of it properly and avoid getting infected yourself.

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