Raccoons in Indiana: An Environmental Impact Study

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Welcome to our deep dive into the world of raccoons in the Hoosier State. The common raccoon, a familiar sight in Indiana’s backyards, parks, and wilderness, plays a significant role in the state’s environmental landscape.

This blog post focuses on the environmental impact of these fascinating creatures, shedding light on the importance of raccoon control and the symbiotic relationships they maintain with their surroundings. Join us as we explore the influence of raccoons on our environment, from their role in the ecosystem to the challenges they pose, and the importance of effective management strategies.

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The Common Raccoon: A Keystone Species

The Common raccoon, scientifically known as Procyon lotor, is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. These adaptable creatures have established a thriving population in Indiana, thanks to their ability to survive in diverse habitats and feed on a wide range of food sources. While they may seem like pesky pests to some, raccoons are considered a keystone species in the state’s ecosystem. This means that their presence has a significant impact on the health and balance of their environment.

The Role of Raccoons in the Ecosystem

Raccoons play many vital roles in Indiana’s ecosystem. As omnivores, they feed on both plants and animals, making them important in maintaining a balanced food web. Their diet consists of fruits, nuts, insects, small vertebrates, and even garbage. By consuming a variety of foods, raccoons help control populations of pests like rodents and insects. Additionally, their foraging behavior helps disperse seeds and pollen, contributing to the growth and diversity of plant species in the state.

Challenges Posed by Raccoons

While raccoons are an essential part of Indiana’s environment, they can also present challenges. As opportunistic animals, they may cause damage to crops, gardens, flowerbeds, and all sorts of interior and exterior property if not properly managed. Their scavenging habits can lead them to come into contact with humans and domestic pets, potentially spreading diseases such as rabies and distemper. Furthermore, their adaptability and high reproductive rate can lead to overpopulation, causing conflicts with other species and disrupting natural balances.

The Importance of Raccoon Control

To mitigate the challenges posed by raccoons, it is crucial to implement effective environmental modifications and management strategies. This includes measures such as securing garbage cans, sealing entry points to homes and buildings, and avoiding leaving out food sources that may attract raccoons. In cases of overpopulation, it is necessary to implement responsible and humane population control methods. These efforts not only protect human health and property but also ensure the well-being of raccoons by preventing overcrowding and resource depletion.

Common Signs of a Raccoon Infestation

1. Droppings

One of the most common signs of a raccoon infestation is droppings. Raccoon droppings are typically dark in color and measure around two to three inches in length. They may be found near food sources, such as garbage cans or pet food dishes, or in areas where raccoons have been nesting, such as attics or sheds. If you find any droppings, it is important to contact a pest control professional for assistance.

2. Damage to Property

Raccoons can cause significant damage to your property if they gain access. This damage can include chewed wires and insulation, ripped shingles, and torn screens. Additionally, they may also cause damage to potted plants, gardens, and lawns by digging for grubs and other insects. If you notice any of these signs of damage on your property, it is likely that you have an infestation.

3. Noises

Another sign of a raccoon infestation is noises coming from the attic or other parts of the home at night. Raccoons are nocturnal animals so they will be most active during the night hours when humans are asleep. If you hear scurrying noises or scratching sounds coming from inside your walls or attic, it is likely that you have an infestation.

In Summary

Raccoons are an integral part of Indiana’s environment, playing a significant role in maintaining its health and balance. While their presence may pose challenges, the importance of effective raccoon control cannot be overstated. By understanding the impact of these creatures on our ecosystem and implementing responsible management strategies, we can ensure a healthy coexistence between humans and raccoons in Indiana.

Hopefully this blog post has helped provide useful information on Indy’s local raccoon populations. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Preventing Raccoons from Entering Your Attic – Tips & Tricks

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Raccoons are a common problem for many homeowners. Not only do they rummage through your garbage and eat your pet’s food, but they can also cause serious damage to your home by entering the attic and creating nests. Raccoon infestations in attics can be dangerous due to their sharp claws and teeth, so it is important to take steps to prevent them from getting into your space in the first place. Continue below for tips and tricks on how you can keep raccoons out of your attic!

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How to Stop Raccoons From Getting Inside the Attic

1. Securely Seal Gaps in Your Home: Raccoons can squeeze through small gaps and openings, so it is important to make sure that all of your doors, windows, vents, and other potential entry points are securely sealed with caulking or steel mesh. This will help keep them out of your attic and other areas of the home.

2. Install Raccoon Repellents: There are many types of repellents available on the market that can be used to prevent raccoons from entering your attic. These include sound-based repellents that emit a high-frequency noise when triggered; ultrasonic devices that produce a pulse of sound waves; motion activated lights that glare at the intruder; and scent-based repellents that use natural animal odors to repel the animals.

3. Hire a Professional Raccoon Removal Service: If you have a raccoon problem in your attic, it is important to hire a licensed and insured Nashville raccoon removal service to safely and humanely remove them from your premises. These services will also be able to check for other potential entry points and provide advice on how to better secure your home against future intrusions. They may also provide attic restoration and infestation cleanup services.

By following these simple tips and tricks, you can help prevent raccoons from entering your attic and create a safe environment for your family. If you suspect that you already have an infestation or need assistance with raccoon exclusion, make sure to contact experienced professionals who can help protect your home from these furry pests.

What to Look for in a Professional Raccoon Removal Service

Raccoons can be a nuisance in your home or business, and it’s important to get them removed as soon as possible. But finding the right professional raccoon removal service can be tricky. Not all services are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one.

Here is what you should look for when selecting a professional for wildlife control service:

▶ Experience – The best way to make sure that the job will be done correctly is by hiring an experienced company with years of experience in raccoon removal and control. Ask about their success rate and how long they have been in business.

▶ Reputation – Read reviews from previous customers online or ask friends and family for references if they’ve used a particular service before. That way you know exactly what kind of results you can expect from the company.

▶ Quality Equipment – Make sure that the company uses top quality equipment to ensure safety during the process of removing any wild animals from your property. 4) Humane Practices – It’s also important to choose a company that practices humane methods when dealing with wildlife, such as trapping and releasing animals back into their natural habitat whenever possible instead of killing them off completely.

▶ Insurance – Choose a service that is insured and licensed by the state to guarantee they are qualified to do the job. This protects you and all other parties from certain liabilities.

By taking into account these factors, you can be sure to find a professional raccoon removal service that will get rid of your problem in an efficient manner. Remember, it’s important to act quickly when it comes to raccoons as they can cause serious damage if not taken care of properly. With the right wildlife control company, you can rest assured that your home or business will be free from any unwanted guests soon enough.

Hopefully this blog post has given you some useful information on raccoon removal from attics and residential settings. But if you have any questions or concerns related to coons Nashville, Tennessee, contact the licensed and insured wildlife control operators at Budget Animal Removal, today. Dial 615-337-9165 to learn about our animal removal services for raccoons and more.

Tips for Dealing with Raccoons this Winter Season

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Budgetanimal

As winter bellows on, many homeowners are starting to worry about the potential for raccoons in their attics and other living spaces. Raccoon infestations can be a huge nuisance and even dangerous if not dealt with properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of having an issue with raccoons this winter season.

In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips on how to prevent or get rid of raccoon problems in and around your home. We’ll discuss things like proper garbage disposal techniques, exclusion methods, trapping and more so that you can keep raccoons away from your property all year-round!

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Garbage Security

One of the best ways to prevent raccoon problems is to keep your garbage contained and secured. Raccoons are attracted to sources of food, so make sure that you are not providing them with a free meal in the form of an easily accessible trash can or compost bin. Securely fasten lids on all containers and use bungee cords, if necessary, to make sure that raccoons can’t get into your garbage.

Sealing and Repair

Another way to deter raccoons is to deny them access to the area around your home. If there are gaps or holes in attics, soffit areas or other living spaces, it makes it easy for a raccoon to gain entry. Seal off any potential entry points with heavy-duty mesh or hardware cloth and make sure to caulk all cracks and crevices. Additionally, always make sure that your pet doors are securely fastened when not in use.

Non-Toxic Repellent

If you’re looking for an effective way to keep raccoons out of your yard without risking any damage or harm, consider investing in a non-toxic raccoon control product. Such products utilize natural materials like pungent herbs and sprays that feature citronella oils or vinegar that help keep raccoons away without causing harm to the animals. They also help deter other problematic critters such as mice, skunks, and rabbits.

Professional Raccoon Control Service

Finally, if all else fails, contact a licensed pest control professional who can help determine the best course of action for your raccoon problem. They can provide advice on how to deal with the situation and implement an appropriate removal or control program.

Stay on Top of Winter Raccoon Control

Following these simple tips can help you prevent or get rid of raccoons this winter season. Remember, proper garbage disposal techniques, exclusion methods, trapping and professional help are all viable options when it comes to raccoon control. Stay safe and keep these tips in mind for dealing with raccoons this winter season.

Are raccoons becoming a nuisance around your residential or commercial property in Indiana? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

How to Stop Raccoons From Digging Up Your Potted Plants

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Raccoons are hungrier than your typical omnivore. As notorious opportunistic eaters, coons will eat almost anything, and will go to great lengths to get what they want. Dumpsters, garbage cans, pet dishes, gardens, fruit trees, and even garage refrigerators are common meal tickets for raccoons. Being that it is nearly summer, raccoons are relishing in all the new flora available to them. As a result, many homeowners are finding their precious, carefully-curated garden containers and potted plants pillaged night after night. If this is happening to your plants, you can likely blame local raccoons.

Continue reading to learn how to stop raccoons from digging up your potted plants, plus some additional animal-proofing tips that will benefit you year-round.

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Raccoons are an Omnivorous Species

The challenge with nuisance raccoon activity is the fact that it generally takes place at night, so all you see is the mess they leave behind in the morning. Raccoons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and plant matter, including insects, fish, small lizards, small birds, eggs, fruit, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, fungi, and more.

If you are growing something that is deemed tasty to a raccoon, which is basically anything edible aside from hot peppers—even if you have just planted fresh seeds, you can expect hungry raccoons to sniff them out. And they will not hesitate to yank plants and bulbs right out of the pot! You see, raccoons have an advantage with this because they are equipped with human-like paws that are very dexterous. They can dig, grip, maneuver, and pull plants easier than we can!

Inedible Plants are Still Attractive to Raccoons

Even if you are growing something that is not meant to be consumed, or a plant that raccoons hate, like hot peppers, menthol, and eucalyptus, they might still dig for it. This is because the enriched soil your flowers are planted in contains juicy grubs that raccoons eat like popcorn. They can smell these grubs and will track them down by pulling out your flowers and digging through the soil. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent raccoons from destroying all your potted masterpieces.

How to Raccoon-Proof Your Yard

To prevent raccoons from pillaging your potted plants, plus avoid attracting more nuisance wildlife to your property, you need to secure some boundaries. Start by moving all of your potted plants indoors at night, then returning them to their designated space in the morning. Raccoons are intelligent, and they will pick up on the fact that their favorite snacks are no longer available on your property.

You can also think about installing a chicken wire or a temporary fence to keep your pots and plants behind at night. Other ways to prevent raccoons from entering your property is to remove all water and food sources, including bird baths, fountains, pet food, squirrel feeders, and garbage cans. Be sure to also caulk all crevices and gaps in roof shingles, windows, under patios, and decks.

Are you looking for a more professional and advanced approach to long-term raccoon control? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 to get rid of raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana at a price you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Repel Raccoons With Strategic Gardening

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Stop nuisance raccoon tampering and pillaging this Spring with these simple and effective, animal-proofing garden tips!

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Raccoon Control Strategies For Spring

There are several strategies that work against raccoon trespassing and intrusions, but to achieve lasting success, it is best to combine multiple animal-proofing strategies, year-round. As for spring and summer, you can choose to simply plant some new kinds of plants in your garden!

You see, certain plants repel raccoons because they do not like the taste, feel, or smell of them. Planting these plants can be a fun and effective way to keep raccoons out of your gardens and away from your landscaping. And best of all, it is a project the whole family can get involved in!

Bad Tastes

Food is one of the top motivators that attract raccoons to residential and urban areas. If the food they find tastes bad to them or produces an undesirable effect, they will remember and not come back for more. Certain plants and foods are too spicy or taste bad to raccoons, as they have a sensitive palate. Plants that raccoons do not like the taste of includes hot peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, and Goji berries.

Bad Smells

Just like taste, smell is important to raccoons. Certain plants and flora give off scents that raccoons are sensitive to or simply do not like. Plants in the mint family, namely peppermint, or even garlic are great natural repellents to consider adding to your garden. These smells are just too strong for raccoons, and they do their best to avoid them.

Bad Sensations

Raccoons have very sensitive paws. For this reason, they avoid walking in areas that hurt their feet and handling items that hurt their paws. Prickly plants and foods are some of those areas and items. Raccoons do not like to walk on or touch prickly or thorny plants, like globe thistle, cucumbers, anything in the squash family, rose bushes, and more. Planting these items in your garden or around your home can keep raccoons away.

Do you think you might have raccoons in the attic or around your house? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee critter control for raccoons and more. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Why You Need to Get Rid of Raccoons Right Now

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Budgetanimal

There are many reasons why you need to get rid of raccoons as soon as they begin to show signs of being a problem. Digging up lawns, pillaging gardens, plundering, pet food, infesting attics, soiling crawlspaces, and spreading disease are just some of the risks taken on by increasing recommend activity in your property. Such animal damages can lead to excessively high renovation bills, and worse, pose all sorts of health and safety risks.

As many already know, raccoons are known carriers of the Rabies virus, but also several other transmissible diseases, like leptospirosis, roundworm, distemper, lice, mites, fleas, ticks, and more. Needless to say, you do not want raccoons anywhere near your property. If there’s anything you can do about it. Fortunately, raccoon abatement and exclusion are possible with the right knowledge and methodologies.

Continue reading to learn more about why you need to get rid of raccoons right now and how to get started doing it today.

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Raccoon Animal Damages

Damages can become extreme and require costly renovation and repairs if left alone for long periods of time. It only takes one season for a raccoon colony to cause a heap of destruction in your home. The combination of their urine, droppings, birthing debris, and decayed food scraps are known to cause unsightly leaks in the walls and ceilings, unbearable odors inside the home, and upper respiratory illnesses.

Raccoon Diseases and Parasites

Overall, their mere presence is a threat to your health since they are known carriers of several infectious and transmissible diseases. Common raccoon diseases include Rabies, distemper, Leptospirosis, roundworm, mange, lice, ticks, and fleas. These illnesses are threats to both people and pets, making adequate raccoon control a top priority in areas with large raccoon populations.

Animal Proofing Against Raccoons

For these reasons and more, it is important to get rid of raccoons immediately after discovering them on your property. If you have only spotted them outside, then it is best to have your home inspected for holes and vulnerable spots, and seal them up before winter is here. Then implement certain practices to keep raccoons away from your property, such as removing pet food from outside, locking trash can lids, installing motion sensor lighting, and more.

Do you have raccoons in the attic or raccoons disturbing your property? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for professional raccoon control in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial services at the most competitive prices around.

Top Recommended Raccoon-Proofing Strategies

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Raccoons are known to use our homes and outdoor spaces as a source for food and shelter. Because they are excellent climbers and retain dexterous paws for gripping, clasping, and grabbing, raccoons are highly capable of accessing any area they choose, and even more capable of causing extreme damage and mayhem. If you live in a region with heightened raccoon activity, it would be wise to consider animal-proofing. Start by incorporating some preventative maintenance systems around your property to build a basic level of animal intrusion and tampering security.

Continue reading to learn some top-recommended animal-proofing strategies that will protect your home and property against nuisance raccoons.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

There are several ideas homeowners and raccoon control specialists have thought of to keep raccoons away and stop them from getting inside our homes. Most of these remedies have proven to be quite effective as long as they are executed properly. Never, under any circumstances, attempt to catch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon.

If you already have raccoons in your house and need them removed, contact a licensed and insured Indianapolis critter control company for 24 hour emergency animal removal service for raccoons. They will use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons and transport them to a faraway habitat.

Animal Proofing Tips for Raccoon Control:

► Homemade Raccoon Repellent

These homemade, nontoxic raccoon repellents do not harm raccoons, but they will irritate their senses and disgust their taste buds. Tastes, scents, and sensations that are most hated by raccoons include ground red pepper, ammonia, cinnamon, paprika, eucalyptus, menthol, and black pepper. Add these ingredients into a spray bottle filled with water, or simply sprinkle a mixture around the perimeter of your property and in areas of heightened raccoon activity.

► Store-Bought Animal Repellent

If you do not wish to make your own repellent, there are a few store-bought products that work just as well. One such product is called, “Shake Away”. It is a granular predator urine-based product. You apply it the same as the homemade repellent mixtures. It gives off the scent of predator urine, such as fox, coyote, and bobcat; making raccoons and other critters believe there is danger nearby. This product is worth the extra money because it stays in place longer. It will not wash right away in rain or bad weather. They do not smell or create a mess either.

► Exterior Sealing and Fortification

Windows, porch cracks, garage doors, sheds, barns, and more need to be inspected to ensure there are no access areas or vulnerable spots. As mentioned before, raccoons have very dexterous paws and can manipulate door handles and pry open windows and more. It is vital to have a professional inspect your home entirely to be sure there are no access points that a raccoon can enter through. If there are, these spots need sealed right away. Included in this inspection are also roof shingles, crawl spaces, attics, and even children’s jungle gyms.

► Environmental Modification

Environmental modification means making changes to your surrounding environment by removing anything that might attract raccoons to your premises, namely food, water, and shelter. For example, do not leave your trash or garbage outside overnight. Raccoons are nocturnal and will smell your trash from a mile away. This is like leaving out a free meal for the local raccoon colony. Always take trash out the morning of garbage pickup day. Also, do not leave pet food dishes outdoors. Raccoons love pet food because it is a protein-rich tasty meal to them. They love it and will remember to come back for it, night after night.

► Professional Raccoon Control Service

The Average Cost of Raccoon Removal Service

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Continue below to learn what you need to know about hiring a professional critter control service to get rid of raccoons, including how much it might cost and who to trust for exceptional raccoon removal in Central Indiana.

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Raccoons are a Common Nuisance Species in Indiana

Raccoons will use just about any space they can access for shelter, both inside or outside of a dwelling. Common areas include hollowed trees and tree trunks, barns, sheds, garages, attics, crawl spaces, porches, patios, decks, walls, roofs, and even pet houses, tree houses, and jungle gyms. Raccoons will seek out these areas for warm and dry shelter, safety from predators, and secure breeding.

The problem with sharing your property with raccoons, whether residential or commercial, is the damage they cause, but more so, the transmissible diseases and pests their presence can spread to both humans and pets.

Cost Averages for Professional Raccoon Control Service

A do-it-yourself (DIY) raccoon control job will cost much less, but will not be as effective, or effective at all for that matter. The best method of protecting your property from destruction and danger posed by nuisance raccoons is to hire a licensed and insured Indianapolis wildlife control company for expert raccoon removal and control service.

They have the industry know-how and resources to safely extract raccoons, cleanup after them, restore attic insulation and drywall, and prevent wild animal intrusions in the future. They can provide all of these services in a time frame that is convenient for you, and at a reasonable cost.

► Over-the-Phone Coaching – $300 Per Hour

Some companies offer written or oral instructions for animal identification and DIY removal, but this is NOT recommended. Many professional wildlife removal companies will offer free raccoon removal advice over the phone or via email.

► Raccoon Extraction – $150 Service Fee – $75 to $250 Hourly

These rates fluctuate and largely depend on the company’s business model, the type of animal, the number of trips it requires, and the complexity of the project. Some companies charge flat rate fees for a certain type of animal and increase those fees for larger quantities. Basically, raccoon removal can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000, depending on the circumstances.

► Infestation Cleanup and Decontamination – $150 to $500 (or More)

Depending on the amount of damage and risk, the cost of raccoon cleanup and sanitation will vary.

► Animal Damage Restoration – $300 to $2,000 (or More)

Some companies offer minor restoration services for raccoon damages, such as insulation replacement and drywall repair. But the cost for these services varies depending on the extent of damages. It is best to hire a company for an estimate and compare estimates for the best overall deal.

Do you have a nuisance raccoon problem around your home or business? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed wildlife removal services for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients all throughout the central part of the state.

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Types of Dangerous Parasites Found in Raccoons

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Raccoons are known to carry bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. These diseases can be transmitted to other mammals by saliva entering the blood stream, scratches, bites, feces, and more. Bacterial infections like Leptospirosis are well-known, as are common viral infections like Rabies; but many are unaware of the parasitic diseases that are common to the raccoon species.

Continue reading to learn the two most common types of parasites that can be carried and transmitted by raccoons, and how to protect your loved ones and pets from exposure.

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Common Raccoon Parasites That Can Be Passed On to People and Pets

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal parasitic disease in raccoons. Raccoons are not carriers or “passers” of this disease, but it is possible for raccoons to become infected. It is caused by Toxoplasma Gondii, which is an essential, single-celled intracellular parasitic protozoan. As for raccoons, it is generally associated with immunosuppression, resulting from the common virus, canine distemper. Raccoons can become infected by ingesting the parasites eggs in some way or another. There are no concrete signs of this parasitic disease in raccoons, but it is contagious and can be passed along to humans and pets.

Baylisascaris Procyonis – Racoon Roundworm

Also known as raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris Procyonis is a common parasitic disease found and carried in several raccoon species. This disease can be transmitted through an animal bite or by ingesting its eggs. Other hosts pass along this disease through feces as well. Although raccoons are immune to this disease, it can cause severe illness or even death to other mammals, including humans. Signs include a wide range of serious affects, including blindness, central nervous system diseases, and more. Avoiding contact with all wild animals is the best way to prevent contracting raccoon roundworm and other dangerous illnesses.

Hire Professional Raccoon Control Services

If you have a raccoon problem on your property, call a licensed Nashville Tennessee animal removal service to safely remove raccoons and prevent their return. You can also implement several precautions to ensure raccoons are no longer a threat to your house or loved ones, such as using non-toxic repellents, installing motion-detection lighting, securing garbage can lids, sealing your attic and crawl spaces, and much more. A professional critter control specialist can help you with all the proper raccoon abatement systems and implementations to better secure your protect your premises from wildlife threats and tampering.

Are you dealing with pesky raccoons around your property? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured animal removal and control for raccoons in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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What to Do if You Have a Raccoon in the Basement

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Right now, raccoons are in search of dens to reproduce and raise their young for the spring. Unfortunately, the raccoons that live near urban areas prefer attics, crawl spaces, and basement in place of a den. This means nuisance raccoons are more of a problem this time of year than any other. So, it is likely to come across a raccoon in the basement, or other area of your property.

If you currently have a raccoon stuck or living in your basement, continue reading to learn how to get it out.

How to Protect Your Basement Against Raccoon Intrusions

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in the House

Raccoons usually prefer higher levels of residence, so if you have a raccoon in the basement, it is likely that there are more in the attic or other area of your property. In basements, they generally like to use the tops of water heaters, water softeners, and furnace units to house their nests. Look here first to see if there are signs of raccoon activity. There are several reasons why a raccoon might have decided to take shelter in your particular basement. Perhaps you left pet food outside, or a window wasn’t sealed properly. Either way, the raccoon chose your basement, so now it’s up to you to choose your next move.

Here’s what to do if you have a raccoon in your basement or cellar:

► Locate All Entry Points. This is sometimes tricky to do without the help and resources of a wildlife control contractor, but it can still be done if you have the proper methods. Look all around the exterior of your home, and inspect for loose roof shingles, loose siding, warped patio boards, torn gutters, and any other irregularities that may suggest animals were trying to get inside. Also check the seals on your windows and doors to be sure animals cannot pry their way inside. Do the same for garage doors.

If you are lucky enough to blatantly see a raccoon entry and exit hole, so not seal it up just yet. But sprinkle white flour in front of the hole, and then the next day, see which direction the paw prints head, in or out. If you notice it is an exit, then that same night, close it up so the raccoon cannot return. Then call a professional Indianapolis critter control company to fully inspect, clean, and secure your home against raccoons.

If You Can’t Get the Raccoon to Leave…

► Use Food as Bait to Lure Raccoons Outside. Place food items, like cheese or fruit, just outside the hole to lure the raccoon out. Once it is out, you can then close the entry point to exclude the raccoon from reentering.

► Before You Seal the Hole, Check for Raccoon Babies First. You do not want to lure a mother raccoon out of your basement, and leave behind her pups that will die and decay in your home. Before permanently sealing off the entry/exit hole, be sure there are no raccoon litters in your attic or basement. If you find none, close the hole and then call a licensed wildlife control contractor for safe and secure raccoon removal services.

Please keep in mind that it is immoral, and illegal, to trap, harm, or kill wild raccoons without the proper licensing. Always call a trusted wildlife control company for non-lethal and professional raccoon removal services.

Do you have a raccoon infestation in your house or business? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured Indianapolis, Indiana critter control you can afford. We also provide cleanup and repair for animal damages and infestations.

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