Raccoons in the Backyard: An Effective Approach to Control

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Budgetanimal

Raccoons are increasingly becoming common visitors in urban and suburban areas, much to the concern of homeowners and gardeners. These intelligent and adaptable creatures can cause significant disruptions in residential settings, leading many to seek effective ways to keep them at bay. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore raccoon behavior, identify signs of their presence, and provide humane solutions for managing raccoons in your backyard.

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Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, known for their dexterity and curiosity. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat almost anything, which is why residential areas with readily available food sources are so attractive to them. Gardens, garbage bins, bird feeders, and pet food left outside are all common attractions.

Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Residential Areas

Food Availability: Easy access to food sources such as garbage, compost, and pet food.
Shelter: Safe nesting spots like attics, sheds, garages, and even under decks.
Water Sources: Bird baths, ponds, and pet water dishes.

Potential Risks of Raccoons in Backyards

While raccoons can seem harmless, they pose several risks:

Damage to Property: Raccoons can tear up gardens, raid garbage bins, and cause structural damage while seeking shelter.
Health Risks: They can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.
Conflict with Pets: Raccoons can be aggressive if they feel threatened, posing a risk to household pets.

Signs of Raccoon Presence

Identifying whether raccoons are visiting your backyard involves looking for specific signs:

Footprints: Raccoon tracks resemble small human hands and are often found near food sources or entry points.
Scattered Trash: Tipped over garbage bins with rubbish strewn about.
Garden Damage: Dug-up plants and vegetables are a tell-tale sign.
Nests: Evidence of nesting in attics, sheds, or under decks.
Raccoon Droppings: Feces can often be found in the same spot, typically on flat surfaces like roofs or decks.

Effective and Safe Raccoon Deterrents

Implementing environmentally friendly and humane methods to deter raccoons is critical. Here are some effective strategies:

Securing Garbage and Compost

Use Raccoon-Proof Bins: Invest in heavy-duty garbage cans with locking lids.
Double Bag Trash: Reduce odors by double-bagging and securely tying trash bags.
Compost Management: Use enclosed compost bins and avoid composting animal products.

Protecting Your Garden and Poultry

Fencing: Install fencing around gardens and poultry enclosures. Ensure the fencing is buried at least a foot underground to prevent burrowing.
Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: These can startle raccoons and make your yard less inviting.
Netting and Covers: Use netting to protect fruit trees and vegetable gardens.

Natural Deterrents

Predator Urine: Products containing coyote or fox urine can deter raccoons.
Spicy Repellents: Capsaicin-based sprays can be applied to plants or garbage areas.
Noise Makers: Ultrasonic devices can deter raccoons but ensure they are safe for pets.
Strategic Gardening: Certain plants like marigolds, daffodils, and alliums are known to repel raccoons.

When to Seek Professional Raccoon Control

Sometimes, despite best efforts, raccoon problems persist. Situations warranting professional assistance include:

Persistent Infestations: Continuous raccoon activity despite implementing deterrents.
Attic or Structural Invasions: Raccoons nesting in hard-to-reach areas of your home.
Health Concerns: If raccoons appear sick or aggressive, professional intervention is necessary.

Choosing Ethical and Reputable Wildlife Control Services

When selecting a wildlife control service, ensure they adhere to humane practices. Look for companies that:

Use Non-Lethal Methods: Trapping and relocation should follow local wildlife laws.
Offer Comprehensive Solutions: Including repairs and exclusion techniques to prevent future issues.
Have Positive Reviews and Certifications: Verify their reputation through customer feedback and professional accreditations.

Community and Legal Considerations

Local Ordinances and Regulations

Before taking action, familiarize yourself with local laws regarding wildlife control. Some areas have specific regulations on capturing and relocating raccoons.

Encouraging Community Involvement

Neighborhood Watch: Collaborate with neighbors to identify and mitigate raccoon attractions.
Shared Resources: Pool resources for community-wide deterrent measures like fencing and secure trash areas.
Educational Initiatives: Inform community members about humane raccoon control methods.

Conclusion

Raccoons in the backyard can be a nuisance, but with a strategic approach, you can manage their presence effectively and humanely. Remember, the key is to eliminate attractants, secure potential entry points, and employ natural deterrents. When needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. For safe and effective raccoon control services, contact our team at [Your Company Name] today. Together, we can create a backyard that’s enjoyable for you and uninviting for raccoons.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and tips for battling these mischievous critters. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for raccoons and more. We serve commercial clients too.

Is it Raccoon Breeding Season?

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Have you spotted an increase in raccoon activity on or around your property? There is always a good explanation as to why. Your backyard might be grub-rich, enticing raccoons to dig up lawns and turf. You might have accessible food options, like unlocked trashcans or pet food. Or it could just be prime raccoon breeding season.

Continue below to learn which times of the year are breeding seasons for raccoons, plus what you can do to protect your home or business against raccoon tampering and intrusions.

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Raccoons are a Unique Species

Raccoon mating, breeding, and reproduction are pretty standard in terms of mammals. But there are some interesting facts surrounding raccoon breeding that sets them apart from other species. In fact, raccoons are fascinating mammals to learn about because they are so intelligent and curious. They exhibit strange and intelligent mannerisms and behaviors that still have us humans scratching our own heads! Learning about raccoons is fun and will give you a deeper appreciate for these smart wild animals. As for breeding, there is much you should know if you’ve seen raccoons on your property.

Breeding Seasons

Raccoons generally breed in early spring, usually around February or March, but also in early fall around September and October. However, mothers only raise one litter per year, so their breeding season depends on the region in which they live. Babies are born in April and May since mother raccoons have a 65-day gestation period, give or take a few days. When they breed in the fall, babies are born in November or early December, right before they shelter-up for the winter.

Raccoon Litters

Depending on the region and climate, litter sizes will vary. Most mother raccoons give birth to 2 to 5 kits, but sometimes just a single one. Litter sizes are typically larger in areas where raccoon mortality rates are higher. Raccoon babies are called “kits” or “cubs”, and are actually born blind, deaf, and without teeth! But they are born with their trademark black mask around the eyes. After 3 weeks or so, their eyes and ear canals will start to open. Once they are 2 lbs. or so, they will begin exploring their surroundings on their own. By 6 to 9 weeks, they are eating solid foods, and by 4 months old, they are completely weaned from their mother’s milk and hunting on their own. At this point juveniles split up for fall and winter since mother raccoons have already shown them to dens and food sources.

Mothers and Fathers

Male raccoons have no part in raising their young. It’s not personal, it’s just nature. Mother raccoons, on the other hand, are very protective of their litters. In fact, it is common for dogs and humans to be bitten or attacked by a mother raccoon trying to protect her young. For this reason, it is vital to never attempt to touch or instigate a raccoon if you see her with her young! Mother raccoons are great moms too. They show their kits how to hunt, climb trees, and protect themselves.

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

Can I Contract an Infection From a Raccoon?

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Wild raccoons are dangerous for many reasons, and pose a threat to humans, pets, lawns, gardens, structures, and more. But one of the most qualifying reasons why raccoons are so dangerous is that they are common carriers of various infectious diseases and illnesses. Although raccoons are notoriously known for the Rabies virus, there are many more diseases and infections that are just as dangerous to contract, for both humans and pets.

Continue reading to learn what types of illnesses and diseases you and your pets can contract from wild raccoons.

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Raccoons Can Transmit Infectious Diseases and More

Rabies Virus

Raccoons are known to be common carriers of the Rabies virus. If the saliva, blood, or bodily fluid of an infected raccoon comes into contact with another mammal’s blood stream, they are at high risk of contracting the virus. For this reason, it is important to vaccinate your pets against the Rabies virus, as well as other potential illnesses they can contract. Your vet will have all this information for you. As for humans, if you are bitten by a rabid or infected raccoon, it is important to seek medical attention from your health care provider the same or next day. You will likely be administered a Rabies vaccine shot. Unfortunately, once a non-vaccinated dog or cat is exposed to the virus, there is no cure.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is another contagious disease known to be transmitted by wild raccoons. It is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is found and transmitted in raccoon urine. Most mammals are infected after coming into contact (eyes, throat, nose, skin, etc.) with water that has been contaminated with raccoon urine containing the bacteria. Dogs are mostly at risk of contracting Leptospirosis, which is why vaccinations are so vital to their health.

Distemper

Raccoon distemper comes from canine distemper, and is dangerous virus that can be passed along to pets but not humans. Also known as canine distemper, this virus is extremely contagious and common in large populations of raccoons. Signs of the virus initially appear flu-like, eventually maturing into a state of confusion and disorientation. If transmitted to a pet, it can cause acute illness and death. And unfortunately, there is no treatment once infected.

Other Infectious Diseases Transmitted By Raccoons

There is more to be concerned about when it comes to raccoon diseases. They can also transmit other ailments, including roundworm, parasites (i.e. coccidiosis), mange, lice, fleas, ticks, allergic reactions, and more.

Do you have a nuisance raccoon problem around your house or business? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured raccoon removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Is Your Home Vulnerable to Raccoon Intrusion?
What to Do if You Have a Raccoon in the Basement
Advice That Will Keep Pesky Raccoons Out of Your Garbage