General description of the raccoon

The raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) is an omnivorous and nocturnal mammal, easily recognizable by its black mask around the eyes and its tail arranged in rings. Native to North America, it has also been introduced to Europe and Japan. These animals adapt easily to different habitats, such as forests, agricultural areas and urban environments, where they are often observed near water, an essential element for them.

Raccoons are medium-sized, measuring between 40 and 70 cm long (excluding the tail), and have very dexterous front paws, almost like hands, which allow them to manipulate objects and rummage around for food. Their diet is varied and opportunistic: in the wild, they consume fruits, nuts, insects, small vertebrates, and even crayfish. In urban environments, they often rummage through trash cans to find food scraps.

Behaviorally, raccoons are largely solitary, although family groups may coexist in areas where resources are abundant. They do not hibernate, but become less active in the winter, often remaining in their burrows to conserve energy during periods of intense cold. Raccoons communicate through a variety of sounds, including growls and hisses, and mark their territory with scent secretions to signal their presence.

Their population is abundant, and although they can be victims of coyotes or lynx, they thrive thanks to their adaptability and intelligence, particularly in urban environments where they can coexist with humans without much difficulty.

Raccoons

How to Get Rid of Raccoons: Tips from a Professional

Raccoons, with their distinctive facial masks and nimble paws, may look cute, but they can cause serious problems when they settle too close to our homes. These highly intelligent animals are known to rummage through trash, damage structures, and even break into attics or basements. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you keep these unwanted visitors away in an effective and humane way.

1. Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal and omnivorous, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find. They are particularly attracted to food scraps, pet food, and fruits or vegetables in gardens. Their intelligence allows them to open trash cans, unlock simple doors, and even climb onto roofs to find entry points into homes.

2. Eliminate Sources of Attraction

The first step to deterring raccoons is to make your property less attractive to them:

• Securing Trash Cans : Use pet-proof trash cans with locking lids. If possible, store trash cans inside a garage or shed until trash collection day.
• Removing food sources : Do not leave pet food out overnight. Also, pick up fallen fruit from trees and vegetables from the garden to avoid attracting them.
• Cleaning Barbecues and Outdoor Eating Areas : Leftover food on barbecue grills or patio tables can attract raccoons. Clean these areas after each use.

3. Secure the House and Outbuildings

Raccoons are adept climbers and can get into attics, basements, or sheds. Here's how you can secure these structures:

• Fencing : Install fencing around gardens and rubbish bins. Make sure the fence is high enough (at least 1.5 metres) and that the top slopes outwards to discourage climbing.
• Repairing Holes and Cracks : Regularly inspect the exterior of your home to locate and repair any holes, cracks or openings where a raccoon could enter. This includes roofs, attics and vents.
• Doors and Windows : Make sure garage doors, basement windows and access hatches are securely closed and locked at night.

4. Use Natural and Electronic Repellents

Raccoons can be deterred by specific odors or electronic devices:

• Ammonia-based repellents : Raccoons do not like the smell of ammonia. Soak rags in ammonia and place them around risk areas. Renew regularly to maintain effectiveness.
• Essential Oils : Essential oils such as cayenne, peppermint, or eucalyptus can be sprayed around areas where raccoons have been seen.
• Ultrasonic Devices : Ultrasonic emitters, designed to deter wildlife, can be effective in keeping raccoons away. Place them around your home or yard to create an uncomfortable area for these animals.

5. Using Cages to Capture Raccoons

When prevention is not enough, it may be necessary to capture raccoons and relocate them. Here's how to use cages safely and effectively:

• Choosing the Right Cage : Choose a trapping cage that is appropriately sized, sturdy, and specially designed for raccoons. Single-trap cages are generally the most effective. The exterminator offers professional-grade cages and one-way doors that allow you to get raccoons out of your home without them being able to get back in.
• Placing the Cage : Place the cage in an area where you have observed raccoon activity, such as near trash cans, gardens, or under porches. Make sure the cage is placed on a flat, stable surface.
• Bait the Cage : Use raccoon-friendly bait, such as pieces of meat, fruit, or dog food. Place the bait at the bottom of the cage to encourage the animal to enter completely.
• Regular Checking : Check the cage frequently (at least twice a day) to avoid leaving a captured raccoon too long. Once captured, cover the cage with a blanket to calm the animal.
• Relocation : Relocate the captured raccoon to a wooded area away from your home, in accordance with local laws. Be sure to release the animal safely, by gently opening the cage door and allowing it time to move away.

6. Prevent Returns

After capturing and relocating a raccoon, it is crucial to continue practicing preventative measures to prevent others from taking its place:

• Strengthen security measures : Once the raccoon is gone, reinforce potential entry points and continue to secure trash cans and other food sources.
• Clean up any raccoon activity : Use diluted bleach or vinegar to clean areas where the raccoon has been active. This will help eliminate odors that may attract other animals.

Continued Monitoring : Continue to monitor your property for signs of returning raccoons or other pests.

The dangers and damage caused by raccoons

Raccoons may look adorable, but they pose serious health and safety risks, as well as property problems, when they take up residence near residential neighborhoods.

Health risks

Raccoons are carriers of several diseases that are dangerous to humans and pets. They can transmit rabies , a potentially fatal disease that is spread through bites or scratches. Additionally, raccoon droppings can contain eggs of Baylisascaris procyonis , a parasite that, if ingested, can cause serious neurological damage and even death. Their droppings and their presence can also spread bacteria such as leptospirosis and salmonella , which can lead to serious infections in humans and pets. Therefore, it is essential not to directly handle the droppings.

Material damage

Raccoons are known to cause structural damage by accessing attics, roofs, and chimneys in search of food or shelter. They can damage insulation , electrical wiring , and plumbing , increasing the risk of fires and costly repairs. Raccoons also use spaces like attics as toilets, which poses additional risks of contamination. Finally, they can cause damage to gardens and trash cans , destroying crops and scattering trash, making outdoor areas unsanitary and attracting other pests.

To avoid raccoon problems, it is recommended to secure trash cans , block potential access to attics, and seek professional advice in the event of an infestation.

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