Raccoons are everywhere in our towns and cities, busting in to our attics, crawl spaces, and sheds, rummaging through trash cans and garbage cans. These small, stocky creatures may seem harmless but they can carry rabies and other diseases and can be a threat to your property, pets and family.
Health Risks of Raccoons
Diseases and Infections: Raccoon Roundworm
Raccoons can transmit diseases to humans and animals. They leave behind a mess of poop that may contain raccoon roundworm, a dangerous parasite that can make you very sick if ingested. Their urine and feces can also carry other diseases such as leptospirosis or salmonella that can spread through any contact with their droppings. Small children and pets are most vulnerable to this.
Rabies and Other Dangers
As a rabies vector species, raccoons pose a danger and are a major source of the virus in North America. A rabid raccoon can be very mean and aggressive, and can bite or scratch and transmit rabies to people and other animals. That makes raccoons one of the most dangerous wildlife to encounter, especially if they are acting strange or disoriented. If you see what you think is a rabid raccoon, call Animal Control right away
Are Raccoons Dangerous to Pets?
Small Animals
Raccoons are opportunistic hunters and will prey on small dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, eggs, mice, rats, and even backyard chickens. They have powerful, sharp claws and teeth to kill other animals if food is scarce. If a raccoon feels cornered, it will also lash out defensively and can harm your pets.
Competition for Food Sources
Leaving pet food outdoors will attract wild animals to your yard and increase the chances of conflict between them and your domestic animals. They are omnivores and will eat anything from leftovers to fresh meat, so your pet’s meal is an easy target if left outside. The best course of action is to try and prevent raccoon problems from happening in the first place, keep food sources secured and let your pets eat inside the house. It’s best to keep your dogs and cats inside at night when raccoons are more active. Also sweep up any fallen seed from bird feeders. Dispose of any fallen fruit on the ground and protect any produce you might have in your vegetable garden.
Property Damage and Nuisance Behaviour
Homes and Yards
Raccoons are good at breaking into crawl spaces, roofs, vents, attics and sheds to find shelter. Once inside they will create a den, tear up insulation and damage wiring which can cost you a lot to repair. Depending on the time of year they could give birth to a litter of babies inside as well. Their presence is often marked by an unpleasant smell due to their waste or droppings in your attics.
Garbage and Food Theft
Raccoons raid garbage cans, knock over trash cans and steal from bird feeders in your yard for food. Their curious nature makes them persistent and they can learn to open lids and get into secured areas quickly. Keep trash sealed and food or fallen fruit out of reach and you’ll help avoid them.
What to Do If You See a Raccoon
Raccoon Signs
If you suspect that raccoons are on your property look for signs like overturned garbage, torn screens, vent caps or insulation on the ground, damaged shed doors, and scratch marks near entrances. Their fur, tracks and nesting materials can also indicate their presence. If you see these warning signs you need to act fast to remove them before they cause more damage.
Setting A Trap to Catch a Raccoon, Dangerous?
Setting a trap at your house is not an advisable way to try and deal with raccoon problems. You could very well trap a domestic pet, a skunk, a feral cat, or even an opossum. There is no guarantee that you’ll catch the specific animal you’re trying to get. Animals caught in a trap will feel cornered and attacked, they can be dangerous, the fur will be flying, hiss and growl showing their claws and teeth. Local laws prohibit you moving the animal more than a kilometre away and they can find their way back if they tried. You could also be separating a mother from her young, which could end up killing them in the interim. It’s best to contact professional wildlife control for any raccoon removal services you may need.
DIY Methods to Deter Raccoons
There are some tips and tricks you can try that may get rid of raccoons and get them to move off on their own. Sprinkling predator urine around your yard might help to scare them off. Setting a motion activated light or sprinkler system could startle them away. Throwing citrus peel on the ground around your deck or shed could also assist you in repelling raccoons. Apple cider vinegar or ammonia soaked rags strewn on the ground around your deck could help to deter these stocky critters too.
How to Protect Your Home and Pets
The safest way to get raccoons off your property is through professional wildlife removal. Attempting to catch a trapped raccoon yourself can be dangerous as they can become aggressive when threatened. To prevent future infestations, secure any food source, and don’t leave pet food or fallen fruit in your yard, block entry points on your roof or other structures
Conclusion
Raccoons may seem harmless but they can be a threat to people, pets, and other wildlife. They spread diseases, damage homes and can be aggressive when approached. If you suspect raccoons are becoming a problem on your property, taking action and getting pro wildlife control service is the best way to keep your home, family and pets safe.
