Wildlife Control

Introduction

Raccoons are highly adaptable nocturnal creatures with a natural curiosity. While some people find them fascinating to observe, others see them as a nuisance due to the damage they can cause to yards, attics, and other sheltered spaces. These wild animals are often drawn to properties in search of food, warmth, or a safe place to raise their young. Given their keen sense of hearing, certain sounds can serve as an effective deterrent to keep them away. This article explores various sounds that scare raccoons and how they can be used as part of an effective raccoon removal strategy.

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Raccoon Behaviour

Raccoons are clever and resourceful animals that can live just about anywhere, from busy cities to quiet countryside areas in nature. Since they’re nocturnal, they are most active in the evening, using their excellent night vision to get around in the dark. This is when they go searching for easy meals like pet food, bird seed, and garbage, often making a mess in the process.

But nourishment isn’t the only thing this wildlife is after. Raccoons also look for cozy spots to nest, like attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces, where they can safely raise their young or even escape the cold. They are startling good climbers, and can absolutely scale up walls, roofs, balconies, and even upper levels of buildings. Plus, they can swim, so even waterways aren’t a barrier when dealing with them.

The key to scaring raccoons away is understanding what attracts them in the first place. By knowing how they move and what they’re looking for, you can take the right steps to stop them from invading your property and causing trouble.

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Why Loud Sound Works to Scare Raccoons

Raccoons tend to be highly aware of their surroundings and they use their acute hearing to detect other animals or potential threats. Loud noises and sudden sounds, such as horns or loud music, will often scare them and make them think predators or humans are nearby. Animals such as raccoons prefer quiet and secure areas so using noise as a deterrent will help encourage them to leave your premises.

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Types of Sounds That Scare Raccoons

Loud Noises and Sudden Sounds

Loud sounds can be a great deterrent for raccoons. Shouting, banging pots and pans or using devices like air horns and trumpets will startle them and make them flee. These sounds work best when they are unexpected, as raccoons can get used to repetitive noise over time.

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Vibrations – (Use the Hammer Drill Setting on a Cordless Drill)

Vibrations startle raccoons because they mimic the movements of potential predators or environmental disturbances, triggering their instinct to flee. The sudden, unfamiliar shaking can make them feel unsafe in their hiding spots, causing them to seek a more stable and secure location. For example, when drilling into a chimney, the vibrations can scare a raccoon into climbing out, making it an effective method for humane raccoon eviction.

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Human Voices and Music

Hearing human vocals will make raccoons feel unsafe, especially if they associate the sound with an active presence. Playing a talk station on the radio or loud music will discourage raccoons by making them think humans are nearby. This works great for keeping them away from attics, crawl spaces and other hidden areas.

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Animal Sounds and Predatory Noises

Other animals, especially certain predators, scare raccoons. Sounds of coyotes, dogs or even an aggressive cat will make raccoons fearful and stay away. Homeowners can use recordings of these animals or let their pets patrol their yard to deter raccoons.

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Wind Chimes and Other Continuous Noise Devices

Wind chimes can be an effective deterrent by creating unpredictable noises with the movement of the wind. Other noise-producing devices like ultrasonic sound machines may work too, but some raccoons may get used to them. The key is to use different sounds to prevent them from adapting.

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How to Use Sound to Deter Raccoons

For maximum effectiveness, place noise-making devices near entry points where raccoons will seek safe haven. Combining loud noises with flashing lights will create an even stronger deterrent. Don’t make the mistake of relying on a single sound as raccoons will ignore it.

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What to Do if Raccoons have Gained Access to your Roof

If loud noises or playing music at night didn’t work and raccoons have settled in your roof or soffit, the best idea is to call a professional wildlife control company. They can install a one-way door to evict the raccoons safely and remove any babies without harm. Some homeowners fear they can handle the situation alone, but it’s always better to let an experienced technician deal with these animals to ensure the job is done nicely and effectively. Wildlife Control companies will secure the hole with a one way door and extract the babies by hand.

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Preventing Future Infestations

To prevent future raccoon infestations, you would need to secure potential entry points around your property. Start by inspecting your roof, walls and chimneys for any holes or gaps where raccoons can get in. Installing hardware cloth or metal flashing around vents and chimneys will be an effective deterrent to keep raccoons out of those areas.

Keeping a clean and tidy property is another key to deterring raccoons. Regularly dispose of garbage and store pet food in secure containers to reduce the attractiveness of your property. Removing food sources like bird feeders and pet food dishes will also keep these wild animals away.

In addition to these measures, using deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic repellent devices (inaudible to humans) and wind chimes will further discourage raccoons from getting into your space. Inspect your property regularly for signs of raccoon activity like droppings, tracks and gnaw marks to identify potential issues early on and take action before an infestation occurs.

For a more comprehensive solution, consider affordable wildlife removal services. Experts in raccoon removal can safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property and provide guidance on how to prevent future infestations. By combining these strategies, you can make your property less inviting for raccoons and protect your home from these pesky critters.

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Sound Limitations

While sound can scare raccoons, it may not be enough to get rid of raccoons for good. If these animals have found a food source or a cozy shelter, it will endure the annoying racket or wait and come back once the sound stops. Use sound with other pest control techniques like securing food sources and sealing entry points to increase its effectiveness.

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Summary

Using sound is a humane and easy way to keep raccoons out of your property. Loud noises, human voices and animal sounds will make raccoons fearful and uncomfortable, they will stay away. While sound is effective, it works best when used with other wildlife removal methods to keep raccoons away for good.