Raccoons may look cute, but they can be a real headache for homeowners and property managers. These clever critters are known for their mischievous ways and ability to make a mess of our yards and homes. If you’re tired of dealing with raccoons rummaging through your trash or setting up camp in your attic, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore what attracts these nuisance raccoons to your property, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

The Facts About Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are highly opportunistic creatures, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. They are constantly on the lookout for easy food sources, safe shelters, and accessible water. These clever animals thrive in urban environments where they can scavenge through garbage bins and find leftover food.

Understanding their behavior—such as their tendencies to explore at night and their ability to open containers—is the first crucial step in raccoon prevention. By recognizing their habits and the environments they prefer, we can take proactive measures to deter them from invading our spaces.

Typical Raccoon Habits:

• Food Sources – Raccoons are not picky eaters. They’ll munch on anything from fruits and vegetables to small animals and human leftovers. Their keen sense of smell can lead them to your property if food is readily available.
• Shelter Needs – Raccoons seek out warm, safe places to raise their young. Attics, garages, and even under decks can serve as ideal nesting sites. Once they’ve established a home, they can be challenging to evict.
• Water Availability – Like all animals, raccoons need water to survive. Ponds, bird baths, and even pet water bowls can be an irresistible draw for them.

Common Raccoon Attractants

Identifying what draws raccoons to your property is crucial for effective raccoon control. Here are some common attractants:

• Open Trash Cans – Raccoons love to raid garbage cans. The smell of discarded food is like a dinner bell for these scavengers. Open or poorly secured trash cans are an easy target.
• Pet Food – Leaving pet food outside is a big no-no. Raccoons will happily gobble up any food left out for your pets. This can quickly become a habit for them.
• Bird Feeders – While bird feeders are great for attracting birds, they can also attract raccoons. Spilled seeds and accessible feeders can turn your yard into a raccoon paradise.
• Accessible Shelter – Unsecured crawl spaces, attics, and sheds provide perfect nesting sites for raccoons. Once they’ve set up camp, they can cause considerable damage.

Tips for Reducing or Eliminating These Attractants

To get rid of raccoons, you need to make your property less inviting. If there is nothing on your property that raccoons want, they will stop coming by. Here are some practical raccoon prevention tips:

• Secure Trash Bins – Invest in sturdy, raccoon-proof trash bins. Ensure the lids are tightly sealed and consider using bungee cords to keep them secure. This will prevent raccoons from tipping them over and rummaging through the contents.
• Remove Food Sources – Don’t leave pet food outside overnight. Feed your pets indoors or remove any uneaten food promptly. Additionally, clean up any fallen fruits or vegetables from your garden to remove another potential food source.
• Adjust Bird Feeders – Place bird feeders on high poles with baffles to prevent raccoons from reaching them. Clean up any spilled seeds regularly to avoid attracting raccoons.
• Seal Entry Points – Inspect your property for potential entry points. Seal gaps in your attic, crawl spaces, and sheds. Use materials like steel wool and caulk to close off any openings that raccoons could exploit.

Seeking Professional Assistance

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to deter them, raccoons can be incredibly persistent and resourceful. These clever animals are known for their ability to navigate obstacles and find food sources in surprising ways. In such cases, when your attempts to keep them at bay fall short, it’s best to seek professional raccoon removal services.

A thorough property inspection by professionals can identify potential attractants and entry points you might have missed. They can also provide tailored raccoon control strategies to prevent future infestations.

Overall, wildlife control experts not only have the tools and techniques necessary to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property, but they can also provide guidance on preventing future intrusions.

Conclusion

Dealing with nuisance raccoons can be frustrating, but understanding their behavior and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference. By reducing attractants and securing your property, you can keep these pesky critters at bay. And remember, professional raccoon removal services are always there to help when needed.

Ready to reclaim your property? Don’t hesitate to take action if you have a raccoon problem! Indiana Raccoon Removal offers raccoon removal and control services in Indianapolis to help protect your home or business from these pesky critters. Contact us at 317-535-4605 for a free quote, today!

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