Wildlife Removal Company

Raccoons and the Dangers They Pose to Homeowners: What You Need to Know

Raccoons are cute, masked creatures that often appear in urban and suburban areas, scavenging for food and shelter. While they might seem harmless, these nocturnal animals can present serious risks to homeowners if they decide to take up residence in or around your home. Whether it’s in your attic, chimney, or crawl spaces, raccoons can cause significant damage and pose several health hazards that you need to be aware of. Here’s why homeowners should be vigilant about raccoon infestations and how to protect their property.

1. Property Damage: Raccoons as Destructive Pests

Raccoons are notorious for their ability to cause damage to a home. As skilled climbers and diggers, they can easily find their way into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces, where they seek shelter, especially during the breeding season.

• Chewed Wires and Insulation: Once inside, raccoons will chew on anything they can find, including electrical wires and insulation. This not only creates a fire hazard but can lead to costly repairs. Damaged insulation reduces energy efficiency, leading to higher utility bills.
• Torn Roofing and Vents: Raccoons will also tear through roofing materials, vents, and siding to gain access to your attic or crawl space. These breaches provide entry points for other wildlife, further exacerbating the problem.
• Excessive Waste: Raccoons leave behind feces and urine, which can stain and damage walls, ceilings, and floors. The buildup of waste can lead to unpleasant odors that can be difficult to eliminate.

2. Health Risks: Diseases and Parasites

While property damage is a significant concern, the health risks associated with raccoons are arguably the most alarming. These animals can carry a range of diseases that are dangerous to both humans and pets. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most concerning threats:

• Rabies: Raccoons are one of the primary carriers of rabies in North America. Although the chances of contracting rabies are low, any encounter with a raccoon—especially one that appears disoriented, aggressive, or unusually friendly—should be treated with caution. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted through bites or scratches.

• Roundworm: Raccoons often carry a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, which is found in their feces. If humans or pets accidentally ingest contaminated feces (such as by touching surfaces or soil where the feces has been deposited), they can become infected. The roundworm larvae can cause severe neurological damage, particularly in young children or pets that are more likely to come into contact with the contaminated material.

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through raccoon urine. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or through contact with contaminated water sources. Leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms, liver damage, and kidney failure if not treated promptly.

• Fleas, Ticks, and Mites: Raccoons are often hosts to parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can be transmitted to humans and pets. These parasites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and even the transmission of diseases like Lyme disease (from ticks) or typhus (from fleas).

3. Why DIY Solutions Are a Bad Idea

Many homeowners may attempt to deal with a raccoon infestation themselves, but DIY methods can often be ineffective and dangerous. Here are a few reasons why:

• Risk of Injury: Raccoons are wild animals and can be aggressive when cornered or threatened. They have sharp teeth and claws, and attempting to handle them without proper training and protective gear can result in bites, scratches, or other injuries.

• Improper Removal: Simply trapping and removing a raccoon is not enough. If the animal is not removed humanely or the entry points are not properly sealed afterward, another raccoon (or other wildlife) can take its place. Additionally, if the animal is trapped incorrectly, it can suffer from stress, dehydration, and even injury.

• Legal Issues: In many areas, raccoons are protected species. There are strict laws governing their removal and relocation. Handling a raccoon improperly can result in fines or legal trouble.

4. Professional Raccoon Removal Services: The Best Solution

Given the potential risks and complications of dealing with a raccoon infestation, it is essential to call in professionals who are equipped to handle the problem safely and effectively. A wildlife removal expert can:

• Conduct a thorough inspection: They will locate potential entry points, inspect your attic and other areas for signs of infestation, and assess the damage caused by the raccoons.

• Provide humane removal: Professionals use humane traps and techniques to safely remove raccoons without harming them. Once captured, the animals are relocated to an area where they can’t cause harm to people or property.

• Perform exclusion and repairs: After removal, experts will seal entry points and repair any damage caused by the infestation. They will also clean up any waste, remove contaminants, and ensure your home is protected from future infestations.

• Offer ongoing prevention: Many wildlife removal companies offer ongoing monitoring and preventive measures, ensuring that your home remains secure from raccoons and other wildlife in the future.

Conclusion

Raccoons may seem harmless at first, but these clever creatures can cause significant damage to your home and pose serious health risks. If you suspect a raccoon infestation, don’t wait—acting quickly is key to protecting your property, your health, and your peace of mind. Contact a professional wildlife removal service to ensure the safe, humane, and effective removal of these pests before they wreak havoc on your home.