Raccoons exist in most regions of the U.S. except for some mountainous regions and areas of desert in the southwest. Raccoons are mammals with a very distinctive appearance that includes a black "mask-like" face, bushy tails, and fur in shades of white, gray, and black. They often weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and measure more than two feet, including their tail.
Raccoons are highly adaptable and will eat most foods, including berries, nuts, frogs, insects, and many kinds of eggs. Raccoons typically breed during the spring, and females often remain with their offspring for the first year of life. In the wild, raccoons usually live for approximately two or three years.
Is there a wildlife exterminator near me? An experienced pest control technician has the proper equipment for wildlife pest control in Aiken and training in professional wildlife removal for pests, including raccoons.
Where Raccoons May Be Hiding
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal creatures that will remain hidden during the day and emerge after dark in search of food. In nature, raccoons are drawn to wooded areas, particularly those near water sources.
Their dens often are positioned in hollow trees, areas of dense vegetation, underground burrows, or crevices within rock piles. Raccoons will also adapt to urban and suburban environments where they will live beneath various structures that offer relatively easy access to food sources.
What To Do When You've Spotted The Raccoons
After detecting the presence of a raccoon living on your property, the best course of action for raccoon pest control near me is to consult with pest extermination professionals promptly. Despite being rather shy animals that are fearful of humans, raccoons could potentially become aggressive when they feel threatened. Raccoons could pose risks to pets such as cats and dogs that may engage them in a confrontation. Remember that raccoons might carry parasites and have rabies and other health risks. Raccoons do have sharp claws and teeth.
A professional technician will perform a detailed property inspection and devise a strategy to solve the problem. Experts in wildlife control will often use traps, deterrents, and other options for removing raccoons.
Ten Essential Raccoon Control Tips
Many of the best practices for preventing raccoons also apply to other four-legged pests. These tips include:
- Although raccoons are good climbers, creating a physical barrier, such as a fence in your yard, may be an effective deterrent.
- Install a physical barrier that will prevent these pests from entering areas below porches, decks, or other structures.
- When placing trash bags containing food scraps outside, make sure the garbage receptacle is durable and seals properly.
- Prevent access to chimneys by installing a screen or other strong mesh-like material.
- Never feed raccoons and discourage children and others from doing so.
- Clean up all food scraps and packaging materials after barbeques and picnics.
- Consider alternatives to planting fruit and vegetable gardens that will likely attract these pests.
- Remove birdbaths and other sources of freshwater.
- Never place pet food bowls in exterior areas such as garages, patios, or decks.
- Seal gaps or other potential entry points to attics, crawlspaces, etc.
Remember to use preventative treatments for your lawn to prevent grubs, as raccoons might begin digging in the grass and creating damage as they pursue a meal.
Raccoon Removal & Control Within Aiken
The team of trained specialists with Aiken Pest Control offers local wildlife removal services for customers throughout this region. As licensed pest technicians, we use a comprehensive approach to remove raccoons and other similar pests safely.