How to Prevent Raccoons from Invading Your Home

Did you know that raccoons are becoming an increasing concern for homeowners in many areas? These masked bandits are not just cute cuddly creatures; they can be quite annoying and even dangerous if they decide to set up shop in or around your home. Understanding their behavior and taking proactive steps can help you keep your property safe and raccoon-free.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods. They do not like noise, bright lights at night, or mothballs. However, they are highly adaptable and will seek out food and shelter in various locations, including homes and outbuildings. Eliminating food sources and entry points is crucial to deterring them from making your property their new home.

Prevention Strategies

Eliminate Food Sources

To prevent raccoons from exploring your property, you need to take steps to remove any potential food sources they may find:

Eliminate Exterior Food Sources: Avoid leaving garden vegetables, fruit trees, or berries unattended. Secure any trash bins with tight-fitting lids and avoid putting out garbage until the day of pickup. Don’t leave pet food or bowls outside, as these attract raccoons to your property. Cover Trash Can Lids: Raccoons are very skilled at flipping open garbage cans. Covering the lids with a lock or tight seal can help prevent access to the contents. Secure Water Sources: Ensure that any outdoor water features like fountains or ponds are securely covered to prevent raccoons from accessing the water.

Secure Entry Points

Properly sealing any exterior entry points can help prevent raccoons from gaining entry to your home and outbuildings:

Seal Soffit Vents: Raccoons can climb and enter through small gaps. Ensure that soffit vents and other exterior entry points are securely covered with mesh. Check Attic Vents: Make sure all attic vents are well-sealed to prevent raccoons from accessing the attic area. Inspect Your Home for Weak Spots: Look for any gaps or holes in the exterior of your home or outbuildings. Seal these with materials like caulk or metal mesh to prevent raccoons from entering.

Other Important Measures

Although it may seem like a last resort,_covering your soffets and ensuring that your attic vents are secure_is essential for preventing raccoons from gaining entry. However, raccoons can still be sneaky and find other ways to enter your home. Consider the following additional steps:

Protect Your Soffits: Install metal mesh over soffit vents to create a physical barrier for raccoons trying to access your attic. Secure Other Entry Points: Check for gaps or holes in your home and outbuildings. Seal any weak spots to prevent raccoons from entering.

Are Raccoons Really Invading?

While the term "invade" sounds dramatic, raccoons are more likely to settle in near or within homes and outbuildings as long as they find food and shelter. Raccoons may set up dens in the rafters of homes, especially during the breeding season. They can pose a significant threat to small house pets, as they can be aggressive and cause serious physical harm.

Conclusion

To keep your home and yard safe from raccoons, it's essential to take proactive measures. By removing food sources, securing entry points, and being vigilant about any potential weak spots, you can minimize the risk of raccoons making your property their new home. Remember, prevention is significantly easier and more effective than trying to coexist with these crafty critters.