With their intelligence and adaptability, raccoons have learned to thrive in urban and suburban environments. While their exploits may be amusing, raccoons that decide to make our properties their home can cause significant damage and disruption. Raccoon-proofing your property is about preventing future invasions and ensuring a peaceful coexistence, not just eliminating the current raccoon problem. Here are some effective long-term raccoon prevention strategies:
Raccoons are notorious scavengers, and unprotected garbage cans can be an irresistible food source. Invest in sturdy, animal-resistant garbage cans with tight-fitting lids that raccoons cannot easily pry open. Consider storing your waste cans in a garage or shed until the day of garbage collection.
Seal Entry Points: Raccoons are adept climbers and can enter attics, crawl spaces, and other secluded locations. Regularly inspect your property for potential entry sites, such as roofline gaps, loose vents, and ripped screens. To prevent raccoon access, seal these apertures with galvanized steel mesh or another durable material.
Raccoons are exceptional climbers and can use overhanging branches to gain access to your roof and other structures. To prevent raccoons from gaining access to vulnerable areas of your home, prune tree branches close to the structure.
If you have outdoor pets, you should not leave their feeding bowls outside overnight. Raccoons are opportunistic consumers and will gladly consume unattended pet food.
Install Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: Raccoons are nocturnal animals that prefer to operate at night. Install motion-activated lighting to deter raccoons from approaching your property. Motion-activated sprinkler systems can similarly frighten and deter raccoons from penetrating your yard.
Eliminate Water Sources: Raccoons require water to survive, so removing prospective water sources can deter them from remaining. Fix outdoor faucets that are leaking and remove any residual water from birdbaths, containers, and other containers.
Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, and certain odours can repel them. Consider utilizing natural repellents such as cayenne pepper, ammonia-soaked cloths, or commercial raccoon repellent sprays near possible entry points.
Maintain Your Landscaping: A neglected yard with overgrown vegetation provides raccoons with cover and easy access to your property. Regularly mow the grass, prune the shrubs, and pick up the fallen fruits and vegetables.
If you appreciate birdwatching and have bird feeders, install them high off the ground and away from structures. Raccoons are adept climbers and can readily access bird feeders within their reach.
Professional Raccoon Removal: If you have a persistent raccoon issue, you should seek professional assistance. Experts in raccoon removal have the skills and knowledge to humanely and safely remove raccoons from your property. In addition, they can offer valuable advice on raccoon-proofing techniques that are tailored to your particular situation.
Conclusion:
Raccoon-proofing your property is a proactive and efficient method for preventing raccoon infestations and the potential damage and disruptions they can cause. You can create an environment that is less appealing to raccoons by implementing multiple strategies, such as fortifying your garbage, sealing entry points, and employing repellents. Taking these measures not only protects your property, but also promotes human and wildlife coexistence in our urban landscapes.
Professional, affordable, and accessible raccoon removal bowmanville are done by professional wildlife raccoon removal experts.