Raccoon Information

Raccoons are one the most common nocturnal animals in North America. Their population is particularly well-established in Eastern United States. Due to their prevalence and curiosity, the are also the most frequently reported nuisance animal. These large animals can weigh up to 25 pounds, and they are easy to recognize. They have a black fur around their eyes similar to a bandit's mask; long, thick grey fur on their body; and black rings stripes running along their tail.

Raccoons are surprisingly clever and nimble. They're surprising problem solvers, and they can open latches, turn doorknobs, climb, swim, and run at speeds of over 10 miles per hour. As scavenger animals, raccoons generally come into yards or break into homes due to of the smell of food. However, female raccoons will look for a safe place to build their nests (like in empty buildings, attics, garages, sheds, and chimneys) when they are pregnant and getting ready to raise their young.

Because they are scavengers, Raccoons can cause damage to gardens, electrical wires, and roof tiles when looking for food or a safe place to hide. They can break vegetable stalks, strip fruit and vegetables off the vine, break wire coverings when climbing, and even break into chicken coops to destroy chickens and their dwellings.

If you are confronted by a Raccoon, be weary! They are known to carry rabies, canine distemper, and raccoon roundworm. rabies and raccoon roundworm are dangerous infections for humans (rabies can be fatal), and canine distemper can be fatal in dogs.

In order to keep Raccoons away from your home and property, remove all food sources from that might draw them to the premises. Place your trash in secure bins, and be sure to fasten up any pet food you might leave outside. Place tall fences around your gardens, clean up after barbecues, and place guards on top of your chimney and in front of all openings on the exterior of your home.

To get rid of a Raccoon presence when these tips dont work, or to get rid of Raccoons in your home, head to our Wildlife Control Businesses page. Your local animal control specialist will quickly and humanely locate and remove the raccoons. On top of trapping and removing the adult raccoons, They will be sure to search your premises for babies to make sure the nuisance is taken care of. They will then seal the entry points to your home and repair any damage the raccoons caused.