If you live in North America and are somewhat close to wooded areas with trees, water, and vegetation, you have the potential for a raccoon infestation. Why only somewhat close? Raccoons will actually travel up to 18 miles foraging for food!
If you don’t live in the area described above, no worries! You’re still at risk of a raccoon infestation! With mankind encroaching more and more into the wilderness, raccoons have been more than happy to live in suburban and urban areas. They are extremely adaptable little creatures.
Raccoons are nocturnal and mostly active at night while everyone is asleep. In the winter, they mostly sleep in their dens. They get up occasionally to eat or “socialize”. This occasional eating is where you are most likely to catch one in your trashcan during the winter.
But never fear, spring is coming! Spring, summer, and fall is when raccoons are most active.
Since reproduction occurs during the winter months, kits are typically born in April or May. A single female gives birth to anywhere from one to six kits. Female raccoons are VERY protective of their young and the kits stay with the mother until they are 12 to 14 months old. So don’t mess with them during this time. If you have a raccoon infestation, call us in as the professionals.
Raccoons also live in communities of four to five adults for better protection against predators.
Raccoon Infestation Damage
So, how can you tell if you have a raccoon infestation in your home?
Raccoons tend to be very destructive due to their naturally curious nature. Think of them like the perpetual 2 year old child. They get into everything and tear it apart to see what’s inside. This curious nature and cute outer appearance is much of why raccoons have become beloved as pets. People also feed wild raccoons in their yards. These are all bad ideas as discussed in our other blog you can read here.
Since raccoons are so destructive there are always signs of a raccoon infestation. These include:
- Tipped trash cans
- Emptied bird feeders
- Raccoon latrines (yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like)
- Half eaten crops (think about a hollowed out melon or half chewed ear of corn)
- Chimney cap missing
- Torn shingles
- Raccoon tracks - these appear as five long toes and fingers resembling human hands
And those are just the dangers they bring to your property. There are much more dangerous issues from having a raccoon infestation related to your health and well-being.
If raccoons are living in your attic or crawl space, you better believe they have established a latrine there as well. Your health is not just threatened by being bitten by a raccoon and catching something. It is also threatened by their droppings.
Raccoons and their droppings are know to carry the following diseases:
- Leptospirosis - According to the CDC “Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.”
- Salmonella - Many people are familiar with uncooked chicken causing salmonella. Many don’t realize it can also come from raccoons and their droppings. There are many different types of the salmonella bacteria. Read more about it on the CDC website here.
- Roundworm - Raccoons specifically carry the baylisascaris procyonis version of roundworm. There are various types of roundworm you can be infected with. This particular type of roundworm is more likely to infect your dog, but it can be found in humans as well. What’s really gross about this one, is that it’s a parasite that invades the body. *Shudders*
- Rabies - Raccoons are one of the main carriers of rabies. Skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes are the other main reservoirs of rabies. Domestic animals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States. Love your pet? Don’t let a raccoon infestation hang around to infect them with rabies!
I Need Help With My Raccoon Infestation!
The good news is, we are trained professionals at raccoon infestation removal. And the best part? We’re very experienced in working with your homeowners insurance company.
Since many raccoon infestations involve extensive cleanup of your attic, walls, or crawl space, many insurance policies pay for this. You may have to only cover the cost of your deductible.
So what are you waiting for?!?!
With all the potential hazards that raccoon infestation is posing to you and your family, delaying taking care of it is the worst thing you could possibly do.
Call us today before kits are born!
Your local raccoon removal experts,
Get Raccoons Out
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