Raccoon problems are some of the most common complaints in suburban and even some urban neighborhoods.
That’s because the more we humans encroach into the natural habitat of the raccoon, the more temptation we dangle in front of them. These animals are clever, agile and very, very hungry and they will stop at nothing to find food.
Because anything, including gardens, ornamental ponds, birdfeeders and trashcans, can represent a potential food source, it is all too easy to make a raccoon a nuisance if you don’t take the proper steps to protect your property. Without this vigilance, damage can be costly and aggravating, so the sooner you do something about it, the better.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to prevent raccoons from invading your property, but you can make it more difficult for them to get at their goal and cause damage in the process. Raccoon problems are most often caused by smells from trash.
This attracts the animals, who will knock over cans, rip open bags
and even claw through screen doors to get at your trash.
Securing your trash in sealed, odor-proof containers is the best way to prevent problems.
Access to trash can make these critters nightly visitors, so if you cut off their supply you can nip the problem in the bud.
Another good way to avoid raccoon damage is by taking your trash out on the day of pickup, rather than putting it out the night before.
Keeping open pet food or birdseed lying around is another sure way to encourage raccoon problems. Again, anything that will attract them will leave you vulnerable to invasion and sometimes-costly damage.
Ornamental ponds are a particular problem as they offer a perfect source of water. Once a raccoon gains access to the pond, however, it will also have access to any fish that may be in it.
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees or bushes are equally capable of making a raccoon a nuisance, as they also offer ready temptation.
You can minimize raccoon damage by using electric fencing around ponds or gardens. You might also try leaving a radio tuned to an all-night talk station going in your garden overnight as the sound of voices can sometimes frighten away raccoons.
No matter what steps you take to combat the problem, the one thing you should never do is try to trap the animals yourself.
Raccoons can carry rabies as well as a host of other dangerous diseases, which can be directly transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
No matter how cute these little masked bandits may be, you should not attempt to interact with them directly. If the problem gets too severe, contact an animal control specialist for help.
Raccoons and humans have been butting heads for years, and despite our distinct size advantage, all too often it is the raccoons that come out on top.
Don’t think you simply have to endure the damage caused by your furry neighbors. Take preventative measures to protect your family and your property from raccoon problems and if necessary, call in the professionals so that you can go back to enjoying your property in peace.