Hello, Tampa residents! As a seasoned technician at Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, I’m here to guide you on what to do about raccoon infestations. Let’s delve into the world of raccoons, explore the reasons behind their presence, and discover strategies for their safe and humane removal.

Understanding Raccoons

Raccoons, with their distinctive masked faces and nimble paws, are remarkably adaptable and intelligent creatures. Thriving in both urban and suburban environments, Tampa provides these resourceful animals with an array of food sources and suitable shelters. However, the presence of raccoons can bring potential health risks and damage to your property.

Why Do Raccoons Enter Our Yards and Homes?

Understanding why raccoons are drawn to our yards and homes is crucial in effectively managing infestations. Raccoons are naturally opportunistic and have several reasons for venturing close to human settlements.

1. Abundant Food Sources: Raccoons are omnivores and will scavenge for any available food. Trash cans, pet food left outside, and even vegetable gardens become inviting targets. Pests such as rats and mice that are often found around homes can also be a food source for a hungry raccoon.
2. Accessible Shelter: Raccoons seek safe and warm shelters to raise their young. Attics, crawl spaces, and sheds offer secure nesting sites, especially during colder months or when giving birth.
3. Easy Access: Raccoons are agile climbers and can access attics and roofs through overhanging branches or damaged areas.
4. Water Sources: Access to water is essential for raccoons. Bird baths, ponds, and swimming pools can attract them, especially during dry spells.

Recognizing the Dangers of Raccoons on Your Property

Beyond their charming appearance, raccoons bring forth a range of serious risks that you should be aware of. These hazards go deeper than what meets the eye, demanding your attention for the sake of your safety and property. One pressing issue is their potential to carry several diseases, including the notorious rabies. This viral infection can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from infected raccoons. A seemingly harmless encounter could rapidly turn into a health emergency, highlighting the importance of promptly and effectively addressing raccoon-related concerns.

Adding to the health concerns, raccoons’ droppings can be a concealed source of danger. These feces can harbor various parasites that hold the potential to harm human health. From roundworms to leptospirosis, these parasites can infiltrate the environment, posing risks that can persist even after the raccoon has moved on. It’s not just about the mess they create; it’s about the hidden threats that can linger and impact your family’s well-being.

Moreover, raccoons’ innate curiosity and impressive agility can lead to significant property damage. As these intelligent creatures search for food and shelter, they can unintentionally wreak havoc on your home and yard. From rifling through trash bins and scattering debris to tearing into roofing materials and damaging vents, raccoons’ persistent efforts to find sustenance and shelter can result in expensive repairs and compromised structural integrity.

Effective and Safe Raccoon Removal

For a comprehensive and safe approach to raccoon removal, follow these steps.

1. Thorough Property Assessment: Begin by identifying access points, foraging areas, and potential shelter sites. This information will inform your removal strategy.
2. Exclusion Techniques: Seal entry points using durable materials to prevent raccoons from re-entering. Reinforce trash cans and eliminate potential food sources to discourage their presence.
3. Deterring Entry: The optimum solution for issues in and around homes is to make the raccoons unwilling or unable to access the areas where they are harboring. This can be done in a variety of ways; removal of access points, mechanical barriers to impede movement, or chemical irritants to train raccoons to avoid areas around the house.
4. Humane Trapping: Live traps should be placed near raccoon activity spots or access areas. Once caught, consult professionals regarding legal requirements for what to do with the trapped animal.

Preventing Future Raccoon Invasions

To prevent raccoon re-infestations, implement these proactive measures.

1. Secured Trash Management: One common draw for raccoons is the prospect of scavenging through trash bins in search of food. To counter this, consider investing in raccoon-resistant trash cans equipped with locking lids. These specialized containers are designed to thwart raccoons’ efforts to access the contents, reducing the likelihood of attracting them to your property. Properly securing your trash can prevent raccoons from turning it into a free buffet.
2. Garden Protection: Raccoons are notorious for their love of fruits and vegetables, making gardens an appealing target. To protect your garden’s bounty, promptly harvest ripe fruits and vegetables. Don’t leave fallen fruit on the ground, as this can attract raccoons. Additionally, consider using protective fencing around your garden area. Properly installed fencing can act as a barrier, deterring raccoons from entering and helping to preserve your harvest.
3. Pest Management: The presence of other pests such as rats and mice, whether in the attic space or around the home can be a draw as a food source for raccoons. Making sure these pests are controlled can be part of the solution for solving an ongoing raccoon problem.
4. Attic Vigilance: Raccoons are skilled climbers and can easily access attics, posing a significant threat to your property. Regular attic inspections are essential to catch signs of raccoon presence early on. Look for damaged insulation, droppings, and any openings that raccoons might use as entry points. If you notice any potential access areas, promptly seal them off with durable materials to prevent raccoons from gaining entry. Prevention at this stage is key, as once raccoons establish themselves in your attic, they can cause extensive damage and contamination.
5. Outdoor Pet Food Management: If you have outdoor pets, their food can also attract raccoons. To minimize this risk, avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. Instead, establish a feeding routine that aligns with your pet’s schedule and retrieve any uneaten food promptly. Store pet food indoors in airtight containers to eliminate the scent that can draw raccoons.
6. Trim Trees and Branches: Raccoons are agile climbers and can use overhanging branches and nearby trees to gain access to your home’s roof. Regularly trim branches that extend close to your home, creating a gap that prevents raccoons from easily reaching your roof. By reducing their access points, you decrease the likelihood of raccoon invasions.

The Expert Advantage: Why Professional Assistance Matters When Dealing with Raccoons

When tackling raccoon issues, turning to Wildout Animal and Pest Removal brings multiple advantages.

1. Extensive Expertise: Our technicians bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with raccoon behavior and habits. With a deep understanding of raccoon biology and tendencies, we can accurately assess the extent of the infestation and formulate effective removal and prevention strategies.
2. Safety as a Priority: Raccoons can become aggressive if they feel cornered or threatened. Our professionals are well-trained in handling these situations to ensure the safety of both you and the animals. We know the right techniques to use that minimize the risk of harm and prevent unnecessary stress for all parties involved.
3. Adherence to Legal Regulations: Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is well-versed in the wildlife removal regulations specific to Tampa. We operate within the framework of these laws to ensure that our procedures are not only effective but also ethical and compliant. By choosing our services, you can trust that our methods align with the legal standards set for wildlife removal.
4. Customized Solutions: Every raccoon infestation is unique, requiring a tailored approach for effective resolution. Our technicians begin by conducting thorough property assessments, identifying entry points, nesting sites, and other factors that contribute to the infestation. Based on these findings, we craft customized removal and prevention plans that address your specific situation.
5. Humane Practices: At Wildout, we prioritize both raccoon welfare and the protection of your property. Our removal methods are designed to be humane, ensuring that raccoons are treated with care and compassion throughout the process. We aim to minimize stress and discomfort for the animals while effectively resolving the infestation and preventing future occurrences.

Tampa homeowners, when raccoons disrupt your peace, Wildout Animal and Pest Removal stands ready to help. We’re dedicated to restoring tranquility to your property, providing assurance through ethical and professional removal methods. For expert guidance, reach out to us. Together, let’s overcome raccoon-related challenges and restore harmony to your Tampa property.

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

813-WILDOUT

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