Raccoons are clever creatures that often find their way into homes and businesses, causing numerous problems for property owners in Lakeland, FL. Understanding their behavior and knowing how to prevent their intrusion can save you from potential damages and health risks. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with raccoons and why professional help from Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is essential.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. They are excellent climbers and have a knack for finding entry points into buildings, such as attic vents, chimneys, and roof edges. Once inside, they can cause significant damage and pose health risks to humans and pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in urban and suburban areas, making them a common nuisance for homeowners in Lakeland.

Signs of Raccoon Intrusion

Detecting a raccoon infestation early can prevent extensive damage. Look for these common signs of raccoon presence:

1. Unusual Noises

Unusual noises such as thumping or scratching, especially at night, can indicate the presence of raccoons in your home. These nocturnal creatures are active during the night. Their movements in attics, walls, or crawl spaces often produce distinctive sounds that can alert you to their intrusion.

2. Damage to Structure

Torn or chewed shingles, vents, or soffits are common signs of raccoon entry. Raccoons have strong, dexterous paws that they use to pry open weak spots in a building’s exterior. This type of damage compromises the integrity of your home. It also provides an entry point for other pests.

3. Droppings

Raccoon droppings around entry points or in attic spaces clearly indicate their presence. These droppings can carry diseases and should be handled with caution. The feces are typically dark and tubular.

4. Footprints

Footprints or tracks around your property, especially near potential entry points, are telltale signs of raccoon activity. Their distinctive five-toed prints resemble tiny human hands

5. Rummaged Trash

Tipped-over garbage cans or rummaged-through trash indicate raccoons are searching for food. These animals are opportunistic feeders. They are attracted to easily accessible food sources, making your garbage a prime target.

6. Greasy Smudges

Greasy smudges or marks where raccoons have squeezed through tight spaces often appear around entry points. These smudges result from the oil and dirt on their fur. They can help identify frequently used pathways.

7. Garden Damage

Damage to garden crops or pet food left outside can also signify a raccoon presence. These animals are known to forage in gardens. They eat fruits, vegetables, and even pet food, causing additional inconvenience and loss.

8. Foul Odor

A foul odor, particularly in attics or crawl spaces where raccoons might nest, can indicate their presence. The smell often comes from their droppings, urine, or even decaying food they have brought into your home.

Identifying these signs early can help reduce the damage raccoons can cause. However, understanding the specific risks they pose is equally important.

Risks Posed by Raccoons

Raccoons pose several risks to your property and health. These risks can be broadly categorized into property damage and health risks.

1. Property Damage

Raccoons can cause significant structural damage to your property. They tear up insulation, damage ducts, and gnaw on wires, which can lead to potential fire hazards. Their attempts to gain entry often result in torn or chewed shingles, vents, and soffits. This further compromises the integrity of your home and can lead to water damage during rainstorms. Water entering through these damaged areas can cause mold growth and structural decay. Additionally, raccoons may destroy garden crops and outdoor pet food, causing inconvenience and loss for homeowners.

2. Health Risks

The health risks associated with raccoons are substantial. Raccoons can transmit diseases such as rabies, although rare, which poses a serious risk to humans and pets. They can also spread leptospirosis through their urine. This leads to severe health issues like liver and kidney damage. Another significant health concern is roundworm. Eggs found in raccoon droppings can cause severe neurological damage if ingested. Furthermore, raccoons often carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. These can infest your home and affect your pets. Their droppings can carry parasites and pathogens, creating unsanitary conditions and potential health risks for your family.

Given the significant risks associated with raccoons, it is essential to seek professional help for removal and prevention.

Why Professional Help is Necessary

Attempting to remove raccoons on your own can be dangerous and ineffective. Professional wildlife removal experts, like those at Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, have the knowledge and tools to handle raccoons safely and humanely. Here are the key reasons to opt for professional help:

1. Thorough Inspections

Professional wildlife removal services begin with thorough inspections to identify all possible entry points and weak spots in your property. This comprehensive assessment leaves no area overlooked, which is crucial for preventing future raccoon infestations. Identifying these points requires expertise in understanding raccoon behavior and building structures.

2. Specialized Equipment and Expert Handling

Our team uses specialized equipment that is not readily available to the general public. This includes traps and removal tools designed to capture and transport raccoons safely. Handling wildlife, especially potentially aggressive animals like raccoons, requires professional training. Professionals seek to reduce stress on the animals while keeping everyone safe.

3. Health and Safety

Professionals are trained to deal with the health hazards posed by raccoons. This includes cleaning and sanitizing affected areas to prevent the spread of diseases. They use protective gear and follow safety protocols. This ensures that no one is exposed to harmful pathogens during the removal process. Proper sanitization is crucial for restoring a safe living environment.

4. Knowledge and Adherence to Wildlife Regulations

Professional wildlife removal experts are well-versed in wildlife regulations at all levels. In Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) oversees these regulations. This knowledge ensures that the removal process complies with all legal requirements. Adhering to these regulations is essential for humane and legal wildlife control.

5. Long-term Prevention

Beyond immediate removal, professional services focus on long-term prevention. They seal entry points and provide advice on how to make your property less attractive to raccoons. This comprehensive approach ensures that once the raccoons are removed, they are unlikely to return. This provides peace of mind and long-term protection.

Using professional services guarantees that raccoons are dealt with efficiently and humanely. However, prevention is always better than cure. There are several steps you can take to keep raccoons from becoming a problem in the first place.

Preventing Future Raccoon Infestations

Preventive measures are crucial in keeping raccoons away from your property. Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of a raccoon infestation:

1. Secure Trash Cans

Use tight-fitting lids on trash cans and store them in a garage or shed. This simple step can prevent raccoons from accessing food sources and discourage them from foraging near your home.

2. Trim Tree Branches

Trim tree branches that hang over your roof to prevent raccoons from accessing your attic. Raccoons are excellent climbers. Overhanging branches provide easy access to your home.

3. Seal Gaps and Openings

Seal any gaps or openings around your home’s exterior, including vents, chimneys, and roof edges. Securing these entry points can prevent raccoons from finding ways into your home.

4. Remove Food Sources

Remove food sources, such as pet food, bird feeders, and fallen fruit from your yard. Eliminating these attractants reduces the likelihood of raccoons coming to your property in search of food.

5. Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter raccoons from approaching your property. These devices startle the animals and make your yard less inviting.

6. Maintain Your Yard

Keep lawn mowed and free of debris. A well-maintained yard reduces hiding spots and makes your property less attractive to raccoons and other pests.

Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of a raccoon infestation. Regular inspections can further help keep your property secure.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of your property can help in early detection and prevention of raccoon infestations. Scheduling periodic checks with Wildout Animal and Pest Removal helps identify potential entry points and seal them before raccoons can exploit them. Our experts provide detailed reports and recommendations to keep your property secure.

The benefits of regular inspections include:

1. Early Detection

Regular inspections allow for early detection. This helps prevent extensive damage. By identifying problems early, you can address them before they become major issues.

2. Comprehensive Assessments

Our comprehensive assessments identify other potential attractants or vulnerabilities. This thorough approach evaluates all aspects of your property, reducing the risk of future infestations.

3. Preventative Measures

We provide preventative measures and recommendations for maintenance and repairs. These proactive steps help keep your property secure and free from raccoons and other pests.

Regular inspections are a proactive way to maintain the safety and integrity of your property.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We understand the stress and inconvenience that raccoon infestations can cause. We are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our clients in Lakeland, FL. Our approach includes:

1. Prompt Service

We provide quick and efficient responses to your pest removal needs. Our team addresses your concerns promptly to minimize disruption to your life.

2. Professionalism

Our courteous and respectful staff are trained to handle wildlife humanely. We prioritize ethical treatment of animals while ensuring the safety and security of your property.

3. Comprehensive Solutions

We offer solutions that address both immediate removal and long-term prevention. Our holistic approach keeps your property raccoon-free over the long term.

4. Follow-Up Care

We offer follow-up care to make sure that raccoons do not return and that your property remains secure. This ongoing support helps maintain a safe and pest-free environment.

Ensuring customer satisfaction through comprehensive and professional service is our goal. Beyond raccoon removal, we offer a range of services to manage other wildlife issues.

Additional Services Offered

In addition to raccoon removal, Wildout Animal and Pest Removal provides comprehensive wildlife management services. We handle a variety of pests, including squirrels, bats, birds, rodents, snakes, cockroaches and ants. Our holistic approach addresses all potential wildlife issues, providing you with a safe and pest-free environment.

Conclusion

Protecting your home or business from raccoons requires a proactive approach and the expertise of professionals. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is here to help you keep your property safe and raccoon-free. Our comprehensive services, combined with our commitment to excellence, make us the trusted choice for wildlife removal in Lakeland, FL.

Contact Wildout Animal and Pest Removal today and let us help bring peace and comfort back to your home.

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

863-315-9453 (WILD)

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