|
Raccoons, sometimes referred
to as “masked bandits”, are often admired for
their intelligence and their ingenuity. But
these traits also make them quite destructive to
homes and businesses. Racoon damage can be costly and their average weight is 12
to 20 lbs. (5.5 to 9 kg.) which makes it difficult to get rid of raccoons. Because of their size and intelligence they should be
dealt with very carefully.
See
also details on our
raccoon removal
and exclusion services, our
raccoon case study and the information sheet
on raccoon
roundworm. You can also view a raccoon damage
photo gallery
Racoon Damage to Properties
-
Raccoons most often like
to make dens in chimneys, roofs and attics,
especially over bedrooms where it tends to
be quieter. They are nocturnal (i.e. active
at night), making them quite a nuisance when
homeowners are trying to sleep.
-
| FACT: |
Raccoons have
very manipulative paws, which means they can
open jars, garbage cans and even door latches.
They are also quite strong and will rip up
shingles, soffit, flashings and aluminium. |
| FACT: |
The mother
instinct in raccoons is very strong and they
will cause major damage if separated from their
young. |
| FACT: |
Frayed wires pose a
serious fire hazard, especially if close
to flammable materials like wood or
insulation. |
Health Risks
from Raccoons
| FACT: |
Raccoons
infected with rabies often cannot be
distinguished from healthy ones. Rabies is
transmitted through saliva from the infected
raccoon to humans and pets, often through a
bite. |
-
Raccoon feces are
commonly infected with a roundworm known as
Baylisascaris. If the eggs are ingested by
humans, they can cause nausea, organ
malfunction, blindness, loss of muscle
control and even death. Extreme caution is
advised to avoid any contact during efforts to get rid of raccoons.
| FACT: |
The roundworm
eggs are extremely resilient and can be easily
transmitted through water runoff, soil and
building materials to surrounding areas. |
How to Find Raccoons
-
Raccoons emit a large
number of vocalizations and prefer to build
dens in warm, dry locations. They are very
active animals and will scurry around
attics, chimneys and roofs, usually at
night. Feces and fur are often found at the
entry point and there can be a strong odour
detected.
| FACT: |
Raccoons are
able to gain entry through just about any common
building material (e.g. wood, soffit, aluminium,
shingles and flashings). On average, there are
10-25 raccoons per square kilometre in urban
areas. |
How to Get Rid of Raccoons
| FACT: |
The most
effective method is to
remove all the raccoons
and completely seal the entire building from
further entry. |
-
Killing or capturing the
adult likely won’t solve the problem, since
the babies may still be living in the attic,
chimney, walls or roof.
| FACT: |
Raccoons
usually produce 5-6 babies per year from early
spring to late summer. The young become very
vocal upon birth and are mobile around six weeks
of age. Raccoon damage in residential areas, where raccoons usually have 5-6 den sites, is common. |
|
