The do-it-yourself mentality is prevalent in residential areas, with many homeowners feeling household tasks and maintenance are cheaper when self-performed. While DIY thinking is cost-effective and may be a good choice in certain situations, wildlife control is not one of them, especially when attempting raccoon removal; a project that sees you going head-to-head with one of nature’s most intelligent and persistent species.

Professional wildlife control services understand the motivations and temperaments of animals, meaning their technicians know how to stay safe and keep the animals safe during removal efforts. As a novice, you likely do not possess the same level of know-how or experience, meaning DIY solutions are likely to fail, and potentially put you in harm’s way..

How DIY Becomes a Disaster

Homeowners typically treat the symptoms of a wildlife problem or invasion, rather than the cause. When they see or hear a raccoon in the attic, basement, or garage, they generally assume the animal entered somewhere close to that spot. They will then place traps and look for any obvious holes or entry points — an open window, rotted board, etc. 

If traps do not work, the homeowner likely tries harmful chemicals and repellants, like poisons or mothballs, often underestimating the compounding effect of using such products in their house. Poisons, especially any used for raccoons, are toxic to the animal and your family, including your pets — not to mention, they are incredibly inhumane. Traps placed inside the home can also lead to accidents and injury. Also, what do you plan on doing after effectively trapping the animal?

Many people plan on trapping and transporting the animal somewhere far away from their house, but while this might resolve the issue with that one raccoon, it doesn’t for others. Taking an animal away from its environment is also highly traumatic and severely diminishes its odds of survival, making trapping and transport another inhumane option. This method may also separate a mother from her kits, which can be a fatal decision.

It is also worth noting that raccoons are brilliant creatures, and while they might use obvious entry points from time to time, they likely have other ways to get into your property. Despite the animal’s relatively large size, an adult raccoon can fit through an opening only three to four inches in diameter. If you do not find all entry points, the raccoon will utilize all it’s alternative entrances. 

Calling a Professional Service Is a Necessity

While raccoons are cute and friendly-looking animals, they are not house pets. They can bite or become vicious if they feel threatened. Professional wildlife technicians are aware of the potential risks, and they understand the species, making it safer for them to handle exclusion than an average homeowner.

Professionals also know how important it is to inspect a property andlocate all potential entry points. During the initial assessment of your house, the wildlife experts will also look for signs of other animals or critters in your home. Often, if a raccoon could make it inside, other animals could too. The presence of wildlife in your home also suggests an adequate food source or some other essential resource, such as shelter and warmth. The technicians will help you determine the motivation for the intrusion and how to correct it.

When looking for raccoon entry points, a wildlife expert might take a top-down approach. There are several potential entry points, primarily around the roofline of a property:

• Chimneys
• Soffits
• Roof vents
• Eaves
• Plumbing mats

A Warning Against DIY Wildlife Solutions

Wildlife does not consist of tame or domesticated animals, and while many critters might look friendly and harmless, when cornered, they can become downright vicious. Beyond the possibility of attack, you do not know the health of the animal that infiltrated your home. Raccoons can be carriers of diseases and viruses, such as the rabies virus. 

While DIY options are tempting because of the perceived money savings, wildlife control is better left to the pros. It is much more expensive to deal with multiple intrusions than to prevent future invasions from the start. The professionals with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specialize in finding cost-effective solutions safe for you and the animal. Contact a representative to schedule a property inspection and assessment.