When you think about wildlife in urban settings, raccoons are almost always top of mind. These adaptable animals are as comfortable in dense forests as they are maneuvering through city streets and rooftops. Here in Bailey, raccoons are a common sight, and while they might seem harmless, their presence often signals bigger problems for homeowners. From prying open vents to nesting in your attic, these nocturnal animals can cause significant damage if left unattended. 

Homeowners often reach out to Skedaddle with questions like, “What does a raccoon nest look like?” or search for information about wildlife removal in Denver. With years of expertise and humane practices, we’re here to break down key raccoon facts, why these animals drawn to residences, and how to protect your property.

What Does a Raccoon Nest Look Like?

Raccoons don’t simply wander aimlessly—they’re known to make dens in safe, hidden spots, particularly in urban areas like Bailey. These dens, or nests, are typically found in hollow trees, abandoned burrows, or manmade structures like attics, crawlspaces, and chimneys. When raccoons decide your home is a good fit, they start creating nests out of insulation, leaves, twigs, and other soft materials. 

A raccoon nest is usually a compact and cozy area where they can sleep during the day and escape harsh weather conditions. During the spring and summer, female raccoons create nests specifically for their young. These nests are usually well-hidden and quiet, as the mother seeks to keep her babies safe from predators. However, if you’ve heard chirping or scratching sounds, it’s likely that you’ve stumbled upon a family of raccoons using your attic or walls as their nesting ground. At Skedaddle, we use advanced techniques like thermal imaging to locate nests quickly and ensure removal is done safely, without posing harm to the mother or her kits.

Allowing a nest to remain in your home can lead to significant damage. Raccoons can destroy insulation, chew through wiring, and leave behind droppings that pose a health risk. These materials are often contaminated with parasites like raccoon roundworm, which can be harmful to humans and pets. To avoid these hazards, it’s crucial to monitor for signs of nests and address them promptly with professional assistance.

Raccoon Facts Every Homeowner in Denver Should Know  

Raccoons are intelligent animals with highly developed problem-solving skills. They can open containers, manipulate door latches, and even pry off roof shingles or siding to gain access to your home. These traits make raccoons particularly challenging for homeowners to deter. Below are a few key facts about raccoons that highlight their potential risks and behaviors:

• Sharp Claws and Dexterity: Raccoons have strong, nimble paws that can turn a minor crack or loose siding into a full-blown entry point. Common spots they target include soffits, roof vents, and chimneys.  
• Omnivorous Diet: Raccoons aren’t picky eaters. They dig through garbage bins, raid pet food left outdoors, and feast on fruits or vegetables from gardens. With an ample food supply in neighborhoods, Bailey serves as an ideal habitat.  
• Nocturnal Lifestyle: Raccoons are most active during the night, often going unnoticed until their scratching, chirping, or thumping noises draw attention. This tendency makes it tricky for homeowners to detect them quickly.  

While raccoons might seem like a natural part of Denver’s wildlife, it’s critical to remember the risks. Housing even a single raccoon can lead to property damage and expose you to health issues, which is why professional wildlife removal is your safest route.

Wildlife Removal in Denver  

The importance of humane raccoon removal cannot be overstated. At Skedaddle, we’ve seen firsthand the damage unchecked raccoon activity can cause. When homeowners attempt to remove raccoons themselves, they often unknowingly leave behind vulnerable entry points or fail to address contamination risks fully. Effective removal requires sealing access points and thorough sanitization.

One of the most significant challenges we face during removal is managing mothers and their babies during birthing seasons, which typically occur in spring and summer. Unlike DIY methods, Skedaddle ensures the safety of all family members. Our technicians carefully extract baby raccoons by hand and place them in specialized “reunion boxes.” These heated, portable shelters allow us to safely reunite the young with their mothers outside of your home. Once the family reestablishes in one of the mother raccoon’s alternative den sites, we thoroughly seal every access point to prevent reentry.

Bailey homes are ideal for nesting raccoons due to the mix of seasonal weather, dense residential areas, and readily available food sources. With over 30 years of experience, Skedaddle can tackle even the most stubborn cases. We go beyond simply removing raccoons; we actively protect homes by reinforcing weak structures and screening common entry points like vents and soffits with durable materials that can withstand the strength of even the most determined raccoon.

Preventing Raccoon Infestations  

Protecting your home begins with understanding what attracts raccoons and making small but impactful changes to limit their access. While Skedaddle does not encourage manual deterrent efforts, homeowners can take proactive steps to make properties less appealing to raccoons. For instance, it’s critical to store garbage in secure bins, keep pet food indoors, and maintain clean gutters free of debris. These simple measures can stop raccoons from seeing your home as an easy shelter or food source.

Additionally, regular inspections are essential, especially if your home is older. Denver’s winters can accelerate damage to roofing and siding, creating vulnerabilities raccoons often exploit. Even minor gaps, as small as four inches, can allow a raccoon to squeeze through and establish a nest inside your property. At Skedaddle, we offer comprehensive assessments to identify and address these vulnerabilities before they lead to bigger issues.

Professional assistance is crucial in preventing recurring infestations. Our team not only removes present raccoons but also applies long-term solutions to keep them out. By replacing damaged insulation, deodorizing affected areas, and securing all possible entry points, Skedaddle ensures your home remains safe from future encounters.

Skedaddle’s Raccoon Removal Services  

At Skedaddle, we specialize in humane and effective raccoon removal services tailored to meet your needs. Our process begins with a thorough inspection to identify entry points and assess the extent of the infestation. Using safe, wildlife-friendly techniques, we carefully remove raccoons so they are free to relocate to a suitable habitat. Following removal, we focus on restoring your property by replacing damaged insulation, cleaning and deodorizing the area, and implementing measures to prevent future intrusions. With decades of experience, our team is committed to providing reliable, professional service to protect your home and ensure peace of mind.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home from Raccoons Today  

No homeowner wants to deal with the noise, damage, and health risks caused by raccoons. While their intelligence and adaptability make them fascinating animals, their destructive behavior can quickly turn them into uninvited guests in your home. If you suspect raccoons are making themselves at home in your attic, walls, or crawlspace, it’s time to act.

Skedaddle provides solutions grounded in expertise, reliability, and compassion for animals. Our team brings decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring the humane removal of raccoons while keeping your household secure. Protect your property and your family—contact Skedaddle today for help with wildlife removal in Denver.