As the sun sets and the quiet of night takes over, an unexpected visitor arrives—nosing through your trash cans, scaling your fence, and sneaking into your house. Welcome to the world of raccoons, the wily invaders of suburbia. 

But have you ever wondered if these nocturnal foragers are sharper than your beloved pet pooch? Do their problem-solving skills surpass those of the average Fido? Prepare yourself as we embark on an exploration of raccoon intelligence and their remarkable skills in infiltration. 

We’ll help you identify the telltale signs of these incredibly smart creatures making their way onto your property uninvited, highlight the problems posed by raccoon infestations, and provide a compelling reason to steer clear of do-it-yourself raccoon removal. 

We’ll then discuss why engaging the services of our Skedaddle wildlife team is your best defence and most humane option. 

Dealing with raccoons in your house? When it comes to understanding raccoon intelligence, it’s not simply about ‘if’ but ‘how.’ Let’s shed light on the elusive behaviour of raccoons and uncover the reasons behind their stealthy infiltration into our lives.

What are the Top 10 Signs of Raccoon Intelligence?

The intelligence of raccoons may surprise many homeowners. These creatures are known for their cunning and resourcefulness, traits that have helped them adapt to urban environments with ease. Recent intelligence tests of urban raccoons have shown that raccoons are significantly smarter than dogs – and cats for that matter! 

Here are the top ten signs that showcase how smart raccoons can be: 

1. Problem-Solving Skills: Raccoons show exceptional problem-solving abilities, which they often use to get into your trash or find their way into your home.
2. Memory: Did you know raccoons have a great memory? They can remember a solution to a task for up to three years.
3. Adaptability: They can survive and thrive in various settings, from forests to cities, by adapting to new circumstances and environments quickly.
4. Manipulative Skills: Raccoons’ front paws are just like hands, and they are remarkably adept at manipulating objects, even complex ones such as door latches.
5. Dexterity: They can open doors, jars, and can even untie shoelaces, further evidence of their dexterity and formidable intelligence.
6. Spatial Skills: Raccoons are proficient at mental map-making. They can navigate over large areas and remember where they found food before.
7. Social Learning: These creatures can learn from observing other raccoons, a sign of their social intelligence.
8. Nocturnal Strategies: Raccoons are predominantly active during the night, a strategy that involves conscious behaviour adjustment for their survival in various habitats.
9. Communication Skills: Raccoons communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, body postures, and facial expressions, showcasing their social complexity.
10. High Curiosity Level: By nature, raccoons are incredibly curious, which drives them to explore and learn about their surroundings.

These traits not only mean that raccoons can create trouble on your property but also that they are capable of evading many DIY methods of raccoon removal in Durham. It’s essential to understand how to get rid of raccoons correctly, or you may end up with a recurring problem.

How Do Raccoons Typically Infiltrate Residential Properties?

Raccoons are stealthy creatures known for their ability to find food and shelter, no matter where it may be. They are renowned for their adaptability, which has allowed them to survive and thrive in a variety of environments, including suburban and urban neighbourhoods. But how do these intelligent mammals manage to sneak onto your property? Let’s explore. 

One key attribute that contributes to a raccoon’s successful infiltration into homes is their dexterous paws. Possessing a high degree of manual dexterity, raccoons can easily manipulate and open latches, doorknobs, and even garbage can lids. This ability gives them unparalleled access to potential food sources within your property. 

• Entry through pet doors: Raccoons are extremely capable climbers and can effortlessly climb trees or fences to reach elevated entrances. With their slim bodies and flexible structure, they can easily squeeze through smaller openings, like a dog or cat door, to gain entry into your home.
• Chimneys and vents: Raccoons can also utilize their excellent climbing skills to access roofs or upper levels of a house, where they will exploit openings such as chimneys, vents or gaps in the roof.
• Dug burrows: Not limited to climbing, raccoons are also efficient diggers and will not hesitate to burrow under fences or structures to find a suitable home. Often times, they target less-frequently visited parts of your property like sheds, woodpiles, or basements.

It’s crucial to remember that raccoons are primarily motivated by three things: food, water, and shelter. Unsecured trash cans, pet food left outside, or accessible water sources may inadvertently invite these creatures into your space. Furthermore, locations that provide them with a hidden or cozy shelter, like an attic or a garage, are particularly enticing for raccoons. 

When a raccoon finds a combination of these resources on your property, it can quickly escalate from occasional visits to a full-blown infestation, bringing along various problems.

What are the Potential Issues Caused by a Raccoon Infestation?

When raccoons decide to make your property their home, it’s not a problem to be taken lightly. These creatures are far from being harmless house guests. In fact, having a raccoon infestation can lead to several issues that are potentially costly and hazardous. 

Risk of Property Damage 

Raccoons are notorious for exploring and causing mischief, particularly if they gain access to your home or yard. They can rip apart insulation, gnaw on wires, damage ventilation systems, and destroy gardens. The cost of these damages can easily run into thousands of dollars. 

Health Hazards 

Raccoon roundworm and Leptospirosis are two diseases commonly associated with raccoons. These diseases can infect humans and pets through indirect or direct contact with raccoon feces, posing a serious health risk. 

“Raccoons are carriers of parasites and bacteria that can lead to serious health consequences when transmitted to humans or pets.”

Aggressive Behavior 

The possibility of aggressive behaviour must not be underestimated, especially if the raccoons feel cornered or threatened. An encounter with an aggressive raccoon can result in bite or claw wounds, exposing you or your loved ones to the risk of infection. 

Attracts Other Pests 

Raccoons can also indirectly lead to other pest problems. Their presence and leftover food can attract other unwanted guests such as rodents or flies, adding to your existing pest issues. 

Considering these potential problems, promptly and appropriately dealing with a raccoon infestation is all the more important. However, attempting to carry out DIY raccoon removal can be extremely dangerous and often ineffective. That’s where professional assistance like ours can be a lifesaver. Remember, dealing with any form of wildlife requires experience, expertise, and the right tools – all of which a wildlife control service can provide.

Why is DIY Raccoon Removal Not Recommended?

The idea of do-it-yourself (DIY) raccoon removal might seem tempting to some homeowners. However, we must stress the importance of hiring a professional service to deal with these smart animals. There are several reasons why DIY attempts are not recommended. 

The Intelligence of Raccoons 

First and foremost, we have already discussed that raccoons are extremely intelligent creatures. Their dexterity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability make them formidable invaders. You might think you’ve sealed every point of entry, but a raccoon can find ways to sneak back into your property, leaving you in a never-ending cycle of frustration. 

Risk of Injury 

Trapping and removing raccoons is not only challenging, but it can also be dangerous. Raccoons are known to be defensive, especially when cornered or if they feel their young are threatened. There’s a risk of scratches, bites, and other injuries when attempting to handle these creatures yourself. 

Legal Restrictions 

To protect animal welfare, many areas have laws and regulations in place concerning the removal and relocation of wildlife, including raccoons. Untrained individuals may unknowingly violate these laws, leading to potential legal issues. 

Understanding Raccoon Behavior 

Professional wildlife removal experts, like those at we, not only understand raccoon behavior but also the specific local species and their habits. This knowledge enables them to devise effective raccoon removal strategies that limit the risk of return. 

Thoroughness of the Job 

Cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing the areas where raccoons are nested is key to prevent future infestations. An experienced professional will ensure the job is done thoroughly and will advise on necessary repairs or modifications to prevent re-entry. 

Preventing Future Infestations 

Finally, preventive measures are an integral part of the process. We don’t just remove the raccoons; we will also provide solutions for long-term raccoon prevention. We may recommend certain modifications or enhancements to your property to reduce its attractiveness to raccoons. 

In a nutshell, DIY raccoon removal is risky, potentially illegal, and often ineffective. It’s wise to leave it to our team, experienced in how to get rid of raccoons strategically and humanely.

How Can a Wildlife Control Service Get Rid of Raccoons?

Are you beginning to wonder how to get rid of raccoons that have made themselves unwanted guests at your home? The task might seem daunting at first, but, fortunately, it doesn’t have to be tackled alone. We strongly recommend you to consider the services of a professional wildlife control service, such as ours, over any DIY raccoon removal methods. 

Effective and Humane Approach 

We prioritize a humane and effective approach to raccoon removal in Durham. Our trained technicians comprehensively understand raccoon behavior and apply this knowledge to develop targeted removal strategies. They are adept at identifying and targeting raccoon activity zones, ensuring that the animals are removed without causing any harm to them or your property. 

Validated Methods 

Using DIY methods can often lead to incomplete or ineffective results. Our team leverages proven techniques and specialized equipment to guarantee effective raccoon removal. This approach not only addresses the current infestation but also helps to prevent any potential future incursions. 

Experience and Expertise 

With over a thousand successfully resolved cases, we pride ourselves on providing quality service. Our technicians are educated and updated with the latest wildlife control best practices. Their experience helps in identifying the signs of raccoon infestation and finding solutions faster, reducing the potential damage these critters might cause. 

Furthermore, it’s essential to note the importance of post-removal cleanup and sanitization, which is typically overlooked in DIY approaches. After the raccoon removal, we ensure thorough cleanup and disinfection to prevent health hazards from any leftover raccoon waste. 

Raccoons in your house? While the intelligence and adaptability of raccoons can make them challenging to deal with, professional services like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Durham Region can alleviate your concerns and offer you peace of mind. We are confident in our methods, combining the best raccoon removal strategies with extensive knowledge to combat any wildlife infestation successfully. Contact us to request a quote and learn more about our services.