Winter walks can be peaceful and enjoyable, but encountering raccoons during these outings can sometimes be unsettling. Understanding what raccoons do in the winter can help you stay prepared and safe. 

While raccoons don’t hibernate, they do go through periods of reduced activity. They seek out warm places to live, as raccoons get cold in the winter just like humans do. During these colder months, they often enter garages, attics, and other sheltered spaces looking for warmth.

 If you’re wondering how to repel raccoons, it’s essential to know that they are drawn to food and shelter. Removing food sources and sealing entry points around your home can make a significant difference. Always remember, that dealing with raccoons humanely is crucial. 

Skedaddle’s professional wildlife control services can ensure that raccoons are safely and effectively managed without harm. Stay informed, and enjoy your winter walks with peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for any raccoon encounters.

Exploring Raccoon Habits During Winter

Raccoons are highly adaptable animals. In winter, they don’t hibernate like some other wildlife. Instead, raccoons enter a state of torpor. This means they sleep more and reduce their activity level but will still come out of their dens to search for food. They usually use den sites such as hollow trees, abandoned burrows, or even attics and garages, if accessible. Their ability to adapt to different environments makes them a common sight, even during winter walks.

During winter, raccoons rely heavily on their fat reserves accumulated in the warmer months. However, food scarcity can drive them to forage through trash cans, pet food left outside, or bird feeders. This behaviour often brings them closer to human habitats, increasing the likelihood of encounters. Knowing this, it’s beneficial for homeowners to manage food sources around their property to minimize uninvited visits.

Understanding that raccoons are opportunistic feeders is crucial. They have a varied diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and human food waste. By securing garbage bins and removing outdoor food sources, you can discourage raccoons from making frequent visits to your property. Proper waste management is a key step in preventing potential issues with raccoons during the winter.

Preparing Your Property for Winter Wildlife

One of the first steps in preparing for potential raccoon encounters is securing your property. Raccoons are known for their dexterity and intelligence, which means they can easily get into unsecured trash cans, pet food containers, and even homes. Ensuring garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and bringing pet food indoors can significantly reduce the attraction for these animals.

Securing entry points to your home is also vital. Raccoons are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Check for any gaps or holes in your attic, roof, and garage, and seal them appropriately. This prevents raccoons from finding a warm place to stay during the cold months. Regularly inspect and maintain these areas to ensure there are no new entry points.

Another preventative measure is to keep your yard clean and free of debris. Overgrown shrubs, woodpiles, and clutter can provide shelter for raccoons. By maintaining a well-kept yard, you reduce the chances of creating an inviting environment for them. Additionally, installing motion-sensitive lights can act as a deterrent, as raccoons prefer to stay hidden in the darkness.

How to Handle Raccoon Encounters During Winter Walks

Encountering a raccoon during a winter walk can be surprising but not necessarily dangerous. Raccoons are generally shy animals and will avoid human interaction if possible. However, if you do come across one, it’s important to stay calm and give it space. Do not approach or try to feed the animal, as this can provoke defensive behaviour.

If a raccoon appears overly friendly or aggressive, maintain a safe distance. These behaviours can sometimes indicate illness, such as rabies, although it’s rare. Observing from afar and allowing the raccoon to move away is usually the best course of action. Educating yourself and your family on these signs can help you handle any encounters more effectively.

It’s also a good idea to carry a flashlight during evening walks. The light can help you spot raccoons and other wildlife before you get too close. Making noise while walking, such as talking or using a walking stick, can alert animals to your presence and give them time to retreat. This simple practice can greatly reduce the chance of unexpected encounters.

How to Repel Raccoons Humanely

For homeowners, knowing how to repel raccoons humanely is important. One effective method is using natural repellents. Strong-smelling substances like ammonia or vinegar can deter raccoons from certain areas. These can be placed in strategic locations around your property to discourage raccoons from venturing too close.

Fencing can also be a useful deterrent. Installing a sturdy fence around your property or garden can prevent raccoons from accessing these areas. Ensure the fence is buried a few inches underground to stop raccoons from digging beneath it. Regularly inspect the fence for any damage or gaps that could allow entry.

Keeping Your Family and Pets Safe

Safety is paramount when dealing with wildlife encounters, especially for families with young children and pets. Educate your family about the importance of not approaching or feeding raccoons. Explain that while raccoons may appear cute, they are wild animals and should be observed from a distance for safety.

Ensure that pets are supervised when outside, especially during dawn and dusk when raccoons are most active. Keeping pets on a leash and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors can reduce the chances of interactions with raccoons. Pet vaccinations, particularly for rabies, should be up to date to protect against potential diseases.

In case of an incident involving a raccoon, knowing basic first aid and having emergency contact numbers handy can be crucial. If a pet is injured or if there’s any human interaction with a raccoon, seek medical attention promptly. Being prepared can help mitigate any risks associated with wildlife encounters.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Control in Etobicoke

When it comes to dealing with raccoon issues, professional help can often be the most effective solution. Skedaddle offers humane wildlife control services that prioritize the well-being of both the animals and the homeowners. Our team of experts is trained to handle raccoon situations with care and expertise, ensuring a safe and humane resolution.

Skedaddle doesn’t trap or relocate wildlife, which aligns with our commitment to humane practices. Instead, we focus on exclusion techniques that prevent animals from entering your property in the first place. Our thorough inspection process identifies potential entry points and areas of concern, allowing us to provide tailored solutions for each unique situation.

By choosing Skedaddle, you benefit from our extensive experience and dedication to humane wildlife control. We understand the importance of resolving wildlife issues without causing harm to the animals. Our methods are designed to keep your property secure while respecting the natural behaviours of the wildlife we encounter.

Contact Us Today

Winter walks are a delightful way to experience the beauty of the season, and understanding raccoon behaviour can enhance this experience. By preparing your property, handling encounters calmly, and using humane deterrent methods, you can coexist peacefully with raccoons during the winter months. Remember, raccoons are simply trying to survive the cold just like we are.

Skedaddle is here to help you manage wildlife encounters humanely and effectively. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing safe and reliable solutions for homeowners facing raccoon challenges. If you need assistance with raccoon management, consider reaching out to Skedaddle. Your winter walks can remain enjoyable and worry-free with the right preparations and support.

Take the first step towards a raccoon-free property by contacting Skedaddle today. Our commitment to humane wildlife control ensures that both you and the raccoons can continue to enjoy the winter season safely and peacefully. Don’t wait until an encounter becomes a problem—be proactive and enjoy the winter landscape with confidence.