Most people never see raccoons in their neighbourhoods, even though the animals are regular visitors. Raccoons are nocturnal, so it keeps the critters out of sight and mind most of the time. However, when the animals nest on your property, they leave plenty of clues, including ripped-up trash bags and other damage. While many property owners might consider DIY raccoon removal to save money, DIY is risky.

Risks Associated With DIY Raccoon Removal

Only trained professionals should attempt raccoon removal in Kitchener. The animals are known carriers of rabies and can transmit the disease to people and pets. Also, professionals have noted a recent rise in distemper cases in Toronto.

Rabies is a scary risk, but it is rare. Still, because there is a risk, homeowners should avoid interactions with wildlife that may be carriers.

Beyond the risk of disease, homeowners can also get injured when trying to remove raccoons. The animal can bite or scratch when frightened. Scratches and bites can also transmit bacteria and infections.

Identifying Signs of Raccoon Infestations

Raccoons are not the cleanest neighbours. When a raccoon lives on your property, you might notice damaged gardens, ripped-up trash bags, holes in your yard, or droppings.

If raccoons make their way into your attic space, you may notice noises and odours coming from the area. Raccoons will make the most noise at night because they are nocturnal critters.

Many homeowners are tempted to try DIY raccoon removal when they notice signs of an infestation, but that is a mistake. Attempting removals is dangerous for the homeowner and the animal, so it is best to leave removal to professionals who can also handle remediation and property repair.

Importance of Hiring a Humane Professional

When investigating how to get rid of raccoons and wildlife control services, look for humane wildlife control services. Not all raccoons are sickly or rabies infested; in fact, most are not. The animals are only trying to find food and shelter, nothing more.

In most situations, raccoons and people live side by side without ever coming across one another. Still, during those times when raccoons mistake a house for a viable shelter, they deserve care and respect. No living thing deserves to die for simply trying to survive.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control understands wildlife and has immense respect for nature. The service does everything in its power to ensure animal and homeowner safety.

Securing Your Home Against Future Infestations

It is not enough to remove raccoons from your house and property. If your yard still represents a place for food, water, and shelter, the animals can find their way back. To prevent future infestations, homeowners must adopt new habits and install preventative measures. For example, to keep raccoons away, homeowners should:

• Store garbage in sealed bins inside garages or shed
• Eliminate sources of water in their yards
• Keep the yard cut and maintained
• Install fencing
• Install lighting

You should talk to a raccoon removal specialist for more specific steps to deter raccoons from your property. Keeping your property protected against infestations is an ongoing task that requires vigilance.

Hiring Professionals Instead of Risking DIY Raccoon Removal

DIY raccoon removal is a dangerous job; also, it is often ineffective for long-term solutions. Raccoons are large and relatively agile creatures. They are solitary animals and do not take kindly to handling. If you know you have raccoons on your property or taking shelter under or inside a shed, call a licensed and humane wildlife service. The professionals know how to safely handle and remove wildlife populations without causing injury to themselves, the client, or the homeowner. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to learn more and schedule a property inspection.