Raccoons might look cute from a distance, but when they invade your home, they can cause serious problems. These animals are notorious for their ability to squeeze into tight spaces and wreak havoc once inside. 

Raccoon damage to your house can be extensive, including destroyed insulation, chewed wires, and broken vents. They can even tear apart your roof shingles to gain entry. Beyond structural damage, raccoons often carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. Understanding whether raccoons are dangerous to your family is crucial. It’s essential to know how to deal with raccoons effectively to prevent these issues. 

Our team of Skedaddle experts specializes in safe and humane wildlife removal, ensuring your home is protected and your peace of mind restored. When dealing with a raccoon infestation, professional help is the key to safeguarding your property and health.

Understanding Raccoons

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. They are highly intelligent and curious, often scavenging for food and shelter in residential areas. Raccoons are also strong and agile, making it easy for them to climb trees, fences, and even enter attics. This adaptability is why they often end up in our homes.

Raccoons are known to be persistent. Once they find a food source or a cozy spot in your home, they will keep coming back. This behavior makes it challenging to deal with raccoons without professional help. Additionally, raccoons can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.

The best way to handle a raccoon problem is by understanding their behavior. Recognizing the signs of a raccoon infestation early can prevent significant damage to your property and ensure the safety of your family.

Signs of a Raccoon Infestation

One of the first signs of raccoons in your home is the noise they make. Since they are nocturnal, you might hear them moving around at night. Scratching, thumping, and chattering sounds from the attic or walls could indicate that raccoons have taken up residence.

Another sign is the presence of droppings. Raccoon droppings are usually found in attics, crawl spaces, and near garbage cans. These droppings can carry diseases, so it’s important to handle them with care and seek professional assistance for cleanup.

You might also notice damage to your property. Raccoons are strong enough to tear shingles, chew through wood, and rip insulation. They can create entry points by prying open vents or gnawing on roof edges. These damages can allow water to seep into your home, leading to mold growth and structural issues.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Raccoons are not just a nuisance; they can pose serious risks to your health and safety. One of the main concerns is the transmission of diseases. Raccoons can carry rabies, which is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system. If a raccoon bites or scratches you, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Another disease associated with raccoons is leptospirosis. This bacterial infection can spread through contact with raccoon urine or contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage or liver failure.

Parasites are also a concern. Raccoons can host fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets and humans. These parasites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and transmit other diseases. Additionally, raccoon roundworms can be found in their droppings. Ingesting or inhaling eggs from these roundworms can lead to serious health issues, including blindness and brain damage.

Raccoon Damage to Your Home

Raccoons are notorious for causing extensive damage to homes. One of the first areas they target is the roof. They use their sharp claws and strong teeth to tear off shingles and create openings to enter attics. Once inside, they can destroy insulation, wiring, and ductwork.

Insulation damage is a common issue with raccoon infestations. They tear apart insulation to create nests, leading to energy inefficiency and higher utility bills. Exposed wires chewed by raccoons can also pose a fire hazard. Additionally, damaged ducts can affect your heating and cooling systems, resulting in costly repairs.

Raccoons in the attic can also damage stored items. They chew on cardboard boxes, clothing, and other materials. Their droppings and urine can contaminate stored items, making them unsafe to use. Furthermore, the smell of raccoon urine can attract other pests, creating a bigger problem.

How to Deal With Raccoons

Dealing with raccoons requires a professional approach. DIY methods are often ineffective and can be dangerous. Trapping and relocating raccoons is illegal in many areas because it can cause more harm to the animals and disrupt local ecosystems.

At Skedaddle, we use humane methods to remove raccoons from your home. Our process begins with a thorough inspection to identify entry points and assess the extent of the infestation. We then use one-way doors and exclusion techniques to ensure raccoons can leave but cannot re-enter your home.

After removing the raccoons, we focus on decontamination and repair. We clean and sanitize affected areas to remove any droppings, urine, and odors. Our team also repairs damage to insulation, wiring, and ductwork, ensuring your home is safe and secure.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Removal in Mableton?

When it comes to wildlife removal, Skedaddle stands out for several reasons. Our team of experts is trained in humane and effective methods of dealing with raccoon infestations. We prioritize the safety of both the animals and your family, ensuring a stress-free experience.

We also offer a comprehensive approach. From inspection and removal to decontamination and repair, we handle every aspect of the process. This thorough approach ensures that raccoons do not return and that your home is restored to its original condition.

Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We understand the inconvenience and stress that a raccoon infestation can cause, and we are dedicated to providing timely and reliable service. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and a raccoon-free home.

With over 30 years of experience, Skedaddle has successfully helped thousands of homeowners in Mableton and beyond. Our proven track record speaks volumes about our commitment to quality service and customer care. We stay up-to-date with the latest practices in wildlife control, ensuring that we provide the most effective solutions for our clients. 

When you choose Skedaddle, you’re not just hiring a wildlife removal service; you’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your home’s safety and well-being. We understand that every home and infestation is unique, which is why we tailor our services to fit your specific needs. Our detailed inspection process helps us to create a customized plan for your home, addressing all potential entry points and vulnerabilities.

The Humane Removal Experts

Raccoon infestations can cause significant damage to your home and pose serious health risks. Recognizing the signs early and seeking professional help is crucial. At Skedaddle, we offer expert wildlife removal services that are humane, effective, and comprehensive.

If you suspect a raccoon infestation in your home, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a safe and raccoon-free home. Our team is ready to help you protect your property and ensure the well-being of your family.