The black mask around a raccoon’s eyes lends it an air of mischievousness, but it also adds to their cuteness factor. These wily creatures are known for their cleverness and their garbage-stealing ways. They are intelligent and dexterous, a combination that comes in handy when attempting to bust open the latch on a bin.

They’re also good climbers and frequently make their way into attics. If you hear the tell-tale scuffling of a masked bandit overhead, contact the experts for humane raccoon removal in Niagara. Are these critters good for more than breaking and entering and stealing the trash?

The Masked Bandit Eats More Than Just Your Trash

These furry creatures are omnivores, so they eat plants and animals. You may know they aren’t terribly picky, since they have no trouble eating your week-old leftovers, but they eat a wide variety of food that is beneficial for homeowners and the environment. Raccoons consume insects, rodents and reptiles that many people consider pests, and they don’t mind polishing off the carcass of an animal that met an unfortunate end.

Raccoons as Beekeepers

One of the masked bandit’s favourite foods is wasp larvae. Their appetite for this delicacy keeps these populations in check. Many homeowners who aren’t fans of wasps may appreciate this fact. It’s also good for the bees, as wasps tend to take over the environments bees favour, which is, in turn, good for the plants’ bees pollinate.

Raccoons as Seed Dispersers

These guys don’t just help the world’s primary pollinators, they do a similar job themselves. Fruits and nuts are among the many foods raccoons eat. After they eat their fill, they deposit the seeds through their waste, which is exactly what the parent plant needs to reproduce.

Raccoons on Pest Control

The masked bandit isn’t just good at thieving, it’s also a good hunter. While humans tend to fear mice and rats, raccoons eat them for supper. They’re adept at catching these scurrying little critters, helping to tamp down the rodent population. Rats and mice also tend to steer clear of any area raccoons inhabit.

Raccoons Dig the Soil

Raccoons are adept at digging in the soil for dinner. They love a good grub meal and happily dine on worms and insects. As they dig, they help aerate and turn over the soil. Their digging activities keep the soil healthy, help with decomposition, and encourage new plant growth.

Raccoons Aren’t Good Houseguests

While the masked bandit does good things for the ecosystem, and even your yard, it doesn’t make a great houseguest. Raccoons have skills that serve them well out in nature, but they also give these little rascals the ability to gain access to your home, despite their size. If their entry point to your attic isn’t large enough, they’ll make it so, damaging your home’s exterior in the process. Things don’t get any better once they’re inside.

Rascally Raccoons Do Structural Damage

When a raccoon gets inside your home, they like to make it a cozy place to live. They walk right over insulation, flattening it down and decreasing its effectiveness. Skedaddle technicians have also seen raccoon damage to ventilation systems and electrical wiring, creating a safety hazard for you and your family.

Masked Bandits Can’t Mask Their Odour

In addition to structural damage, raccoons leave behind a mess of feces and urine. Their waste is not only stinky, but it is also hazardous to human and pet health. Raccoons are also rabies carriers, so if you find raccoons in your home, make sure you contact professionals who know how to remove them safely.

Skedaddle Provides Humane Raccoon Removal in Niagara

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control technicians are experts in raccoon removal in Niagara. They humanely and safely remove the home invaders, returning them to nature, where they belong. Afterward, they clean up the mess, so you aren’t exposed to potential pathogens. Get in touch with us today if you need help with raccoon houseguests!