If you’ve recently discovered signs of a raccoon infestation around your property, you might be contemplating different methods of raccoon proofing your house. One popular choice among homeowners is to use chicken wire as a deterrent. At first glance, it seems like a reasonable solution; it’s cheap, easy to find, and simple to install. However, using this material can do more harm than good when it comes to keeping these clever animals at bay.

It’s important to understand why chicken wire isn’t the effective barrier you might think it is. In this blog post, I’ll share insights from my experience as a wildlife control expert at Skedaddle. We’ll explore why this common choice fails to protect homes and actually how to deter raccoons from your property. Along the way, I’ll explain the shortcomings of chicken wire and offer some practical tips to protect your home effectively.

Why Chicken Wire Fails as a Barrier

When you’re trying to deter raccoons from your property, it’s crucial to understand their natural behaviors and capabilities. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent animals with strong problem-solving skills and dexterous paws. These traits make them adept at overcoming obstacles that might seem impenetrable to other animals.

One of the primary reasons chicken wire fails is that it was never designed to withstand the persistent efforts of raccoons. If they’re determined to reach a food source or gain shelter, they’ll find a way through. They can easily bend or break the wire with their nimble paws and sharp claws, rendering it useless as a barrier. Furthermore, chicken wire is typically thin and flimsy, making it susceptible to rust and wear over time, which leaves your property vulnerable to unwanted intrusions.

Another significant issue is that raccoons are excellent climbers and diggers. Even if the chicken wire is installed correctly, these animals can simply scale it or dig underneath. In short, chicken wire doesn’t have the durability or strength to stand up to their persistent and adaptive nature. Ultimately, relying on chicken wire gives a false sense of security, leaving your home exposed to potential damage and health risks.

Ineffectiveness Against Determined Animals

When faced with the challenge of keeping raccoons away from your property, you need a solution that addresses their behavior and capabilities. Chicken wire falls short in this regard because it doesn’t account for their determination and resourcefulness. Once these animals identify an area they want to access, they’ll stop at nothing to get inside.

For instance, imagine that you’ve used chicken wire to block off entry points like attic vents or crawl spaces. While it may initially keep them out, they’re likely to continue testing its strength until they find a weak spot. Over time, the stress of their repeated attempts will cause the wire to weaken or break, allowing them to gain access.

In addition, raccoons often work in groups, increasing the likelihood of success when tackling a barrier. With several animals working together, they can easily exploit vulnerabilities in chicken wire, gaining entry to your home and causing damage. Their adaptability means they’ll quickly figure out how to overcome your defenses, making chicken wire an unreliable long-term solution.

Lastly, raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will go to great lengths to access food sources. If your property offers easy access to garbage bins, pet food, or bird feeders, they’ll be even more determined to breach any barriers you have in place. Chicken wire simply doesn’t have the stopping power needed to deter them from exploring these potential food sources.

How to Deter Raccoons from Your Property

Once your home is properly fortified against raccoon intrusions, it’s important to maintain these defenses to ensure ongoing protection. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify any potential vulnerabilities, allowing you to address them before they become problematic.

Start by routinely checking the integrity of your barriers, such as hardware cloth or metal flashing. Look for signs of wear, rust, or tampering that could weaken their effectiveness. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent raccoons from gaining access to your home.

Additionally, maintain a clean and organized property to minimize attractants. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, store pet food indoors, and clean up any fallen fruit or birdseed. By removing potential food sources, you can reduce the likelihood of raccoons being drawn to your property.

Finally, consider scheduling periodic inspections with a professional wildlife control service like Skedaddle. Our team can help identify any new vulnerabilities and recommend updates to your exclusion strategy, ensuring your home remains raccoon-free for years to come.

Why Skedaddle is the Best Choice

Choosing the right wildlife control service is critical to ensuring your home is effectively protected against raccoon intrusions. At Skedaddle, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge techniques to deliver lasting results.

Our commitment to customer satisfaction sets us apart from other wildlife control providers. We take the time to understand your unique situation, tailoring our services to address your specific needs. Our team of skilled professionals works diligently to ensure your home remains safe and secure from unwanted visitors.

In addition to our expert services, we emphasize humane treatment and removal of wildlife whenever possible. Our goal is to protect your property while also respecting the animals that share our environment. By choosing Skedaddle, you’re partnering with a company that values both your safety and the well-being of local wildlife.

Create a Comprehensive Plan With Our Help

In the end, chicken wire simply isn’t a reliable solution when it comes to protecting your home from raccoons. While it may seem like a convenient option, its weaknesses leave your property vulnerable to damage and intrusion. Instead, invest in more durable materials and enlist the help of professional wildlife control services to ensure your home is truly secure.

At Skedaddle, we’re ready to assist you in creating a comprehensive plan to protect your home from unwanted visitors. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering effective solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring the safety and security of your property. Reach out today to learn more about our services and take the first step towards a raccoon-free home.