Raccoons, with their curious nature and masked faces, have become a popular sight in both urban and suburban areas. However, along with their growing presence comes a surge of myths and misconceptions about these animals. From their perceived aggressiveness to their nocturnal habits, homeowners and business owners alike often have preconceived notions about raccoons without really understanding the truth behind them. 

In this blog post, we will debunk five common myths surrounding raccoons and shed light on the reality of living alongside these intelligent creatures. Do you wonder what attracts raccoons to your yard or how their presence can be harmoniously managed?

It’s time to unravel the truth and understand how to prevent raccoons from becoming uninvited guests while appreciating their role in our ecosystem. Whether you’ve had a close encounter with a raccoon or you simply want to learn more about them, keep reading as we dive into the world of these misunderstood animals.

5 Common Raccoon Myths Explained 

Raccoons are known for their unique behaviors and associations with urban environments, but often, some misconceptions about these small creatures may mislead our understanding. Here are five common myths about raccoons that should be debunked. 

Myth 1: Raccoons Hibernate 

Contrary to a widespread belief, raccoons do not hibernate. While they spend a lot of time in their dens during winter, they don’t experience deep hibernation like bears do. Rather, they engage in a state of light hibernation, or torpor. In torpor, they lower their body temperature and metabolic rate to save energy, but they can wake up and venture out during warm spells. 

Myth 2: Raccoons Wash Their Food 

It’s commonly thought that raccoons “wash” their food before eating. However, they often dunk food items in water as part of their complex tactile exploration, not for cleanliness. They have highly sensitive front paws, and wetting the food increases their sensitivity, allowing them to examine their food more thoroughly. 

Myth 3: All Raccoons Carry Rabies 

While raccoons are one of the primary carriers of rabies in the United States, it’s incorrect to assume that all of them are infected. It’s still essential to exercise caution around them, especially the ones that appear sick or display unusual behavior, as these could be symptoms of rabies or other diseases. 

Myth 4: Raccoons Are Vermin 

Raccoons are often labeled as vermin due to their reputation for getting into trash cans and making a mess. However, they are intelligent, curious creatures with a knack for problem-solving. Their foraging behaviors often coincide with human habitats because of the easy food source that our garbage presents. 

Myth 5: Raccoons Make Good Pets 

Despite their cute appearance and playful nature, raccoons make poor pets. They are wild animals with specific dietary and environmental needs that the average homeowner cannot provide. Moreover, keeping a raccoon as a pet is illegal in many areas due to the risk they pose for transmitting diseases. 

Understanding these misconceptions about raccoons can help build better cohabitation between us and these fascinating creatures. As experts in wildlife control, we at Skedaddle advocate for a humane approach when dealing with them or any wildlife in your home or neighborhood.

How to Prevent Raccoons from Invading Your Home

Your home constitutes a warm, safe, and enticing opportunity for wildlife, particularly in urban settings where natural habitats are limited. You might be inadvertently advertising an open invitation to these enthusiastic explorers. Therefore, it’s vital to take proactive measures to make your property less appealing. Below are some suggestions: 

• Secure Trash Cans: Latched lids or weighted tops are ideal for preventing unwanted rummaging and keeping raccoons away from potentially hazardous materials.
• Maintain Your Yard: Raccoons can utilize overgrown trees and shrubs to gain access to your property. Regularly trimming overhanging branches and clearing fallen fruit or nuts will discourage their presence.
• Seal Access Points: They are particularly adept at finding openings in your home’s exterior. Check for gaps and cracks, and seal them promptly.
• Install Motion Sensor Lighting: As nocturnal animals, raccoons are deterred by sudden bursts of light in their peripheral vision.
• Remove Food and Water Sources: If temptation is eliminated, they will move on to more promising locales. Bird feeders, pet food, and standing water should be kept indoors or tightly secured.

Each of these techniques is helpful, but always remember the final, critical caution: never attempt to remove raccoons on your own. They are wild creatures, capable of substantial physical harm if cornered or threatened. They may also carry parasites and diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. In such instances, professional help from the likes of Skedaddle should be promptly sought, ensuring your safety and the humane treatment of the raccoon itself.

Choose Skedaddle for Humane Raccoon Removal in  Bowie

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control stands out as the premier service for raccoon removal in Bowie. Our approach combines effective removal strategies with a deep understanding of these unique creatures, making us the top choice for homeowners who value an efficient, scientifically backed, and compassionate approach. 

When it comes to managing raccoons, we offer distinct advantages. Our team of professionals is equipped with an extensive understanding of their behavior and biology. We leverage this knowledge to devise the most effective removal strategies, tailored to the exigencies of every situation we handle. 

Our methods are not one-size-fits-all. Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures, and what works in one situation may not be effective in another. Therefore, we conduct thorough inspections to determine the extent and nature of your problem before choosing a removal strategy. This commitment to personalized service ensures we provide the most comprehensive and thorough removal possible. 

A Humane Approach to Wildlife Removal

At Skedaddle, we believe in a humane approach to wildlife control. We don’t kill or harm the animals. Instead, we utilize our knowledge of wildlife behavior to construct strategies which encourage these creatures to vacate your property of their own accord. This is followed by preventative measures, such as removing attractants and securing potential entry points, to ensure that your raccoon problem does not recur. 

Our company is not only committed to providing exceptional service, but we are also committed to the education of our clients. During our service visit, we will share insights about raccoons – their behavior, diet, nesting habits, and more. This information empowers homeowners to reduce the chances of another infestation while fostering a healthier relationship with our local wildlife. The result is a safer, more peaceful coexistence that benefits both the community and our animal counterparts. 

Beyond Wildlife Removal

Beyond our highly effective and humane removal strategies, we further distinguish ourselves through our prompt, professional, and respectful service. When you call Skedaddle, you can expect a swift response and a solution tailored to your unique needs. 

Finally, we don’t believe our job is done once the raccoons are removed. We offer full repair and restoration services to areas damaged by raccoon activity. This involves cleaning up waste, removing and replacing insulation, and sanitation of the affected areas. We want to ensure that your home is restored to its original state or better. 

In conclusion, if you’re faced with a raccoon problem in Bowie, choosing Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is a decision you’ll never regret. We combine expertise, personalization, humane methods, and dedicated customer service to provide a raccoon removal experience that is unrivaled. With us, you aren’t just hiring a service, you’re partnering with experts passionate about wildlife and committed to resolving your wildlife issues in the most effective, humane, and environmentally responsible manner possible.

Don’t let raccoon myths lead to unnecessary fear or misguided attempts at cohabitation. Get in touch with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. Let us put our expertise to work for you, providing an effective and humane solution for your raccoon concerns. Act now for peace of mind and a raccoon-free home. Contact us today!