How To Keep Raccoons Off Your Property in Richmond
Raccoons aren’t something you want sharing your home with you, as these critters can spread diseases like rabies and raccoon roundworm, and they can become very aggressive if cornered or threatened. Additionally, when raccoons get inside your attic space, they can rip up and shred your insulation, often soiling it with waste. Even worse, they can tear through HVAC ducts, destroy your soffit, and rip off your roof shingles. Don’t worry, you can keep raccoons off your property by following these tips:
Secure Trash Cans and Compost Bins
The number one thing that attracts raccoons to your property is the promise of an easy meal, and no meal is easier than an outdoor garbage can or compost bin full of food. Securing your garbage can or compost bin with tight, animal-proof lids and locks can keep raccoons off your property by making it harder for them to access easy food sources.
Remove Attractants
Removing other sources of food and water on your property can help mitigate the risk of a raccoon problem. Bowls of pet food that are left out overnight provide a buffet for raccoons, so bringing these in before bed can help keep them away. It’s generally a good rule to avoid feeding any kind of wildlife, including birdfeeders, as they can attract raccoons and squirrels. If you have a fruit-bearing tree, clean up fallen fruit regularly. If you have an outdoor grill, make sure you are keeping it clean and well-maintained.
Sources of water can also attract raccoons to your property. Fixing leaks as soon as they happen and removing any standing water on your property can keep raccoons away. Dump out birdbaths and outdoor pet bowls of water before night time.
Protect Entry Points
Making sure your home doesn’t have any easily exploitable entry points is key to keeping raccoons out of your attic. Carefully inspect your roof and attic space for cracks and gaps, sealing any you find. Raccoons can also enter through your chimney, so installing raccoon-proof chimney caps can keep them at bay. Installing vent covers and repairing damaged siding and soffits can make it more difficult for raccoons to get inside. If you’re not sure what to look for, or if you don’t want to get up on your roof, then you can hire wildlife removal professionals like Critter Authority to perform raccoon inspections, exclusions, and deterrent services.
Professional Wildlife Removal
If you already have raccoons invading your property in Richmond and you need to get rid of them, professional wildlife removal services like Critter Authority can help. Professional wildlife removal companies can safely and humanely locate, trap, and remove raccoons, ensuring the safety of both you and your unwanted guests. Contact our team to get started today with a FREE estimate at (804) 492-2804!