Colour: Grey with a black mask
Size: 40 to 100 cm
Often described as cute, the furry raccoon can be very destructive to your property as they are active all year-round, tearing or chewing through anything including the structure of your home. These nocturnal pests will establish their dens in many spaces, favouring the darker spaces such as under the deck and especially the attic as it is warm and dry. Due to the chance of carrying rabies and other diseases, it is highly advised that you get professional help to remove these pests.
Traditionally, raccoons prefer heavily wooded areas with access to trees, water and abundant vegetation. There, they make their dens in the hollow parts of trees as well as abandoned burrows, traveling up to 18 miles to forage for food.
Raccoons are extremely adaptable. They are often found in suburban and urban areas, making their homes in man-made structures like attics, sewers, barns and sheds. In urban areas, raccoons tend to stay closer to their dens with a range of only about 1 mile, depending on their age and sex.
Raccoon Life Cycle
Between January – March is when racoons mate. Female racoons give birth to 4 to 6 six pups about 2 months of mating. They can begin to stand at about 4 to 6 weeks. Like a cat the Mother carries them in her mouth in and out of the den initially as they mature, she teaches its young one to climb trees and how to hunt for food. Mother racoons are very protective of their babies and will ward off the most dangerous of predators. They will remain with their Mother for a year.
Seal garbage cans tight. The best garbage cans have lids that lock into place with handles or clamps. If necessary, keep garbage cans inside a secure building. Don’t feed them. If you have pets, feed them during the day and don’t leave their food or water dishes outside. Blocking off access is the best raccoon deterrent for your home itself. Inspect your house thoroughly to find any holes or crevices where raccoons may enter; they can get through surprisingly small spaces. This includes chimneys, attic vents, and the seams along roofs and baseboards.
Raccoon Service Prep Guide
There are many things that should be done to prepare for a raccoon treatment. For the full list of ways to make your raccoon treatment successful, view our Raccoon Service Preparation Guide.
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