Uh oh, are raccoons in your attic? Though some think these masked bandits look cute and cuddly, raccoons are actually a pest that can be quite destructive to property. These animals can cause expensive damage and can be harmful if allowed to get comfortable in your attic. If you start hearing sounds in your attic and suspect that you may have wildlife up there, you’ll want to act fast to get rid of them permanently – and humanely.
Typical damage raccoons cause
You may think that a critter like a raccoon or squirrel is more annoying than damaging, but they can actually create quite the situation if left to their own devices. Raccoons can cause significant damage to your pipes, ductwork, insulation and attic space. They will often tear these spaces apart in order to create a nest, sharpen their claws and teeth and keep themselves comfortable in your attic. Further, their feces is a cause of a human disease in the form of Baylisascaris procyonis. Raccoon damage requires repair and clean-up of contamination.
Removing raccoons is not a DIY job
If you’re local to Burlington, Oakville, Milton and area and require raccoon removal services we can help! Fast, professional and on-budget removal of wildlife from your attic is our specialty!
Unfortunately, getting raccoons out of your attic usually isn’t a do-it-yourself job. While there are a couple things you can do to protect your home, if there’s any possibility that the raccoons have had babies, your job becomes significantly more difficult.
Steps on how to remove raccoons from your attic
Step 1: Determine if there’s babies
Since the main reason that raccoons will enter your attic is to create a nest and have their babies, if you find that you may have an infestation it is imperative that you remove all of them. During a raccoon’s nesting season your attic offers a warm and safe space to raise their young so there is a strong likelihood that your visitor is not alone in your attic.
Raccoons will often hide their babies in areas that are hard for humans to get to, further complicating your mission. You’ll want to look around the edge of your attic, in small crevices and between any walls that could offer a good hiding place.
Step 2: Remove the raccoons
When it comes time to remove the raccoon you have to be careful not to use techniques like the exclusion method that would prevent a mother from getting back in to her babies. Not only would their death by starving be inhumane, you’ll also run into a terrible smell after they’ve died.
With laws surrounding where you are allowed to release animals in Ontario you won’t be able to just set a trap and take the raccoon to a less urban area. This is another reason why calling a pest removal company is preferred, as they are well versed in local laws.
Step 3: Seal the entries to your attic
Now that the raccoons and babies are safely out of your attic, the first order of business is sealing up any entrance points they may have used. Inspect the exterior of your attic and repair any holes in your siding, broken shingles, disrepair around the eaves and chimney and install mesh over any vent covers. Raccoons and squirrels are very determined creatures and will look for any opportunity to break into your attic.
Step 4: Clean, repair and decontaminate your attic
Once the raccoons are removed from your attic it is time to clean up the space. You’ll want to note any stripped wires, torn insulation, chewed wood and any other damage done. It is important that you repair any damage quickly, as leaving it could lead to bigger issues if there is more damage than meets the eye.
Along with repairs it is also essential at this point to clean up any excrement that was left behind. Raccoon droppings are very dangerous for your health and will leave quite a stench if left so this is an important part of your clean up. Inspect your insulation for any possible urine spots as it will often soak into the insulation and remain hazardous if not removed.
Raccoon removal isn’t easy
Though it may seem straightforward getting raccoons safely out of your attic isn’t the easiest task. While there are products available to try to trap them yourself, you’ll have much better luck contacting a professional to ensure the job gets done the right way from the beginning. The chances of trapping baby raccoons in your attic are high especially during the spring and fall months, so taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen is the best way to go.
