Raccoons Can Be Recurring Problem
So, you suspect raccoons are in your attic…again…what should you do next?
“We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.”
Renowned Educational Theorist John Dewey
No need for you, homeowner with a raccoon problem, to tackle the learning curve by yourself.
We’ve had the experience! We’ve done the reflecting! We know you just want your raccoon issue solved and here are some thoughts on recurrent raccoon problems.
Reflections on Recurring Raccoon Problems
The key to a lasting solution is to revisit how the problem was initially handled and proceed from there.
The three big questions we suggest you consider are:
1. Were the raccoons trapped and removed from the property or merely excluded?
Exclusion is trade talk for letting an animal out and not letting it back in. This is usually accomplished by some sort of structural modification like screening or replacement of building materials.
Our recommendation is, almost always, to employ removal (trapping) and exclusion at the same time. We believe that once animals are conditioned to nesting in homes, they like it and will want to do it again. Removal keeps this conditioning somewhat at bay.
2. Was the same entry point used by the raccoon?
This obviously indicates that the exclusion was not raccoon-proof and needs beefed up.
Here is a picture of a raccoon entry point we recently were called to look at. The owner described a previous raccoon problem. Wire and foam were chosen as the repair method. While this chosen method may have been sufficient in the short term, is not a long term solution as evidenced by a recurrence of the raccoon problem. A raccoon has worked around this “fix”, as they are strong, dextrous, and persistent.
We recommend that repairs made to keep animals out are truly raccoon-proof and cosmetically appealing. When we do repairs, we employ heavy gauge building materials and try to make it stronger than originally designed. A reputable animal removal company will offer “animal proof” warranties on work they do. (We do!)
3. If it’s a new entry point, what steps can be done to make this property less appealing to the raccoons?
Is there easy access to the roof? Is there an abundance of food left outside? Does the structure have multiple weak spots due to age and general condition?
Food, safe shelter, reproduction…it’s not too hard to think like a raccoon, really. Like many of us, they often take the path of least resistance…the easier the better. Take a look again at the recent example. We may see a downspout, a conduit, two insulated pipes, and two roof lines meeting. But, a raccoon sees an easy way up and a nice work platform: in other words, a way into the attic. Put the pipes and conduit behind the wall (more work and cost) and the ease of access for the raccoon is greatly reduced. Raccoon prevention is all about not making it easy for them.
- trees, shrubs, and downspouts help raccoons access roofs easily
- food left out for pets is a a sure invitation to raccoons
- structural damage left in disrepair is like having the iconic neon “Vacancy” sign flashing at a motel
Recurring Raccoon Problems in Akron/Canton/Kent Area?
We hope our experience has given you some confidence in solving your raccoon problem.
If you don’t want to do it alone and reside within our Service Area, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
For more information on Raccoon Removal in general, please visit our
