Raccoons are funny little bandits with their black masks and dexterous hands. They are remarkably intelligent animals capable of solving puzzles and recognizing humans. If there are raccoons in your neighbourhood, you may be tempted to feed them and become friends. However, raccoons are wild animals that can do you serious harm. Feeding raccoons may result in break-ins and finding piles of feces on the lawn. If there are raccoons in your neighbourhood, keep your distance. Call Raccoon Control for humane removal and exclusion.
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals indigenous to North America. The English term, raccoon, comes from the Algonquin arakinem (ahrah-koon-em), which means “he scratches with his hands.” In many languages, raccoons are called “washing bears” because of their tendency to wash their food. Raccoons naturally prefer to dip their food in water and feed on aquatic creatures, like clams, frogs, snails, and fish. They love seafood. Raccoons are omnivores, however, and they are happy to eat just about anything. Raccoons are famous for dumpster diving and feeding on whatever they can find outside. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats are all fair game.
Why You Should Not Feed Raccoons
About half the raccoons you see outside have raccoon roundworm, a dangerous intestinal parasite that is fatal to humans, dogs, and cats. Roundworm eggs are passed in raccoon feces, which can accidentally become ingested or inhaled. Feeding the raccoons in your neighbourhood will attract them to your property, where they will leave piles of feces and risk infecting your family with roundworm. Raccoons that frequently visit your property may also try to break into the attic, where they will make a mess. Raccoons denning in the attic will dirty it with feces and expose your attic to rain and snow, costing you thousands in repairs.
Raccoons are beautiful animals, but they should be admired from afar. These are wild animals that have not been vaccinated or treated for worms. You can get sick if you get too close. Another irritating factor about having raccoons around is that they leave huge piles of feces near their dens. These will only get worse with time, and they smell terrible. Keep your garbage cans out of reach and get rid of the food sources you have around the yard. Secure your roof vents with mesh and maintain the roof so that they do not break in.
Hire a Wildlife Removal Company for Exclusion
One of the best investments you can make for you home is to exclude it from wildlife. Call you local wildlife removal company and ask for an inspection. A technician will identify every vulnerability on your property and fix it for you, so that no raccoons, skunks, or squirrels break in. The technicians at Raccoon Control are highly experienced in raccoon exclusion and would be happy to help. Our exclusion services are guaranteed and come with a 2-year warranty. Call us for humane raccoon solutions in the GTA and beyond.