Have you heard loud bumps and thumping noises in the night? Or maybe there are loud, unexpected noises such as scratching or growling coming from upstairs. If so, perhaps it’s time to consider the option that you have a raccoon in your attic and need professional raccoon removal services.
And if you do, don’t fret. The last thing you want to do is stumble upon a gang of large raccoons and end up injured. If you want to know how raccoons can in your attic and the best solutions to get rid of them,
What Are the Concerns of Raccoons in the Attic?
Attic Damage
The most obvious concern of raccoons in your attic is the damage they cause. Depending on the amount of raccoons in your attic, the damage can range from mild to dangerous.
They can chew electrical wires and create fire hazards, tear up the insulation and drywall, destroy HVAC systems and heating and cooling ducts, and defecate on attic floors.
The worst part about the damage they cause is that it can be a financial burden. Damage to your attic can cost several thousand dollars if not taken care of. Besides attic damage, raccoons can be of great concern to your health.
Raccoons Carry Diseases
Raccoons are carriers of a host of diseases that can be transferred to humans. For example, rabies is commonly carried by raccoons and can be transferred to both pets and humans through a simple bite.
They also can carry salmonella; which causes diarrhea and vomiting, parasites; such as fleas and lice, giardiasis; which causes loss of appetite and bloating, and leptospirosis; which causes fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches.
Now that you know some of the concerns about raccoons, what can you do to get rid of them?
How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in the Attic?
Raccoon Repellent
You can try to use a raccoon repellent, such as ammonia, coyote urine, ultrasonic sound devices, or different chemical repellents. These repellents can cause enough of a disturbance for raccoons to leave through the entry point they entered from.
In most cases, however, repellents are ineffective. They cost money and won’t get rid of raccoons, as they are sneaky and intelligent creatures and can spot trickery a mile away.
Instead of using a repellent, you can also try to set up a trap.
Set Up a Carpet Cage Trap
Setting up and installing an animal trap can be a method to get rid of raccoons. You can place a yummy delectable such as chicken or fruit inside the attic and wait for it to be caught.
However, it’s a bad idea to trap raccoons yourself. Besides the fact that trapping raccoons and relocating them is illegal, you will also likely cause them great suffering or death if you relocate them to a different environment. Trapping can also cause a mother and its offspring to separate.
Get Rid of Your Garbage
Since garbage attracts raccoons, the obvious method is to make sure your garbage isn’t out in the open for raccoons to enter your attic. Make sure that your garbage bins have locking lids and dispose of the garbage accordingly.
While this is more of a preventative measure, you can prevent even more raccoons from entering your home this way.
If All Else Fails…
The best solution is to call a wildlife removal company, such as Raccoon Control. If you’re having problems in Toronto, Ontario, don’t try to deal with a raccoon infestation yourself. Call a professional to help you today.647-557-7932