Raccoons are a common sight in Cape Cod, known for their intelligence, adaptability, and mischievous nature. While they may seem harmless, raccoons can cause significant damage to homes and pose health risks to humans and pets. If you're dealing with raccoons on your property, it's essential to take proactive measures to keep them away safely and humanely.
At Critter Control of Cape Cod, we specialize in effective raccoon prevention and removal. Here’s what you need to know about raccoons in our area and how to protect your home.
Why Are Raccoons a Problem?
Raccoons are resourceful creatures that thrive in both urban and suburban settings. They are primarily nocturnal and are drawn to properties with easy access to food and shelter. While they play an essential role in the ecosystem, they can become a nuisance when they:
- Raid trash cans and pet food – Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will rummage through garbage or eat pet food left outdoors.
- Damage property – They may tear shingles, rip screens, or claw their way into attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys in search of shelter.
- Spread diseases – Raccoons can carry rabies, roundworm, and other diseases that pose health risks to humans and pets.
- Make a mess – Their tendency to knock over trash bins, scatter debris, and leave droppings behind can create an unsanitary environment.
How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Property
Secure Your Trash Bins
One of the easiest ways to deter raccoons is by eliminating their food sources. Use heavy-duty trash cans with tight-fitting lids or secure them with bungee cords. Storing garbage bins in a locked shed or garage until pickup day can further reduce the chances of attracting raccoons.
Remove Outdoor Food Sources
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, so eliminating food sources is essential in keeping them away. Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside overnight, as these can attract unwanted wildlife. If you have fruit or nut trees in your yard, regularly pick up any fallen produce to prevent raccoons from foraging. Additionally, if you compost food scraps, use a secure, raccoon-proof bin to prevent easy access. By keeping your outdoor area free of accessible food, you reduce the chances of raccoons making your property a frequent stop.
Seal Entry Points to Your Home
Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them off, including:
- Gaps in siding, vents, and soffits
- Uncapped chimneys
- Holes in the roof or attic spaces
If a raccoon has already taken up residence, do not attempt to remove it yourself, as they can be aggressive when threatened—especially mothers with babies.
Install Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers
Raccoons prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or ultrasonic deterrents can startle and discourage them from lingering on your property.
Keep Your Yard Clean and Well-Maintained
- Trim overgrown trees and branches that provide easy access to your roof.
- Store firewood at least a foot off the ground and away from your house.
- Clear out brush, debris, and abandoned structures that could serve as shelter.
What to Do If You Have a Raccoon Problem
If raccoons have already made their way into your attic, chimney, or crawl space, it's best to call a professional wildlife removal service. At Critter Control of Cape Cod, we use humane trapping and exclusion methods to safely relocate raccoons and prevent them from returning.
Why Choose Humane Wildlife Removal?
- Ensures the safe and ethical treatment of animals
- Prevents unnecessary harm to wildlife
- Provides long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes
Protect Your Property Today
Raccoons are clever, but with the right preventative measures, you can keep them from becoming a nuisance on your property. If you need help dealing with raccoons in Cape Cod, contact Critter Control of Cape Cod for professional, humane wildlife removal services.