GETTING RID OF RACCOONS - ANN ARBOR, MI
RACCOON DAMAGE CONTROL
Intro to Raccoons
Raccoon's are probably the most recognized animal in the Michigan wildlife. Black and brown, black around their eyes, and a ringed tail distinguish them from all other wildlife. Raccoons are great climbers and are found in dumpsters, sheds, garages, factories, chimneys and house attics.
They are primarily scavengers in the cities looking through dumpsters and garbage cans for food. They will also eat fish and other small wildlife. Have you been hearing scratching sounds, loud banging or walking around in the walls or attic of your home or business in Ann Arbor, Michigan? If so, you may have a raccoon problem!
Identifying Raccoons
Raccoons look for areas in your attic or chimney to build their dens, often times to have their young. You can identify entry points to the attic or chimney by large opening in the roof line, open canned vents, hanging soffits, or no chimney cap.
Raccoons are nocturnal animals and most active during the night. During colder climates in Michigan the raccoons will stay close to their den. However raccoons do not hibernate and will come out during warmer winter nights. Raccoons often bread during January and February in preparation to have their young around the end of March or early April.
Raccoon Trapping Services
Once raccoons are in your home they do great damage. Raccoons should be removed or controlled from your home by trapping in live traps. Raccoons are generally trapped over night or removed onsite. Trapping raccoons consist of finding the entry point and strategically setting the traps. Once we locate the entry point we can guide the raccoon's into the traps with baits and lures. Once the animals are trapped we will relocate them back into their natural environment. It's recommended to relocate the raccoon at least 20-30 miles away within Washtenaw county to prevent the spread of diseases.
In Depth Look Into Raccoon's
Raccoons will keep breading and returning with more and more numbers if not taking care of as soon as possible. Damages can be controlled if taken care of right away, but if you allow generations of raccoon's to return the damages will be greater over time. If you call us to have your raccoon's trapped and relocated the is the first step towards getting rid of raccoon's and keeping them out. As mentioned above attic restoration and decontamination is a must when dealing with raccoon's. Not only to raccoon's carry all sorts of diseases, the sent of the urine and feces will keep other raccoon families to come back. Unlike most wildlife raccoon's are not fearful or territorial of other raccoon's in the wild. They smell the sent and join the families.
Raccoons in the Attic | Trapping and Damage Control
Are you kept up during the night because of loud thumping? You probably have a raccoon or raccoon's living in your attic. The most common problem we come across for raccoon problems is raccoon's damaging the attic. You may hear scratching, scampering, or walking noises above you at night and sometimes even during the day. It's not always known for sure there is a raccoon living in the attic, but most of the noises explained are ultimately signs of raccoon's. Most of the time we receive calls the first instinct someone on the other end has is raccoon's. When there is a raccoon in your attic it will be the loudest of sounds compared to all other nuisance wildlife. Rodents, birds, bats, and other nocturnal wildlife sounds will be much different than that of a raccoon.
It's not always as simple as trapping the nuisance raccoons, sometimes they have litters of babies. Litters of raccoon pups or kittens are not always easy to locate. We once removed a whole litter of baby raccoons, but a day later got a call back from a customer saying the babies were still there. When we returned we found one of the baby raccoons down in a wall cavity. The only way to remove this little guy was to allow him to bite onto a glove and pull him up through the wall. Raccoons can also be removed by handling with thick gloves or by a singe pole catch noose. Only recommended from experienced nuisance wildlife technicians.
DO NOT poison raccoon's or use antifreeze to get rid of them. In retrospect this will work to kill the raccoon and get rid of them, but it will not solve your attic raccoon problem. dead raccoon's in your attic or wall will cause a decaying animal which you may not be able to find. With dead animals come maggots which lead to flies. Not to mention it's very cruel to animals, because they die a very painful death. Not humane to say the least
Signs There Are Raccoon's in Your Attic
Besides the annoyance of loud noises through out the night, raccoon's are often spotted entering the attic or clawing at the roof. Birds, bats, and other nuisance animals will often use pre-existing openings to enter your attic. Raccoons are much different and often times destructive. When trees are cut down and other natural habitats are destroyed raccoon's need somewhere to live. Raccoons will tear into your roof line, open up soffit vents, rip open canned vents, and force their way into the attic through gable vents. Contrary to most peoples beliefs it doesn't take much of an opening for raccoon's to enter your attic. If they can squeeze their tiny little head into a hole, then most likely their body will follow. Raccoon's are very strong animals and can destroy many structures.
Raccoons can do Damage to Your Home
Once the raccoons have made their way into your attic the damage really begins. The worst thing about having raccoons in your attic is the destruction they cause. A Raccoon will roll up or push aside insulation through out your attic to make a bedding that is comfortable to them and often their litter. During March and April raccoons will have a litter of usually 3-6 pups. Raccoons also use your attic for a toilet. They know no better on where and where not to go. Urine and raccoon feces will flood your attic making an awful odor throughout your home. Raccoon feces contain the egg of a ring worm which can be harmful to humans. Attic restoration is very import after having raccoon's or any critters for that matter in your attic. Keep in mind most homeowners insurance companies will help cover your restoration cost which can sometimes be very expensive.
Raccoon Damage Control and Clean-up
Just like any wildlife in you home or attic they will cause damage. Whether that is chewing on wires, ripping up insulation, or feces and urine through out the attic this can all be prevented and repaired. Trimming back trees at least 3 feet from the house will keep animals from getting onto your roof. Flashing around poles, chimney caps, and roof vent caps will all prevent raccoon entry. If you are unfortunate to have raccoons enter your Michigan home and damages occur, We can decontaminate your attic by removing the droppings and damaged insulation.
