Do you know the tell-tale warning signs of a raccoon infestation? As it turns out, it is much more than odd noises coming from your attic. If your home has torn soffits, broken attic vents, or damaged roof shingles surrounding your vents, there may be a raccoon (or a whole family) that has taken up residence in the warm comfort of your home’s upper level. While raccoons might look cute and fluffy, the truth is that they can cause extensive damage to your home if allowed to settle into your attic. The raccoon removal team at Sunset Pest Control in Leduc knows a thing or two about these troublesome animals, and in today’s post, we’ll review the kind of damage they can cause as well as how you can protect your home from an infestation.
Are you worried that you have raccoons in your attic? Contact our team of licensed wildlife removal specialists today. We offer experienced, humane raccoon removal services that are affordable and we would love to help you. Call (780) 900-7482 now and avail our free phone consultation service.
Raccoon Infestations
Why Are Raccoons Harmful?
Raccoon infestations become increasingly popular during spring as adult females are in search of a safe place to burrow in and have her babies. You may not venture into your attic very often, but it is still very important to protect this space from unwanted wildlife. Raccoons, in particular, can be very destructive once they move in, causing thousands of dollars in damage in the absence of professional raccoon removal. Some problems related to their infestations include:
- Hazardous droppings. Taking on a similar appearance to dog feces, raccoon droppings have been known to carry roundworm. This can infect humans, leading to blindness in some cases.
- Holes in walls. Raccoons like having a den that is easily accessible, and that means they may rip holes directly through your home’s flashing and siding. This can result in water intrusion and an unsightly exterior appearance.
- Torn insulation. These troublesome animals have been known to tear foam plumbing insulation and rip through the insulating paper on walls, as well as trample down blown-in insulation.
- Disconnected air ducts. If your heat or air conditioning is suddenly not performing like it used to, raccoons may be to blame as they are notorious for damaging air ducts that run through attics.
- Damaged wiring. Much like other unwanted rodents, raccoons will commonly chew on wiring in attics. Not only is this an expensive repair, it can also pose a fire hazard to unsuspecting homeowners.
If you suspect that you have raccoons living in your attic, it is important to call a reputable raccoon removal company as soon as possible. Sunset Pest Control provides wildlife removal services, including the humane relocation of these pesky animals. Call us at (780) 900-7482 today to request a consultation!
Tips for Preventing Raccoon Infestations
Upon learning about the destruction that raccoons can cause, many homeowners naturally want to know how they can prevent raccoons from entering their home in the first place. Below, we’ve provided a few easy steps you can take to keep these critters out.
- Store pet food inside in sealed, airtight containers.
- Keep garbage in secure containers until trash pick-up day.
- Trim tree branches six to eight feet back from your home to prevent easy access.
- Install chimney and vent caps on your roof.
- Promptly repair any holes or gaps in your roof, soffit, and siding.
- Performing these tasks and surveying your house for any exterior damage is an easy way to protect your home from these unwanted critters. In the event that you discover evidence of raccoons nesting in your attic, there are several benefits to contacting a professional to assess the situation.
Benefits of Professional Raccoon Removal
Although it might seem tempting to tackle the job on your own, hiring a professional may prove more effective and safe. A trained raccoon removal technician will have the skills and knowledge to inspect your home for signs of damage, and he or she will also be familiar with local wildlife management laws to ensure the animal is humanely removed and relocated. Additionally, many wildlife removal companies provide repair services to remedy the damage done by raccoons and may even clean and deodorize your home. While you might be able to do all of this on your own, it may not be safe or cost-effective to do so.