Have you ever woken up to find your garbage cans toppled over and their contents strewn across your yard? Or come home to find your attic in disarray? If so, you may have a raccoon problem. Although these masked critters may seem cute and harmless, they can actually cause serious damage to your home and property. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how raccoons can cause damage and what you can do to prevent it.
Attic Damage
Raccoons are known for their climbing abilities. They are notorious for making their way into attics through unsecured vents and holes. Once inside, they can cause significant damage to the insulation, wiring, and structural supports. In some cases, raccoons have even been known to chew through drywall, making for costly repairs. To prevent raccoons from accessing your attic, be sure to secure all vents and holes with sturdy covers.
Roof Damage
Raccoons can also cause damage to the exterior of your home, specifically your roof. They are notorious for tearing off shingles and creating holes. This can lead to leaks, water damage, and a compromised foundation. To prevent raccoon damage to your roof, keep nearby tree branches trimmed and install metal flashings or trims to discourage them from accessing your roofline.
Garden and Yard Damage
Raccoons are omnivores and will eat just about anything. They have been known to raid gardens, dig up lawns, and damage plants. To keep raccoons out of your garden or yard, install a sturdy fence, bury it at least a foot deep, and make sure it is made of a material that cannot be climbed. You may also want to consider using humane traps or motion-activated sprinklers to deter them from entering your property.
Garbage Damage
Raccoons love garbage and will go to great lengths to access it. They are known for toppling over trash cans, chewing through trash bags, and creating a general mess. To prevent raccoons from damaging your garbage, consider using heavy-duty garbage cans, secure garbage can locks, or storing garbage cans in a secured location.
Disease and Health Hazards
In addition to causing property damage, raccoons can pose a health hazard to humans and their pets. They are carriers of several diseases, including rabies and leptospirosis. To protect your family and pets, avoid contact with raccoons and their droppings. In addition, be sure to keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations.
Conclusion
Raccoons may look cute and harmless, but they can cause serious damage to your home and property. From attics to gardens to garbage, raccoons can make a mess of just about anything. However, there are steps you can take to prevent raccoon damage. By securing your property, installing durable barriers, and avoiding contact with raccoons, you can protect your home and your family. If you suspect you have a raccoon problem, contact a professional wildlife removal service for safe and humane raccoon removal.
