Raccoon Behavior - Its Impact on Humans During Winter

Critter-Repellent.com Staff • December 7, 2018

They Don't Hibernate So Be on the Lookout!

Raccoon on Hind Legs in Snow

Make no mistake, raccoons in winter can be just as much of a hassle as raccoons during any other season. As the weather is getting colder, you should be aware of what problems you might have in the winter with raccoons.

How Active Are Raccoon in the Winter?

First of all, you need to know that raccoons don't really hibernate. You can expect to see them out and about on occasion. They do sleep a lot more than in the warmer months, sometimes for weeks at a time. So it won't be an ongoing battle for you until spring.

The sleeping habit does mean that raccoons are more of a household pest in the late fall, as they spend more time looking for food as well as a secure place to den for the winter. That's the time you need to be on the lookout and to mount scented repellents to make sure they do not find a home in your attic or garage.

When they do rouse from their naps, this is what you can expect to happen if they are around your house.

They are Looking for Food

This is the primary problem with a raccoons in the winter. Food supplies are scarce, and having slept for days or weeks can leave an animal very hungry and a little desperate for something to eat. They can break apart small bird feeders as they try to get the seeds out, and will certainly get lids off of garbage bins if they are not secured down. A tightly fitting lid is probably not going to be enough. During the winter, you should have one with proper latches or tie-downs to keep raccoons out.

STOP WINTER RACCOON DAMAGE with WEATHERPROOF SHAKE-AWAY RACCOON REPELLENT

You should also avoid leaving pet food outside if you can. For outdoor pets, try to feed them at a specific time so the food is not just sitting out unattended through the day or night.

Even if there is no food around, you can still end up with damage from raccoon activity because they are still rooting around looking for something to eat. Be prepared to protect against these pests either way.

Signs of Raccoons in Winter

Other than just spotting them for yourself, you can tell you have raccoons on your property by their tracks. Both front and back paws have distinct fingers and their tracks look like tiny human hands, and definitely unique compared to any other animal you might have wandering around in your winter yard.

If you don't notice any tracks, their droppings would be the next big clue. Similar in shape somewhat to cat droppings, they are usually larger and in larger amounts.

Raccoon Damage Prevention

As already mentioned, don't have any unsecured food outside so you don't specifically draw raccoons to your yard. Other than that, you should also do any outside repairs or patch up any holes that might prompt a curious raccoon to investigate further. Their curiosity can sometimes be a bigger drive than hunger, even in the winter. Places where they may intrude should be protected with a raccoon repellent , preferably one that will last through the cold and wet winter weather.

Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts