The Dangers of Raccoons Around Your Home
Critter-Repellent.com Staff • July 3, 2019
Raccoons Can Be Aggressive and Carry Diseases
Raccoons are fun to watch, and their beautiful ringed tails and fur are definitely intriguing. But while they might be interesting to admire, especially because they are so intelligent, they do not really make a good friend in your yard. Though raccoons do bring some benefits because they can scare away other pests, raccoons themselves are a serious health risk to homeowners, and can also create quite a bit of damage.
These furry and mischievous critters eat wasp larvae and destroy the nest, which means less risk of painful wasp stings for you and your family. Not only that, but raccoons also eat other pests, including small rodents, which can keep garden-loving critters away. Because raccoons are not afraid people and do not scare easily, the damage and destruction that they can pose is a significant concern. Raccoons carry a bounty of diseases and parasites including rabies, fleas, roundworms, and parvovirus. These diseases can be deadly for both humans and pets if not treated promptly. Not only that, raccoons will enjoy their feast on garden plants and will create additional messes when they climb into and knock over your garbage cans.
How to keep raccoons away from your home or yard
The best way to prevent unfortunate consequences from raccoons is to repel them from your home and yard in the first place. But since raccoons aren’t scared by humans and the tactics that will keep other pests away, homeowners need to take extra precautions to ensure these diseased animals stay away.
- Consider a motion-sensor sprinkler system that is activated when something is approaching. As it is not economical or wise to run your sprinkler at different times of the day and is often not allowed by city covenants, a motion system will spray just enough water to get those raccoons running in the other direction.
- Though it can be expensive, electric fencing is a great option to prevent extreme raccoon disturbances. These fences can keep other animals out too and do a great job in protecting your vegetable and flower gardens. However, to ensure that these fences can be installed and then used as a “set it and forget it” type of system, make sure that you work with a trained installer to ensure that the fence is installed properly and safely.
- You can install live animal traps strategically throughout your yard. These traps lure in the raccoon, and you can then release the raccoon somewhere else, far away from your property. However, before investing in or placing an animal trap, you need to check with your state and county regulations as in many states, it is required that you provide proof of the damage done by the raccoon before you can relocate the critter. You may also need to apply for a live trap permit before you can use the trap, or you will be subject to a fine and penalty.
- Try a natural taste repellent that you can create at home. Mix together one bottle of hot sauce with one bottle of cayenne pepper, and add it to one gallon of water and a tablespoon of liquid dish-washing soap. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and carefully spray the areas that you want to protect from raccoons. It is highly recommended that you wear gloves and eye protection when spraying this solution as the cayenne pepper can be painful if it gets into your eyes or on your skin. You will need to reapply this solution often, and especially after a rainfall that will wash away the previous treatment. Also, be sure to keep children and pets away from the sprayed area.
- Invest in a natural raccoon repellent that leverages coyote urine as a marking tool. As the coyote is the most feared predator of the raccoon, the scent of the coyote’s marking tool is guaranteed to keep raccoons and other small pests away.
Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog
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.
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
