Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures, but their presence in or around your home can cause significant issues. They’re known to raid garbage bins, tear up gardens, and even invade attics or basements. If left unchecked, raccoon activity can lead to property damage and potential health risks. Identifying the signs of a raccoon problem early is key to addressing the issue before it escalates. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common signs of raccoon activity and some DIY pest control strategies to help manage the problem.
1. Torn-Up Garbage or Overturned Bins
One of the most noticeable signs of raccoon activity is the state of your garbage bins. Raccoons are scavengers and are particularly attracted to easy food sources such as discarded food and waste. If you find your bins overturned, garbage strewn across your yard, or lids torn off, it’s a likely sign that raccoons have visited your property.
To prevent raccoons from raiding your garbage, consider using heavy-duty bins with secure, locking lids. Placing the bins in an enclosed area like a shed or garage can also help deter them. Additionally, avoid leaving out pet food or compostable materials that may attract raccoons.
2. Scratching and Noises in the Attic
Raccoons are excellent climbers, and attics provide the perfect warm, dry place for them to nest. Pests are especially problematic during winter, as many of them will seek shelter in your home if the opportunity presents itself. According to Orkin Canada, raccoons are one of the most common winter pests that come seeking shelter from the cold . If you hear scratching, thumping, or even chirping sounds coming from above your ceiling, it’s possible that raccoons have found their way into your attic.
Inspect your attic for signs of entry, such as gaps in soffits, damaged vents, or torn roof shingles. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so make sure to seal off any potential entry points. If you suspect that raccoons have already nested in your attic, it’s best to consult a professional wildlife control service to safely remove them and prevent future access.
3. Tracks and Footprints
Raccoon tracks are distinctive due to their hand-like appearance. Each raccoon footprint consists of five fingers, and the tracks often resemble small human handprints. If you find these prints in muddy areas near your home, garden, or along pathways, you likely have raccoons visiting your property.
You can identify raccoon tracks by their size, which generally measures around 5 to 7 cm in length. These tracks can often be found around ponds, swimming pools, or damp garden areas where raccoons search for food.
4. Damaged Roof or Walls
As mentioned, raccoons are climbers and can cause significant damage when trying to enter your home. Check for signs of claw marks, ripped shingles, or torn siding, especially near rooflines or chimneys. They may also tear at vents, fascia, or soffits to gain access.
Fixing any damage promptly is crucial, as raccoons are persistent. Use durable materials, such as metal mesh or hardware cloth, to repair any weak spots and prevent further entry. It’s also a good idea to trim back tree branches that provide easy access to your roof.
5. Raccoon Droppings
Raccoon droppings, or scat, are another telltale sign of their presence. These droppings are often found near entry points like attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces. They can also appear in gardens or near garbage bins where raccoons frequently forage.
Raccoon scat is usually dark, tubular, and can contain seeds, berries, or fur, depending on their diet. It’s important to be cautious when handling raccoon droppings, as they may carry parasites or diseases harmful to humans. Wear gloves and use proper sanitation methods when cleaning up.
6. Raided Gardens or Missing Fish from Ponds
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will often target vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and fish ponds. If you notice chewed or torn plants, half-eaten fruits, or missing fish, raccoons could be to blame. They are particularly fond of sweet fruits like apples, peaches, and berries and may destroy entire crops if left unchecked.
To protect your garden, consider installing fencing that’s at least 1.2 metres high and buried deep enough to prevent raccoons from digging underneath. Netting or cages can also be used to safeguard smaller plants. If you have a fish pond, try covering it with netting or installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter raccoons from approaching.
7. Scratched Trees or Fences
Raccoons often use trees and fences to climb onto roofs or access other parts of your property. Look for scratches or claw marks on tree trunks or wooden fences, especially near the base of trees with branches that extend towards your home. These marks may appear in combination with broken branches or scattered debris.
If you find signs of raccoons using trees or fences to access your property, it’s essential to block their paths. Trim any overhanging branches that provide easy access to your roof and consider adding metal sheeting or barriers to trees and fences that raccoons use as climbing aids.
8. Nests or Dens in Unusual Places
Raccoons will often make dens in sheltered areas like attics, chimneys, or under decks and porches. If you discover nesting materials such as leaves, twigs, or insulation gathered in these areas, raccoons may be nesting nearby. In particular, female raccoons may seek out secluded spaces to raise their young.
Check potential nesting spots regularly and block access points before raccoons make their homes there. For example, installing chimney caps or mesh screening over deck openings can keep raccoons from settling in.
9. Strong, Unpleasant Odours
Another common sign of raccoon activity is a strong, musky odour. Raccoons can leave behind a distinctive scent, especially if they’ve been living in enclosed spaces like attics or crawl spaces for an extended period. This odour can be particularly pungent during the summer months when heat intensifies the smell.
If you detect an unusual smell in your home or yard, especially near attics or other enclosed areas, it’s worth investigating further to see if raccoons have moved in.
How to Address Raccoon Problems
Once you’ve identified signs of raccoon activity, it’s essential to take action to prevent further damage and reduce the risks associated with raccoon infestations. Here are some steps you can take to address the problem and start removing the raccoons humanely:
– Secure Food Sources
Ensure that garbage bins are tightly sealed and that pet food, birdseed, and other food items are stored indoors or in raccoon-proof containers.
– Block Access Points
Inspect your home and yard for potential entry points and seal them off. Pay particular attention to rooflines, chimneys, vents, and crawl spaces.
– Use Deterrents
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and sound devices can help scare raccoons away. You can also try using repellents like ammonia-soaked rags placed near entry points, although these may need to be reapplied frequently.
– Remove Attractants
Clean up fallen fruits, vegetables, or compost piles that might attract raccoons to your property. Trim back trees or shrubs that provide easy access to your roof or attic.
– Call a Professional
If you suspect that raccoons are nesting inside your home, it’s often best to contact a licensed wildlife removal service. They can safely and humanely remove the raccoons and take steps to prevent them from returning.
Raccoons may be clever and resourceful, but their presence on your property can lead to significant issues. By recognizing the signs of raccoon activity early on, you can take steps to protect your home and garden. Whether it’s securing your garbage bins, blocking entry points, or calling a professional, addressing the problem quickly is essential for maintaining a safe and raccoon-free environment.
When you need a hand removing raccoons and other pests, give Maple Pest Control a call. We specialize in safe removal of a wide range of pests, including rodents, spiders, and wasps. When you trust us with pest control, we make sure that the job is done safely and professionally, with minimal impact on your home. Give us a call now at (416) 520-8575, and we guarantee your home stays pest-free for the next 6 months.
