As city boundaries expand and natural habitats shrink, raccoons have found refuge in urban environments. But why are these masked creatures, typically wild, suddenly seen scavenging trash cans in our backyards? And more importantly, how can we keep our homes safe from raccoons and the damages they can cause. A-Tex Pest Management will share why raccoons are drawn to urban environments and what you need to do to keep them away from your home.
Why Do Raccoons Thrive in Urban Areas?
• Food Sources: The urban landscape offers raccoons an array of easily accessible food sources. From unsecured trash cans to pet food left outdoors, cities provide a veritable feast for these opportunistic eaters.
• Shelter Opportunities: Attics, basements, chimneys, and crawl spaces in urban homes can provide raccoons with the warmth and safety they seek, especially during breeding season.
• Few Natural Predators: In cities, raccoons face fewer threats from natural predators, increasing their lifespan and chances of survival.
• Adaptability: Raccoons are incredibly adaptable creatures, able to learn and navigate complex environments such as cities.
How Do I Raccoon Proof My House?
To help keep raccoons from invading your home there are a few steps you can take. To help keep your home raccoon free, especially this coming winter season follow these basic steps.
• Secure Garbage Bins: Invest in trash cans with locking lids. Ensure they are kept closed and, if possible, store them in a secured area until garbage day.
• Don’t Feed Pets Outside: If you must, ensure you bring in any uneaten food immediately. Raccoons can and will feed on leftovers.
• Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points like broken vents, loose soffits, or gaps in your roof or siding. Seal off these points using heavy-duty materials.
• Install Motion Activated Lights: Raccoons are nocturnal. Having motion activated lights can help deter them from approaching your property.
• Prune Trees: If tree branches hang close to your home, they might offer raccoons an easy pathway to your roof. Keep them pruned and away from the house.
• Avoid Leaving Out Bird Feed: While feeding birds is a popular pastime, spilled birdseed can attract raccoons. If you choose to have bird feeders, ensure they are raccoon-proof or bring them inside at night.
• Protect Gardens: Raccoons love feasting on fruits and vegetables. If you have a garden, consider using a fence or netting to keep raccoons at bay.
• Clean Up and Remove Potential Shelter: Regularly check your property for overgrown shrubbery or piles of wood where raccoons might find shelter. Keep your yard clean and tidy.
• Professional Wildlife Control Assistance: If raccoons have already made their way into your home, it might be best to hire professionals who specialize in wildlife removal. They can ensure the animals are removed safely and humanely.
Wildlife Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
The shift of raccoons into urban areas is a classic example of wildlife adaptation in the face of changing environments. While they might be amusing to observe from a distance, it is important for homeowners to take measures to safeguard their homes. A proactive approach not only ensures our homes remain damage free but also minimizes potential risks to the raccoons themselves. For wildlife removal and other pest control services, contact A-Tex Pest Control today.
