Raccoons are found throughout North America and live in all kinds of habitats, from hardwood forests to coastal plains and swamps. Unlike some wildlife species, raccoons (Procyon Lotor) can even thrive in urban areas. One reason why furry, striped mammals thrive in a variety of environments is that they are smart and adaptable. “Raccoons are excellent climbers and can grasp and manipulate objects with their feet,” says Sheldon Owen, PhD, a wildlife extension expert at West Virginia University. “But they can be devastating. For example, if a raccoon finds an 8-inch crack in siding, it will dig, chew, and figure out how to remove the boards to widen the hole for a new home.” raccoons away from your home.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

raccoons opportunistic feedersEating everything that is readily available. Although they are mostly nocturnal, it is not uncommon to be seen foraging during the day, Owen says. They eat plant and animal matter such as acorns, seeds, fish, frogs, crayfish, eggs and young birds, insects, fruits and sometimes carrion. They’re also notorious for digging through trash cans, raiding chicken coops, and tearing up vegetable gardens. They are geniuses at taking advantage of new food sources and will teach their tricks to their babies.

While raccoons are fascinating creatures to observe (when they’re not tearing things up), you don’t want them near or inside your home because They can carry fleas, ticks and liceand various serious diseases and parasites. “They are a common carrier of rabies“says Owen. They can also transmit dog diseaseIt can affect unvaccinated dogs and wild canids, as well as ferrets, weasels and skunks.

When nesting under your porch or deck, or in a crawl space, chimney, or attic, raccoon waste will accumulate and cause odors. Additionally, raccoon feces may contain: baylisascaris roundworm eggsIt can infect humans and cause nerve damage or blindness. Children are more likely to get infections because they play on the floor and may put their hands in their mouths.

Why Do Raccoons Wash Their Food?

Raccoons are often seen rinsing or soaking their food before eating if it is near a water source. While it may seem like these animals are “washing” their food, water is actually thought to help them be more sensitive to what their paws are feeling, Owen says.

This can help raccoons more easily identify edible and inedible objects, especially when foraging in streams. However, washing is not mandatory and if there is no water nearby, the raccoon will still eat. This is another way these intelligent creatures adapt to whatever environment they live in.

Read on to find out if you have a raccoon problem and how to keep them away:

Signs of Raccoon Activity

If you see your trash can turned upside down and trash scattered everywhere, there’s a good chance it’s a raccoon, says Owen. You can also see their tracesThey have long, slender toes and claw marks, with their front prints being about 3 inches long and their hind prints being 3 to 4 inches long.

You may see raccoons come and go or hear them whining or growling when living in areas such as chimneys or attics. Or you may find that there is nesting material under your deck or in other sheltered areas of your property, such as a shed, clogging the chimneys.

Creating a Raccoon-Proof Environment

Prevention Methods

There is no effective repellent or device that will scare away raccoons. “Raccoons ignore these methods once they learn there is no real threat and there is still food,” says Owen.

Eliminating potential food sources and removing raccoons from an area is the most effective way to keep them away from your home. If they don’t cause any harm and keep their distance, it’s okay to leave them alone. But if they’re too close for comfort, you can make your garden less appealing to them using these tips:

• seal openings. “Raccoons use multiple burrows throughout the year, so look for holes in and around your home, shed, or crawl space that can be expanded to provide access to a warm, safe spot for a new burrow,” says Owen.
• Cut off the limbs touching the houseThis makes entering your attic much easier.
• Install chimney caps.
• Don’t leave your pet’s food bowls outside. This is a surefire way to invite not only raccoons but also other unwanted guests. mice, opossumsAnd skunks.
• Keep poultry indoors at nightand close all gaps. Raccoons can flush chickens out of holes.
• Remove bird feeders if you suspect a raccoon has attacked.
• Store trash in bins with lockable lids or use a bin with lockable lid. “Raccoons are stronger than you think and are skilled enough to tie the strings of a can lid,” says Owen.

Professional Help

For stubborn raccoons or a mother and babies making a nest in your home, you may need to: Hire a nuisance wildlife expert for removalsays Owen. Professional help is recommended because a cornered mother will likely defend her child. You also don’t want to accidentally leave the babies behind because if you take the mother away, they will die in your home.

remember this raccoons can transmit rabies to humans and pets and can also transmit disease to unvaccinated petsTherefore, they should never be treated as alive (or dead). If you find a raccoon acting disoriented, lethargic or aggressive, or stumbling or curled up sleeping in open areas near your home, contact your doctor. state wildlife department.