Bad Reputations: Are Raccoons All That Bad?

Learn about the damage these pesky critters can cause to your home

Have you ever heard of the masked bandit who lives in the wild? Well this grayish, brown coated intruder has mastered the art of living amongst humans in urban and suburban environments. Raccoons have often been referred to as cute and cuddly, but do you know the repercussions they can inflict on your home?

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals that absolutely love to get into places where they shouldn’t be. They will eat your ornamental fish, destroy your pool, smash your bird feeders, rummage through your garbage cans, lay waste to your garden and eat right through your sheetrock, walls and support structures. The reason they cause such a ruckus is because they are looking for food and shelter.

What’s even worse is the impact they can cause to the inside of your home. Since these adaptable creatures are so clever and dexterous, it makes sense why they are such excellent climbers. Raccoons can easily locate your attic and tear up all the insulation in your home. Who really wants to come home with torn up insulation and feces everywhere?

Raccoons can be very dangerous when threatened, cornered, or protecting their young. They are more likely to bite or scratch an individual when feeling threatened. These dumpster divers can carry nasty diseases and pests that are harmful to humans such as rabies, fleas, distemper and parasites like roundworm. It is best to avoid raccoons at all costs.

Below are some great tips to prevent these robbers from breaking and entering into your home:

• Store boxes and containers off the floor and organize items often to prevent raccoons from residing in undisturbed areas.
• Seal cracks and holes, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
• Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
• Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by raccoons.
• Use a thick plastic or metal garbage can with a tight lid and keep sealed at all times.
• Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight.
• Motion-activated floodlights, sprinklers and other noisemakers can also scare away these pesky creatures.
• Do not try to trap and relocate raccoons because in most states it is illegal to do so without a license. 

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