Ground Level Raccoon Prevention
Raccoons are smart little critters that love to hide under decks, crawl spaces and sheds. Adult raccoons can be a real challenge to manage and you need effective removal and prevention strategies. A momma raccoon will always look for a sheltered area to protect her babies and keep them safe.
While they look cute, raccoons living near or under your home can quickly become a nuisance. Deck raccoons, in particular, can be a threat to your property and family health, so you need to address the issue fast.
We often hear our customers say that they don’t mind raccoons but they have to go when they take over the backyard
Knowing how to get rid of raccoons from under a deck humanely and effectively is key to protecting your property and preventing future infestations from these nocturnal animals.
Common Signs of Raccoons and Raccoon Droppings Under a Deck
Raccoon feces and raccoon latrines seen near the deck or around the yard is a good sign that you have deck raccoons.
Tracks, scratch marks and holes around entry points.
Stinky smells from urine and feces under the deck.
Noises at night, as raccoons are nocturnal and most active at night. You might possibly hear raccoon babies chittering as well.
Why Raccoons Choose Decks as Shelter
Raccoon moms look for secure, dark areas to have and raise their babies during the warmer parts of the nesting season. With their sharp claws, they can dig holes through grass and soil to squeeze under decks and you could often end up with a raccoon living under your structure if the deck is attached to part of the home with no basement foundation.
The underneath of the deck provides warmth, safety from predators, and food sources nearby. Raccoons search for consistent food so if you have bird feeders be sure to sweep up fallen seed, and if you leave pet food outside it’s best to stop that, and feed your furry friend inside.
Raccoons defecate near their shelter and that’s a clear sign of their presence. Pet food, bird feeders, trash cans, compost piles and garbage cans attract raccoons looking for an easy meal.
Raccoons are unlike other pests, they are very intelligent creatures, they’re surprisingly nimble, and they can absolutely wreak havoc. Yes, they have a cute appearance, but these clever creatures can adapt quickly to human environments and sometimes a permanent solution is required to solve the problem.
Dangers of Raccoon Infestation
Health Risks
Raccoon infestations pose serious health risks to humans and pets. They can carry diseases like rabies, distemper and leptospirosis through their saliva, urine and feces. Raccoon droppings are a major concern as they can contain roundworm eggs. If ingested, these eggs can cause serious health issues, especially in kids who might eat contaminated soil or touch their face after handling contaminated objects. Raccoons can also carry fleas and ticks that can infest humans and pets and cause further health problems.
Property Damage
Beyond health risks, raccoon infestations can cause significant property damage. These smart critters love to chew on wires, insulation and other materials that can cause electrical fires, water damage and structural issues in buildings. Raccoons can also ravage gardens, lawns and crops and cost homeowners money. They can damage roofs, vents and chimneys and create entry points for water and more damage. Addressing a raccoon problem fast is key to preventing costly repairs and maintaining your property’s integrity.
Humane Ways to Scare Raccoons Away
Use bright lights and outdoor spotlights to deter raccoons from nesting.
Play loud noises or human voices using a talk station to make them uncomfortable.
Introduce unpleasant smells like apple cider vinegar, predator urine or used cat litter as raccoons hate these scents.
Humane harassment techniques like disturbing their den regularly can encourage them to leave voluntarily.
DIY Methods to Remove Raccoons
Install a strong hardware cloth type of wire mesh (chicken wire won’t help) around the deck to block entry points and get rid of raccoons. Before doing this, be absolutely sure there are no raccoon babies or any other animals under there.
Use one-way doors to allow raccoons to exit but not return. Humane raccoon removal methods are key to ensuring the animals are not trapped or harmed during the process. Do not set live traps during nesting season in late winter/early spring – you could possibly be taking a mother raccoon away from any baby raccoons that might be under there.
Shove plastic bags, newspapers, or any other lightweight barriers in the openings around your deck. If there is a raccoon problem underneath the deck, you will see the bags or paper pushed out or pulled in inside near any entry points, this is done to test for movement and to make sure that they’ve left before sealing the area.
We cannot stress this enough – you have to be careful during baby season as baby raccoons still rely on their mom for survival until they are about 10-12 weeks old.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Post-Removal Cleaning
Once you’ve had the raccoons removed from under your deck, you need to clean and disinfect the area thoroughly to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites. Wear protective gear including gloves, masks and eye protection to safely handle raccoon droppings and urine. Use a solution of bleach and water to disinfect all surfaces and make sure to rinse the area thoroughly. Remove any nesting material, food debris and other attractants that may have brought the raccoons to your property in the first place. For a full clean-up consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service to ensure the area is thoroughly sanitized and safe for your family and pets.
(647) 490-5317 – Thornhill, ON
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
If DIY methods don’t work, our Thornhill wildlife control experts or other humane pest removal companies can provide a permanent solution. A pest control company can evaluate the situation, set live traps and one-way doors as needed and use raccoon-proofing techniques. Relocating a wild animal can be difficult and is often regulated by law so professional help is key.
Wildlife control professionals can also help deter raccoons long-term by securing trash cans, removing food sources, and sealing crawl spaces.
Preventing Future Raccoon Issues
Keep raccoons away by removing attractants like bird food, pet food and easily accessible garbage, they love eating trash.
Regularly inspect and reinforce deck areas with a strong wire mesh to prevent raccoons from digging or nesting.
Use deterrents like motion-activated lights, a stationary bright light, predator urine or loud sounds to scare raccoons and other animals away from your home.
Implement raccoon-proofing measures like securing food sources, sealing gaps and using the right fencing materials.
Conclusion
Removing raccoons from under a deck takes time, effort and the right methods.
While DIY methods sometimes work, professional wildlife removal experts may be needed for tougher cases, ie. raccoon mothers with baby raccoons.
By taking proactive steps to deter these wild animals, homeowners can prevent future infestations and have a raccoon-free home.
