3 Reasons why you should have pest control remove raccoons.
Commonly known as “Masked Bandits,” the raccoon is as cute as it possibly can be. The tiny human-like hands, bushy tail, and adorable masked eyes are irresistible, no doubt. Watching them, you will note how intelligent they are. They can manipulate almost any lock or door latch with their hands. Why are raccoons considered pests?
Smart and Cute?
Everyone knows raccoons can make a mess of your trashcans. But there are three critical reasons raccoons are considered pests homeowners should be aware of.
Raccoons carry disease, make disasters in yards and gardens, and create significant damage to your home. Here is how…
Raccoons Carry Disease.
In defense of the raccoon, you should know that raccoons usually do not show aggression toward people. Like any animal, a mother raccoon will protect her nest if need be, but that is rare. Raccoons are nocturnal in nature, scavenging for food at night. That is precisely why they are hard to catch in the act.
Unfortunately, raccoons can carry rabies. A rabid bite attacks the central nervous system, and as of today, there is no known cure.
Raccoons can also carry roundworms, which affects both humans and other animals. It is found in the droppings of the raccoons, making removal of the matter crucial.
The urine of a raccoon is known to carry a bacterial disease called Leptospirosis. When soil and water become contaminated, the condition can transfer. Leptospirosis causes a whole host of health risks and sometimes goes undetected. So even if you have no symptoms, you may have contracted the disease and fall victim to other issues.
Those diseases and potential health risks are enough to warrant a call to a pest control expert.
Raccoons Make Disasters of Your Yard and Garden.
Earning their nickname as the “masked bandits” they are, raccoons can break into almost any door or gate. When they are looking for food, they will stop at nothing to retrieve the prize meal they are seeking. Raccoons are omnivorous and will eat just about anything they can get their hands on.
Earthworms and grubs are excellent snacks for raccoons. The raccoons know freshly laid or over watered sod is filled with the succulent little insects, just ripe for picking. The raccoons will dig up the soil and damage your investment in a hurry.
A backyard garden makes a perfect buffet for raccoons as well as other pests. You put too much work into that garden to have it destroyed by a hungry pest.
Finally, if a raccoon makes a nest in your yard, it will undoubtedly be a stinky mess. Besides carrying disease, the area they “go” will be a mess and smell awful. If they use your freshly cut woodpile as their toilet, it will render the wood useless.
Raccoons Create Significant Damage to Your Home.
When a raccoon moves into your garage, attic, basement, under your deck, or in your chimney, you have a real pest problem. They will use these areas for both their bathroom and their home. A urine-soaked ceiling or anything, for that matter, is a respiratory danger.
Raccoons will tear up the insulation on your attic, chew electrical wiring and plumbing, and pick away at roof shingles. Any obstacle encountered presents a challenge for the raccoon to remove, achieving the goal they had in mind. These are costly repairs and can cause recurring problems for the home.
If you happen to be a farmer, you have an entirely different set of concerns. Raccoons can damage crops in a hurry, especially corn. And, if you raise chickens, the raccoons will try to get at them for dinner.
What YOU Can About It.
First and foremost, if you see evidence of raccoon activity, call a pest control company. They can safely remove the raccoons and clean up the mess they left behind. They are trained to handle the cleanup safely and humanely.
As for your efforts in and around your home, here are a few tips:
- Inspect your home regularly.
- Be sure your yard is free of nesting areas and trash.
- Keep trash cans put away and covered.
- Protect your pets and children from entering an area you suspect raccoons to have occupied.
In Conclusion…
Remember, raccoons may be inquisitive and cute, but they are wild animals. They are not good pets and should not occupy residential areas. If you suspect raccoons or have seen them foraging around your home or business, please call a pest control company.
Here at Covenant Wildlife, your health and safety matter to us. You are our number one concern. We have the experience, and our work is guaranteed.
When you call Covenant Wildlife to remove the raccoons, we will trap and remove the pests immediately. Then we will begin the cleanup and disinfecting of the area.
Once we have cleaned the area and made or recommended any necessary repairs, we will inspect it to ensure the problem does not return. You can rest easy knowing the job will be right. Those nocturnal pests will no longer cause you sleepless nights.
Contact us today at Covenant Wildlife to schedule an appointment.