Raccoons are one of nature’s most clever mammals which retain some superlative survival skills. Several features and characteristics of a house can be appealing to a wild raccoon. Harsh weather, breeding, and pure fascination can all be definite influences for raccoons to take shelter or trespass onto residential properties. Keep on reading to find out some reasons why you may be spotting raccoons more often on your property, and how to eliminate them for good.
Food
Raccoons are most motivated by food; as any other wild animal. When homeowner’s leave food resources outside or in their garage, raccoons are sure to sniff it out. They’re great at hunting down foods, especially ones that are easy. Edibles like pet food, garden produce, bird feed, and even dirty grills can be desirable snacks for raccoons and other wild animals alike. If you have any of these things on your premises, it might be the reason for your late-night visitors.
Outdoor pets, like cats and dogs, should be fed indoors or garages. This prevents the necessity to depart pet dishes filled with food, outside. Raccoons love dog and cat food; it’s tasty and provides nutrition and nourishment. If feeding a pet inside is not an option, consider securing the food dishes at night when raccoons are active, then replace them in the morning.
Garbage
Trash and garbage cans are another possible food source for raccoons. Lots of people prefer to take their trash out at night, prior to the morning of pickup. Although this saves a few extra minutes in an otherwise busy morning, it can be a major attraction for nocturnal wildlife. Raccoons have dexterous paws and long claws that allow them to clasp and catch very well. They can easily open up garbage lids and rummage through leftovers, litter, waste, and other compost. This not only leaves a mess for homeowner’s to wash up in the early hours of the morning, but it creates a rift among fellow neighbors who dislike the unsightly garbage spread throughout their curb.
Open Access
Another main attraction for raccoons is open access to shelter. Cracks and crevices in rooftops are easy entry points for raccoons. They can gain access to attics, garages, crawl spaces, and outdoor sheds and storage spaces. As stated before, harsh weather conditions and breeding season both promote raccoons to seek refuge in dens, or in residential properties.
Memory
Raccoons will recall where reliable shelter and food sources are, and will return to them night after night. In order to get rid of raccoons from trespassing onto your property, you will need to figure out what’s attracting them in the first place. These places above are a terrific place to start.