Cape Cod is known for its stunning landscapes, charming communities, and rich wildlife. While it's a paradise for many, some of the local wildlife—especially raccoons—can sometimes create challenges for homeowners. Known for their dexterous paws, masked faces, and nighttime activity, raccoons are highly adaptable creatures. Although they may seem harmless, raccoons can cause significant damage to property and pose health risks if they gain access to your home.
At Critter Control of Cape Cod, we understand the delicate balance between appreciating Cape Cod’s wildlife and ensuring the safety and security of your home. If you're wondering how to peacefully coexist with these nocturnal visitors, this article offers practical tips on prevention and humane solutions for managing raccoon activity around your property.
Why Are Raccoons a Problem on Cape Cod?
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will forage for food wherever it's easiest to find. In suburban and rural areas of Cape Cod, this often means residential areas. Homes provide raccoons with easy access to food sources, such as garbage cans, pet food, birdseed, and even fruit trees. Additionally, raccoons may seek shelter in attics, chimneys, or under decks, especially during the colder months when they are looking for a warm, secure place to rest.
Raccoons can be more than just a nuisance; they can also cause serious problems:
- Property Damage: Raccoons are known to tear apart roofing materials, chew through vents, and damage insulation to make nests.
- Health Risks: Raccoons are carriers of diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and parasites such as raccoon roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.
- Noise and Disturbance: Their nighttime activity can lead to loud noises in attics and walls, disrupting your peace of mind.
How to Prevent Raccoon Problems
While raccoons are a part of the natural ecosystem on Cape Cod, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a problem. Here are some effective prevention strategies:
Secure Garbage Cans and Food Sources
Raccoons are expert scavengers, and if they find an easy food source, they’ll return. Make sure to secure trash cans by using tight-fitting lids or storing them in a raccoon-proof enclosure. Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside, as these are attractive to raccoons and other wildlife.
Seal Entry Points
Raccoons are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your home for any gaps, holes, or damaged vents, particularly in the attic, roofline, and foundation. Use durable materials like heavy-duty mesh, steel wool, or caulk to seal potential entry points. Pay special attention to areas where pipes and wires enter the home.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Raccoons can use overhanging tree branches to access your roof, chimney, or attic. Trim back any branches that extend within 8–10 feet of your home. Additionally, clear away any dense shrubs or vines near your home that could provide a hiding spot or easy access to upper levels.
Install Raccoon-Proof Chimney Caps
A chimney can be a prime spot for raccoons to nest, especially in the colder months. Installing a chimney cap that is specifically designed to keep animals out can help prevent these unwanted visitors from taking up residence.
Secure Your Deck and Crawlspaces
Raccoons love to hide and nest under decks, porches, or in crawlspaces. If you have these areas on your property, make sure they are sealed off with strong materials. Use wire mesh or solid barriers to prevent raccoons from getting underneath.
Use Motion-Sensor Lights and Deterrents
Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer darkness, so motion-sensor lights can be an effective deterrent. Additionally, there are humane deterrents such as ultrasonic devices or natural repellents like ammonia-soaked rags, which can discourage raccoons from coming close to your property.
How to Handle an Active Raccoon Situation
Even with the best prevention efforts, sometimes a raccoon may still find its way into your home or property. If you're dealing with an active raccoon issue, here are some important steps to take:
Do Not Approach the Animal
Raccoons can be aggressive when threatened, especially if they feel cornered or are protecting their young. Never attempt to handle or capture a raccoon on your own. It’s important to stay safe and keep a safe distance from the animal.
Call a Professional
The safest and most humane way to deal with a raccoon problem is to call a professional wildlife control company, like Critter Control of Cape Cod. Our team is trained in humane trapping and relocation, as well as exclusion techniques to prevent future issues. We use industry-leading methods to ensure that your home is safe from raccoons and other wildlife.
Humane Trapping and Relocation
If a raccoon has entered your home, we use live traps to safely capture the animal. Once trapped, the raccoon will be relocated to a safe environment away from residential areas. Our goal is always to prevent harm to the animal while addressing the issue swiftly.
Clean and Disinfect
After a raccoon has been removed, it’s important to clean any areas where the animal may have left behind feces, urine, or nesting materials. This helps prevent the spread of disease and reduces the chances of attracting other wildlife.
Why Choose Critter Control of Cape Cod?
At Critter Control of Cape Cod, we are dedicated to providing humane, effective wildlife control services that protect both your home and the local ecosystem. Our experts are experienced in handling raccoons and other wildlife species in a safe, non-lethal way. We focus on preventing future problems by providing expert exclusion services and offering advice on how to make your property less attractive to wildlife.
If you're dealing with a raccoon problem or want to take preventative steps to avoid one, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help Cape Cod homeowners live in harmony with the natural world while keeping their homes safe and secure.
Contact Us Today
For expert advice or to schedule a wildlife inspection, reach out to Critter Control of Cape Cod. Our team is ready to assist you with personalized, humane solutions for raccoon control and prevention.