Austin Raccoon Removal

How to Know If Raccoons Are Invading Your Property

Raccoon activity isn’t always easy to spot if you don’t know what to look for. By being aware of and recognizing the signs of raccoon intrusion, you can quickly request professional help and limit the damage these critters can cause.

Reach out to Critter One to schedule your complimentary home inspection if you notice any of the following signs of a raccoon infestation:

• Unpleasant odors. The strong, musty scent of raccoon urine and feces can be quite pervasive and noticeable even before you see any visual evidence. If one or more raccoons have taken residence in your home, you might notice this smell coming from your attic or crawl space. 
• Noises at night. Raccoons are most active at night, so if you hear scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds coming from your attic or walls during these hours, it may indicate their presence. These noises result from their foraging activities or their movement as they navigate through tight spaces.
• Structural damage. Raccoons have paws capable of tearing shingles, soffits, and screens. If you notice damage to your roof, torn attic vents, or other disturbed points of entry, you should not wait to request a professional inspection.
• Tracks and footprints. Raccoon tracks can be found in muddy or dusty areas around your home or yard. Their footprints resemble small, hand-like impressions with five distinct fingers. Spotting these marks near trash bins or around entry points can confirm their presence.
• Displaced trash. Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage cans in search of food. If you wake up to find your trash cans overturned or their contents strewn across your yard, one or more raccoons are likely foraging in your area.
• Sightings of droppings. Raccoon feces can usually be found in secluded or sheltered parts of your home or garden. Raccoon droppings are typically tubular in shape, similar in size to that of a small dog, measuring about two to three inches in length. They often contain visible undigested food items, such as seeds or bits of fruits.

Should Raccoons Be Removed from My Property?

If you spot a raccoon or two on your property, you may be wondering if you really need to call in professionals to remove and relocate them – especially if they don’t appear to have made their way inside. The reality is raccoons are unlikely to leave your property voluntarily once they settle in. This persistence is primarily driven by the abundance of resources they may find, such as food sources and nesting sites. Without appropriate intervention, raccoons can become permanent, problematic guests, compounding health risks and property damage over time.

Our Austin raccoon removal experts can thoroughly inspect your property and assess the extent of unwanted wildlife activity. This includes identifying potential entry points and nesting sites. 

Once we’ve confirmed the presence of raccoons on or near your property, we’ll place humane traps at strategic locations, including near entry points, feeding locations, or visible raccoon paths. The aim is to capture the raccoons quickly without causing harm or undue stress.

We’ll safely relocate the animals after capturing them, and then our crews will get to work on cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas of your home and property. Our team can also help seal and fortify entry points and potential vulnerabilities in your home’s structure. This might include fixing roof shingles, securing vents, and reinforcing attic spaces to prevent future raccoon entry.

How Can I Prevent Raccoon Infestations?

Raccoons are crafty, opportunistic creatures. Because they can exploit even the smallest gaps or weaknesses in structures, they can easily access your home or property if you do not take preventative measures. 

There are several things you can do to help keep raccoons out, including:

• Securing trash and food sources. Eliminating easy food access is a straightforward way to deter raccoons from entering your property. Ensure that your trash cans are kept tightly sealed with secure lids or locks, as raccoons can often pry open unsecured containers. Consider storing trash indoors until collection day or using animal-proof garbage bins. Additionally, avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside overnight, as these items can attract hungry raccoons.
• Sealing entry points. Conduct regular inspections of your home's exterior, paying special attention to potential entry points. Seal any holes, cracks, or openings in your home’s structure, particularly around the roofline, vents, and chimneys. Consider using materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing, which are difficult for raccoons to break through. Address any loose or broken screens, shingles, or soffits promptly to reduce possible entry opportunities.
• Installing motion-activated lights. Raccoons prefer darkness for their nocturnal activities, and strategically placed motion-activated lights can serve as a deterrent. Sudden illumination can startle raccoons, discouraging them from approaching your property. Install these lights in key areas, like around trash bins or near suspected entry points.
• Maintaining landscaping and yard cleanliness. Regularly trim trees and shrubs to prevent raccoons from using them as bridges to access the roof or upper levels of your home. Promptly remove fallen fruits or nuts, as these can attract wildlife. Keep outdoor spaces tidy and free from debris or brush piles that could serve as nesting sites for raccoons.
• Installing fencing. Erecting a well-maintained fence around your property can create a physical barrier against raccoon entry. Choose fences that are at least four feet high and buried several inches into the ground to prevent raccoons from digging under. If your existing fence is not keeping raccoons out, you may need to consider an electric fence. These fences can be set up to deliver mild shocks that scare off small animals like raccoons and squirrels but do not injure or kill the critters. 

When Are Raccoons Most Active?

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal creatures, with their activity levels peaking during the night. They tend to emerge shortly after dusk, actively search for sustenance throughout the night, and return to their dens before dawn to rest. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring, raccoons may exhibit increased daytime activity as they look for mates or suitable nesting sites. In urban areas, raccoons may adapt their nocturnal habits slightly, occasionally being seen during daylight hours if food sources are abundant or if their dens have been disturbed.

How Do Austin’s Drought Conditions Impact Local Raccoon Activity?

Austin is currently experiencing drought conditions, which has affected the behavior and habits of the local raccoon population. Raccoons, like many other wildlife species, are sensitive to the availability of natural water sources and food, prompting them to adapt their activities in response to environmental stressors. During droughts, water scarcity compels raccoons to travel further in search of hydration, often bringing them closer to residential areas where they can find supplemental water sources, such as pet bowls, irrigation systems, or bird baths.

The reduced availability of natural food sources, such as vegetation affected by the drought, may also drive raccoons to forage more frequently in urban environments. Consequently, homeowners in areas experiencing drought conditions may experience increased raccoon activity around their properties. 

Our Austin raccoon removal professionals are familiar with how these conditions can influence the behavior of these animals. Our expertise allows us to anticipate their movements, trap them efficiently, and help you take steps to deter them from entering. 

We remove raccoons the right way. Contact us online or call (726) 200-1018 now!