San Antonio Raccoon Removal

How to Know If You Have a Raccoon Problem

Often, homeowners may not immediately notice these clever intruders due to their ability to access tight spaces and tendency to emerge at night. They can squeeze through small openings, such as attic vents or damaged roofs, and their scavenging instincts may lead them to raid garbage cans and pet food dishes. As a result, raccoons often manage to establish themselves in a home before its inhabitants are even aware of their presence. You should be aware of the signs of a raccoon infestation so you can request help at the first sign of trouble. 

Consider scheduling a complimentary inspection if you notice any of the following signs of a raccoon problem:

• Unusual noises at night. Raccoons are nocturnal, so it's common to hear noises coming from the attic, walls, or even under the porch as they move around and search for food. Listen for scurrying or scratching sounds after dark. 
• Trash can disturbances. Raccoons are notorious for their ability to open trash cans and scatter garbage in search of food. If you repeatedly find your trash cans tipped over or their contents strewn about, it could be a sign of raccoons visiting your property.
• Structural damage. Raccoons are skilled climbers and can cause significant damage while attempting to enter or exit your home. Look for signs like torn shingles, chew marks on soffits, or ripped chimney flashing, as these could indicate a raccoon is trying to access your attic or roof.
• Footprints and droppings. Raccoon footprints are distinctive, resembling small human hands. Their droppings are also a telling sign, often found in attics or on roofs. Raccoon feces can be harmful, as they may carry parasites and bacteria. Exercise extreme caution when handling their droppings and cleaning the affected area.
• Disturbed gardens or fruit trees. Raccoons enjoy a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables. If your garden looks disturbed or fruit is disappearing from trees with no other clear cause, you could be dealing with raccoons.

How We Remove Raccoons

Our professional San Antonio raccoon removal crews are committed to resolving wildlife issues with respect and care for both our clients and the animals involved. The process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify signs of raccoon activity and potential entry points. Our trained crews use their expertise to locate these elusive creatures, evaluating factors like noise patterns, tracks, droppings, and structural damage. This careful assessment allows us to understand the scope of the issue and devise a strategic plan for humane removal.

Once we have confirmed the presence of raccoons, our team employs safe and humane trapping techniques. We use specially designed traps that capture the raccoons without harming them. Our crews strategically place these traps based on our evaluation to increase the likelihood of a quick capture. Throughout the process, our experts monitor the traps to ensure the raccoons' well-being and to make necessary adjustments. We adhere to local regulations and ethical guidelines, focusing on capturing raccoons without causing unnecessary stress or injury to the animals.

After capturing the raccoons, our team relocates them to a suitable environment where they can thrive without disrupting human habitats. Each relocation site is chosen carefully to verify it provides adequate resources for the raccoons, such as food, water, and shelter. Then, we can work to secure any potential entry points in your home to help prevent future intrusions. 

What Types of Damage Do Raccoons Cause?

Raccoons can inflict all sorts of damage on residential properties thanks to their inquisitive nature and adept physical abilities. One of the most common consequences of a raccoon infestation is structural damage, as these critters are frustratingly great at finding entry points into homes. They have the strength to pry open vents or weak soffits and can easily tear through rotten wood or shingles. This type of damage not only provides them with access to attics and roof spaces but also leaves the structure vulnerable to weather elements and other pests. Furthermore, raccoons often enlarge entry holes to accommodate their entire body, causing even more significant structural damage over time.

In addition to structural concerns, raccoons can also wreak havoc on insulation and wiring within walls and attics. Their nesting habits involve burrowing into insulation, which deteriorates its effectiveness, leading to increased energy bills due to reduced thermal insulation. Moreover, as raccoons move and search for nesting materials, they can inadvertently damage electrical wiring. This presents a serious fire hazard, which poses a threat not just to the home itself but also to the safety of the inhabitants. The cost of repairing or replacing insulation and wiring can become quite substantial, especially if left unaddressed over several months.

Raccoons are notorious for their behavior of overturning trash cans and strewing garbage across a yard, affecting the property's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. This behavior stems from their omnivorous diet and their constant search for food. Unfortunately, this habit can attract other unwanted animals and pests, such as flies or rodents, further compounding problems.

Finally, the presence of raccoon droppings poses health hazards due to the potential transmission of diseases like raccoon roundworm or leptospirosis. Their feces commonly contain bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans and pets. The accumulation of droppings in attics or around the perimeter of the property can lead to contamination of water sources or soil. You will need to thoroughly clean and sanitize impacted areas once raccoons have been removed to prevent any health risks.

You deserve the peace of mind that comes with a raccoon-free home. Do not wait to call (726) 200-1018 or contact us online if you think you may need our San Antonio raccoon removal services!