The Importance of Raccoon Control in the Summer

The summer months are great for outdoor activities like swimming, getaways, barbecues, sports, and even wildlife viewing. Humans become more active during these months, and so do many animal species. Among those species is the raccoon or Procyon lotor (Prosee-on Low-Tore). During this heightened activity, there are many reasons why nuisance raccoons should be promptly and professionally removed.

Environment Role

Raccoons play a pivotal role in our ecosystem but must be observed and kept at a distance. Their diet of insects, mice, birds, and carrion not only helps reduce pest populations but also quickens the decomposition of decaying animal matter. Besides those, raccoons have long been hunted for food, fur, and fun. These facts make the raccoon beneficial to humans and an important part of many cultures.

Your Property May Be At Risk

As the days grow warmer and the nights grow shorter, the spring pups are now being weaned and venturing out on their own. These young raccoons may not be as experienced as their mother but they are well-trained and inquisitive. Mother has assisted her young by teaching them where to feed and nest. If the mother is a nuisance raccoon, the young will follow in her footsteps. That means your attic or crawlspace is fair game.

Raccoons are very dexterous and able to cause serious destruction in and around a home or business. There are several problems that raccoons present around homes and businesses. To avoid destruction from these intelligent but troublemaking bandits, prompt removal from your property is advised. Even young raccoons will soon become adults and train their pups with their nuisance ways. Stopping them at the first sign of a problem can save thousands of dollars in damages and possible medical expenses.

Cute, Fluffy and DANGEROUS

Many people may find raccoons cute, fluffy, and harmless. But you’ll quickly find out differently if you try to pet or hold a wild raccoon. These animals are dangerous, potentially disease-infested animals, and it’s actually illegal to feed them or try to make them into pets. But more importantly, these thieving trash pandas aren’t the friendly sort. They would actually prefer to bite you than be your pal. And if you try to pet or pick one up, you’ll get a first-hand glimpse at just how aggressive they can truly be.

Every year, hundreds of people fall victim to raccoon bites, scratches, and close calls simply because they are uneducated about their dangers. It’s important to understand the nature of these creatures so that we can avoid potentially dangerous encounters. With that in mind, let’s talk briefly about some of the dangers they pose.

Diseases and Illnesses

Raccoons are known carriers, transmitters, and sources of several illnesses and diseases. Among these are canine distemper, canine parvovirus, Edwardsiella Septicemia, feline distemper, leptospirosis, rabies, salmonella, and tularemia.

Each of these comes packed with its own unique characteristics and complications. Understanding just how serious these illnesses and diseases can be should warrant a desire to remain a safe distance from any wild raccoon.

However, even if we ignore all the possible diseases and illnesses associated but rabies, raccoons are still a serious threat. As the leading carrier of rabies in the US, a bite from a raccoon could mean infection and should prompt a rabies vaccination right away. More than 20% of raccoons are suspected to have rabies. That means 1 in 5 raccoons likely have the virus. This makes the raccoon a viable threat to humans, pets, and other animals.

Even your pets and other animals are at risk when raccoons are present. These masters of disguise are also the number one transmitter of distemper to domesticated animals.

So petting that cute little raccoon, or even getting too close, could mean serious medical complications and even death to you, a loved one, or a pet.

Diet

So, let’s talk about their diet. Obviously, raccoons are a wild animal and their diet would instinctively consist of naturally occurring foods. But that can all change when raccoons become notorious trash bandits and begin to invade urban environments.

A raccoon’s diet in an urban environment can include any food source you, your pets, or livestock consume and anything left to waste! During the warmer months, our scraps produce a much greater aroma in our garbage which can lure raccoons in for an easy meal. As opportunistic creatures, they won’t shy away from your back patio or your front porch just because you’re around. In fact, they are often known to stand their ground and even attack when they feel threatened. This can make for a seriously dangerous situation, especially in the dark when they are most active.

Torpor

As fall approaches, their need for food increases. Building additional fat layers in preparation for their torpor becomes a priority. During the colder months, raccoons slow down and have long periods of inactivity to conserve vital resources. Food scraps in our garbage are such an easy meal that these little terrorists can’t resist.

This makes the need to eliminate raccoons from your property much more important during the warm months of summer. Additionally, it’s important to practice some preventative measures where we can.

Prevention Methods

Prevention methods can include raccoon-proofing your garbage cans, eliminating entry points into your attic or crawlspace, putting away pet and livestock feed at night, and keeping your property clean. Not only will this help prevent raccoons, but will also aid in preventing many other pests as well.

Although prevention is the best method, many times, it’s not the route we take. Discovering an invasion of these masked bandits in or around your home can be almost as disheartening as being a victim of human bandits!

Nuisance Wildlife Control Available

So whether you find these creatures intimidating or cute and fluffy, the facts are just as real and just as serious. The need for removing any nuisance raccoons is of utmost importance, especially in the summer months at the height of their activity. Additionally, excluding them from entering your property is advisable as well.

If you or someone you know are encountering nuisance raccoons, our experienced nuisance wildlife control team is ready to help. Leave the dangers of trapping wild animals to the professionals here at Four Seasons and enjoy your summer without the threat of raccoons.