Signs You Have a Raccoon Problem

Raccoons are common nuisance animals in South Florida, and while they may seem harmless, their presence around your home can quickly lead to a variety of problems. From property damage to health risks, understanding how to spot the signs of a raccoon infestation is crucial to protecting your home and family. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key indicators of a raccoon problem and explain when it’s time to contact a professional for humane raccoon removal.

How to Identify a Raccoon Infestation

Raccoons are nocturnal, so spotting them during the day may be difficult. However, there are several signs that can alert you to their presence and the potential for a raccoon infestation. Here are the top indicators to watch for:

Unusual Noises: What They Mean

One of the most obvious signs that you might have a raccoon problem is hearing unusual noises in your attic or inside your walls. Raccoons are excellent climbers and often seek shelter in attics, where like rodents and rats, they can cause significant damage by spoiling in the insulation, and gnawing on water lines, electrical wires, and wood. If you hear scratching, scurrying, or rustling noises, particularly at night, it could be raccoons looking for food or making their nests.

Evidence in Your Yard: Overturned Garbage and Tracks

Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash. If you notice that your garbage cans are regularly overturned or your trash is scattered around your yard, it’s a sign that raccoons might be searching for food. Raccoon tracks are another telltale sign. These animals have five toes on their front paws, which leaves behind distinctive prints in dirt, mud, or snow, especially as they scale up walls or fences. If you see Raccoons scurrying around your property, it is important to call the experts for relocation, before they invade your home.

What Attracts Raccoons to Your House

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will take advantage of any food source they can find. Understanding what attracts raccoons can help you minimize risks.

Some common attractants include:

• Garbage and Trash: If your trash cans are not securely sealed, raccoons will be drawn to the food scraps inside. Make sure to use tight-fitting lids and store bins in an enclosed space like a garage or shed if possible.
• Pet Food: Leaving pet food outside, especially overnight, is another way to invite raccoons into your yard.
• Easily Accessible Attics: Raccoons often enter homes through damaged roofing, vents, or chimneys. If your attic is not sealed properly, it could be the perfect hiding spot for a family of raccoons.

The Benefits of Humane Raccoon Removal

If you suspect a raccoon infestation, the first thing to remember is that humane raccoon removal is possible. Attempting to handle the situation yourself can be dangerous, as raccoons can be aggressive and carry diseases like rabies. A professional wildlife control service uses safe and effective methods to remove raccoons from your property without harm.

So, what is wildlife or raccoon pest control? Our team specializes in raccoon trapping and nuisance animal removal, ensuring that your home is free from unwanted wildlife. Plus, we can help secure and exclude your property to prevent future infestations.

Just Call Hulett for Trusted Wildlife Control Services!

If you’re experiencing a raccoon problem or see droppings and suspect a raccoon infestation, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Early intervention is key to protecting your home and family from the risks raccoons pose. Hulett Environmental Services has over 50 years of experience in pest control and knows all the nuances of how to get rid of raccoons in Florida. 

Our team is here to provide you with a no-obligation, free inspection to assess your situation and create a customized pest control plan for safe, effective raccoon removal, and we’ll also address potential entry points to ensure they don’t come back. Just call Hulett for fast, professional, and reliable wildlife control services!