Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful creatures, but when they take up residence in your home, they can cause significant damage and pose health risks. These nocturnal animals are notorious for rummaging through garbage, damaging property, and even carrying diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, taking quick and effective action is essential.

Here are five proven ways to get rid of raccoons and reclaim your home.

1. Secure Your Garbage and Food Sources

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are often drawn to homes by the scent of food. Start by securing your garbage bins with tight-fitting lids or raccoon-proof locks. If possible, store trash bins in a garage or shed until collection day. Additionally, avoid leaving pet food, bird seed, or other food sources outside overnight, as these can attract raccoons.

2. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for any potential entry points raccoons might use to get inside. These can include chimneys, vents, broken windows, and gaps in your roof or foundation. Seal these areas with durable materials like metal flashing or heavy-duty mesh. For chimneys, consider installing a chimney cap to keep raccoons and other animals out.

3. Remove Nesting Spots

Raccoons look for safe, quiet places to nest, such as attics, crawl spaces, or sheds. Remove potential nesting spots by keeping these areas well-maintained. Use bright lighting or noise deterrents to make your attic or shed less appealing to raccoons. Trimming overhanging tree branches that provide easy roof access can also deter raccoons from exploring your home.

4. Use Humane Traps

If a raccoon has already made its way into your home, humane trapping can help you remove it safely. Place the trap in an area where you’ve noticed raccoon activity, such as near garbage bins or along fences. Bait the trap with foods like marshmallows, peanut butter, or canned pet food. Once caught, contact a wildlife removal professional to relocate the raccoon safely and legally.

5. Call a Professional Pest Control Service

For persistent raccoon problems, it’s best to call a professional rodent control service like Roberts Termite & Pest Control. Our team in Greater Austin, TX, specializes in safe, humane raccoon removal and exclusion services. We’ll identify how raccoons are entering your home, remove them, and implement measures to ensure they don’t return.

Tips to Prevent Raccoons from Returning

To keep raccoons away after removal, follow these preventive steps:

Install Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights can scare raccoons and make your property less appealing.
Use Repellents: Natural repellents like predator urine or commercial raccoon repellents can help deter them.
Keep Your Yard Tidy: Regularly remove yard debris, such as fallen fruit, leaves, and brush piles, to eliminate hiding spots.
Cover Compost Piles: If you compost, ensure the pile is covered securely to prevent access.
Secure Pet Doors: Install locks or sensors on pet doors to prevent raccoons from sneaking in.

By taking these steps, you can rid your home of raccoons and keep them out for good. If you’re struggling with a raccoon infestation, contact Roberts Termite & Pest Control in Greater Austin, TX, today for expert assistance. Let us help you protect your home and restore your peace of mind.

Reach out to Roberts Termite & Pest Control today at (737) 348-0893 to learn more.