Raccoons

Raccoons have dens and resting areas. The dens are usually dug out by other animals or are natural locations such as hollow spaces in rocky areas. Dents are ideal in that they provide shelter for the animals during times of adverse weather conditions. Some of the den sites where the animals have been found before include chimneys, attics and abandoned vehicles. In urban settings, the den sites are only used during the day or when there is a high traffic of human activity. If raccoons in the attic have been found or noises in the ceiling have been heard contact us today.

Raccoons can be a source of nuisance for the urban population. With the increase in urban raccoon population, the best approach would be to ensure that the common nuisances are understood in order to deter recurrence. One of the most commonly reported nuisance with raccoons is the high enticement of the animals by the leftovers in dumpsters hence their constant curious hunting missions. If one leaves the garbage outside, the raccoons are more or less likely to move to the pits and rummage through the garbage. At the end, there is littering of the yard and a requirement to reorganize the garbage once more. Adding a weight to the dumpster lids can reduce the menace of raccoons rummaging through the garbage.

Raccoons also tend to enter the homes through the chimneys and create a nesting place. This is common during the cold seasons since most of the dens are too cold. The female raccoons often choose the chimneys since they are close to a source of food. While this is an important survival skill for the animal, there is some level of nuisance that the sudden uninvited guest poses. In the event a raccoon has decided to nest in ones chimney, one can play the radio on a loud volume. Importantly, tuning the radio to a talk show mimics human behavior. Alternatively, one can use a broomstick to drive them away from the chimney.

With the ban on trapping the animals in most parts of America, raccoons have increasingly become comfortable around human dwellings. This comfort poses a problem for human beings. Raccoons have roundworms. These are similar to the worms that would be found in cats and dogs but are caused by a different species of roundworms. Raccoons are usually unaffected by the worms. However, these worms can affect humans and their pets. Ingesting the eggs from the round worms result in raccoon infections.

In order to reduce the exposure to roundworms from raccoons, it is imperative to use gloves when creaking the areas where the animals have been sited. Keeping the pets and children away from areas where the animals are usually found will also reduce the chances of contracting the infection. Common hygiene such as hand washing can also reduce the chances of being affected by raccoon’s roundworms. In addition to roundworms, raccoons have been linked to rabies. This can occur when one is scratched or bitten by the animal. In the event of any contact with the animal, contacting the veterinarian or a physician is imperative.