Raccoons seem cute and cuddly until they invade and damage your property. In addition to damaging air ducts, insulation, and walls, these furry creatures can carry roundworms, rabies, and leptospirosis. To keep these critters from spreading potential health risks and destroying your property, here's everything you need to know about raccoon removal and control.

Why Do Raccoons Invade Your Property?

Like most animals, raccoons will seek places to keep themselves warm and dry, especially during snowy and rainy days. They typically seek entry points where there may be a joint, such as between a soffit and the roofline, or where there may be an opening, such as an attic vent or chimney. If you have a pet door that leads into the kitchen, a raccoon may also use that to enter the house.

When they get hungry, these smart, resourceful animals will find alternative food sources by scavenging for food scraps in your trash bins, eating leftovers in your pet's dishes, and raiding your vegetable gardens.

As the season progresses, pregnant raccoons may turn your attic into a home for themselves and their young. Raccoons typically begin mating in January, so they will seek shelter in late winter and early spring.

How Do You Get Rid of Raccoons?

Start by creating a food trail from its shelter inside your home and leading it outdoors. Do not block off the raccoons; otherwise, they may feel trapped and forced to defend themselves. If you notice the animal getting confused on its way out, lead it toward the door using a broom. 

To discourage them from coming back to your house, always keep your trash bins tightly closed and remove leftovers from your pet's dishes. If the raccoons continue to destroy your property, or if they seem rabid and you are hesitant to remove them on your own, seek raccoon removal services from a reputable wildlife control company. 

If you need raccoon removal services, trust the professionals at American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services in New Milford, CT. For 48 years, this reliable nuisance wildlife removal company has been helping residents in Greater Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties humanely keep raccoons, squirrels, and skunks away from their properties. For more information on their raccoon removal and wildlife damage repair services, visit their website or call (860) 355-1231.