A pest infestation can quickly become more than a nuisance if left unattended for too long. And while rats and mice bring about their own problems, a raccoon infestation is another thing entirely. They can cause damage to the home and can spread disease to families and their pets. And these infestations can occur pretty much anywhere, with raccoons being prevalent in rural, suburban, and even urban areas. If you’re in an area that hosts this brand of wildlife, read on for a few tips in preventing a raccoon infestation in your home. 

Feed Pets Inside

Nothing brings raccoons to a home faster than a readily available and conveniently refilled food source. If you own pets, feed them indoors so that any leftovers don’t attract unwanted attention from pests. Likewise, keep pet food storage indoors as well, as raccoons have a keen sense of smell and nimble fingers that can open different types of containers. Restricting food access will deter raccoons from setting up camp in or near your home. 

Seal Trash Cans

Raccoons aren’t known for their distinguished tastes and often find hearty meals in the trashcans of residents. Try to keep trash in the home or garage to prevent raccoons from being lured by the smell. If this isn’t possible, seal up the trash can with a bungee cord to keep the lid on tight. If your trash can is cracked or damaged, get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. 

Prevent Access

Animals and insects are drawn to the warmth of a house, and the many dark areas in the attic and basement provide welcome shelter for these pests. Raccoons will seek out dark, quiet places to get a good day’s sleep before heading outside at nighttime. Sealing off these secluded places will prevent raccoons from taking up residence, so carefully inspect the attic, chimneys, and open areas under the porch for entrances. 

Install a Fence

If you keep a garden somewhere in your yard, take measures to protect it against foraging raccoons. Along with trash and pet food, raccoons will raid fruit and vegetable gardens as well. Installing a fence around the garden will keep raccoons from getting in your garden. If you need to take extra measures, try to get rid of any bugs in your garden since raccoons will also eat insects and grubs. 

Suppose you’ve discovered a family of raccoons taking up unwanted residence in your home or property. In that case, the experts at Baystate Wildlife will be able to assist you in getting things back to normal quickly. Contact our team today to learn more.