From a distance, raccoons can be very interesting to watch, but having them in your attic without your permission is a whole other story. Raccoons can do a lot of damage and be dangerous to your health. This piece talks about ways to keep raccoons out of your attic so that your home stays raccoon-free.
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Understanding How Raccoons Get In:
Before you can properly keep raccoons out of your attic, you need to know how they get in. They are very good at climbing, so they can easily get up trees and walls to get to your roof. Damaged vents, loose shingles, and chimneys that aren’t protected are common ways for pests to get in. For these quick animals, even a small hole or gap can be a way in.
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Repairs and upkeep:
The first thing you should do to keep raccoons out of your attic is to keep the outside of your house in good shape. Make sure that your chimney, pipes, and roof are all in good shape. Fix any damage right away and make sure that weak places that could be used as entrances are locked up.
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Protect access to the attic:
Raccoons often get into homes through attic vents. To keep them out, put strong screens or covers over these holes. Strong latches should be used on attic doors or hatches, and locks should be added to keep rats from forcing their way in.
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Cut back branches that hang over:
Raccoons are very good at climbing, and trees that hang over your roof make it easy for them to get there. Cut back tree branches that get close to your house to make it harder for them to get in.
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Cover every way in:
Check your roof and attic for any places people could get in. You should fill in all holes, no matter how small. Raccoons have quick paws that allow them to get through surprisingly small openings. Raccoons are less likely to chew through strong materials like galvanized steel mesh, which should be used to seal off entry spots.
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Keep trash and food sources safe:
Raccoons are often drawn to homes because food is easy to get to. Lock the lids on your trash cans and don’t leave pet food outside. Also, pick up any fruit that has dropped from trees in your yard.
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Scents and deterrents:
Raccoons can smell things very well. Rattan rags or commercial repellents that are soaked in ammonia can be put near possible entry points to keep raccoons from getting too close.
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Help from a professional:
If you have a raccoon problem that won’t go away or if you’ve already had raccoons in your attic, you should get help from a professional. Professional wildlife removal services can get rid of raccoons in a gentle and safe way, making sure your attic is safe.
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Keep an eye on your attic:
After you’ve made your attic raccoon-proof, check it every so often for signs of raccoon activity. Search the attic for signs of damage, such as tracks or droppings. Finding an invasion early on can help stop it from getting worse.
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Devices for Exclusion:
People who have raccoons living in their attics may need to use one-way doors to get them out in a gentle way. Raccoons can get out of these areas, but they can’t get back in. Once you’re sure they’re gone, seal the entry places to keep them from coming back.
In conclusion, raccoon-proofing your attic is an important part of keeping your home safe and stopping raccoons from getting in. By knowing where raccoons can get in and taking steps to keep them out, you can keep your attic raccoon-free and keep your family and home safe from the damage these nighttime thieves can cause.
At Raccoon Control Bolton, We have professional and insured pest control specialists who have the tools available to take care of your break-in. Our raccoon service is backed up with a 2-year service warranty. If raccoons return, we will too at no additional cost. Call 647-578-7949