Protect Your Home: Effective Strategies to Prevent Raccoon Damage

Raccoons are highly intelligent creatures known for their dexterity and curiosity. While they may seem cute and harmless, these nocturnal bandits can cause significant damage to your home and property. From raiding trash cans to nesting in attics, raccoons can become a nuisance. However, with some proactive measures, you can prevent raccoons from damaging your house. In this article, we will explore six effective strategies to deter raccoons and protect your home.

1. Secure Your Trash: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage in search of food. To prevent them from wreaking havoc on your trash cans, invest in sturdy, animal-proof containers. Consider using cans with locking lids or attaching bungee cords to secure the lids tightly. Additionally, avoid leaving trash bags outside overnight, as this can attract raccoons to your property.  
2. Eliminate Food Sources: Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and will readily consume pet food left outdoors. Ensure you feed your pets indoors and store their food securely in airtight containers. If you have a bird feeder, position it in an inaccessible area or use a squirrel guard to prevent raccoons from reaching the seeds.
3. Seal Entry Points: Raccoons are skilled climbers and can gain access to your home through small openings. Inspect your house for any potential entry points, such as gaps in the attic, broken vents, or loose shingles. Seal these openings with durable materials like hardware cloth or heavy-duty mesh wiring. Remember to check for hidden access points, such as tree branches that may be providing raccoons with an easy pathway. Here at Brilliex Pest Control, our professionals with more than fifteen years of experience would find all potential areas that raccoons can damage and they would seal all needed areas with the best materials.
4.  Reinforce Your Attic: Raccoons often seek shelter in attics to build their nests. Prevent their entry by fortifying your attic. Ensure that vents are covered with strong wire mesh, and check for any loose or damaged sections of the roof. Trim overhanging tree branches to deny raccoons easy access to your roof. If you suspect raccoons have already taken up residence, consult a professional wildlife removal service to safely evict them.
5. Install Motion-Activated Lights and Alarms: Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, and they prefer dark, undisturbed areas. By installing motion-activated lights around your property, you can deter raccoons from approaching. Similarly, motion-activated alarms or sprinkler systems can startle them, making your home less appealing as a potential nesting site.
6. Maintain a Tidy Yard: A well-maintained yard can discourage raccoons from taking up residence near your home. Keep your lawn trimmed and remove any debris or piles of wood that could serve as potential hiding places. Store firewood and other materials off the ground and away from the house. Regularly clean and maintain your outdoor living spaces to minimize potential hiding spots for raccoons.

Preventing raccoon damage to your house requires a combination of proactive measures. By securing your trash, eliminating food sources, sealing entry points, reinforcing your attic, installing motion-activated lights and alarms, and maintaining a tidy yard, you can significantly reduce the risk of raccoon-related damage. Remember, if you encounter persistent raccoon issues or need assistance with raccoon removal, it’s best to consult professional wildlife experts who can safely and humanely handle the situation. With these strategies in place, you can protect your home and enjoy a raccoon-free environment. Contact our office to get rid of nuisance raccoons today.