What do raccoons look like?

Raccoons are a nocturnal medium sized mammal; adults grow to be about the same size as a medium to large housecat. Adults grow to between 2 and 3 feet in length and they weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. Raccoons have many easily recognizable features including the black “mask” of fur that covers their eyes, their fluffy black and gray ringed tail, and their hunched appearance that is caused their hind legs behind longer than their front legs. The raccoon’s body is covered in a salt and peppered colored fur.

Are raccoons dangerous?

Raccoons are dangerous to people and pets and are destructive to property. When living inside of a home or other building raccoons have the potential to cause extensive structural damages, along with contaminating it with their urine and feces. Raccoons can become very aggressive when they are cornered, they may lash-out and decide to bite or scratch you, your kids, or pets. It is important to note that raccoons are common carriers of rabies, coming into close contact with these pests is never recommended.

Signs of Raccoons

The most common sign of raccoons living on your property is to see them often on your property. If they are living nearby you may also start to notice overturned trashcans, garden areas being damaged, and structural damages to the outside of your home, garage, or outbuildings. If they have taken up residence inside of your home, you will probably hear scratching, tapping, or running noises in the attic or behind your home’s walls, especially in the evening when they are most active.

Why are raccoons in my home?

Raccoons often enter inside of homes to create a safe place to live and burrow inside of after first being attracted to food sources that are found on your property. Raccoons are attracted to properties that offer easy access to food and water sources; pet food, unsecure garbage cans, gardens, and compost piles can all attract raccoons. Once on your property they may decide to take advantage of any openings found inside of your home to gain access to warm safe shelter inside of.

How do you get rid of raccoons?

If raccoons have become a problem on your property or inside of your home, contact the wildlife professionals found at Spence Pest Services. At Spencer Pest Services we can get rid of opossums from your property through our rodent and wildlife control services. Our wildlife control professionals have the experience and training needed to safely and humanly get rid of a raccoon infestation and stop future infestations with raccoons and rodents. Contact us today to learn more about our rodent and wildlife control services that are available throughout Upstate of South Carolina and northern Georgia.
Raccoon prevention tips include:

Install chimney caps on all chimneys.
Place wire mesh around decks, sheds, and similar structures to keep them from nesting underneath of them.
Trim back tree branches from the outside of your home, raccoons will use tree branches to travel across and gain easy access into your home.
Pick-up uneaten pet food each evening.
Make sure that vents leading into your home have a tight fitting covers over them; repair any loose window screens or other large openings into your home.
Make sure that outdoor garbage cans have tight fitting lids on them and that they are stored a distance away from the outside of your home.
Make sure that gutters are working properly to direct water away from your home and to prevent it from pooling and creating water sources.