As pesky as they may be, raccoons are quite intelligent, and if you have had the experience of removing them from your property, it’s crucial to keep an eye out to ensure they don’t make a return. Raccoon management requires some level of education and awareness to help homeowners understand the best practices for monitoring raccoon presence post-rehabilitation. Monitoring raccoon activities after removal allows one to prevent future invasions and maintain a raccoon-free environment.
Firstly, it is vital to understand the signs of a raccoon presence. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, and as a result, their activities are primarily conducted during the night. One of the apparent signs of raccoon activity is their distinctive tracks. They have five toes on both their front and hind legs- a clear distinguishing factor from other wildlife. Another sign is their droppings, often found near the base of trees, on rooftops, woodpiles, or their feeding areas. Keep an eye out for overturned garbage cans, damaged gardens, and destroyed bird feeders. These are common places where raccoon activity can be detected. Examine your property regularly for these signs.
Raccoons are likely to habituate in warmer locations like attics, sheds, garages, or under decks. Therefore, if your home has these features, it is crucial to continuously check them for signs of raccoon activity. Distinctive clues include torn insulation in the attic, structural damage near entrance ways, and strong fecal or urine odor. You might also hear noise from the raccoon basic activities: walking, chewing, or scurrying. If you notice any of this in your attic or sheltered areas of your property, this is a clear sign of a raccoon presence.
Technology also offers some modern methods to monitor raccoon activities. The use of wildlife cameras is one effective strategy. These cameras can capture images and videos whenever their motion detectors are activated, making them perfect for capturing nocturnal animal activities. Mount these cameras near identified feeding areas, garbage bins, or potential entrance points to your home. Regularly reviewing the captured footage can help you spot raccoon activity and be proactive in controlling them.
Regular maintenance and inspections of your property can also dissuade raccoon infestation. Starting with regular garbage management- secure your bins, as the odor is a significant attraction for raccoons. Ensure that your garden or backyard is clean, and fallen fruits or nuts are cleared away as they could serve as food sources for raccoons. Also, sealing points of entry like chimneys, vents, or holes leading to secluded areas of your home can discourage raccoon inhabitation.
Finally, creating a less-hospitable environment for raccoons can ensure that they are deterred from your property. Lighting up dark areas of your yard, accompanied by the use of certain repellant sprays and electronic devices that emit high-pitched sounds, can make your property less appealing to them.
Enlisting the help of a professional wildlife control service can be beneficial in both removal and post-removal monitoring. These professionals are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to handle raccoon activity effectively. They would help inspect your property thoroughly to identify signs of raccoon presence, advise on necessary structural repairs, and also assist with preventive measures to ensure that your property remains raccoon-free.
In conclusion, post-removal monitoring of raccoon presence should be an ongoing process. Through a combination of regular property maintenance, use of technology, creating a less welcoming environment, and perhaps enlisting the help of professionals, you can keep your property raccoon-free. Remember that proactive measures are always less costly compared to dealing with a full-blown infestation. So keep a keen eye out for any signs of these crafty creatures to maintain a safe and serene living environment.