Racoons

In urban areas there can be as many as 100 raccoons per square kilometer. The raccoon's hand-like paws allow it to gain access to homes and other structures in  search of dens and food.  Raccoons commonly den in chimneys, attics, garages, and under decks or additions.

Procedure

The first step in any raccoon procedure is to inspect the home or building to find all entry holes and problem areas. The next step (upon hire) is an attic inspection. The attic inspection is part of our hands on approach. It allows us to 'invade' the animal's space and in baby season it is the only way to remove immobile babies. If babies are present they are taken outside and put in a weatherproof release box. The box is then placed close to the entry hole where we install a unique tool called a one-way door. The one-way door allows the adult raccoon to leave the building and effectively locks it out. Once the animal has left through the one-way door, she finds her babies and begins relocating them. Of course there are not babies in every situation but the one-way door in the most effective tool we have for humane wildlife removal. This method helps insure animals do not get locked inside a building and it greatly reduces the likely hood of property damage for that very reason.

Raccoon Related Health Concerns

Thankfully raccoons rarely transmit diseases to people and their pets but the few they do are very serious:

• Baylisascaris procyonis or raccoon roundworm is transmitted through feces. It is rare and usually infects children. There is no effective cure at present
• Canine roundworm is passed from dogs to raccoons and back again
• Fleas, lice, and ticks.
• Rabies is transmitted through blood and saliva. This disease is fatal if untreated. Ensure pets are vaccinated