If you ask homeowners their feelings towards raccoons, you may get a few different answers. Some see them as cute fluffy critters who could easily be a pet to someone, while others see them as vermin who are a nuisance to their property. However, something that both schools of thought need to realize is the amount of damage raccoons can inflict on your home if they get inside.

The Truth about Raccoons

Raccoons are very social creatures, so you will often find them traveling in packs of up to five. Although raccoons prefer the cover of thick trees in secluded forests, due to urban sprawl they may wander around your property in search of food near your garbage. If they like your home and are looking for a warm shelter with continual access to food, they may try to venture into spaces like your attic, garage, or crawlspace. It’s easy for these critters to break into homes since their paws have little thumbs on them, making raccoons extremely dexterous.

The Signs

Knowing what a raccoon infestation looks like before they take the time to settle in will save you from a lot of headache in the long run. If you can catch raccoons in your home early, you can avoid hundreds of dollars in damages. Some of these signs include:

• Odd behavior from your pets when inside your home
• Loud thumping, purring, crying, or scraping noises coming from your ceiling
• Droppings in or around your home that are the size of a small dog’s
• Stains on your walls or ceiling accompanied by the strong stench of urine and feces

How We Can Help

Although they may seem cute, the health risks that come with trying to wait out a raccoon infestation are not worth it. And attempting to capture or remove raccoons on your own is never advised. If they are cornered or feel threatened, raccoons will lash out, and you run the risk of catching deadly diseases like rabies. For all your raccoon needs, Critter Control serving West Palm Beach has you covered. Don’t put your home or family at risk, call us today for your free consultation at 561-274-0224.