They might look cute, and some people have even domesticated them as pets. But by and large, raccoons are scheming troublemakers and nothing short of a nuisance around homes. If you have never taken a step back and looked at how problematic these pests can be, here are some facts about raccoons and the dangers they pose around your Waltham property.
Raccoon Habitat & Behaviors
Raccoons have little to no issue adapting to their environment. Raccoons primarily lived off nature at first, drinking water from streams, stealing eggs from bird nests, and finding sheltered areas to sleep at night. Since the dawn of civilization, however, raccoons have grown more comfortable around homes and learned to rely on the many provisions that come from living close to populated areas.
Around properties, raccoons adapt their lifestyles to avoid human interaction and keep up with their necessities. To find food, these pests knock over trash cans, scavenge in public places, and occasionally break into areas where food is stored. Raccoons find a drink from sources of collected rainwater, leaky faucets and fixtures around homes, and from ornate pools, birdbaths, and so on. These pests find accommodations in dumpsters, gardens, and parks, and anywhere that meets their needs.
The Dangers Of Racoons
There is no denying that raccoons are problematic pests. They damage outbuildings, fences, and porches when looking for shelter, they tip over trash cans and dig holes around yards and gardens to search for grubs, and they make loud noise late at night when homeowners are trying to sleep. But do these pests pose any serious direct threats to people as they cause problems? This all comes down to whether or not the raccoons on your property are carrying harmful diseases. As with any creature that eats trash, picking up and transmitting disease-causing organisms is common with raccoons. The closer these pests are to your home, the more likely you and your family will be to get sick.
How To Deter Raccoons From Your Property
To prevent raccoons around your property, you have to reduce and remove attractants that draw these pests in the first place. Here are some great places to start to keep these furry bandits off your property:
- Eliminate sources of built-up rainwater and make sure your gutters are working properly.
- Pick up fruits, berries, and nuts that fall into your yard.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoors.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Repair damage and seal off entry points around the exterior of your home, deck, porched in areas, and outbuildings.
- Invest in heavy deputy trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Install lights around your home that activate when they sense activity.
- Build a fence around your yard and garden.
The Best Way To Handle Raccoons
If you regularly have trouble with raccoons around your property and are looking for a fast effective way to give these pests the boot, look no further than the experts at Assurance Pest Solutions. To ensure you and your property’s protection against dangerous pests like raccoons, we only use the most advanced pest control measures and products.
Give us a call today at (781) 630-5653 to answer questions about raccoons and schedule your Waltham property for a service visit.