Hear footsteps in your attic? That loud thumping could indicate that your pest problems are a bit bigger than anticipated. Scurrying sounds are more typical to mice and rats, but if what you hear sounds like someone walking around, then you probably have raccoons in your space. Fortunately for folks throughout Oakland County, MI, we can offer humane, high-quality removal services. Turn to My Bat Guy for it all!
Why Do Raccoons Enter My Home?
A big motivator for raccoons entering your warm attic space is the safety they gain from both the weather and from any predators. It lends a perfect environment for momma raccoons looking to nest and have babies, and it doesn’t hurt that they have easy access to any chips, cookies, or garbage you have in your home.
Unfortunately, if they reproduce, it won’t be long until their babies have babies, and soon you’ll have more raccoons on your hands than you can imagine. It’s always best to tackle a wildlife invasion problem as soon as possible to reduce damage and stress.
Are Raccoons Aggressive? Will They Attack?
Raccoons can put up an impressive fight if they feel attacked, so it’s best to steer clear of them as much as possible – and you’ll definitely want to keep any pets and small children away! Should someone get attacked, they could be at risk of getting a harmful illness, such as rabies, ringworm, leptospirosis, or infections.
What Do Raccoons Eat?
Raccoons don’t tend to limit their diet. They are omnivores and seem to eat just about anything they can get their paws on! In the wild, they will eat eggs, fish, frogs, plants, berries, fruit, and whatever they can scavenge from your garden. And if they can gain easy access to your trash can, you can bet they will take full advantage of that, too!
All in all, raccoons are very motivated by food, especially in the winter when pickings are slim, which is a big reason they love to explore homes and businesses for any easily-accessible pantry items or scraps that are left behind.
Where Raccoons Typically Nest?
When it comes time to settle down and have babies, mothers will make dens in big holes in trees, in hollow logs, underneath rocks, or – you guessed it – in your attic or crawlspace. If you have a barn or shed on your property, they may try to get in there, too, and some have even been known to nest in chimneys.
All in all, they want a spot that will protect them from bad weather and from any predators that may hope to eat their young. This is why your attic is such an ideal spot for them to invade!
What Damages Do Raccoons Leave Behind?
So, what type of damage might a raccoon leave behind? Well, they can track mud and debris throughout your property, they are known to tear and bite any furniture or storage boxes, and they can easily chew through wires and cables. Along with this, they can destroy ductwork, and if they find your garbage cans, they’ll likely knock those over, too, sending trash all over your lawn and sidewalk.
Their feces and urine can cause damage, too. It will leave behind nasty stains and cause your floorboards to rot and deteriorate, and if they defecate in your venting system, your entire home will smell horribly for a long time.
How Do I Get Rid Of Raccoons In My Home?
If raccoons are in your home, getting rid of them should be a top priority on your to-do list. The damages they can cause are extensive and costly to address, and your pets and family members could face injury if the pests feel threatened in any way. Not to mention, if the creatures pass away in your home, you’ll have to live with the foul odors associated with that, and you’ll attract a whole new type of pest on top of it.
So, what’s the best approach as far as removal is concerned? Well, here in Michigan only a certified company can legally relocate these critters, and using any poisons or harmful methods of removal is against the law. If you’d like, you can try and lure the animal into a large cage, then call Wildlife Control Services and have them pick it up, but you might end up trapping a skunk, cat, or another big critter instead.
Does a do-it-yourself approach seem undesirable? Then, leave it to us! All you have to do is give our team a call, and we’ll take care of it all. We even offer restoration services, and we have the proper techniques and training to properly clean and sanitize your space, as well. Once we’re done, your attic will look like new again, and you won’t have to stress about the critters coming back because we’ll seal up any potential entry points while we’re at it.
What Are You Waiting For?
Take control of your home and keep it better protected by relying on our highly-esteemed, licensed, and insured company today. My Bat Guy is here for you through it all!
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