Dealing with Unwanted Critters: Raccoon and Squirrel Removal Tips

Finding a raccoon or squirrel has taken up residence in your home or yard can be alarming and frustrating. While these wild animals may seem cute, they can cause considerable damage to your property. Getting rid of them properly and humanely is important. Here are some tips for effective squirrel and raccoon removal.

Why Raccoons and Squirrels Pose Problems

Raccoons and squirrels entering your home or yard is usually not accidental. They are attracted to human dwellings for several reasons:

• Food sources - Access to pet food, unsecured trash, bird feeders, and fruit trees can draw them in. They will return as long as the food source remains.
• Shelter - Attics, chimneys, sheds, and garages provide warm and dry shelter for nesting and raising young.
• Habitat loss - As forests and wild areas dwindle, these animals adapt to urban environments.

Problems caused by raccoons and squirrels include:

• Damage and contamination - They can chew on wiring, insulation, siding, and personal items, as well as leave droppings.
• Noise disturbances - Nocturnal movement and vocalizations in walls or chimneys.
• Public health risks - Potential transmission of diseases and parasites.
• Aggressive behavior - May act defensively to protect dens and young.

Effective Removal Methods

It is best to use humane exclusionary methods for getting rid of raccoons and squirrels on your property:

• Remove attractants - Secure trash, feed pets indoors, clean up fallen fruit, and remove bird feeders to make the area less appealing.
• Use lights and sounds - Installing lighting and playing radio static in problem areas may discourage nesting.
• Seal entry points - Inspect the exterior and seal up holes, chimneys, vents, or openings that could allow access.
• Use repellents - Apply commercial chemical repellents or natural options like ammonia near entry points to deter nesting.
• Install barriers - Attach exclusion tubes, chimney caps, or wire mesh over areas to physically block access.
• Use traps - Live trapping with bait followed by release at least 5 miles away can permanently relocate nuisance animals.

Trapping and relocating without addressing what attracted them in the first place will result in new animals moving in, so take preventative measures. Avoid using poisons which could be dangerous for pets or local wildlife.

When to Call a Professional

It's advisable to hire a professional wildlife control expert if:

• An animal has lived in your home for long time and may be raising young.
• You are unable to identify probable entry points.
• The animal continues returning after attempts at removal.
• You are uncomfortable setting traps or doing exclusion work at heights yourself.
• Licensed wildlife specialists have the expertise to safely and effectively:
• Identify entry points not visible to the homeowner.
• Use specialized equipment and techniques.
• Follow laws and regulations for humane trapping and relocation.
• Provide cleaning and disinfection following removal.

Though it may cost more upfront to hire a pro, they can solve the problem more efficiently and thoroughly to avoid recurrent issues.

Coexisting with Local Wildlife

While it's important to protect your home from intrusion by raccoons, squirrels and other wild animals, some coexistence tips can reduce issues:

• Regularly clean up fallen fruits and seeds from the ground.
• Only feed pets indoors and store their food securely.
• Use metal mesh to protect vegetable gardens.
• Install flashing and cap gaps around roof and chimney areas.
• Set trash bins away from buildings and use latches to secure lids.

With some diligence on removing attractants and sealing up access, raccoons and squirrels in your yard can be appreciated from a distance for their beauty and clever adaptability, rather than causing problems up close. Always opt for humane solutions that are in the best interest of both people and urban wildlife.

Conclusion

Dealing with unwanted raccoon or squirrel intrusions requires removing their food sources and sealing up access. Raccoons and squirrels are drawn to homes for food, shelter, and as habitats shrink. Chewing, contamination, noise, disease risks, and aggression can occur. Humanely trap and relocate them at least 5 miles away or call a professional for persistent problems. With preventative measures like securing trash and blocking entry points, we can deter wild critters from becoming nuisances. A compassionate approach to raccoon and squirrel removal benefits both homeowners and animals.