How to Get Rid of Raccoons on Your Virginia Property

Posted on February 27, 2025 by richmond

Raccoons may look cute from a distance, but when they invade your property, they bring more trouble than charm. From rummaging through trash to nesting in your attic, raccoons can cause property damage and even carry dangerous diseases. Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with raccoons in the attic or a gardener tired of their nibbling habits, this guide is here to help you reclaim your space.

By the end of this post, you’ll know how to identify raccoon presence, use effective prevention techniques, remove them humanely, and decide whether to go the DIY route or hire professional raccoon control services.

Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Raccoon Removal and Control in Richmond Virginia

Spotting the Signs of Raccoons on Your Property

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, so catching them in action can be tricky. However, here are some signs that they’ve been visiting your space:

Common Indicators of Raccoon Activity

Tipped-Over Trash Cans – Raccoons are notorious for scavenging through trash. If you find garbage strewn across your lawn, a raccoon might be the culprit.
Tracks and Droppings – Raccoons leave behind distinct tracks with hand-like prints. Additionally, raccoon droppings often appear in attic spaces or near their feeding areas.
Noises – Scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds—especially from your attic or walls—are telltale signs of raccoons nesting in your home.
Damaged Structures – Raccoons are strong and agile. Look for torn roofing, damaged vents, or broken screens as potential entry points.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

Allowing raccoons to stay on your property can escalate problems. Beyond property damage, they can transmit diseases such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, which pose significant health risks to your family and pets.

Prevention Techniques to Deter Raccoons

Prevention is the best defense against raccoon infestations. Follow these tips to make your property less appealing to raccoons.

Tips to Keep Raccoons Away

1. Secure Trash Cans

Use tight-fitting lids to prevent raccoons from accessing your trash.
Consider strapping lids down with bungee cords for added security.

2.Eliminate Food Sources

Pick up fallen fruit from trees in your yard.
Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight.
Clean up grease and food residue from grills after each use.

3. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for any gaps, holes, or broken vents that could allow raccoons access.
Seal these openings with durable materials, such as metal mesh or sturdy wood.

4. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Keep vegetation around your home well-trimmed to prevent raccoons from climbing onto your roof.
Consider placing metal guards around tree trunks to impede climbing.

5. Install Motion-Activated Lights

Raccoons prefer dark and quiet spaces. Motion-activated lights can scare them away and make your yard less inviting.

Humane Removal Methods

If raccoons have already invaded your property, consider humane raccoon removal methods to ensure their safety and your compliance with local laws.

Safe and Ethical Options

Live Traps – Use live traps to capture the raccoons. Check local regulations to ensure trapping is permitted, and release them in designated wildlife areas.
Repellents – Natural repellents, such as ammonia or predator urine, can discourage raccoons without harming them. Apply these around known raccoon activity areas.
One-Way Doors – Install one-way doors in attic openings to allow raccoons to leave but not return.

Always avoid poison and lethal methods, as these can harm other wildlife or pets and may be illegal in your area.

Professional Help vs. DIY Raccoon Removal

When deciding between tackling the problem yourself or hiring a professional, consider the following factors:

Benefits of Hiring Professional Raccoon Removal Services

Expertise and Experience – Professionals understand raccoons’ behavior and use proven methods to remove them effectively.
Humane and Safe Solutions – They ensure no harm comes to the raccoons while protecting your property.
Comprehensive Services – Professionals offer end-to-end solutions, including cleaning up after raccoons and implementing preventative measures to keep them away for good.
Legal Compliance – Wildlife control services are familiar with local laws, ensuring all actions are within legal boundaries.
Time and Cost Efficiency – While DIY methods may seem cheaper, improper handling can lead to recurring issues and more significant expenses in the long run.

When DIY Makes Sense

If the infestation is minor and you’re confident in your ability to implement the prevention and humane removal techniques mentioned earlier, a DIY approach might work. Just be sure to follow all legal requirements.

Common Raccoon Diseases and How to Stay Safe

Dealing with raccoons involves health risks. Be aware of these diseases and take precautions to protect yourself and your family.

Key Raccoon Diseases

Rabies – Affects the nervous system and can be fatal. Avoid direct contact and report suspicious raccoon behavior to authorities.
Raccoon Roundworm – Can cause severe neurological damage in humans. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up raccoon feces.
Leptospirosis – Transmitted through raccoon urine and can lead to kidney or liver damage. Avoid contact with contaminated water or soil.
Giardiasis – Spread through contaminated water sources, causing intestinal infections. Ensure your water is clean and treated.

Protective Measures

Always wear gloves and masks when handling items or areas contaminated by raccoons.
Wash your hands thoroughly after any contact.
Keep pets vaccinated and prevent interaction with raccoons.

Wrapping Up

Raccoons may be persistent, but with the right strategies, you can keep them from making your property their home. Implementing prevention techniques, acting quickly when signs appear, and knowing when to call professionals are the keys to maintaining a raccoon-free property.

If raccoons have already taken up residence and DIY efforts aren’t cutting it, contact a local raccoon removal service to handle the problem safely and effectively.

Your family, pets, and property deserve protection from the damages and diseases these furry visitors can bring. Take action today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a raccoon-free home.

Looking for a professional approach to dealing with nuisance coon invasions and tampering? Contact Virginia Wildlife Pros at 804-292-0156 for professional raccoon removal and control in Richmond, Virginia, today.

Top 10 Proven Strategies for Raccoon Control in Your Home

Posted on September 26, 2023 by richmond

Raccoons, with their crafty bandit-masked faces and ringed tails, may seem cute at first glance. However, homeowners are quickly disabused of this notion when these nocturnal creatures turn their property into a playground. Their knack for making a mess, together with the potential health risks they pose, necessitates effective raccoon control strategies.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the top 10 proven strategies for raccoon removal and control in your home. From raccoon repellents to professional removal services, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to maintain a raccoon-free home. Let’s dive in!

Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Raccoon Control in Richmond Virginia

Why You Might Have a Raccoon Problem

Raccoons can become a nuisance due to their adaptability, intelligence, and dexterity. Typically, they are attracted to urban and suburban areas with easy access to food, water, and shelter. If you notice overturned trash bins, destroyed gardens, or evidence of nesting in your attic or garage, you might have a raccoon problem. Their nocturnal nature coupled with their curiosity often leads them to explore houses, creating mess and damage. More worryingly, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, making them a potential health risk. Hence, it’s important to address a raccoon problem promptly and responsibly to prevent any harm to your home or family.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons Around Your Property

1. Identify and Seal Entry Points

The first step in raccoon control is identifying the entry points through which these critters access your home. Raccoons can squeeze their way into surprisingly small openings, so it’s essential to seal any cracks or crevices on your exterior walls and roof line.

2. Keep Your Yard Clean

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so keeping your yard clean and free of debris is key. Make sure your garbage bins are securely closed, and any pet food is stored inside at night.

3. Install Motion-Sensor Lights

Raccoons prefer dark areas, so installing motion-sensor lights around your home can help deter them from making themselves at home on your property.

4. Use Raccoon Repellents

There are several natural and commercial raccoon repellents available, such as ammonia-soaked rags, hot pepper sprays, predator urine, and ultrasonic devices. These can be effective in keeping raccoons at bay.

5. Remove Potential Shelter

Raccoons are opportunistic creatures; they’ll take advantage of any shelter they can find. Keep your yard free of piles of wood, rocks, and other debris that could make a cozy home for these critters.

6. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Raccoons are excellent climbers, so keeping trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home will prevent them from using them as a ladder to access your roof.

7. Use Fencing

Fencing can be an effective barrier against raccoons. Ensure the fencing is at least 3 feet high and buried a few inches into the ground to prevent them from digging underneath.

8. Try Homemade Traps

If you’re dealing with persistent raccoons, homemade traps may be effective in capturing and removing them from your property. However, please use caution when handling wild animals and contact a professional if you’re not confident in trapping and releasing them safely.

9. Seek Professional Raccoon Removal Services

If all else fails, it’s best to seek the help of a professional raccoon removal service. They have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively remove raccoons from your property without causing harm to the animals or your home.

10. Practice Prevention

The best way to maintain a raccoon-free home is by regularly practicing these preventive measures. Keep your yard clean, seal any entry points, and make sure your garbage bins are secure. By being proactive, you can avoid future raccoon problems altogether.

Conclusion

While raccoons may be cute and endearing from a distance, they can be a nuisance when they make themselves at home on your property. By following these top 10 proven strategies for raccoon control in your home, you can effectively keep these clever critters at bay. Remember to always practice caution and seek professional help if needed. Here’s to a raccoon-free home!

Would you like expert assistance with nuisance raccoon troubles? Contact Virginia Wildlife Pros at 804-292-0156 for professional raccoon removal and control in Richmond, or its surrounding towns. We cover all neighboring Richmond, VA communities, including Henrico, Glen Allen, Midlothian, Charlottesville, and Mechanicsville. We also provide commercial wildlife control.

Natural Solutions for Keeping Raccoons Away from Homes

Posted on May 31, 2023 by richmond

Raccoons can be both a nuisance and a hazard to your home. Not only do their scavenging for food cause messes, but they can also carry diseases that pose serious health risks to you and your family. That’s why it’s important to keep raccoons away from your home. Fortunately, there are natural solutions available that can help you deter these furry pests without having to resort to traps or chemicals.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most effective natural solutions for keeping raccoons away from homes. We will discuss how to discourage them with sounds, smells, and other deterrents; as well as how preventive measures such as keeping garbage cans securely fastened can help prevent future infestations. With these tips in mind, you can take steps towards creating an environment where raccoons feel unwelcome and stay away!

Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Raccoon Removal Service in Richmond Virginia

Understanding the Habits and Diet of Raccoons Around Homes

Raccoons are a common sight in many neighborhoods around the world. These masked critters are known for their resourcefulness and adaptability.They are also omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and animals.This diet allows them to consume a wide variety of food items, making them successful residents in numerous habitats.Understanding the habits and behaviors of raccoons can help homeowners minimize negative interactions with these creatures around their homes. By taking these steps, residents can coexist with these fascinating creatures without putting themselves or their property in harm’s way.

How to Deter Raccoons Using Safe and Natural Methods

▷ Loud Noises

A great way to repel raccoons from your property is by making loud noises. Raccoons are very sensitive to loud, sudden sounds because they can startle and scare them. You can try clapping your hands or banging on a pot whenever you see a raccoon in the area. This will make it clear that the area is not suitable for them, and they should go elsewhere. Other sound-producing devices such as ultrasonic motion sensors that emit high-frequency sounds when triggered may also be effective in deterring these animals.

▷ Raccoon Repellent

Another natural solution is using smells to repel raccoons. Certain strong scents like ammonia or garlic can help keep raccoons away due to their unpleasant odors. You can use cotton balls soaked in ammonia or garlic and place them near entry points to discourage raccoons from entering. You can also scatter some hot pepper flakes around the perimeter of your home; the spicy smell is unpleasant for the animals, and they will avoid it as much as possible.

▷ Environmental Modification

You can also take preventive measures to keep raccoons away from your home in the first place. Make sure to put lids on garbage cans and keep them securely fastened so that raccoons cannot access them. Also be sure to clean up any food waste or spilled bird seed from your yard; these are attractive food sources for raccoons, so keeping them out of sight will make your property less appealing. Additionally, trimming any overhanging trees or branches that may provide access to your roof can help prevent raccoon infestations. You might also consider motion activated automatic lighting.

▷ Professional Raccoon Control

Finally, you can always contact a local animal removal company in Richmond for raccoon removal and control services. It is important to understand the potential risks and consequences of attempting raccoon removal and control on your own. Raccoons can be aggressive and carry diseases, making them potentially dangerous to handle without proper training and equipment. By hiring a professional for raccoon removal and control, you can ensure that the job is done safely and effectively. Professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to handle raccoons in a humane and responsible manner, while also preventing future infestations. Investing in professional raccoon removal and control can save you time, money, and potential harm in the long run.

In Summary

By taking these natural solutions into consideration, you can deter raccoons from entering your home and keep them at bay for good. Not only will this provide relief from their nuisance behavior, but it will also reduce the risk of contracting any diseases they may be carrying. With these tips in mind, you can make sure your home stays safe and clean all year round!

How to Choose the Right Company for Raccoon Removal Services

Posted on January 12, 2023 by richmond

Raccoons can be a nuisance in your home or yard, and it’s important to take steps to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Raccoon removal is not something you should attempt on your own; instead, you should hire a professional Richmond raccoon control company that has the expertise and equipment necessary to safely remove the animals and clean up after them. Some raccoon abatement operators also offer animal damage clean up and restoration services.

But how do you choose which central Virginia animal removal company is right for the job? Here are some tips to help you find the best raccoon removal service for your needs.

Call 804-292-0156 for Safe and Humane Raccoon Removal Service in Richmond VA.

Guide to Finding Professional Raccoon Removal Near Richmond

1. Research the Company: Do your homework and learn as much as you can about the raccoon removal services that are available in your area. Look for reviews online or ask friends, family, and neighbors for their recommendations. Check out the business’s website, too; it should contain detailed information about their critter control services and list any certifications they hold.

2. Ask About Raccoon Control Methods: Make sure the raccoon removal service you choose is experienced with humane animal control methods that won’t harm wildlife or your property. Ask the critter control company what specific techniques they use and how long they have been in business.

3. Check for Raccoon-Proofing Services: Raccoons can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to choose an animal removal company that offers raccoon-proofing services. Raccoon-proofing involves sealing up any possible entry points and making sure the raccoons can’t get back in. This is key to preventing future infestations as well.

4. Get an Estimate: Raccoon removal costs vary depending on the size of your property and the extent of the problem, so make sure you get an estimate before hiring any company. Look for Richmond VA wildlife removal companies that offer free estimates so you can compare price quotes without obligating yourself to hire anyone.

5. Ask About Raccoon Trapping: Raccoons in the attic can be particularly tricky to remove, so it’s important to make sure the raccoon removal company you choose has experience with raccoon trapping. Make sure to ask them about the kind of traps they use, as well as how often they check and reset the traps.

Use These Tips for Successful Virginia Raccoon Removal Results

These are just a few tips for choosing the right company for raccoon removal services in Richmond, Virginia. By doing your homework and asking the right questions, you can ensure that your problem is dealt with quickly and safely.

Are you ready to get rid of raccoons safely and humanely with the help of a licensed and insured animal removal company near you? Contact Virginia Wildlife Pros at 804-292-0156 for professional raccoon removal service in Richmond, VA and its surrounding counties. We work with residential and commercial clients, offering the most competitive prices around. Ask us about our animal damage cleanup and repair services, too.

Richmond Virginia Wildlife Removal and Control

804-292-0156

Tag Archives: get rid of raccoons