Best time of year to address raccoon infestations

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When is the Best Time of Year to Address Raccoon Infestations?

Raccoons are clever, resourceful, and adaptable creatures. While they may look cute and harmless, they can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family. If you find yourself dealing with a raccoon infestation, timing is crucial to effectively address the issue. In this article, we will explore the best time of year to address raccoon infestations and provide you with valuable insights from a wildlife control professional.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Before delving into the best time to address raccoon infestations, it is essential to understand their behavior. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, primarily active during the night. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, including urban areas. These intelligent animals are excellent climbers, capable of accessing attics, chimneys, and other hidden areas of your home.

Spring: The Mating Season

Spring is a critical time for raccoons, as it marks their mating season. During this period, raccoons become more active and may venture closer to residential areas in search of food and suitable nesting sites. Males can become aggressive towards each other as they compete for mates, leading to territorial disputes and potential property damage. Additionally, female raccoons, known as sows, will be seeking safe spaces to give birth to their young, known as kits.

Summer: Raising the Young

As spring transitions into summer, raccoon mothers will be occupied with raising their kits. During this time, raccoons may establish dens in attics, crawl spaces, or chimneys to provide a safe and secure environment for their young. It is important to note that trapping or removing raccoons during this period can lead to the separation of mothers and their offspring, which can have dire consequences for the kits.

Fall: Preparing for Winter

In the fall, raccoons start preparing for the upcoming winter. They become more active in search of food to build up fat stores, which will sustain them during the colder months. Raccoons may venture further from their dens in search of food, making your property an attractive target. Addressing raccoon infestations during this time allows you to prevent potential damage and minimize the risks associated with their presence.

Winter: Minimal Activity

During winter, raccoons tend to be less active as they enter a state of torpor. Torpor is a state of decreased physiological activity, similar to hibernation. While raccoons may still seek shelter in attics or other warm areas of your home, their activity levels are significantly reduced. This period presents an opportunity to address any existing raccoon infestations and prevent future ones.

Why Hire a Professional for Wildlife Control?

Dealing with a raccoon infestation requires expertise and knowledge of raccoon behavior, applicable laws, and safe removal methods. Wildlife control professionals possess the necessary experience, equipment, and training to handle raccoon infestations effectively. They can identify entry points, safely remove raccoons, and implement preventive measures to ensure long-term solutions.

Furthermore, professionals prioritize humane methods, avoiding harmful practices or the use of ineffective deterrents. They understand the importance of integrating exclusion techniques and habitat modification to discourage raccoons from returning to your property.

While there are numerous DIY solutions available, it is best to leave raccoon removal and prevention to the experts. Hiring a professional not only saves you time and effort but also ensures the safety of both you and the raccoons involved.

Now that you have a better understanding of the best time of year to address raccoon infestations, remember that prevention is always the best approach. Regularly inspect your property for potential entry points, secure garbage cans, and remove any attractants that may entice raccoons. By taking proactive measures and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can effectively solve raccoon-related issues and maintain a harmonious living environment.

Paul R. Krausman https://solvetheissue.com/paul-r-krausman/

Paul Krausman is a wildlife biologist and researcher with a focus on wildlife management. He has a PhD in wildlife ecology and has worked in both academic and field settings. Krausman has published numerous articles and books on topics like big game management, habitat conservation, and human-wildlife conflict. He has also served on various wildlife management committees and advisory boards. With decades of experience, Krausman is considered an expert in his field and is often consulted for his insights on wildlife issues. He has also received awards recognizing his contributions to the field.

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  1. 1
    canine hannibal

    I found this article really helpful in learning about the best time of year to deal with raccoon infestations. It’s good to know that spring and summer are the most active times for raccoons, so I’ll make sure to be extra vigilant during those seasons.

  2. 2
    troubadour

    I found this article really helpful in understanding when is the best time to deal with raccoon infestations. It’s interesting to learn that the fall and winter months are when raccoons tend to seek shelter in homes, so it’s important to take preventative measures during this time. I’ll definitely keep this in mind and take the necessary steps to protect my home from raccoons.

  3. 3
    Saturnalia

    I found this article really helpful in understanding when is the best time to deal with raccoon infestations. It’s good to know that spring and fall are the prime seasons to address the issue, as that’s when they are most active. I’ll definitely keep this in mind if I ever have to deal with raccoons in my area.

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