Understanding raccoon behavior to better deter them

Understanding Raccoon Behavior to Better Deter Them

Have you ever wondered why raccoons are so difficult to deter from your property? These clever creatures seem to outsmart any strategy you employ to keep them away. Understanding raccoon behavior is key to effectively deterring them from your home and garden. As a wildlife control professional, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that homeowners face when dealing with raccoons. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of raccoon behavior, providing you with valuable insights to help solve this issue.

1. Nocturnal Nature

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night. This behavior is crucial to understand when devising a plan to deter them. Since they are more active when it’s dark, it is recommended to focus your efforts on nighttime prevention strategies. This could involve installing motion-activated lights or utilizing sound deterrents that are specifically designed for nocturnal animals.

2. Opportunistic Feeders

Raccoons are notorious for being opportunistic feeders. They have a diverse diet, ranging from fruits and vegetables to small animals and insects. Understanding their feeding habits is essential for deterring them effectively. To prevent raccoons from raiding your garbage cans, use secure lids or store them in a locked shed. Additionally, consider removing any potential food sources from your yard, such as fallen fruits or unattended pet food.

3. Agile Climbers

Raccoons are excellent climbers, thanks to their nimble paws and sharp claws. They can easily scale trees, fences, and even walls. This behavior allows them to access areas that may seem inaccessible. To deter raccoons from climbing onto your property, trim tree branches that hang over your roof or fence. Additionally, install smooth barriers, such as metal or plastic sheeting, on structures they may attempt to climb.

4. Curiosity-driven Explorers

Raccoons have an innate curiosity that drives their exploratory behavior. They are known to investigate any new objects or structures they encounter. Understanding this curiosity can help you develop effective deterrents. For example, placing motion-activated sprinklers or noise-emitting devices near areas where raccoons are likely to explore can startle and discourage them from returning.

5. Intelligent Problem Solvers

Raccoons are highly intelligent animals and exceptional problem solvers. They can quickly learn and adapt to new situations, making it challenging to deter them with conventional methods. Instead of relying on simple barriers, consider employing more advanced tactics to outsmart these clever creatures. For instance, using motion-activated cameras can help you study their behavior and identify their entry points, allowing you to fortify those areas more effectively.

6. Social Behavior

Raccoons are social animals that often live in family groups called “nurseries.” Understanding their social behavior can be useful when deterring them. If you have identified a nursery on your property, it is essential to address the issue promptly. Hiring a professional wildlife control expert is highly recommended in such situations, as they have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove raccoons and relocate them to a more suitable habitat.

Understanding raccoon behavior is the first step in successfully deterring them from your property. While there are many DIY methods available, hiring a professional for wildlife control is often the best course of action. Professionals have the expertise, tools, and resources to tackle raccoon infestations effectively and ensure long-lasting solutions. Don’t let raccoons continue to wreak havoc on your property; seek professional help and solve the issue once and for all.