Racoons may look adorable, but these bandits are one of the most common wildlife that plague homes in Florida. Raccoons enjoy warm weather. It isn’t uncommon for them to seek shelter in cozy Tampa Bay area homes during the winter. This makes raccoon removal necessary. We identify the signs of a potential raccoon roommate and what to do if one has taken residence in your home.

two cute raccoon outside of home

How Do I Know if There is a Raccoon in My Home?

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures. They usually only come out in the evening. It can be difficult to pinpoint if there is one living in your home. There are, however, some common signs

to look out for:

  • Strange noises in your walls or attics at nighttime
  • Strong scent of urine or feces (usually around the size of a dog’s)
  • Damage to your home, including scratch marks on vents, shingles, and insulation
  • Pets acting strangely or more attentive near suspected area

 

It does not take long for a raccoon or raccoon family to create damage to an attic or items in your home as they make themselves comfortable. If you start to notice any of the above signs, it’s time to involve a professional service like Nvirotect to determine a plan for eviction. Using a professional service will ensure not only that the animal is removed safely but also that you stay safe as wild animals like raccoons can be aggressive.

The Dangers

Raccoons carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to both humans and pets, raccoon removal should be done by professionals. They are one of the most common carriers of rabies, so it’s important to avoid direct contact with them. Typically, racoons are shy creatures, but a rabid raccoon can act uncharacteristically aggressive towards humans.

Raccoon droppings are also known to transmit roundworm and Leptospirosis. Roundworm is a type of parasite that can lead to more serious infections and can affect humans and pets. Leptospirosis is a serious disease that can lead to kidney and liver failure in humans and dogs. These diseases can be life-threatening, so taking care of a raccoon problem is an urgent matter.

What You Can Do

When it comes to removing a raccoon from your residence, you should never attempt to catch one yourself. The best way to evict a racoon from your home is by partnering with a green pest control service like Nvirotect, that offers humane animal relocation services. It is our priority to ensure the safety of the animal and your household when approaching a situation such as this.

Our company utilizes raccoon ground trapping to attract, catch, then release them back to their natural habitat and ensures the safety of all parties involved. When it comes to the possibility of future intrusions, you can rest easy. Nvirotect inspects to find all possible entry points and then seals them with wildlife specific measures to prevent any future wildlife home invasions.  If you suspect a raccoon may be calling your house its home, it’s time to contact us to remedy the problem.