They may be cute and cuddly to look at in a garden or nature video. But most property owners would rather not see raccoons, squirrels or other outdoor critters inside their homes.
“Your house is very comfy and secluded. It’s nice for them to take residence in and have their babies,” said wildlife control expert Jamie Parsons.
“I’ve seen raccoons open sliding doors to get into a house. If they smell something good to eat they’ll come in,” Parsons said on Friday on CTV’s Canada AM.
Indeed, raccoons love warm, dry attics to nest in and grow their young. These locations are usually accessed by these furry intruders by making holes in roof vents, roof pipes or attic corners. Raccoons are determined animals and will chew away until the job is done. Those usually efforts lead to insulation that is displaced from walls as well as urine and feces littered about an attic space.
Raccoons may also choose to make their homes under a patio deck. That structure offers cooling shade during the heat of the day as well as protection from predators according to Parsons.
Parson offered these tips help keep these critters under control.
First and foremost, do not panic should you find a raccoon, squirrel or bird inside your home. Stay calm and call an expert to help resolve the situation.
“People may want to tackle this situation on their own. But experts know all the methods to get these animals out of your house safely and humanely,” said Parsons, a specialist with the Toronto-based company, 360 Wildlife Control.
Make sure to store garbage securely in an outdoor bin until pick-up day. Also, install lights around the bin area. This will help to detract animals and give homeowners a clear view of any furry creatures roaming near the garbage bin.
Keep tree branches close to your home well trimmed. Also, do not keep bird feeders attached to a house. If raccoons or squirrels see that you are feeding other animals, it will give them reason to feel confident enough to approach a home.
Ensure that holes in attics or roofs are properly patched up.
“People will patch a hole up, but if it’s not done right a raccoon will chew through patch work. They can also die behind it and leave a horrible smell,” said Parsons.
Call on a professional to repair any holes that could give raccoons or squirrels access to home.
Finally, install mesh material around the bottom of a house. This will ensure protect weak spots in the structure and ensure that raccoons and squirrels stay outside where they belong.
