Raccoons In Your Property: What Are The Dangers They Present?

Raccoons are frequently misunderstood as peaceful animals. They’re fluffy, curious, and have a wide-eyed expression that makes you assume these animals are far too innocent ever to do anything wrong. When they come into your yard, however, they do several things that aren’t good. They dump your trash in your yard and distribute it. They do damage to your house. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites are brought into your yard by them. As they explore, they leave excrement and urine behind. They can also attack in the correct situations.

Raccoons’ cuteness is frequently the trigger for attacks. They have the appearance of an exotic pet. They can even act as if they were a pet. If you feed them, they may approach you and eat food from your fingers without harming you. However, feeding raccoons is never a good idea. When homeowners notice a raccoon in their yard, they may believe it isn’t a huge concern. Raccoons may even be thought of as cute tiny animals by them. The opposite could not be further from the truth. While a raccoon may appear innocent, several risks involve raccoons in your home, including property damage. Suppose you have been having problems with raccoons on your property. You should contact an animal removal business for raccoon damage repair for your home.

What Are The Problems Caused By Raccoons?

Humans make terrific neighbors from the perspective of a raccoon. Raccoons, after all, have no idea that our lush vegetable gardens, uncapped chimneys, and overflowing bird feeders aren’t only for them. And when these intelligent creatures take advantage of the food and shelter humans (usually unwittingly) supply, they frequently find themselves in hot water.

The following are some of the threats that a raccoon presents to you, your family, and your home:

  • Raccoons can harm your home. Raccoons aren’t just interested in rummaging through your trash; they’ve been known to dig up gardens and yards in quest of bugs and food. To gain entry to your property, raccoons will demolish soffits, peel off shingles, remove siding and chimney tops, and remove mushroom vent covers. Raccoon urine and excrement can cause severe and extra damage once they have entered your home.
  • Raccoons are known to carry a variety of diseases. If you contact an infected or diseased raccoon, property damage will be the least of your worries. While rabid raccoons attacking humans are uncommon, you don’t want to take the chance because raccoons are the most common vector of rabies, spreading Canine Distemper. Raccoons also carry leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread by contaminated water and soil that infect humans and pets. Infected raccoons have bacteria in their urine, which can cause kidney damage, liver failure, other issues, and death in people. Raccoon droppings are a different kind of danger. The roundworm eggs are shed in the feces of a raccoon with Raccoon Roundworm. Ingesting or even inhaling these eggs is a possibility!
  • Raccoons can assault both people and pets. Raccoons have been known to attack pets, wound large dogs, and quickly kill small dogs, cats, and other domestic animals like rabbits. You should seek medical assistance right away if a raccoon has attacked you or your pet, and you will almost certainly need to be vaccinated against rabies.

Property Damage From Raccoons: How Are They Dangerous?

When it comes to breaking into your home, raccoons are pretty resourceful. Raccoons will use an existing hole whenever possible. Despite raccoons’ great size, the hole does not have to be large. An adult raccoon may squeeze inside a softball-sized (3-4″) hole.

A raccoon will develop or extend holes, tear off roof shingles, or ruin vents in the worst-case situation. Raccoons are large, robust animals with tough paws and sharp claws to avoid barriers that other animals might struggle with. Critter Control technicians have experienced a variety of situations in the field. Below are property damages done by raccoons and, if not controlled, could pose a serious danger:

  • Damage Caused By Raccoons in the Attic. In the attic, raccoons may do a lot of damage. The extent of the damage is determined by several factors, including the length of time the raccoon(s) have been in the attic, the number of raccoons, the existence or absence of electric lines or water pipes, the quality of insulation, the raccoons’ personality, and so on. Below are some attic damages you can expect:
    • Insulation Damage. Insulation is one of the parts of your attic that raccoons are most likely to damage. Raccoons weigh between 25 and 30 pounds so that they can trample down insulation in a matter of seconds.
    • Electrical Wiring Damage. When you find raccoon damage to your attic wires, it’s usually because the animals nibbled on them, though they can also scratch them. Wires are an easy target for raccoons seeking something to chew on.
    • Ventilation Ducts Damage. Raccoons pull ducts apart as part of their attic destruction, and even experts aren’t sure why. Some suspect they are ripping up vents in quest of nesting material, while others believe it is just for fun. Regardless of the motive, the end outcome is identical. 
    • Structural Damage. They’ll chew on wood and other materials as well. It implies that once you’ve evicted the raccoons from your attic, you’ll need to inspect all of the wood buildings thoroughly. Raccoons can inflict significant harm to your attic’s structural integrity in some circumstances, so you should never neglect a thorough check.
    • Other property Damage. Raccoons will rip up or chew on almost anything they find in your attic, whether it’s paper or one of the items listed above. When you check on the damage, you may uncover shredded bits of newspaper, books, or any other goods you have stowed in the attic. 
  • Damage Caused By Raccoons in the Roof. Wild animals might get into your house in a variety of ways. One of the most unusual ways to enter your home is through the roof. Learn how raccoons have been known to access attics via shingles and roof decking, how to prevent this wildlife problem, and why expert help is required to repair your house. Below are some roof damages caused by raccoons:
    • Debris buildup on your roof is a common source of roofing damage, and it might entice a raccoon to dig a hole in your roof. Water can pool and seep between your tiles as leaves, branches, and other debris gather on your roof.
    • Water damage can degrade plywood sheathing, putting your roof’s integrity at risk.
    • Attic vents are holes drilled into the roof. Metal vents keep animals and rain out of your roof, but any structural damage could tempt a raccoon or other animal inside. Check your roof for any evidence of debris or damage to the vents.
  • Damage Caused by Raccoons in the Lawn. Grubs and earthworms, especially for young raccoons, are easy to come by. Due to the bugs’ overnight hunting, homeowners may notice holes and heaps of sod scattered throughout the yard from mid-to-late summer. In addition to causing landscape damage, raccoons break open trash cans and comb through the contents in search of food.