Raccoon Removal in New Bedford, MA

Understanding the Need for Raccoon Removal

Dealing with a raccoon infestation can be a significant headache. These nocturnal creatures can cause extensive damage to your property, pose health risks, particularly to your pets, and disrupt your peace of mind. At New Bedford Pest Pros, we understand the challenges you face when unwanted wildlife invades your space. We can help you get rid of those pains:

✅ Damage to property
✅ Health risks to family and pets
✅ Disrupted sleep
✅ Contamination of outdoor spaces
✅ Fear for safety and family

Our expert team provides comprehensive wildlife control solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a safe and effective resolution to your raccoon problem. Trust us to restore comfort and security to your home and peace of mind.

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Why Choose New Bedford Pest Pros for Raccoon Removal?

Experience: Years of providing effective pest and wildlife control solutions in New Bedford, MA.
Qualifications: Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and trained in the latest raccoon removal techniques.
Customer Satisfaction: We're committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Service Guarantees: We stand behind our work with guarantees that ensure your peace of mind.

At New Bedford Pest Pros, we are dedicated to providing top-quality Raccoon Removal services with a focus on customer care. We understand the stress and disruption that a raccoon infestation can cause, and we work diligently to resolve the problem quickly and efficiently. Our team uses humane and ethical methods to remove raccoons from your property, ensuring the safety of both your family and the animals.

Our Comprehensive Raccoon Removal Service

Our raccoon removal service is designed to address all aspects of the infestation, from identification to prevention. We start with a thorough inspection of your property to assess the extent of the problem and identify entry points. Our team will then develop a customized pest control plan that aligns with your property’s situation. This plan could include setting humane traps, sealing off entry points, and implementing preventative measures.

Inspection and Assessment

A detailed inspection is crucial for understanding the scope of the raccoon infestation. Our trained technicians will carefully examine your property, looking for signs of raccoon activity. We’ll identify entry points, nesting sites, and potential hazards.

Humane Raccoon Trapping

We employ humane trapping methods to safely capture and remove raccoons from your property. Our traps are designed to minimize stress and ensure the well-being of the animals. Once trapped, raccoons are relocated to suitable habitats away from residential areas.

Entry Point Sealing

Preventing future infestations is a key part of our service. We’ll seal off all identified entry points to keep raccoons from returning to your property. This may include repairing damaged roofing, sealing gaps in siding, and reinforcing vulnerable areas.

Cleaning and Sanitization

Raccoons often leave behind contaminants that can pose health risks. Our team provides thorough cleaning and sanitization services to remove droppings and disinfect affected areas. This helps ensure a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.

Identifying Raccoon Entry Points:

Raccoons are surprisingly adept at finding ways into your home. Common entry points include:

Chimneys
Roof vents
Gaps in siding
Unsealed crawl spaces
Damaged roofing

Understanding Raccoon Behavior:

Understanding raccoon behavior is crucial for effective removal and prevention. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They are opportunistic feeders, often attracted to easily accessible food sources such as garbage cans and pet food. They are also intelligent and adaptable, making it challenging to deter them without professional assistance.

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Recognizing a Raccoon Problem: Common Signs and Symptoms

Identifying a raccoon infestation early can help prevent extensive property damage and potential health risks. Raccoons are adaptable creatures and can quickly become a nuisance when they invade your space. Here are several common signs you should watch out for:

Unusual Noises in the Attic or Chimney

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so you're most likely to hear them moving around at night. Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds coming from your attic or chimney are strong indicators that raccoons have taken up residence. It is worth noting that noises can also mean that you need <a href='/rodent-control' title='Rodent Control' Rodent control. Ignoring these signs can lead to significant damage to your property, including tearing you insulation.

Damaged Garbage Cans

Raccoons are notorious for tipping over and rummaging through garbage cans in search of food. If you consistently find your garbage cans knocked over and the contents scattered around your yard, raccoons are likely the culprits. Dealing with this mess regularly is not only frustrating but also attracts more pests and creates unsanitary conditions. To prevent this, consider using trash cans with secure lids or keeping them in a garage or shed.

Signs of Nesting

Raccoons often build nests in sheltered areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, and under decks. You may notice shredded insulation, torn paper, or other materials that raccoons have used to create their nests. Discovering these nests indicates that raccoons have settled in and are likely to cause further damage to your property. Contacting a professional pest control service like New Bedford Pest Pros can help you safely remove these nests and prevent future nesting.

Property Damage

Raccoons can cause significant damage to your home's structure, including tearing off shingles, damaging gutters, and ripping open siding. They may also chew on electrical wires, which poses a fire hazard. Addressing this damage promptly can prevent it from escalating and becoming more costly to repair. Regular inspections of your property can help identify and address these issues early on.

Presence of Droppings

Raccoon droppings can pose health risks, as they may contain bacteria and parasites that are harmful to humans and pets. If you find droppings in or around your property, it's essential to clean them up carefully and disinfect the area. It's also crucial to identify and address the source of the droppings to prevent further contamination. Professional cleaning and sanitization services can ensure that your property is safe and healthy for your family.

Pet Behavior Changes

Pets may exhibit unusual behavior if raccoons are present around your property. They may become agitated, bark excessively, or show signs of fear. If you notice these changes in your pet's behavior, it's essential to investigate the cause and take appropriate action to protect your pet and your property. Contacting a pest control expert can help you assess the situation and implement effective solutions.

The Lifecycle of Raccoons: Understanding Their Behavior and Habits

To effectively manage and prevent raccoon infestations, it is crucial to understand their lifecycle, behavior, and habits. Raccoons are highly adaptable mammals native to North America, known for their distinctive black mask and ringed tail. They thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas, making them a common sight in many neighborhoods.

Breeding Season and Mating Habits

Raccoons typically breed in late winter and early spring, with the breeding season spanning from January to June. During this time, male raccoons, known as boars, become more active as they search for mates. Female raccoons, called sows, usually give birth to a litter of one to seven kits after a gestation period of about 63 days. Understanding the timing of the breeding season can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent nesting on their properties.

Nesting and Denning

Sows typically seek out safe and sheltered denning sites to raise their young. Common den locations include attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, and hollow trees. These areas provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. The presence of a raccoon den on your property can lead to significant structural damage and health risks due to accumulated waste and parasites. Identifying and addressing these denning sites is essential for effective raccoon removal and prevention.

Early Development of Kits

Raccoon kits are born blind and helpless, relying entirely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and protection. The kits typically open their eyes after about three weeks and begin to venture out of the den at around eight weeks old. During this time, the sow diligently cares for her young, teaching them essential survival skills such as foraging and hunting. Homeowners should be aware that removing a sow during this period can leave the kits vulnerable and lead to potential complications.

Foraging and Feeding Habits

Raccoons are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and human-generated food sources. They are opportunistic feeders and are often attracted to easily accessible food sources such as garbage cans, pet food, and gardens. Raccoons are also known for their habit of washing their food in water, which is believed to help them identify and remove unwanted debris. Properly securing garbage cans and eliminating other food sources can help deter raccoons from your property.

Social Behavior and Territory

Raccoons are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season and when sows are raising their young. They have defined territories, which they mark with urine and feces to communicate with other raccoons. The size of a raccoon's territory depends on factors such as food availability and population density. Understanding their social behavior and territorial habits can help homeowners implement targeted prevention strategies to minimize raccoon activity on their property.

Health Risks Associated with Raccoons: Protecting Your Family and Pets

Raccoons can carry a variety of diseases and parasites that pose significant health risks to humans and pets. These risks can range from mild discomfort to serious illness, making it essential to take precautions to protect your family and pets from potential exposure. New Bedford Pest Pros cares about the community and the people who reside in it, especially in the great communities of New Bedford and its residents. Here are some of the key health risks associated with raccoons:

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Raccoons are a common carrier of rabies in many parts of the United States, including Massachusetts. Exposure to a rabid raccoon can occur through a bite or scratch, and the disease can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of rabies in humans include fever, headache, confusion, and paralysis. If you suspect that you or your pet has been exposed to rabies, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Raccoon Roundworm

Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is a parasite that commonly infects raccoons. The roundworm eggs are shed in raccoon feces, and humans and pets can become infected by accidentally ingesting the eggs. Infection with raccoon roundworm can cause serious neurological damage, especially in young children. Symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, coma, blindness, and even death. It is essential to clean up raccoon feces carefully and disinfect the area to prevent exposure to roundworm eggs.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals, including raccoons. Humans and pets can become infected if they come into contact with contaminated water or soil. Symptoms of leptospirosis may include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and jaundice. In severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, and even death. Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water sources and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of leptospirosis.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Raccoons can carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestines and shed it in their feces, posing a risk of contamination to humans and pets. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Proper food handling practices and thorough handwashing can help prevent the spread of Salmonella bacteria.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can be found in the feces of infected animals, including raccoons. Humans and pets can become infected by ingesting contaminated water or food. Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and nausea. Ensuring that your drinking water is safe and practicing good hygiene can help prevent giardiasis.

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Preventative Measures: Keeping Raccoons Away from Your Property

Preventing raccoons from accessing your property is crucial for minimizing the risk of property damage and health hazards. Implementing proactive measures can help deter raccoons from establishing dens on your property and reduce the likelihood of negative interactions. Here are several effective preventative measures to keep raccoons away:

Secure Garbage Cans

Raccoons are attracted to garbage cans as a readily available food source. To prevent them from accessing your trash, use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and secure them with bungee cords or straps. Consider investing in raccoon-proof garbage cans, which have locking mechanisms that prevent raccoons from opening them. Regularly cleaning garbage cans with disinfectant can also help eliminate food odors that attract raccoons.

Eliminate Food Sources

In addition to garbage cans, raccoons may be attracted to pet food, bird feeders, and gardens. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors, especially overnight, and store it in sealed containers. Clean up any spilled birdseed and consider using bird feeders that are designed to prevent raccoons from accessing the seeds. Protect your garden with fencing or netting to keep raccoons from eating your plants.

Seal Entry Points

Raccoons can enter your home through small openings and cracks in the foundation, walls, and roof. Seal any potential entry points with caulk, sealant, or wire mesh. Pay particular attention to areas around pipes, vents, and chimneys. Inspect your home regularly for signs of damage and make repairs promptly to prevent raccoons from gaining access. You may even want to consider getting ant control to make sure ants aren't attracting bigger pests.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Raccoons can use trees and shrubs to climb onto your roof and access your attic or chimney. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof and keep shrubs trimmed away from your home's foundation. This will eliminate potential pathways for raccoons to access your property.

Install Motion-Activated Lights

Raccoons are nocturnal animals and are often deterred by bright lights. Install motion-activated lights around your property to scare away raccoons when they approach. Place lights near potential entry points, such as doors, windows, and garages. Motion-activated lights can also help deter other pests and improve overall security.

Use Raccoon Repellents

Several commercial raccoon repellents are available that can help deter raccoons from your property. These repellents typically contain ingredients that raccoons find unpleasant, such as ammonia or capsaicin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying repellents and reapply regularly, especially after rain.

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