The following are some common raccoon questions that our customers ask us:
I have been told that raccoons will leave my attic on their own after 6 – 8 weeks. Is that true?
Not likely. Raccoons have been known to have multiple dens sites in a residential area. They may leave temporarily but are sure to return, especially if one of their other den sites is disrupted or destroyed. The only way to ensure they are permanently excluded is to use humane removal techniques and to install professional raccoon proofing. In actuality, removing the raccoons properly will essentially teach them that it is an unsafe den site, whereas allowing raccoons to leave on their own will often have them trying to get back into the area at some time as they remember a suitable den site.
We only hear one raccoon going in and out of our attic so there are probably no babies, right?
Not necessarily. Raccoon females that have just given birth often appear solitary. This is because the babies remain in the nest and may not be heard for the first few weeks. It takes trained technicians to identify these hidden dens and remove them using humane, hands-on techniques.
I’ve been told that you have to catch the raccoons and relocate them far away from your house otherwise they will tear back in. Is that true?
No. In most cases it is best that they are left in their territory. Due to the intelligent nature of the raccoon and their territorial nature, following the proper removal procedures the raccoon will normally not want to go back into that den site due to fear. Also, the raccoon will maintain it’s territory not allowing another raccoon to fill the void – who may then have no historical fear with that home.
How do I know if I have raccoons in my home or building?
Raccoons emit a number of vocalizations. Further, raccoons enjoy building dens above warm quiet spaces such as the attic above a bedroom. Because they are nocturnal, their activity can typically be heard at night. They may sound like a human walking on the ceiling. Fur and feces can be found at entry points accompanied by an unpleasant odour.