Raccoon Removal Denver: Keeping Your Home Safe
Raccoon removal in Denver is a common concern for homeowners. These resourceful creatures often seek shelter in attics, chimneys, and under decks, leading to property damage and potential health risks. Knowing how to safely and effectively remove raccoons is crucial for maintaining a pest-free home.
Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Denver Homes
Denver’s urban environment offers raccoons a plentiful food supply and readily available shelter. Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, and fallen fruit from trees provide easy meals. Attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces offer warm, dry havens, especially during the colder months. Raccoons are also highly adaptable, quickly learning to navigate urban landscapes and exploit available resources.
Signs You Have Raccoons
Identifying a raccoon infestation early can prevent significant damage. Common signs include:
- Nocturnal noises such as scratching, thumping, and vocalizations in the attic or walls.
- Damaged insulation, torn ductwork, and chewed wires.
- Unpleasant odors emanating from the attic or crawl space.
- Raccoon droppings and urine, often found in concentrated areas.
- Evidence of ransacked garbage cans or pet food bowls.
The Dangers of Raccoon Infestations
Raccoons can pose several risks to homeowners and their property:
- Property Damage: Raccoons can tear apart insulation, chew through wires, and damage roofing in search of nesting materials.
- Health Risks: Raccoons are carriers of various diseases, including rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis. Contact with raccoon feces or urine can transmit these diseases to humans and pets. You can read more about zoonotic diseases on Wikipedia.
- Parasites: Raccoons often carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest your home and cause discomfort.
Safe and Humane Raccoon Removal Strategies
Removing raccoons requires a careful and humane approach. Here are some strategies:
- Professional Wildlife Removal Services: The safest and most effective option is to hire a licensed wildlife removal company experienced in raccoon trapping and removal. They have the knowledge and equipment to humanely trap and relocate raccoons.
- Exclusion Techniques: Once the raccoons are removed, seal all entry points to prevent future infestations. This may involve repairing damaged areas, installing chimney caps, and securing vents.
- Habitat Modification: Eliminate food sources and potential shelter areas. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, remove fallen fruit, and trim tree branches that provide access to the roof.
DIY vs. Professional Raccoon Removal
While DIY raccoon removal may seem tempting, it’s often best left to professionals. Raccoons can be aggressive, especially when protecting their young. Furthermore, improper trapping techniques can harm the animals or result in fines. Professional wildlife removal services have the expertise to handle raccoons safely and humanely, while also ensuring that your property is properly sealed to prevent future infestations.
FAQs About Raccoon Removal in Denver
What does raccoon poop look like?
Raccoon droppings are typically dark brown or black, cylindrical in shape, and about 2-3 inches long. They often contain undigested food, such as seeds or berries.
How much does raccoon removal cost in Denver?
The cost of raccoon removal can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the complexity of the removal process. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $800 for professional raccoon removal services.
What attracts raccoons to my yard?
Raccoons are attracted to yards with readily available food sources, such as unsecured garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, and fruit trees. They also seek out shelter in sheds, decks, and under porches.
Are raccoons dangerous to my pets?
Yes, raccoons can pose a threat to pets. They can transmit diseases such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, and they may also attack pets if they feel threatened.
How can I prevent raccoons from returning?
To prevent raccoons from returning, seal all potential entry points to your home, secure garbage cans, remove food sources, and trim tree branches that provide access to your roof. Regular property maintenance is key.
Summary
Raccoon removal in Denver is a vital task for protecting your home and health. Recognizing the signs of an infestation, understanding the risks, and implementing safe removal strategies are crucial. While DIY methods might seem appealing, professional wildlife removal services offer the safest and most effective solution for eliminating raccoons and preventing future problems.
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