Raccoons have learned to thrive and adapt to changes in their environment.
Having once been animals from the forest, they have learned to live in more urban environments with the progression of land development.
Now they are very common almost everywhere, not excluding your home, attic or crawl space.
They have been known to weigh up to 20 lbs in the wild, but many exceed this weight due to the wide variety of food available to them.
Being intelligent animals, raccoons have been known to outwit other animals and humans.
Though they normally avoid human contact, caution should be taken when in their presence.
When cornered in your home or on your property, they can become very aggressive and attack using their claws and sharp teeth to defend themselves and their young.
Raccoons often enter houses through water damaged roofs or already existing holes such as a chimney without a cap.
They can, however, tear through most common building materials; such as the soft areas of your home.
This is only the beginning of the havoc that they can wreak on your home.
They are known to destroy wiring, air conditioning duct work as well as the insulation in the attic.
This goes without saying that they leave behind an awful mess as they defecate and urinate all through your attic.
Another risk with raccoons, aside from fire hazard, is that they carry parasites.
The Round Worm parasite, found in their droppings, can cause significant health risks to humans if ingested.
If round worm eggs are left untreated after being ingested, they can lead to organ failure and even death.
Caution should be taken when in attics or other areas where you may come into contact with raccoon excrement.
Being very resilient, the round worm eggs can be spread from one area to another from rain, on some building materials and even in the soil.
Raccoons are also known to carry rabies and distemper.
For this reason, all pets that could come into contact with wild animals should be vaccinated.
Limiting food sources and closing potential nesting areas are your best bet to keep raccoons from your house and property.
Keeping the rubbish covered at all times, not feeding pets outside and not feeding the birds will help discourage raccoons from choosing your property to hang out.
Doing so will save you a lot of trouble and hefty home repair bills.
Having once been animals from the forest, they have learned to live in more urban environments with the progression of land development.
Now they are very common almost everywhere, not excluding your home, attic or crawl space.
They have been known to weigh up to 20 lbs in the wild, but many exceed this weight due to the wide variety of food available to them.
Being intelligent animals, raccoons have been known to outwit other animals and humans.
Though they normally avoid human contact, caution should be taken when in their presence.
When cornered in your home or on your property, they can become very aggressive and attack using their claws and sharp teeth to defend themselves and their young.
Raccoons often enter houses through water damaged roofs or already existing holes such as a chimney without a cap.
They can, however, tear through most common building materials; such as the soft areas of your home.
This is only the beginning of the havoc that they can wreak on your home.
They are known to destroy wiring, air conditioning duct work as well as the insulation in the attic.
This goes without saying that they leave behind an awful mess as they defecate and urinate all through your attic.
Another risk with raccoons, aside from fire hazard, is that they carry parasites.
The Round Worm parasite, found in their droppings, can cause significant health risks to humans if ingested.
If round worm eggs are left untreated after being ingested, they can lead to organ failure and even death.
Caution should be taken when in attics or other areas where you may come into contact with raccoon excrement.
Being very resilient, the round worm eggs can be spread from one area to another from rain, on some building materials and even in the soil.
Raccoons are also known to carry rabies and distemper.
For this reason, all pets that could come into contact with wild animals should be vaccinated.
Limiting food sources and closing potential nesting areas are your best bet to keep raccoons from your house and property.
Keeping the rubbish covered at all times, not feeding pets outside and not feeding the birds will help discourage raccoons from choosing your property to hang out.
Doing so will save you a lot of trouble and hefty home repair bills.
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