Raccoons 101 - What You Need to Know About Dallas-Fort Worth Raccoon Infestation

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Raccoons

When it comes to Dallas-Fort Worth wildlife that leaves a wake of destruction, raccoons may be the top offenders. They can do untold damage inside and outside the home. Luckily for residents of Plano, Grapevine, Dallas, and beyond, the Critter Stop team is here to help. We offer a range of rodent and wildlife removal and sanitation services to free your home of pests like raccoons and ensure your family’s health and safety. On this page, we take a closer look at some of the tell-tale signs that you are dealing with a raccoon in your home. If you’re ready to learn more about how to rid your home of raccoons, rodents, and other wildlife, call our Southlake office to schedule your home inspection and complimentary price quote today.

What You’ll See Inside the Home

Most homeowners struggle to determine whether they are dealing with a raccoon or an opossum in their house. While the droppings left behind will look very similar, that is generally where the similarities end. Some of the warning signs you’re dealing with a raccoon include:

• Destruction - to get into the home, they have to make pretty large entrances, so there will be a good deal of damage usually around the eaves. Once inside, raccoons may continue to do extensive damage to wiring, insulation, and woodwork.
• Latrines - unlike many types of rodents and wildlife that will leave droppings and urine trails around the home, raccoons typically use the same spot over and over again. If you notice one spot with a large concentration of urine and feces, you’re likely dealing with raccoons and not another pest.
• Sounds - you will hear the pitter patter of not-so-little feet in your attic, walls, or even under the house. Raccoons can be very large, so you’ll likely hear them even before you see them.
• Time of the season - because they’re nocturnal, you’re more likely to hear increased activity after dark. Additionally, raccoons are much more often come inside during mating and nesting season in the early spring.

What You’ll See Outside the Home

Raccoons may find an easy point of access into your home through ventilation systems or chimneys. If this is the case, you may not see how they’re getting inside, but if they do have to make their own entrance, you’ll notice. In most cases, they make large holes in the eaves of the house. Additionally, you may notice your garbage is knocked over or torn into. If you have dogs or cats, they may start being more active at night time as they hear the sounds of the raccoon.

Critter Stop’s 4 Step Process to Keep Your Home Raccoon Free

While having a raccoon in your home can be unsettling, the Critter Stop team has you covered. Our four step process makes sure entrances are sealed, raccoons are taken from your home, the entire house is sanitized, and that deterrents are put in place to prevent raccoons from coming back. When you’re ready to get started, reach out to the Critter Stop team to schedule an inspection and price quote from our Dallas-Fort Worth residential wildlife removal experts.

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