Raccoons: Warning Signs and Activity
Raccoons - 101
Raccoons are as destructive as they are cute. They will stop at nothing to make themselves at home in your attic.
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Raccoon Removing ServiceRecognizing 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 Northeast Tarrant County, Fort Worth, 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
1
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.
2
Latrines
Unlike many types of rodents and wildlife that will leave droppings and urine trails sporadically 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.
3
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.
4
Time of the Season
Because they’re nocturnal, you’re more likely to hear increased activity after dark. Additionally, raccoons are much more likely to come inside during mating and nesting season in the early spring.
Raccoons Nuisance Problems
Raccoons are known for their vocalizations, which they use for communication and social interaction. Here are some common raccoon noises:
Chittering: Raccoons often make chittering sounds, which are high-pitched and rapid vocalizations. They use chittering to communicate with other raccoons, especially during social interactions or when they are excited.
Growling: Similar to other animals, growling is a sign of aggression or territorial behavior in raccoons. They may growl when feeling threatened or when defending their territory.
Hissing: Raccoons hiss when they feel threatened or cornered. This noise serves as a warning to potential predators or intruders to stay away.
Whimpering or Whining: Raccoons may whimper or whine when they are in distress or feeling submissive. This noise is often softer and more plaintive than their other vocalizations.
Snarling: Snarling is a more intense form of vocalization used by raccoons when they are feeling extremely threatened or aggressive. It's a combination of growling and hissing, often accompanied by bared teeth.
Purring: Although less common, raccoons can also produce a purring sound when they are content or relaxed. This noise is similar to the purring of a cat and is often heard when raccoons are grooming or resting.
Screaming: Raccoons can emit a loud, high-pitched scream when they are in distress or facing danger. This noise is particularly common during mating season or when raccoons are fighting over territory or food.
It's important to remember that raccoons are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. While they may seem cute and curious, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. It's best to observe them from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding them.
What You'll See Outside the Home
Our 4 Step Process
Free Inspection
Critter Stop offers free in-home consultations to build custom solutions to your problems. We inspect your home thoroughly, inside and out, for signs of damage, animal entry, animal nesting, droppings, and more. Once we discuss the extent of the problem and what needs to be done to fix it, we’ll document a game plan together.
Seal Your Home
Sealing your home immediately is our priority. The exclusion team will thoroughly patch up potential entry sites from the roof to the foundation and everywhere in between. Once we’re sure no other rodents are getting in, we’ll set our traps in those areas we suspect animal activity.
Remove The Critters
Our technicians will check in on your home several times throughout this process. If game cameras have been set up, we’ll review those with you to discuss the animal activity. Once the traps are cleared, we will reset them and re-evaluate all the sealed points of entry to ensure no critter has re-chewed a hole or found a new way into your property.
Restore & Sanitize
We don’t call it a job well done once the pest is gone. There’s more work to be done! We completely restore your affected area by pulling up and replacing damaged insulation. Additionally, we fog the affected area to disinfect and remove animal pheromones that can attract new pests in the future.
“I used Critter Stop due to rats and squirrels in my attic. They also chewed up siding on the house to get in. Critter Stop was able to remove the rodents and secure the entry points. Everyone I dealt with was very polite and professional. They were able to come out quickly, communicated well, and they always showed up on time. I would use them again.”
Jeff L. via Google
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.
