In our Northeast region, raccoons can be a year round problem. Before they den up for the winter, raccoons are very active searching for food to put on fat for those cold days ahead. They don’t hibernate but can become less active (see Do Raccoons Hibernate?). They might even remain in their dens for weeks during extended cold or snow, but when the winter weather breaks they will be scouting again for food.

Raccoons can do a great deal of damage to a home and property and they carry diseases that can be spread to people (see Raccoons Can Be Hazardous to Your Health). Take steps to eliminate food for raccoons and to modify your property so as not to attract raccoons (see Why You Don’t Want Raccoons Around Your Property).

Don’t Feed Raccoons – Raccoons that are fed by people, either deliberately or inadvertently, lose their fear of humans and could become aggressive when food is withdrawn.

Remove Raccoons Access to Garbage – Use garbage cans with clamps or mechanisms that prevent raccoons from removing the lid, or use chains, bungee cords or weights to secure the lid. Also stake or secure the can so it can’t be tipped over.

Feed Pets Inside – If you must feed pets outside, do so in midday and pick up food, water, and spills before dark. Keep pets indoors at night.

Keep Raccoons From Entering Pet Doors – If you’ve seen raccoons in your yard, and especially if you suspect that you have a raccoon nesting in your home, you’ll want to call a professional licensed and certified in humane wildlife removal. Colonial Pest has been providing nuisance wildlife control for almost 30 years. We remove raccoons and then provide exclusion services to eliminate openings where raccoons can enter. Give Colonial a call.