Raccoon Management Services

About Raccoons

Procyon Lotor (Raccoons)

Raccoons are highly adaptable and found in every county, rural, and urban location. They rely on consistent and reliable food sources like bird feeders, cat or dog food bowls, and water left out. Raccoons are also big fans of compost bins that aren't contained, unsecured garbage cans, and gardens. While it may be tempting to leave food or water out for domesticated animals, this does lead to concerns about disease transmission when raccoons and pets share the same feeding bowls.

Mating and Nesting

Raccoons may have multiple den sites. Mating season is in February and March. We usually see our first raccoon kits around the first week of March and continue to see them throughout the summer. Gestation is around 60 to 73 days. Raccoons typically have one litter per year with anywhere from 2-6 young. Kits are active and mobile for around 6 to 8 weeks and are weaned at about 7 weeks. They spend the winter with their mother learning survival and hunting skills.

Raccoons like to den in attics and access them by getting in the soffits, compromised fascia, damaged trim, roof vents, and attic vents. Raccoons may also utilize the cavities found under decks, sheds, and porches. Typically, you can see evidence of this: Paw prints may be found on downspouts as they use them to climb up and down the home. You may also see areas of digging or paw prints on trash cans and other areas near food or water sources. Raccoon damage may be caused by paths of travel and latrine areas, or by chewing or digging into insulation, wiring, and plumbing. When Raccoons invade your home or business our Raccoon Removal Services can resolve the problem quickly.

Behavior

Raccoons are generally most active from dusk to dawn; however, they do move when it is light out, which does not mean they are sick. A common misconception is that if you see a raccoon out in daylight it is ill. Most of the time, they are simply looking for a safe and warm place to nap. Often, we find them sunning themselves on flat roofs or under roof overhangs that provide shade.

A sick raccoon will exhibit symptoms, such as discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth. Tumbling or walking in circles may be observed, as well as bare patches on their fur (which is usually a sign of distemper). Although raccoons are a rabies vector species, most ill raccoon cases in Central Ohio are a result of distemper, not rabies.

If you think you have a sick or injured raccoon, you can contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or individual. To get more details about our raccoon eviction services, use our request a quote form or call for your inspection today.

Raccoon seeking shelter under the soffit overhang.

Raccoon Management FAQ

Have a raccoon-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!