RIDDING YOUR CHIMNEY (AND HOME) OF RACCOONS

Raccoons are well-known for their ability to quickly adapt to new environments, which is why so many people have a hard time dealing with the damage they inflict. As a result of the prevalence of pet doors in many homes, raccoons have developed a horrible habit of destroying garbage cans, fish ponds, and even the pantry in your home.

While this isn't all, raccoons can also be found in attics, chimneys, and porches, as well as cities and suburbs that have constructed an underground transportation system for these sophisticated critters. In addition to the invasion of your privacy, these raccoons can also inflict harm, such as by scurrying through your crops or making annoying noises in your chimney.

Determine whether or not your home has been damaged by Raccoons, because many people believe that Raccoons are responsible for the damage, while in fact, it is more likely that your dog, cat or other friendly animal is responsible.

If you can't see the creatures themselves, the next best thing is to look for their tracks. Use flour, nontoxic powders, and cornstarch to check for footprints on hard surfaces as a first step in this process. An important point to remember: Raccoons that live in or around chimneys or attics normally start making noise as it becomes darker, and cease doing so when the sun comes out. It is easier to find raccoons if you listen to the noises they make as they move. Purring noises indicate the presence of young lion cubs, so keep an ear open for them. When their mother returns to the den, you'll usually hear these noises.

It's wise to simply wait when you have a problem with raccoons; in other words, many raccoon-related issues (such as roosting in a building) can be resolved within weeks or even days. There is no reason for the cubs to leave your attic until they are nine weeks old, so if they are bothering you, you can rest assured that they will not travel into a strange area where they will be defenseless if they are still in your attic.

As far as chimneys and attics are concerned, raccoons are likely to use them for both denning and raising young cubs if they are left uncapped. After some time, you should consider adopting harassment measures in an attempt to force them out sooner rather than later. You may also leave the lights on in the attic or play a loud radio tuned to a talk show.

In order to protect your home from raccoons in the future, you should install an approved chimney cover as soon as you are sure you have exterminated all of them. Using fire or smoke to entice animals out of chimneys is a bad idea because young animals aren't able to escape on their own, and they'll most certainly die as a result.

When it's time for garbage pick-up, put the cans out on the curb to dissuade vandals from damaging your lawn or garden. Another option is to use bungee cords or weights to secure the lids. Consider the harm raccoons can bring to your fruit and vegetable plants when they feast on birdseed and suet, especially corn and grapes. When the crops are ripe and ready to be picked, garden vandals are more likely to strike, so be extra vigilant at those times.

It's important to take basic safety measures in order to minimize raccoon-related issues, which can become a nuisance if left unchecked for an extended length of time.