Raccoons are resourceful and adaptable animals, often causing trouble when they venture into homes or urban areas. At Critter Control of West Central Wisconsin, we aim to help homeowners understand these nocturnal creatures and manage their behavior effectively.
Nocturnal Behavior
Raccoons are classified as nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night. This behavior is not just a quirk of their lifestyle; it's an essential part of their survival strategy. Raccoons have evolved to be night hunters, relying on their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing to find food under the cover of darkness. Their large, dark eyes are designed to see well in low-light conditions, and their black "mask" helps reduce the glare from bright moonlight, making them even more adept at navigating the night.
Raccoons are active at night for several reasons:
Avoiding Predators: Darkness provides safety from natural predators like coyotes and birds of prey.
Cooler Temperatures: They stay active in cooler night temperatures.
Scavenging for Food: Raccoons forage in trash cans, dumpsters, and gardens during the night, seeking anything from fruits to pet food.
Raccoon Habitats
Raccoons prefer to live in secure, hidden spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys. They often cause damage by chewing on insulation, wires, or structures as they create nests. Urban environments, including sheds or garages, also offer convenient shelter.
Signs of an Infestation
Noise: Scratching or thumping sounds at night from attics or walls.
Damage: Holes in roofs or vents where raccoons may enter.
Droppings or Tracks: Finding droppings or raccoon tracks around the home can indicate activity.
Handling Raccoon Problems and Prevention Tips
To manage and prevent raccoon issues, start by sealing entry points around your home, particularly in the roof, eaves, and foundation. Remove food sources like unsecured trash and pet food to discourage them. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, live traps can help, but it’s best to contact professionals for safe removal and long-term solutions. Additionally, install chimney caps, use motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and trim tree branches near your roofline to make your property less appealing and reduce the risk of future infestations.
Raccoons may be fascinating, but their nocturnal behavior can cause serious problems. If you suspect an infestation or need help with raccoon control, contact us today for expert assistance.