Raccoons have a reputation to many as being fairly innocuous creatures who only rummage through dumpsters occasionally in search of a snack. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true, as raccoons have been known to sneak into homes from time to time, often resulting in serious damage to the home and health risks for its occupants.

Raccoons in Dallas

Raccoons naturally inhabit wooded forest areas, but thanks to rapid urban sprawl that has diminished their natural habitat, these critters are becoming more common in residential and commercial areas as they provide a source of easy food and water. Raccoons breed in the fall, which means that you’re more likely to run into them on your property during this time as they will be searching for a place to birth their young. Unless traveling with their family, raccoons are solitary creatures, and you are most likely to see them traveling with their young during the spring months. Something that sets raccoons apart from other critters is their exceptional dexterity. These critters can use their paws like hands, allowing them to open doors and access garbage cans easily.

Signs of Raccoon Infestation

Raccoons should be avoided whenever possible, and if you notice the following warning signs, it’s time to call for professional help.

• Loud thumping from above your head as they walk around inside your attic
• Foul odors caused by their urine and feces
• Higher energy costs due to ripped-up attic insulation
• Garbage cans overturned with the contents strewn about your property

Dangers of Raccoons in the Attic, Walls

?Raccoon damage to yards, roofs, and houses costs homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs every year. These pests are smart and constantly on the hunt for both food and shelter. Their agile paws allow them to tear into materials that would deter other animals, resulting in harm to property.

The most expensive problems occur when raccoons take shelter in houses. The pests are strong enough to pull shingles and boards from roofs to climb into attics. Raccoons on roofs can cause significant damage to your property. Females are known to destroy soffits, fascia boards, shingles, vents, and insulation to establish denning sites. Once a raccoon creates or enlarges a hole in the rooftop, it becomes an easy pathway to the attic.

When raccoons nest in houses, their accumulated waste quickly destroys insulation and saturates woodwork. Their feces spread raccoon roundworm, which is a serious health hazard for residents repairing raccoon damage to homes. In addition, fleas and ticks in raccoon fur can transfer to people or pets.

Call Critter Control to Get Rid of Raccoons Fast

If you’ve noticed these signs, there’s a good chance that raccoons have taken up residence on your property. Have no fear though, with over 30 years of animal removal experience, Critter Control in Dallas can get the raccoons out quickly and effectively. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, call us today at 817-225-2217.