RACCOONS
EXTERMINATOR

Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic animals. They are mainly attracted by :

1. Food: They have been known to scavenge through garbage cans for leftover food. They may also be attracted to pet food left outside, fruit that has fallen from trees and vegetable gardens.
2. Water: Raccoons are attracted to water sources such as streams, ponds, water fountains and even swimming pools.
3. Shelters: They seek safe, warm places to live and raise their young, such as attics, chimneys, porch spaces and decks.
4. Sewer grates and drainage systems: Raccoons are known to “wash” their food, so they are naturally attracted to these areas.

To avoid attracting raccoons, it is advisable to secure your garbage cans, not leave food outside, cover water sources and close off access to possible shelters.

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which means that they are most active at night. During the day, they look for safe and quiet places to sleep. These locations may vary depending on their environment:

1. In the wild: They can sleep in trees, especially in tree holes. They may also use burrows abandoned by other animals.
2. In urban areas: In cities, they may take refuge in attics, garages, chimneys, porches or other similar structures.

It is important to note that if a raccoon is regularly visible during the day, it could be a sign of a problem, such as disease or starvation, and it is recommended that you contact a wildlife professional.

Raccoons are generally peaceful creatures, preferring to flee rather than fight. However, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they defend their territory or their young. Raccoon attacks on humans are rare but can occur, especially if the animal is sick.

It should be noted that raccoons are carriers of several diseases, including rabies, which can make them aggressive. If you encounter a raccoon that appears disoriented, aggressive or unafraid of humans, it is advisable to keep your distance and contact a wildlife professional.

As a general rule, it is best not to attempt to feed or approach a raccoon, as this may make it dependent on human food and increase the chances of conflict.

To keep raccoons out of your home, there are several steps you can take:

1. Secure your trash: Raccoons are attracted to trash cans in search of food. Make sure your garbage cans are securely closed with lids.
2. Eliminate food sources: In addition to garbage, raccoons may be attracted to leftover pet food, bird feeders, and fruit that has fallen from trees. Try to keep these items out of reach.
3. Protect your garden: If you have a vegetable garden, it can attract raccoons. Electric fences can be effective in keeping these animals at bay.
4. Block off entrances: Raccoons may try to take up residence in attics, basements or hollow structures. Plug holes and potential entrances to prevent them from accessing these areas.
5. Use repellents: There are commercially available raccoon repellents, although their effectiveness can vary.
6. Get a professional: If you have a persistent raccoon infestation, you should consider hiring a exterminator or wildlife professional to help you manage the problem.

Remember, it is important to treat raccoons with respect. They are wild creatures who simply seek to survive.

As a rule, raccoons avoid direct confrontations with domestic animals, such as cats. However, if a raccoon feels threatened, cornered or is protecting its young, it can potentially attack and cause serious injury with its claws and teeth.

In addition, raccoons can carry diseases that can affect cats, such as rabies. They can also be infested with parasites, such as ticks, which can then infest your pet.

It is therefore advisable to keep cats indoors at night when raccoons are most active, and not to leave food outside, which could attract these creatures. If you see raccoons in your area, it is best to keep your cat safe by avoiding interactions with these wild animals.