Preventing Raccoons from becoming a Problem
The good thing about raccoons is that as pests go, they are on the more tolerable side because of their appearance, their intelligence, and because they do not breed as quickly as other types of pests. The bad thing is that sometimes, raccoons can be one of the worst pests there are, again largely due to their intelligence.
Integrated pest management calls for the least toxic approach to handling pests like raccoons, due to the harmful nature of the chemicals and poisons that have traditionally been used to keep pest animals under control. This is maybe more true of mammal pests such as raccoons than insects, because the poisons used against mammals can be just as deadly to humans.
Understanding the biology and behaviour of pest species is a very important part of a good integrated pest management strategy. Once the make up of a certain pest is understood, it becomes much easier to prevent the animal from becoming a problem. In this article, we take a look at some things you can do to prevent a raccoon pest problem.
* Use tightly sealed garbage containers. The first thing you are likely to have a problem with when it comes to raccoons is your garbage. There’s plenty in the garbage can for a raccoon to eat, so you have to make sure that you buy cans that have lids that are clamped in place. Any other kind of lid will be opened eventually by these persistent creatures.
* Seal up openings to buildings. Raccoons love to use empty spaces within our structures as shelter, and this includes chimneys and attics as well as shed and garages. They are very good at squeezing into small spaces, so make sure any open holes are covered.
* Cover up that pet door! Yes, raccoons can and will use a pet door to get into a house when they smell food.
* Carefully plan outdoor ornamentation. Bird feeders and fish ponds outside are both big attractants for raccoons. You should not put fish in your ponds if there are raccoons around, or if you do make sure that the pools are deep enough that the raccoon can’t reach. Bird feeders need to be located in trees of even better on poles with a wide ring in the center to prevent raccoons from climbing up.
* Fencing. Most types of fencing can be overcome by raccoons, who will use their strength or their intelligence or their climbing abilities to neutralize the fence. The exception is an electric fence; these will costs extra money both in energy and in purchase price, but no raccoon yet has fooled one.
Limiting food and shelter is the way to ensure that raccoons don’t become a problem around your home. Because raccoons are so smart, it takes a bit more effort to prevent them from becoming a problem than it does with other pests!