How Dangerous Is It To Have Raccoons On My Columbus Property?
March 01, 2021 - Wildlife
Believe it or not, raccoons are essential parts of our ecosystem here in Columbus, Ohio. They clean up carrion and facilitate the growth of plants by spreading seeds after eating berries and nuts. However, we all know that these scavengers can also become a problem, especially if they're lurking in your yard or neighborhood. This large pest can wreak havoc on yards and homes as they are not fearful of humans and won't leave your property if you try to scare them away. Often, raccoons are an underestimated animal. They are smart and resourceful, able to get into any place if they are determined enough.
About Raccoons
Many people can't resist the cuteness of raccoons. They are indeed cute from their front paws that they use to get into trouble to their bushy ringed tails and masked appearance. But because of this, people can forget they are wild animals and can become aggressive when threatened.
Raccoon behavior makes them exceptional survivors:
Raccoons are nocturnal creatures with excellent night vision.
They are solitary animals. If you see a group of raccoons, you are probably seeing a mother and her young.
They are agile climbers, strong swimmers, and although they are usually seen shuffling around, they can move about 15 miles per hour.
A raccoon has a diverse diet and they favor an easy meal over struggling to find their next food source:
They are omnivores and won't pass up a meal they come across.
Raccoons eat plant foods such as berries, nuts, acorns, peaches, apples, and much more.
They will also eat insects, rodents, fish, frogs, and bird eggs.
This animal is known for getting into trash cans and dumpsters. They have adapted to living in urban areas where wild food to forage isn't as readily available.
A raccoon's habitat is one of convenience:
Raccoons are not necessarily picky when it comes to finding a place to sleep.
They frequently find new dens to live in.
Usually, they prefer large holes in trees or hollow logs.
If given the opportunity, raccoons will find shelter in attics, crawl spaces, barns, and sheds.
Dangers Of Raccoons
Raccoons can help your yard by keeping insects and other unwanted critters at bay, but the damage they can cause outweighs the good. Not only are they a nuisance when they get into garbage cans, but they can also be extremely dangerous if they feel threatened.
Although not every raccoon has rabies or is aggressive, it is best not to find out. Besides rabies, there are several other diseases that raccoons can spread, including:
Leptospirosis
Giardiasis
Salmonella
E. Coli
Canine Distemper
Raccoons can also carry fleas and ticks, which come with their health concerns. All of this is not to mention the damage they can do to your property, garden, and structure of your home if they get inside.
Keeping Raccoons Away
Because raccoons are usually creeping around residential homes searching for food, you can make your property less appealing by taking the following precautions:
Make sure your trash cans are secured with a fitting lid. Use trash cans that are heavy enough not to be easily tipped over, and make sure to never fill a can to the point of not being able to close the lid entirely.
Don't leave any pet food outside at night. This includes birdfeeders.
Fence in your garden, compost piles, and fishponds.
Pick up fallen fruit and nuts around your yard.
Raccoons will also search for shelter. To minimize shelter access, you should keep your yard maintained by removing woodpiles and trimming overgrown bushes and trees to prevent them from touching your house.
Removing Raccoons
When you learn you have a raccoon living on your property, your first instinct might be to get a trap to catch it. Although this can be effective for people that have handled raccoons before, it can be dangerous, and getting the animal off the property is only half of the problem. You want to ensure it won't come back.
The safest and most effective way to handle a raccoon problem on your Central Ohio property is with professional assistance. Call the professionals at Mandau's Pest Solutions for help with raccoon removal, or to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management options.
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