Understanding Our Approach to Raccoon Removal in Portsmouth, NH
Dealing with raccoons on your property can be a significant concern for Portsmouth, NH homeowners. They can cause damage, spread diseases, and create a generally unsafe environment. At Portsmouth Pest Pros, we understand the stress and frustration that comes with a raccoon infestation. Our specialized href='/raccoon-removal'Raccoon Removal service is designed to safely and effectively remove these unwanted guests, restoring peace of mind and protecting your property.
Are you experiencing these raccoon-related issues?
- ✅ Damaged Gardens and Landscaping
- ✅ Noises in the Attic or Walls
- ✅ Tipped Over Trash Cans Regularly
- ✅ Sightings of Raccoons During the Day
We help Portsmouth residents eliminate these problems by providing comprehensive raccoon removal services and preventative solutions that keep your home and family safe.
Call now for rates!
Why We Are the Trusted Choice for Raccoon Removal
- Experienced Technicians: Our team has years of experience in wildlife control and raccoon removal, ensuring effective and humane solutions.
- Licensed and Insured: We are fully licensed and insured, providing you with peace of mind knowing that you're working with qualified professionals.
- Humane Removal Methods: We prioritize the well-being of animals and use humane trapping and removal techniques.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: We are committed to your satisfaction and will work tirelessly to resolve your raccoon problem and prevent future issues.
- Local Expertise: We understand the specific raccoon challenges faced by Portsmouth, NH residents and tailor our services accordingly.
At Portsmouth Pest Pros, our commitment to quality and customer care is unwavering. We strive to provide effective and ethical raccoon removal services, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every client.
Detailed Look at Our Raccoon Removal Services
Our Raccoon Removal service is a multi-faceted solution designed to address every aspect of your raccoon problem. From initial inspection to preventative measures, we ensure your property is raccoon-free and protected.
Comprehensive Property Inspection
The first step in our process is a thorough inspection of your property. We look for signs of raccoon activity, identify entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation. This detailed assessment allows us to develop a targeted removal plan.
Humane Trapping and Removal
We use humane trapping methods to capture raccoons safely. Our traps are designed to minimize stress and injury to the animals. Once captured, we relocate the raccoons to a suitable habitat away from your property, adhering to all local regulations.
Entry Point Sealing and Repair
To prevent future raccoon infestations, we identify and seal all potential entry points. This may include repairing damaged roofs, sealing gaps in walls, and reinforcing weak areas. Our goal is to make your property raccoon-proof.
Decontamination and Sanitation
Raccoons can leave behind bacteria, parasites, and unpleasant odors. We provide decontamination and sanitation services to eliminate these health hazards. Our process includes cleaning and disinfecting affected areas to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Preventative Measures and Advice
We offer valuable advice and preventative measures to help you deter raccoons from returning to your property. This may include recommendations on securing trash cans, trimming trees, and removing potential food sources. We empower you to maintain a raccoon-free environment long-term.
Recognizing the Signs That You Need Raccoon Removal
Sometimes, it's not always obvious that you have a raccoon problem until it's too late. Recognizing the early warning signs can save you time, money, and potential damage to your property. Here are some common problems and indicators that signal you require professional Raccoon Removal services:
Persistent Noises in the Attic or Walls
If you hear scratching, rustling, or other unusual sounds coming from your attic or walls, especially at night, it could be a sign that raccoons have taken up residence. These noises often indicate that raccoons are nesting or searching for food within your home's structure. Ignoring these sounds can lead to significant damage and health risks, as raccoons can tear insulation, chew through wires, and leave behind waste.
Damaged Roof or Siding
Raccoons are adept climbers and may cause damage to your roof or siding as they try to gain access to your home. Look for signs of torn shingles, damaged flashing, or holes in your siding. These damages not only compromise the integrity of your home but also create entry points for other pests and water damage. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent further structural damage and protect your property's value.
Ripped Open Trash Bags and Scattered Garbage
One of the most common signs of raccoon activity is overturned trash cans and scattered garbage. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will rummage through trash in search of food. This not only creates a mess but also attracts other pests and increases the risk of disease transmission. Securing your trash cans and eliminating other food sources can help deter raccoons, but professional removal may be necessary if they have already established a presence on your property.
Visible Signs of Nesting
Raccoons often create nests in attics, chimneys, and other sheltered areas. Look for signs of nesting materials, such as shredded paper, leaves, or insulation. Finding a raccoon nest on your property is a clear indication that you have a raccoon problem that needs to be addressed. Removing the nest and implementing preventative measures can help ensure that raccoons don't return in the future.
Unexplained Pet Behavior
If your pets are acting strangely, such as barking or scratching at walls or ceilings, it could be a sign that they are aware of a raccoon presence. Pets often have a heightened sense of awareness and can detect the presence of pests before humans do. Paying attention to your pet's behavior and investigating any unusual activity can help you identify a raccoon problem early on.
Droppings and Urine Odors
Raccoon droppings and urine can create unpleasant odors and pose a health risk to humans and pets. If you notice a strong, musky odor or find droppings in or around your home, it's important to take action immediately. Raccoon waste can contain harmful bacteria and parasites, so it's essential to clean up the area thoroughly and disinfect any contaminated surfaces. Professional raccoon removal services can help you safely and effectively eliminate these hazards.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Prevention
Gaining insights into raccoon behavior can significantly aid in preventing future infestations. Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. Understanding their habits and preferences can empower you to take proactive steps to minimize their presence around your property. Here's a deeper dive into raccoon behavior and effective preventive strategies:
Raccoon Diet and Feeding Habits
Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will eat just about anything. Their diet typically includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and, of course, human garbage. They are particularly attracted to easily accessible food sources, such as overflowing trash cans, pet food left outdoors, and fallen fruit from trees. To deter raccoons, ensure that trash cans are tightly sealed, pet food is stored indoors, and fallen fruit is promptly removed from your yard.
Raccoon Habitat Preferences
Raccoons prefer habitats that offer shelter, water, and readily available food sources. They are commonly found in wooded areas, near bodies of water, and, increasingly, in urban and suburban environments. They seek out secluded spots for nesting, such as attics, chimneys, sheds, and under decks. By eliminating potential nesting sites and minimizing access to food and water, you can make your property less attractive to raccoons.
Seasonal Raccoon Activity
Raccoon activity tends to peak during the spring and fall months. In the spring, raccoons are actively seeking mates and establishing territories, while in the fall, they are preparing for winter by foraging for food and building up their fat reserves. During these periods, it's essential to be particularly vigilant and take extra precautions to prevent raccoons from entering your property. Sealing potential entry points and removing food sources are crucial steps during these peak seasons.
Raccoon Social Behavior
Raccoons are generally solitary animals, except during mating season and when mothers are raising their young. Female raccoons typically give birth to a litter of 2-5 kits in the spring. These kits remain with their mother for several months, learning essential survival skills. If you suspect that raccoons have established a nest with young on your property, it's important to contact a professional raccoon removal service to ensure that the animals are removed safely and humanely.
Effective Prevention Strategies
Preventing raccoon infestations requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses their food, water, and shelter needs. Some effective strategies include:
- Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids and bungee cords.
- Storing pet food indoors and avoiding leaving food waste outside.
- Trimming trees and shrubs to eliminate potential access routes to your roof.
- Sealing any gaps or openings in your home's foundation, walls, and roof.
- Installing chimney caps and screens to prevent raccoons from entering your chimney.
- Using motion-activated lights and sprinklers to deter raccoons from approaching your property.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of raccoon infestations and protect your property from damage.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About Raccoons
There are several common misconceptions about raccoons that can lead to ineffective management strategies and potential risks. Clearing up these misunderstandings can help you take informed actions to protect your property and family. Here are some prevalent myths about raccoons and the facts behind them:
Myth: Raccoons are Always Aggressive
Fact: While raccoons are wild animals and can become aggressive if they feel threatened, they are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked. Most raccoons will avoid contact with people and will only become defensive if they are cornered, injured, or protecting their young. However, it's always best to maintain a safe distance from raccoons and to avoid approaching or feeding them.
Myth: Raccoons are Only Active at Night
Fact: Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. However, it's not uncommon to see raccoons during the day, especially if they are searching for food or have been disturbed from their daytime resting place. Seeing a raccoon during the day is not necessarily a sign that it is sick or rabid, but it's still important to exercise caution and avoid contact.
Myth: Raccoons Can Be Relocated Easily
Fact: Relocating raccoons can be challenging and often ineffective. Raccoons are highly territorial animals and have a strong homing instinct. If relocated, they may attempt to return to their original territory, potentially causing problems along the way. Additionally, relocation can disrupt the raccoon's social structure and increase the risk of disease transmission. In many areas, it's illegal to relocate raccoons without a permit. Professional raccoon removal services typically involve trapping and removing raccoons humanely and then implementing preventative measures to keep them from returning.
Myth: Raccoons are Always Rabid
Fact: While raccoons can carry rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, not all raccoons are rabid. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite or scratch. Symptoms of rabies in raccoons can include aggression, disorientation, and excessive salivation. If you suspect that a raccoon is rabid, it's important to avoid contact and to report it to your local animal control authorities.
Myth: Mothballs Keep Raccoons Away
Fact: Mothballs are often used as a deterrent for various pests, including raccoons; however, they are not an effective solution. Mothballs contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans and animals, and their use is often regulated. Additionally, mothballs are not a long-term solution for raccoon infestations, as the animals will eventually become accustomed to the odor and return. A more effective approach is to eliminate food sources, seal entry points, and use professional raccoon removal services if necessary.
Why Act Now? Prioritizing Prompt Raccoon Removal
Delaying Raccoon Removal can lead to escalating property damage and increased health risks for you and your loved ones. Raccoons can quickly cause extensive damage to your home's structure, insulation, and electrical wiring. Additionally, their droppings and urine can contaminate your living space, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites.
Don't wait until the problem becomes unmanageable. Contact Portsmouth Pest Pros today at for a comprehensive assessment and effective raccoon removal solutions. Our experienced technicians are ready to help you reclaim your peace of mind and protect your property. Take action now and let us handle your raccoon problem with expertise and care.