When raccoons get a little too close to the home – or they make their way inside – it can be dangerous for any occupants of the home, including pets. There are various things homeowners can do and should avoid to remain safe and have the raccoon relocated to a new home. The following are a few tips to help homeowners handle raccoons that have gotten into the attic or another part of their home, or that are getting just a little bit too close.

Do Call a Professional for Help

Raccoons can be dangerous to deal with, as they can carry diseases like rabies. It’s best to get help with a raccoon that has gotten into the home instead of trying to catch the raccoon and release it. Professionals know how to remove the raccoon carefully, how to prevent getting bit or scratched, and how to make sure they don’t end up ill from being near droppings or fur the raccoon leaves behind. They can also make sure the raccoons, including babies, are fully removed from the home so repairs to the home can begin.

Don’t Try to Catch the Raccoon

It is not safe for homeowners to attempt to trap or catch the raccoons on their own. It is possible for the raccoon to be a carrier of rabies and other serious illnesses, even if they don’t appear sick. By coming into close contact with the raccoon, even if the person isn’t bitten or scratched, there is always the potential to become ill. Instead, homeowners should keep the area where the raccoon is as secure as possible and avoid the area until a professional can remove the raccoon.

Do Keep Trash Cans Secured

Raccoons love an easy way to get food, so an unsecured trash can is fantastic for them. Unfortunately, once they find a trash can that has an endless supply of food and that’s easy to access, they’re going to stay close to the home. Homeowners should work on making the trash cans pest proof. If possible, keep the trash can in the garage. If this isn’t possible, it can be locked in a bin or otherwise secured to keep pests out. Remember, raccoons do have the ability to open containers, so just adding a cable to keep the lid on may not be sufficient.

Don’t Try to Feed the Raccoon

It’s tempting to leave out little bits of scraps for raccoons to enjoy. They can look adorable when they’re sitting and snacking on food, but it can be dangerous not only for humans but for raccoons, as well. It’s never a good idea to feed wildlife. This gets them used to easy access to human foods, and they can begin to rely on it to survive instead of hunting and foraging for foods that are more appropriate for them. Avoid leaving out scraps or any easy way for raccoons to get food to discourage them from being near the home.

Do Keep Away From the Raccoon’s Home

If the raccoon is inside the home, close off the area and stay as far away as possible until help can arrive. If the raccoon is in the attic, for instance, keep the door to the attic closed until a professional can remove them. If the raccoon is living outside, stay away from anywhere that could be a potential home for the raccoon. Getting too close to where the raccoon lives can lead to the raccoon becoming afraid and biting or scratching, as well as potentially lead to illnesses that can be caught by touching the raccoon’s droppings.

Don’t Leave Doors Open to the House

Be careful about leaving entry doors open for the house. While it’s easy to leave the door open to a fenced-in yard so the dogs or kids can go in and out, this is an invitation for raccoons to come inside, as well. If there is a doggy door on one of the entry doors, get one that can be closed and locked at night to prevent raccoons from using it to get into the home. There are options that only open or close when the dog is nearby. These use a special collar the dog wears and they can help prevent pests like raccoons from using the doggy door to get into the house.

Do Keep an Eye on the Raccoon

If it’s possible to do so safely, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the raccoon until help can arrive. Homeowners can set up cameras or watch the raccoon outside through the windows to see where it goes. This way, it’s possible to provide the professional with information on where the raccoon may be located and whether there may be babies to worry about. If it’s not easy or possible to keep an eye on the raccoon, that is okay. Safety comes first. The professionals will be able to find the raccoon and determine if there are any other concerns, like babies.

Don’t Get Too Close to the Raccoon

It’s imperative homeowners stay far away from raccoons, especially if they get into the house. While they might look cute, they can be very dangerous. They are wildlife and are not domesticated, so it can be impossible to predict when they might get scared and bite or scratch. Never try to feed the raccoon by hand or attempt to pet it, even if it’s a baby raccoon, as they can all cause serious injuries and there is the risk of rabies.

If you’ve noticed any signs of raccoons getting into your home or causing disturbances outside your home, like digging through the trash can, it’s a good idea to get professional help immediately to reduce any risks and make sure the raccoon can be relocated properly. Take the time to contact a specialist now to learn more about how to stay safe before they arrive and what they can do to help remove the raccoon from your home or property.