Raccoon. The name comes from the Algonquin word arakun meaning “one who scratches with hands”.
Despite much research, there is little knowledge about a raccoons lifespan in the wild. Captive animals have survived up to 14 years but it is believed they only live about 7 years in the wild.
Raccoons, who mate during mid-winter, are busy looking for places to build dens for their kits this time of year. It is not unusual for females to dig under decks or tear the screens off foundation vents in the search for a secluded place. If a raccoon does get into the crawlspace it will pull insulation out of the sub-floor to line its den. This damage can be so severe that the sub-floor insulation may need to be completely replaced.
Raccoon gestation lasts only about 63 days and typically produces between 3-4 kits. Kits will be weaned around 8 weeks but may stay with the mother until she becomes pregnant the following winter.
Raccoons can be friendly but like any wildlife it is best to leave it wild. Feeding these animals can lead to serious problems.
In the wild raccoons “forage”. They usually consume insects, earthworms and other small animals. When people feed them it interrupts this activity and doesn’t provide them with the range of foods they need.
It causes them to congregate in larger numbers than they would normally.
This increases the spread of diseases such as distemper and parasites. Some of these can be transmitted to us with little difficulty.
The best way to stay on good terms with raccoons is to treat them with respect. Don’t feed them. Even if they stand on their hind legs and say “please”. If you do they will eventually become a problem for someone. Roofs, foundation vents, window screens and insulation are just a few of the things they can damage.
Don’t free feed your pets outside. Put down only enough for your animal to eat in one setting, then pick it up until the next feeding. Raccoons love pet food but it has too much protein in it for them to stay healthy.
Don’t give them easy access to your home. Trees should be kept at least 5 feet away from the roof. Keep the entry to the crawlspace and foundation vents in good repair.
If raccoons do get under a deck or into the crawlspace it is possible to repel them with light and sound (a drop light and a cheap radio work well).
If raccoons raid your garden, low voltage electric fencing is an effective deterrent.
This advice will help with most raccoon encounters but if you need additional assistance please give us a call. <