Raccoon Pest Control Advice for Charleston: Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Your Home and How to Deter Them
Raccoons are clever, curious, and incredibly resourceful. While these masked bandits might be cute from a distance, they can wreak havoc when they decide to make your home their own. At Metro Wildlife and Pest Control, we specialize in humane raccoon trapping and prevention in Charleston. Here’s why raccoons might be attracted to your property and what you can do to keep them out for good:
Why Raccoons Target Homes
Raccoons are opportunistic animals, meaning they’re always on the lookout for easy access to food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, many of the comforts of your home check all three boxes:
- Trash cans and pet food: Leftover scraps, unsecured garbage bins, and even pet food left outside are like a buffet for raccoons.
- Attics and crawl spaces: Raccoons are excellent climbers. They often enter through loose vents, broken soffits, or uncapped chimneys to find warm, dry shelter—perfect for nesting.
- Bird feeders and gardens: Raccoons are omnivores and will happily snack on seeds, fruit, and vegetables in your yard.
- Water sources: Ponds, fountains, or pet water bowls can be additional draws.
Once they’ve moved in, raccoons can cause significant damage by chewing wires, tearing insulation, and leaving behind dangerous droppings that may carry diseases like leptospirosis or raccoon roundworm.
Raccoon Pest Control in Charleston: How to Prevent an Invasion in Your Home
Prevention is your best defense against a raccoon invasion. Here are some essential raccoon pest control tips for your Charleston property:
1. Secure Trash and Compost
Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids or lockable containers. Take garbage out the morning of pickup instead of the night before. Compost bins should be animal-proof.
2. Remove Food Sources
Never leave pet food or water outside overnight. Clean up fallen fruit, birdseed, or food scraps in your yard.
3. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your attic, roofline, vents, and chimney for potential access points. Install chimney caps and cover vent openings with heavy-duty mesh.
4. Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Raccoons prefer dark, quiet environments. Motion-activated deterrents can startle them and encourage them to move along.
5. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Raccoons use tree limbs to access rooftops. Trim back branches that overhang your home and keep shrubbery tidy to eliminate hiding spots.
Raccoon Deterrent Methods That Work
In addition to prevention, using proven raccoon deterrent methods can discourage these animals from sticking around:
- Ammonia-soaked rags or vinegar spray: These strong smells can discourage raccoons from nesting.
- Ultrasonic repellents: Devices that emit high-frequency sounds may deter raccoons, although results vary.
- Predator urine: Available at garden centers, fox or coyote urine can mimic the presence of a threat.
If deterrents fail and signs of infestation—like noises in the attic or torn insulation—appear, it’s time to call in the pros.
Professional Raccoon Trapping and Removal in Charleston
At Metro Wildlife and Pest Control, we provide Charleston humane raccoon trapping, relocation, and cleanup services. Our experienced team will:
- Conduct a thorough property inspection
- Identify access points and nesting sites
- Safely trap and remove raccoons
- Sanitize affected areas
- Implement long-term raccoon infestation prevention strategies
Did you know? According to the CDC, raccoons are one of the top five animals most frequently reported for rabies exposure in the U.S. And annual economic losses caused by wildlife exceed $22 billion, with damage to agricultural crops comprising a substantial portion of these losses. Raccoons, in particular, have been identified as significant contributors to crop depredation.
Keep Raccoons Out—For Good
Dealing with raccoons can be stressful and even dangerous. Don’t take chances with DIY methods that may only provide temporary relief. With the right combination of raccoon control tips, proven raccoon deterrent methods, and professional expertise, you can protect your home and family.
Contact Metro Wildlife and Pest Control today in Charleston to schedule raccoon pest control inspection or removal services. We’ll help you take control before a small problem becomes a major infestation.