How to Protect your Chimney from Raccoon Invasion

Even though raccoons may look like cute ant twitchy-nosed animals, they can actually jump on the roofs and cause a number of problems. But there are certain things that every owner can do, in order to protect his house or you can simply call raccoon removal Toronto. In fact, any long hollow area attracts raccoons, that’s why the love chimneys. The following are some major steps of how to protect your chimney from raccoon invasion.

Set Traps

Homeowners can set traps if they know that raccoons live in their chimneys. Especially female raccoons seek out these kind of areas, in order to create their nest. The best way for owners is to set up a special chimney trap, right at the top of the flu, in order to catch them as they are trying to get out. In case there are babies inside the chimney, homeowners can remove them by their hands safely. Or they can be a ground trap, at the bottom of the chimney.

Use Ammonia or Natural Repellent

Another option to get rid of raccons is to use a natural repellent, that can be bought from a farm supply store. Alternatively, they can use ammonia; they can put a cup of ammonia on a place directly below the damper and they have to leave it there for approximately 24 hours. This can make raccoons go away in about two or three days.

Place a cap on the Chimney

This has to be done after all the raccoons have evacuated the chimney. Home owners can understand that their chimney is free of these animals by shining a light, in order to be sure they are not still there. Afterwards, they just need to see the chimney flue from the top part of the roof to be certain that there are no animals present. When they are certain that their roof is free from the raccoons, they can place a chimney cap at the top of the chimney. They can make it by themselves or they can buy it from farm stores. Then they just have to follow the installation directions. This way they will prevent any future visits of raccoons or any other similar animals.

When owners try to get rid of these little creatures, they need to be very careful. For example, they must not use smoke, mothballs or naphtha flakes or anything similar. They need to remember that an adult raccoon can jump out of the chimney very easily, but their babies can not. All these vapors can cause a number of problems to raccoon babies and their mother can become very agitated, in order to try to escape from the vapors.

How to Control Urban Animals and Prevent Property Damage

Wherever you look that you can find human civilization, so too can you find some form of natural habitat that is coexisting alongside them. Along village outskirts, natural habitats divided by roadways, and densely populated urban ares you can see humans and wildlife interacting with one another each and every day. Urban and Suburban areas can be found to not only be populated by humans but by all sorts of wildlife as well, typically common animals. Squirrels, raccoons, rodents such as mice and rats, birds, and even bats have been known to find refuge in homeowners’ walls and attics.

With the inevitability of homeowners conflicting with animal wildlife we ask ourselves, “How to control urban animals and prevent property damage?” Typically wildlife and humans can live alongside one another peacefully, however, conflicts can arise in which a homeowner might find his or her property damaged, their gardens destroyed, or even an unwelcome guest such as a skunk residing beneath their porch, holding the homeowner captive. Homeowners may have been careless and inadvertently created conditions in which wildlife may thrive, or unknowingly attracted wildlife by the feeding of domesticated animals. In a lot of cases, these situations can be avoided or prevented in many ways such as keeping garbage and recycling containers cleaned, removing fallen fruit during the summer, cleaning and picking up old wood piles and keeping your yard tidy, maintaining fences, eliminating and limiting access to food sources, and the use of simple deterrents.

Many homeowners have found themselves in situations in which repellents have become a necessity in ridding themselves of unwelcome and furry visitors. Commercial repellents can be found online for most common animals and pests. Some techniques utilize the use of hot peppers such as Cayenne, Jalapeno, and yellow onions being blended together and boiled for 20 minutes in two quarts of water, allowing it cool afterwards, before straining the mixture, then using a spray bottle to apply to areas in which animal deterrence is wanted, however, it will only last for 3-5 days. Others may prefer the use of mechanical deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers which are great for keeping animals out of yards and large areas. To keep animals such as raccoons from pilfering through a homeowner’s garbage, it has been suggested that they pour about one cup of ammonia in the trash can about once a week after it has been picked up, making sure that the garbage can has a lid that securely closes, keeping it inside of closets and sheds until they are ready to set it out, or sprinkling the surrounding area with granules or using the hot pepper spray.

All of these tactics and techniques have diverse rates of success dependent on many various factors, but as long as homeowners maintain diligence in preventing and deterring urban animals they will soon see a difference in the amount of property damage they incur.

Understanding Animal Control and Removal

What is defined as a pest is something that can interrupt regular daily activities. Pest control is a series of human activities that aim to limit the negative effects of pests. Animal control is a kind of pest control that specifically deals with small animals that can become either dangerous or nuisances to humans.

There are many similarities between pest control and animal control however there are differences as well. The similarities lie in the fact that are both activities performed to control a pest population. The differences have to do with the type of pest being controlled.

Even though many people confuse the two there are many differences between pest control and animal control. Since most homes are merely invaded by small creatures and insects, most homeowners call for a pest exterminator. However, when you speak about animal control and removal, this requires extensive knowledge on different mammals and reptiles from the animal kingdom. When we refer to animal control and removal, this may call for specific animal management skills, which are different from conventional pest control.

Insects as pests can easily be dealt with insecticides from chemical laboratories, whereas prohibiting a possum from rummaging through your trash bin cannot be done by a mere spray of a pesticide. As humans progress and evolve constantly throughout the years, animals also move in their own quick pace as they meddle with other environmental spaces inhabited by humans.

In answering the question, “What is animal control and removal,” this may reflect the presence of an animal that is living in urban habitats. Some widely known examples are pigeons and rats. In dumpsters, raccoons are often seen fumbling through trash in search for food, whereas smaller mammals such as squirrels live on trees to propagate their kind. However as science declares evolution, some mammals have also learned their way of living inside building establishments and human homes.

While inside, they are free to destroy furniture and other human possessions. These animals nibble on wood and make uncomfortable noises that make it hard for many people to sleep at night. Since most come from non-sanitized habitats, the chances of getting viruses and germs spread throughout the area present a high risk for humans. Although most animals come in different sizes, it is often the smallest ones who do the most damage in every home. It is always best that you know how to contact the nearest animal control and removal office in your town.

Most animal removal companies also obtain licenses prior to practicing their job. Ensuring that you are hiring a professional will not only make certain that you get quality service, but will also prevent such nuisances from reappearing in your personal establishments. Aside from wildlife trapping, these accredited companies also do additional services such as repairing damages done by animals and cleaning up trashed areas. Preventive measures are also taught and applied with homeowners for future use.

Removing Raccoons – Raccoon Animal Control Methods

Raccoons, also known as Procyon lotor is a common pest in the United States. They have a unique black mask on the face with a ringed tail. Raccoons mostly inhabit hollow trees and areas with water nearby such as lakes and streams. Raccoons can become a nuisance when they migrate looking for refuge and forage for food. They like constructing their dens in places such as beneath porches, chimneys, and outbuildings. The animal’s diet mostly consists of grains, berries, nuts, and fruits from the garden. They also feed on animals such as fish, frogs, snails, and crabs. Many home and business owners are forced into protective measures to prevent inconveniences that may be caused by raccoons such as refuse scatter and damage of properties.

Ways of preventing raccoon’s infestation

· Inspection

Inspection is the first step when it comes to getting rid of raccoons from your home. You need to confirm the presence of raccoons before taking any further action. Evidence of the animal’s presence include their fecal droppings, seeing them roaming around your home, and garbage containers overturned by the animals while feeding on its contents among many others.

· Trapping

Trapping raccoons can be your best bet for getting rid of them. However, some states do not allow trapping and relocation of these animals. You will be required to have a permit before relocating the animals. You can use the various foods eaten by these animals as bait. The most recommended food is canned cat food or canned tuna. You should be careful not to trap a wrong animal like your neighbor’s cat.

· Exclusion method

Exclusion is another reliable method that you can employ to keep these animals away from your home. Seal potential entry points that raccoons can use to gain access to your home. The vents in your roof should be heavy duty and animal proof. Cover the chimney and other roof vents using caps to prevent the animals from building their dens.

· Keep your yard clean and free from food leftovers

Raccoons won’t have a reason to invade your home if there is no food. The garbage containers should be kept clean, and all debris should be picked. The refuse containers should have tight fitting lids. Pet foods should not be left outside overnight. You may have to put up an electric fence around the garden to prevent the animals from invading the garden.

· Limit the amount of water available

Raccoons love residing in places with water. Cover your fish pond with a wire mesh to prevent raccoons from gaining access. If you have a swimming pool, you may need to cover it overnight. Raccoon feces in the pool can be a source of an infection.