A raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America, and common throughout Texas. The original habitats of the raccoon are deciduous and mixed forests, but due to their adaptability they have extended their range to mountainous areas, coastal marshes, and urban areas, where some homeowners consider them to be pests.

The most common complaints include the following:

• Raccoons living in the attic
• Raccoons living in the chimney
• Tipping over garbage cans
• Stealing pet food or bird seed
• Sick, potentially rabid raccoon
• Presence is alarming dogs/pets

Trapping and relocating is a good option. However: if you have a raccoon in the attic, 90% of the time it is a female with a litter of babies. simply you have to follow of Raccoon trapping and removal steps trap the mother and remove her. The young in your attic will slowly starve to death over a period of up to two weeks, then decompose and cause an odor problem. A properly licensed trapper, who knows wildlife and has experience, is vaccinated against rabies, and who can do it safely and legally, is the best option.

There are some things you can do to prevent raccoons becoming a nuisance to begin with:

• Secure your garbage can and strap the lid down with bungee cords
• Don't leave out pet food
• Lock your doggie doors
• Make sure your house is secure, with no holes or openings into the attic
• If they are getting under the house or under the deck, you can install an exclusion barrier of steel mesh

Raccoons are actually very intelligent creatures, well adapted to survive in both the forest and city. They can cause trouble with people because they are so adaptable and clever. As with all animals, they are usually just doing what they need to do to survive.

If you have any questions about raccoons, please call DM Pest Control at (512) 905-4984.