Discovering raccoons in crawl spaces can be a concerning and challenging situation for homeowners. These adaptable and resourceful creatures can wreak havoc in the hidden recesses of your home, causing damage and potential health risks.
In this guide, we will explore the various aspects of raccoon infestations in crawl spaces, from understanding the signs to effectively removing and preventing them. Stay informed and equipped to address this common urban wildlife issue.
How to Remove Raccoons from Crawl Spaces
Here are some ways to remove raccoons from crawl spaces:
- Inspect the crawl space: Regularly inspecting and repairing the crawl space can help prevent raccoons from entering in the first place.
- Live cage trap: Using a live cage trap is the easiest and most effective method for removing raccoons from crawl spaces.
- Seal the openings: Locate the openings and seal them shut either when the animal is outside or after it has been trapped or removed.
- Use gentle techniques to coax them out: Employ a combination of “light, noise, and smell” to convince them to leave on their own accord. This can include shining bright lights into their hole, playing loud music, and placing a bowl of cider vinegar or a few ammonia-soaked rags to create an unpleasant environment in their den.
- Soak rags in ammonia: Soak rags in ammonia and place them as close to their nest as safely possible. You may also want to position soaked rags near all possible entrances.
It’s important to note that raccoons are powerful animals, so only seal up a crawl space once you are certain that there are no more animals or babies inside.
After sealing, clean, disinfect, sanitize, and deodorize the interior to discourage raccoons from attempting to nest or harbor in the same area.
For additional information you can refer to our guide on ‘How to get rid of Raccoons.’
Risks of Having Raccoons Inside Crawl Spaces
Having raccoons inside crawl spaces can pose several risks, including:
- Damage to the home: Raccoons can cause significant harm to the crawl space by tearing insulation, chewing through electrical wiring, and damaging air ducts.
- Fire hazard: Raccoons that chew through electrical wiring can create a fire hazard.
- Health risks: Raccoons can carry diseases and parasites, such as roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and pets through their feces.
- Foul odor: Raccoons can generate a foul odor in the crawl space due to their waste and urine.
- Noise: Raccoons can be noisy, especially at night, which can disrupt sleep.
It is crucial to address raccoon infestations in crawl spaces promptly to prevent further damage and health risks.
Repairing the Damage Caused by Raccoons in Crawl Spaces
These are the essential steps to repair the damage caused by raccoons in crawl spaces:
- Remove the raccoons: Before making any repairs, it’s crucial to remove the raccoons from the crawl space. This can be achieved using live cage traps or by hiring a professional wildlife removal service.
- Assess the damage: Once the raccoons have been removed, assess the damage they have caused. This may include torn insulation, chewed electrical wiring, and damaged air ducts.
- Clean up the area: Raccoons can leave behind feces and urine, creating a foul odor and health risks. Thoroughly clean the area, including disinfecting and deodorizing the crawl space.
- Repair the damage: Repair any damage caused by the raccoons, such as replacing insulation, repairing electrical wiring, and fixing air ducts.
- Prevent future infestations: Regularly inspect and repair the crawl space to prevent future raccoon infestations. This involves sealing any openings and removing attractants, such as bird feeders and pet food, from the area.
It is important to hire a professional wildlife removal service to handle raccoon removal from crawl spaces and perform any necessary repairs. Raccoons can be dangerous and carry diseases, so it is best to leave the job to the experts.
Estimated Associated Costs
The cost of repairing raccoon damage in crawl spaces can vary significantly, contingent upon the extent of the damage and the home’s location. Estimated costs based on search results reveal a range of potential expenses:
Repairing damaged ductwork and torn insulation in crawl spaces due to raccoon damage can exceed $900. The cost of repairs for raccoon-induced damage can span from $100 to $3,000, contingent on the specific area of the home affected.
For instance, repairing damage to the yard may cost between $100 and $700, while addressing roof damage could range from $300 to $1,500.
Cleanup following a raccoon infestation typically ranges from $300 to $500, covering the sanitization of a 100-square-foot area by removing nests, damaged insulation, debris, and feces. Raccoon removal services may offer repair work after removing the animals, with costs typically falling between $200 and $500.
For sealing raccoon entry points, the cost can vary between $20 and $50 per opening. Customized repairs require an on-site assessment by a specialist, and the total expense can approximate $350 to $500.
It’s essential to bear in mind that these costs are only estimates and can fluctuate based on the specific circumstances of the raccoon infestation and the necessary repairs.
For an accurate estimate of the cost of repairing raccoon damage in crawl spaces, it is advisable to seek a professional inspection and quote.
How to Prevent Raccoons from Coming Back to Crawl Spaces
Here are some ways to prevent raccoons from returning to crawl spaces:
- Regular inspection and repair: Conducting regular inspections and repairs of the crawl space can help prevent raccoons from entering in the first place. Seal any openings and address any damage to the crawl space.
- Eliminate attractants: Raccoons are drawn to food sources like garbage and pet food. Keep garbage cans securely closed and bring pet food inside at night.
- Use deterrents: Place rags soaked in ammonia near the entrance of the crawl space. You can also use bright lights and loud music to make the area less appealing to raccoons.
- Install barriers: Install barriers, such as mesh or wire, around crawl space vents to prevent raccoons from entering.
- Trim trees: Trim trees that overhang the roof or crawl space to deny raccoons access to the area.
It’s important to note that prevention is crucial to avoiding raccoon infestations in crawl spaces. Regular inspection and repair, elimination of attractants, and the use of deterrents can effectively deter raccoons from returning.
