Having raccoons in the walls is a pressing issue that homeowners often encounter. These elusive creatures can find their way into our homes, seeking shelter and causing potential damage.
In this article, we will delve into the challenges posed by raccoons infiltrating your walls, from the signs of their presence to the risks they bring.
Discover effective prevention strategies, humane removal methods, and how to restore your home’s safety and peace. Let’s explore the world of “Raccoons in the Walls” and learn how to protect your living space from these uninvited guests
How to Remove Raccoons in the Walls
Here are some effective methods for removing raccoons from your walls:
- Locate the Entry Point: Begin by identifying the main entry point through which the raccoon is accessing the wall. You can achieve this by listening for any noises or inspecting the exterior of your house for signs of damage.
- Use Gentle Encouragement: Once you’ve pinpointed the raccoon’s hiding spot, employ gentle techniques to coax it out. These methods may include shining bright lights into its hiding place, playing loud music, or placing a bowl of cider vinegar or ammonia-soaked rags nearby to create an unpleasant odor in its den.
- Consider Wall Access: If the raccoon remains trapped and cannot be coaxed out, you may need to cut a hole in the wall to access the cavity and safely remove the trapped animal. Be sure to wear thick gloves and protective clothing to minimize contact.
- Utilize a Snare Pole: In cases where the raccoon has taken refuge in the attic, you can attempt to capture it using a snare pole. Reach it from the top of the wall and carefully guide it out.
- Exercise Caution: It’s crucial to recognize that raccoons are strong creatures. Only seal up your home once you’re absolutely certain that there are no more raccoons or their babies inside.
After sealing the entry point, thoroughly clean, disinfect, sanitize, and deodorize the area to discourage raccoons from returning or nesting there again.
As an alternative, you can turn to our comprehensive guide titled ‘How to get rid of Raccoons.’
Risks of Having Raccoons in the Walls
Having raccoons in the walls can pose several risks to both humans and pets. Here are some of the dangers associated with raccoons in the walls:
- Disease Transmission: Raccoons can carry several diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella, and raccoon roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and pets through contact with their urine, feces, or saliva.
- Structural Damage: Raccoons can cause significant damage to the structure of a home, such as chewing through wires, insulation, and drywall, resulting in costly repairs.
- Fire Hazard: Raccoons have been known to chew through electrical wires, creating a serious fire hazard.
- Noise Pollution: Raccoons can be noisy, particularly at night, disrupting sleep and causing stress.
It’s crucial to address raccoon infestations promptly to mitigate these risks. Professional wildlife removal services can safely and effectively eliminate raccoons from the walls and prevent future infestations.
Furthermore, cleaning and disinfecting the area after removal can help reduce the risk of disease transmission.
How to Repair Damage Caused by Raccoons in the Walls
There are various methods for addressing damage caused by raccoons in your walls, you can start by:
- Evaluate the Extent of Damage: Before embarking on any repairs, thoroughly assess the damage inflicted by the raccoons. Inspect the walls, insulation, and electrical wiring for visible signs of harm.
- Consider Professional Assistance: In cases of extensive damage, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional. Professional wildlife removal specialists can ensure that all raccoons have been removed from the walls before commencing repairs.
- Replace Damaged Insulation: If the raccoons have damaged the insulation within the walls, it will need to be replaced. This involves removing the compromised insulation and installing new material.
- Address Electrical Wiring: In instances where the raccoons have chewed through electrical wiring, it is imperative to repair or replace the damaged sections. This task should be entrusted to a licensed electrician for safety and compliance.
- Secure Entry Points: To prevent future raccoon infestations, it is crucial to seal all potential entry points into the walls. Materials like steel mesh or expanding foam can be employed to seal gaps or holes effectively.
- Sanitize the Area: After completing the necessary repairs, thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected area to mitigate disease transmission risks. Utilize a disinfectant spray or solution to cleanse the walls and the surrounding space.
It is paramount to promptly address raccoon infestations to prevent further wall damage and potential health hazards. Furthermore, homeowners may find that their insurance policies cover the costs associated with raccoon-related repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Raccoon Damage in the Walls?
The expense of repairing raccoon damage within your walls can fluctuate significantly, contingent upon the extent of the destruction and your home’s location. Estimated costs from various sources include:
| Forbes Home | Suggests raccoon cages for trapping priced at $50 to $150 each, excluding repair expenses; |
| HomeAdvisor | Indicates trap costs ranging from $30 to $150 with potential additional costs based on local regulations; |
| Fixr.com | Repair costs between $100 and $3,000, depending on the damage location, such as $100 to $700 for yard repairs or $1,000 to $3,000 for basement repairs; |
| HowMuch.net | Total removal and repair costs from $155 to $2,100, covering various components like live traps, initial inspection, exclusion barriers, cleanup, sanitization, and damage repair; |
| Today’s Homeowner | Removal costs typically between $200 and $600 but excluding repair costs; |
| HomeGuide | Estimates removal costs of $200 to $300 per raccoon but not including repair expenses |
Given this variability, it’s advisable to obtain a professional assessment and repair estimate for a more precise cost calculation.
How to Prevent Raccoons in the Walls
To deter raccoons from accessing your walls, employ these preventive strategies:
- Seal Entry Points: Raccoons can slip through small gaps and holes, so meticulously seal all potential entry points, including openings around pipes, vents, and utility lines.
- Landscape Maintenance: Trim trees and bushes away from your home to thwart raccoons’ climbing and jumping abilities, preventing them from reaching the roof.
- Secure Trash Cans: Raccoons are lured by accessible food sources, so secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a secure location.
- Food Source Removal: Eradicate potential food sources from your yard, such as pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Employ motion-activated sprinklers as effective raccoon deterrents. They activate upon movement and startle raccoons with a sudden spray of water.
- Exclusion Fences: Install exclusion fences to safeguard areas like compost piles and fish ponds from raccoon intrusion.
- Humane Removal Methods: In case you already have a raccoon within the walls, opt for humane removal techniques, such as live trapping or the installation of a one-way door to allow the raccoon to exit safely.
By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of raccoons infiltrating your home’s walls.
If you suspect a raccoon presence within the walls, promptly seek assistance from a professional wildlife removal service for safe and effective removal.
