At Grade A Critter, we have witnessed firsthand how raccoons can disrupt homes and properties in a variety of ways. If you’ve experienced the frustration of waking up to find your lawn scattered with trash and debris from tipped-over garbage cans, you're not alone. These highly resourceful animals use their dexterous paws to pry open an astonishing range of containers. The mess they leave behind is concerning, but it’s the other risks they bring with them that pose a more serious threat to your home.

The Problems Caused by Raccoons

Raccoons are carriers of numerous diseases, some of which can pose significant risks to human health. Rabies is perhaps the most commonly known disease associated with raccoons, but they also spread parasites such as ticks and fleas, which can infect both humans and pets. While raccoons are generally non-confrontational, they can become highly aggressive when cornered or threatened. This defensive behavior increases the risk to your pets, as raccoons will fiercely protect themselves if provoked.

Another often-overlooked nuisance is the noise raccoons create. As nocturnal animals, raccoons are just starting their day when you're winding down for a peaceful night's sleep. The chittering, scratching, and occasional vocalizations can disrupt your rest, turning an otherwise quiet evening into a frustrating ordeal. Their noise can be especially problematic when they explore your property, as they are not shy about making their presence known.

The Dangers of DIY Raccoon Control

You may consider addressing the raccoon problem with a do-it-yourself trap, but this approach is fraught with risks. Capturing a raccoon without proper equipment and experience can be hazardous. These animals carry diseases and can become highly aggressive when threatened. Furthermore, even if you successfully trap one, you face the challenge of determining where to release it. Many areas require permits for the release of trapped wildlife, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines.

A DIY solution often overlooks the root cause of the issue—what attracted the raccoons to your property in the first place. Without addressing these underlying factors, you may find yourself caught in a continuous cycle of trapping and relocating. Professional wildlife control services, such as those offered by Grade A Critter, provide humane and effective removal methods while also identifying and resolving the conditions that led to the infestation, offering a long-term solution.

Interesting Facts About Raccoons

Raccoons are fascinating creatures with remarkable abilities. They possess an extraordinarily developed sense of touch in their front paws, which are covered with numerous sensitive receptors. This heightened tactile ability aids them in their scavenging activities, allowing them to efficiently forage for food. Raccoons are also skilled swimmers, although they typically avoid water due to their dense underfur, which makes swimming more difficult. Their adaptability to various environments, from rural forests to urban landscapes, contributes to their success in thriving across diverse habitats.

Raccoons as a Significant Problem

Raccoons are not just an inconvenience; they pose serious challenges. They are among the primary wildlife species in the United States that carry rabies, and the damage they cause to property and agriculture is estimated to cost millions of dollars annually.

Professional Raccoon Control Services

If you're dealing with a raccoon problem in North Atlanta, you're not alone. Grade A Critter's team of experienced professionals is equipped to handle raccoon-related issues efficiently and safely. We understand the local ecology and use methods that are both effective and humane. Contact us today to address the problem and restore peace to your home. Let us handle the nuisance, so you can enjoy your property without worry.