How would you pick a raccoon removal company?
As a homeowner, you will likely go to great lengths to keep your home safe. For example, you may have invested in several home security measures such as alarm systems and video doorbells. However, these protocols don’t always come in handy when dealing with unwanted visitors such as raccoons and other forms of wildlife.
As a result, it's important that you deal with this issue both quickly and humanely, as this will bring around the best outcomes for your family, your property, and your latest houseguest.
Why do raccoons enter homes?
There are various reasons why raccoons may enter your home, though they will usually be searching for shelter, warmth, and food. In some cases, this is because their natural habitat has been destroyed and they are simply looking for a safe space to call home. For example, recent building work in your area may have destroyed their den.
Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, which is often the main push towards them entering your home and rifling through your bins. This means that you should be wary of leaving any food uncovered within your home, even for short periods of time. Once they’ve gained access, however, they have been known to hide in various different areas of the home, such as:
- Chimneys
- Barns
- Porches
- Basements
- Lofts/attics
Usually, you will be able to determine fairly quickly whether or not a raccoon has entered your home, even if you have not encountered them face-to-face.
For example, if they have entered in search of food, you may find that garbage bags and other containers have been torn open, tipped over, or otherwise disturbed. You may also notice signs of damage throughout your property that indicate the presence of a wildlife infestation, such as feces, droppings, urine, and scratches or claw marks on surfaces. Of course, you may also be able to hear the animals in question moving around your home.
Due to the hazards and health risks associated with wild animals, it's important that you reach out to a professional removal company sooner rather than later. After all, raccoons (and similar species) are known to carry a variety of diseases that present a significant threat to human life, such as typhus, rabies, Lyme disease, tick paralysis, bubonic plague, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
How would you pick a raccoon removal company?
There are various different factors you must consider when selecting a raccoon removal company, such as:
Experience levels. Wild animals can be unpredictable, which is why it is not advised that you try to remove them yourself (Raccoons will also attack when threatened, especially if they are caring for children). Conversely, experienced wildlife removers will know exactly how to deal with the situation, and will also have access to all of the necessary equipment to remove animals from your property.
Certifications. You should always ensure that you are hiring true professionals when it comes to wildlife removal, as this reduces the chances of you dealing with a repeat issue in the future. As a result, you should not be afraid to ask your provider about their certifications, training, and previous experience.
Customer support. Finding out you have some kind of animal in your home is always a little alarming. As a result, you may have 101 questions running around your mind, and working with the right raccoon removal company can put all your worries at bay as they talk you through what has happened, what they’re going to do, and what you can do to ensure it does not happen again. For example, they may be able to provide you with advice on preventive measures you can place throughout your home. Furthermore, you should also request a home visit ahead of time, as unless you have encountered the raccoon directly you may not know what kind of issue you are dealing with. A quick home visit with a Specialized Wildlife Apprehension Technician will identify the issue.
Humane removal. Whether you’re dealing with a raccoon infestation or squirrels, it's important to remember that the animal has not entered your home with the intention of causing you harm or threatening your health. They’re simply trying to survive. As a result, you should look for a company that offers human removal surfaces, where the animals in question do not come to any harm. You should ask plenty of questions ahead of time to ensure that they are taken to a more suitable home environment after the removal, such as to their natural habitat.
Reviews. One of the easiest ways to determine whether or not you can trust a company is by checking out their reviews. This will provide you with insight into the level of customer service and care you can expect, alongside how the removal process works. As a result, it can give you great peace of mind if you determine that they’ve handled similar cases before.
Reinfestation prevention. Once the animal has been removed, it's important that your raccoon removal company also helps you to prevent re-infestation. For exmaple, they should carry out another home inspection to ensure that all potential entry points for animals (such as gaps/cracks in foundations) are closed off and secure. This way, there’s no way for unwanted houseguests to make their way back into your home. Try to lookout for a company that offer a success guarantee.
Need help? Get in touch today!
If you’re dealing with any kind of wildlife infestation, from raccoons to rats, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. At Swat Wildlife, we have years of experience in safely and humanely removing animals from homes across Toronto. From your first inquiry, we’ll work with you to identify the scope of the problem and ensure your home is your own again in no time.
Furthemore, we endevor to provide all of our expert services for a fair and reasonable price, no matter what kind of budget you are working with. Get in touch today to find out more or for a free quote.