Last year we took in over 200 raccoon kits for care, many of who were orphaned because their mom made her home in someone’s attic, and pest control dispatched her (as we believe they are required to do by statute when a rabies vector species is found inside someone’s home). Now is the perfect time to prepare your home to keep out (or get rid of) unwanted critters, and to allow mama raccoons (and others) to find somewhere safe to have their babies. Several recommendations are:

• Install flood lights or motion-activated lights around your house/in your attic – having a bright light constantly glaring will make a seemingly suitable nest real unwelcoming real fast;
• Keep branches and other vegetation trimmed to at least six feet away from your house;
• Hire a specialist to perform an inspection and conduct wildlife exclusion work and seal gaps and access areas or install chimney toppers (trust us, much cheaper to do it now, than to wait until you have an issue)
• Blast loud music in your attic/crawlspaces where wildlife may inhabit;
• Soak rags with deterrent smells – ammonia, red pepper, vinegar – or leave moth balls in attics/crawlspaces;
• Do not store bird seed or pet food outside, as it can attract animals to come closer to your home.

If you suspect an animal has already moved in, the lights, foul smells and noise will drive them out with enough time for them to find a new home.