A Guide To Raccoons Found In New York & Connecticut

What Are Raccoons?

Due to the distinctive black mask of fur around their eyes, raccoons are fairly easy to recognize and identify. They are a medium size mammal, (similar in size to a house cat) that is black and grey in color with a ringed tail. They are nocturnal animals that rely heavily on us for food and even shelter. They eat a wide range of food including meats, fish, pet food, seeds, insects, fruits, vegetables, and whatever else they can find in your trash. Raccoons can be found living in both urban and rural areas.

a raccoon on a residence in long island new york

Things You Should Know:

Raccoons are nocturnal.

Raccoons are aggressive and will bite if they feel threatened.

They are smart pests and can be very destructive to properties.

Why Are They In My House?

Raccoons are often first attracted to homes because of easy food sources that they find like dog or cat food, and unsecured trash cans. They will then make their way into your home during the winter months in order to have a warm place to live and nest in that is close proximity to their food source. Come spring time if your raccoon problem has not been eliminated your home, or more likely your attic, can become filled with baby raccoons.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Yes, raccoons are considered to be dangerous animals. Raccoons may look cute and cuddly but they can become aggressive if they feel cornered or threatened (especially mama), and will not hesitate to bite or scratch. Along with being aggressive, raccoons are carriers of rabies, making a scratch or bite from this animal even more dangerous. Raccoons are also destructive to properties; they can damage homes and other buildings both inside and out.

What Does It Take To Get Rid Of Raccoons?

The best way to get rid of raccoons is to call a professional wildlife removal expert. These pests can be aggressive, and dangerous and cause injury to people if not properly handled. At Parkway our technicians have the experience and training necessary to safely remove raccoons from your property. For more information about our humane raccoon removal services, contact our professionals at Parkway Pest Services.

Helpful Articles About Raccoons

The Best Way To Keep Long Island Raccoons Away From My Home

How Soon Can You Get Here?

At Parkway we offer emergency and same day service, or we can be there in most cases the very next day. We understand that discovering raccoons in your home can be a stressful event, so we want to eliminate these pests from your home as quickly as possible for you.

Is The Treatment Safe?

At Parkway, we pride ourselves in using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which means the use of far fewer chemicals and only using them as a last resort. We focus on baiting and exclusion of pests including raccoons. These methods of getting rid of raccoons are much safer for you and your family.

How Can I Prevent A Future Infestation?

Preventing raccoons or any wildlife pest can be a difficult task but there are some things that you can do around your home to help prevent them. Make sure that trash cans have a secure lid on them and that they are stored away from the exterior of your home. If you have a compost area, make sure that it is kept a distance away from your home. Always pick up uneaten dog or cat food that is kept outside; never leave it out overnight. Make sure that your chimney has a secure cap on it and that any loose or missing roof shingles are replaced. Also having a home pest protection plan from Parkway Pest Services will help to give you the peace of mind that raccoons and other pests will be controlled in and around your home.

PestGuard Protection

Designed to control the basic needs of pest control, this plan effectively protects your home from occasional invaders that are frequently encountered as well as most wood destroying insects. In addition to controlling carpenter ants, cockroaches and other insects and rodents, this home pest control plan includes treatment of yellow jackets within two feet of the dwelling. With our friendly and knowledgeable exterminators on the job, you can say goodbye to ants in the kitchen, mice in the attic and the other pests scattered throughout the house.