Raccoons can use decks as play areas even though people love them as places to relax and get together outside. People have seen these curious and flexible animals wandering around decks and other places looking for food, protection, or just a cozy place to rest. It’s important to take effective raccoon-proofing steps to keep your outdoor space safe from raccoons and possible damage.
How to Understand Raccoon Behaviour:
Raccoons are known for having quick, dexterous paws and being good at fixing problems. There are several reasons why they might be interested in decks:
- Shelter: Decks offer a safe and protected area that raccoons like to use for nesting or getting out of the weather.
- Food Sources: Chopped up food, dropped seeds, and even small bugs on decks can draw raccoons looking for an easy meal.
- Comfortable Places to Rest: The bottom of decks can be a nice, quiet place for raccoons to rest during the day.
Effective ways to keep raccoons out:
- Deck Skirting: Raccoons won’t be able to get to the space below if you put up a strong deck skirting. To make a good barrier, use things like lattice or thick wood.
- Sealing Entry Points: Check your deck often for any holes, cracks, or other weaknesses that raccoons could use. Cover these entry places with strong materials to stop people from getting in without permission.
- Raccoons are often drawn to the smell of trash, so make sure your trash cans are locked. Make sure the lids on your trash cans fit tightly on top of them. This will make your deck less appealing as a possible food source.
- Movement-Activated Devices: You might want to put lights or sprinklers around your deck that turn on when you walk by. The quick activation of these devices can scare raccoons away, making them less likely to come closer.
- Get rid of things that could be food: Make sure your deck doesn’t have any food scraps, fallen fruit, or bird seed on it. Clean the area often to get rid of smells that raccoons might find appealing.
- Pet Food Management: If your dogs eat outside, make sure you take away their food right away after they eat. Raccoons eat whenever they can, and the smell of pet food might draw them.
Professional Services to Keep Raccoons Out:
For a complete and long-lasting answer, you might want to look into raccoon-proofing services. Wildlife removal professionals can look at your deck, find possible entry spots, and take steps that are right for you. Their knowledge makes sure that your deck is properly raccoon-proofed, giving you peace of mind and protecting your outdoor area.
For long-term prevention, do regular maintenance:
- Raccoon-proofing your deck isn’t something you can do just once; you have to keep an eye on it and keep it in good shape. Include these things in your daily life:
- Regular Checks: Look over your deck every so often for signs of damage, wear, or possible weak spots. Take care of any problems right away to keep raccoons from taking advantage of them.
- Trim any branches that hang over. Raccoons are very good at climbing. Cut back tree branches that hang over your deck to make it harder for people to get in.
- Protect Outdoor Furniture: Raccoons could use outdoor furniture to get up on the deck. Put furniture away or cover it when it’s not in use.
- Educate Neighbours: If raccoons are common in your area, work with your neighbours to take steps to keep them out. A community-wide attempt might work better.
In conclusion, raccoon-proofing your deck is a proactive and important step that homeowners need to take to protect their space. By learning about how raccoons act, using effective methods, and thinking about hiring professionals when needed, you can keep your deck a peaceful place to relax without having to deal with unwanted raccoon guests. Long-term raccoon-proofing efforts depend on regular upkeep and community education. This will help make sure that your outdoor space stays a place to relax and enjoy life.
Quality raccoon removal services in Port Perry are done by talented and seasoned wildlife control experts. Our technicians have the equipment for everything needed to expel raccoons from your commercial or private property.