Raccoons During the Winter: What Do They Do?
With their iconic mask-like facial markings, light brown to reddish-brown fur, and banded tails, raccoons are easy to recognize. These critters are known for their destructive tendencies and penchant for getting into garbage, which is how they got the nickname “trash panda.” Additionally, these masked bandits can cause damage to homes and other buildings year-round.
With decades in the pest and wildlife control business, Catseye Pest Control has handled raccoon removal calls during every season. Learn more about raccoon winter activity, including what to expect throughout this chilly season. We’ll provide tips on what to do to prevent raccoons from entering your house and share advice for dealing with the situation if one does make its way inside.
Raccoon Habitat and Activity
Raccoons are common throughout the United States, including here in the Northeast. Unlike other animals, raccoons benefit from the expansion of humans into previously rural areas. These scavengers, or “dumpster divers” as they are sometimes called, enjoy greater access to easy food when humans plant gardens, install bird feeders, and take out garbage. Raccoons are incredibly adaptable and capable of making comfortable homes in various habits, including urban and suburban areas.
Although they can live anywhere, raccoons tend to choose areas like hollow tree cavities, brush piles, sheds, and other manmade structures to make their dens. These animals eat just about anything, from fruits and nuts to insects and young birds. They also scavenge in chicken coops, garbage cans, dumpsters, farmland, and gardens to find food.
Do Raccoons Hibernate?
Many animals, including bears and groundhogs, spend winter in hibernation, which is a deep sleep state marked by a slowed heart rate and lower body temperature. Raccoons do not hibernate. Instead, they enter a state known as torpor. Also referred to as temporary hibernation, this involuntary state lasts for a few hours per day.
Is It Normal to See a Raccoon During the Winter?
Although raccoons don’t truly hibernate, some animals store up enough body fat to spend much of the winter in their dens. These creatures can be active year-round, so it’s possible to see raccoons out during the day searching for food. You are more likely to see them on warmer days when they will be out looking for food before temperatures fall again.
Additionally, it’s not impossible that raccoons will make their dens in your crawlspace or attic.
How to Deter Raccoons from Moving In
Like other animals, raccoons may be attracted to your home or business because they are looking for warmth, food, and shelter during winter. Although no do-it-yourself measures offer a guarantee, taking preventive steps can reduce the likelihood of seeing raccoons in the winter or any other time of year.
Raccoon Exclusion
Close off gaps, cracks, and openings to prevent entry. Raccoon exclusion effectively seals potential entry points to keep wildlife out. Inspect the attic, foundation, and crawl space. Installing caps on chimneys and securing pet doors can be helpful.
Startle Them
Raccoons seek out quiet spaces. Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers outside to startle raccoons and potentially scare them away from your property.
Store Food in Rigid Plastic, Glass, or Metal Containers
Raccoons will seek out food, so they are more likely to enter dwellings and other buildings if they smell food, even if it’s only pet food. Store food items in tightly lidded containers and invest in raccoon-proof garbage receptacles to make your home and property less inviting.
What Should I Do if a Raccoon Is in My Home or Business?
First, if you see a raccoon inside or on your property, don’t panic. Avoid confronting the animal and keep your children and pets away from it. Raccoons don’t attack indiscriminately. However, when cornered, these critters will defend themselves.
Open doors and windows and give the raccoon plenty of space. Hopefully, the animal will decide to be cautious and head for the nearest exit. However, if the raccoon won’t leave or you suspect it has built a den in your attic, crawlspace, or other area, contact Catseye for professional removal.
Raccoon Control and Exclusion Services from Professionals
Dealing with wildlife on your own is rarely recommended. Raccoons can carry dangerous pathogens, including rabies, which causes neurological symptoms and can be fatal if left untreated. The professionals at Catseye have the experience, education, and equipment needed to safely and humanely remove wildlife of all types.
Even better, what if there was a way to stop raccoons from ever entering your home or business at all? Residential Exclusion Systems and Commercial Exclusion Systems provide a safe, humane, chemical-free barrier. These permanent preventive systems provide targeted protection for vulnerable areas, or you can use them to achieve total protection, from the roof to the basement.
Contact Catseye for Peace of Mind in Every Season
Winter, spring, summer, and fall — like so many other pests, raccoons remain active throughout every season. Protect your home or business by partnering with professionals who have decades of experience dealing with pesky problems. Contact Catseye today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection.
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