March Raccoon Removal Tips: Urban & Rural Homeowners Guide
As winter fades and spring arrives, raccoons become more active in both urban and rural areas. March is the start of their birthing season, making it a crucial time for homeowners to take preventative measures against unwanted guests. Whether you live in a bustling city neighborhood or a quiet countryside home, here are some essential tips to keep raccoons at bay.
Urban Homeowners: Protecting Your Home from Raccoons
Raccoons thrive in cities due to the abundance of food and shelter. If you live in an urban area, follow these steps to reduce the risk of raccoons invading your property:
- Secure Trash Bins – Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage. Use bins with locking lids or secure them with bungee cords to prevent easy access.
- Inspect Your Home for Entry Points – Raccoons can squeeze into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. Check for holes, loose vents, or broken soffits and seal them properly.
- Eliminate Food Sources – Avoid leaving pet food, bird seed, or fallen fruit outside. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will return if they find an easy meal.
- Light Up Dark Areas – Motion-activated lights around your home can deter raccoons from exploring your property.
- Secure Your Chimney – Installing a chimney cap prevents raccoons from nesting inside, which is common in early spring.
Rural Homeowners: Keeping Raccoons Away from Your Property
Rural homes and farms offer raccoons ample food sources and shelter. To prevent infestations, consider these tips:
- Protect Livestock & Pets – Raccoons are known to raid chicken coops. Ensure your coop is well-secured with heavy-duty mesh and locks.
- Store Animal Feed Properly – Keep livestock and pet food in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
- Secure Outbuildings & Barns – Regularly inspect sheds, barns, and garages for openings where raccoons could nest.
- Use Natural Deterrents – Ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine (available at outdoor stores) can discourage raccoons from settling near your home.
- Manage Compost & Gardens – If you compost, use a sealed bin rather than an open pile. Install fencing around gardens to keep raccoons from feasting on crops.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation
Whether urban or rural, watch for these signs of raccoons on your property:
- Scratching or thumping sounds in the attic or walls
- Torn shingles or soffits
- Overturned trash bins
- Disturbed gardens or missing poultry
What to Do If You Have a Raccoon Problem
If you suspect raccoons have moved in, avoid handling the situation yourself, as they can carry diseases like rabies and raccoon roundworm. Instead, contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove them.
By taking these precautions, you can keep your home raccoon-free this spring and avoid costly damage. Stay proactive and enjoy the beauty of March without unwanted wildlife guests!
