"Banish Raccoons: How to Effectively Remove Them from Under Your Deck"

Discovering raccoons living beneath your deck can be unsettling, but it's crucial to address the situation promptly to prevent property damage and ensure the safety of both your family and the animals. This guide will walk you through the process of getting rid of raccoons under your deck in a humane and effective manner.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are intelligent, adaptable, and nocturnal creatures that are naturally drawn to the safety and shelter provided by decks. They can enter through small gaps and cracks, and once inside, they may create nests, causing damage to your deck's structure and insulation. To effectively remove raccoons, it's essential to understand their behavior and habits.

• Active hours: Raccoons are most active at night, so you'll likely notice them leaving or returning to their nest around dusk or dawn.
• Nesting habits: Raccoons prefer to nest in dry, enclosed spaces, such as attics, chimneys, and, of course, decks. They often return to the same nest year after year.
• Food sources: Raccoons are omnivorous and will consume a wide range of food, including fruits, nuts, insects, and even pet food left outdoors. They may also scavenge for food in your trash cans.

Identifying Raccoon Activity Under Your Deck

Before attempting to remove raccoons, it's crucial to confirm their presence and assess the extent of the infestation. Some common signs of raccoon activity under your deck include:

• Noises, such as scratching, thumping, or chattering, especially at night
• Foul odors, indicating the presence of droppings or urine
• Visible damage to your deck's structure or insulation
• Trash cans knocked over or scattered
• Pet food or birdseed missing from outdoor feeders

Steps to Remove Raccoons from Under Your Deck

1. Safety First

Before proceeding with any removal efforts, ensure that you and your property are safe. Raccoons can be aggressive when cornered or protecting their young, so it's essential to take precautions to avoid potential injuries. Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and sturdy boots to protect yourself from scratches and bites. Additionally, keep children and pets away from the area during the removal process.

2. Locate and Seal Entry Points

Inspect your deck thoroughly to identify any gaps, cracks, or holes that raccoons may be using to enter and exit. Use a flashlight to examine the underside of your deck, as well as any nearby trees or structures that could serve as access points. Once you've located all entry points, seal them using hardware cloth, sheet metal, or foam sealant. Make sure to use materials that are strong enough to withstand raccoon chewing and clawing.

Entry Point	Recommended Sealant
Gaps and cracks	Hardware cloth, sheet metal, or foam sealant
Holes in decking	Plywood or sheet metal
Gaps around pipes or vents	Expanding foam or hardware cloth

3. Exclude Raccoons Humanely

If there are raccoons currently living under your deck, you'll need to exclude them humanely before sealing the entry points. The most effective method is to use a one-way door, which allows the raccoons to leave but prevents them from re-entering. To create a one-way door, temporarily seal all but one entry point, then attach a piece of hardware cloth or sheet metal to the remaining opening, with the open end facing outwards. This will allow the raccoons to exit but not return.

Alternatively, you can use a live trap to catch and relocate the raccoons. Bait the trap with a strong-smelling food, such as fish or chicken, and place it near the entry point. Once the raccoons are inside the trap, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency to have them humanely removed and relocated.

4. Clean and Disinfect the Area

After the raccoons have been removed, it's essential to clean and disinfect the area under your deck to eliminate any remaining odors, droppings, or urine. Wear protective clothing and use a solution of bleach and water or a commercial disinfectant to thoroughly clean the area. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective use.

5. Prevent Future Infestations

To prevent raccoons from returning to your deck, take steps to make your property less appealing to them. Store trash cans in a secure location, such as a garage or shed, and use locking lids to prevent raccoons from accessing the contents. Keep pet food and birdseed indoors, and secure any outdoor pet food or birdseed feeders. Additionally, trim tree branches that overhang your deck, as raccoons can use them to gain access to the area.

When to Call a Professional

In some cases, it may be necessary to call a professional pest control or wildlife removal service to assist with raccoon removal. If you suspect that there are baby raccoons (kits) present, or if the infestation is extensive, it's best to leave the job to the experts. They have the necessary equipment and training to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property.

Additionally, if you're unsure about how to seal entry points or create a one-way door, a professional can provide guidance and ensure that the job is done correctly. By taking the time to address a raccoon infestation promptly and effectively, you can protect your property and ensure the safety of both your family and the raccoons.