by TRINDGROUP
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October 1, 2022, is National Raccoon Day, a time to acknowledge the role raccoons play in our environment. Although seen as a nuisance by many, raccoons play a key role in their ecosystems.
Despite these benefits, it is still important to understand the risks associated with human and raccoon interaction. Raccoons carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to humans and can cause damage to the infrastructure of your home or business.
Are Raccoons Beneficial?
Raccoons are widely known as a nuisance. Just think of the many movie depictions of people finding a raccoon on their porch or in their home and chasing it away with a broom. This comes from a variety of misconceptions that surround the masked mammal. For example, it is a common theme to assume all raccoons are rabid and will purposefully bite you, making people fearful when they encounter raccoons. 
The reality is raccoons are not a natural menace. While they will scratch and bite if they feel threatened, raccoons are typically not aggressive towards humans. Most often if you encounter a raccoon in or around your home, they are looking for food, making a shelter or nesting to raise babies.
Did you know raccoons positively impact the environment and ecosystem? They also help in urban areas like cities and even near your home. Here are some of the ways raccoons positively impact the world around them:
- Spreading plants, trees and flowers—Raccoons consume fruits, seeds and nuts and then expel them to other areas. Although it’s not pollination, this process has given raccoons the nickname of a land bee because of the similarity to a bee’s role in the environment.
- Protecting Bees – Bees are essential for plants to thrive. One of the main threats to bees is wasps which raccoons help keep at bay by eating their larvae and preventing them from colonizing.
- Renewing the soil—Raccoons are known for digging. When they dig to find food such as worms and insects, they generate soil turnover and promote decomposition.
- Keeping rodents away—Mice and rats are intelligent animals, so they tend to avoid areas where raccoons are as they are the main predator of rodents. Although you may not enjoy raccoons digging around in your trash, they are most likely repelling other wildlife nuisances away from your home in the process.
Know the Signs of Raccoons in Your Home and the Associated Risks
National Raccoon Day is intended to educate people on the benefits raccoons offer and the role they play in our ecosystem. While they are helpful creatures in nature, you do not want this masked mammal taking residence in your home. No matter how cute raccoons may seem, they have the potential to carry diseases that can harm people. Raccoons are highly susceptible to rabies, leptospirosis and roundworms, among other harmful diseases and parasites.
Raccoons can also cause damage to areas of your home including cables, air vents, insulation and other items when building their nest. They are constantly on the prowl for the perfect place to nest and are commonly found in attics, basements and the walls of homes. Look for signs such as raccoon footprints, scratch marks, droppings and disheveled trash. All of these can indicate raccoons may be near or in your home.
As the cooler months approach, raccoon activity in homes will become more prevalent. If you find yourself with raccoons in your home, don’t try to remove them yourself. Call professionals who have the expertise and experience with humanely removing nuisance wildlife. The team at Go Pro Wildlife Removal works daily to uphold our mission of bridging the gap between human interaction and protecting wildlife by humanely removing critters so our customers stay healthy and safe.
National Raccoon Day is all about appreciating the good things raccoons do for the world around them. Although they would not make a good housemate, raccoons are not the menacing nuisance many people assume them to be. If you come across the masked mammal in your home, seek the help of professionals like our team at Go Pro Wildlife to ensure your safety and humane removal of the critter. Give us a call at 334-744-0391 or visit our website to schedule your FREE INSPECTION today.
Hello Winter, Goodbye Wildlife
As the colder months creep in and winter officially begins, homeowners turn to their heating systems and fireplaces to stay warm. The winter season also signals to local wildlife that it’s time to locate a warm, dry shelter. Even though wildlife may not officially be on your winter guest list, keep reading for tips to prevent critters from entering your home.
Hello Winter, Goodbye Wildlife
As the colder months creep in and winter officially begins, homeowners turn to their heating systems and fireplaces to stay warm. The winter season also signals to local wildlife that it’s time to locate a warm, dry shelter. Even though wildlife may not officially be on your winter guest list, keep reading for tips to prevent critters from entering your home.
Are Christmas Decorations the Only Thing In Your Attic?
Your attic may have more than just Christmas decorations this holiday season. Educate yourself on the signs of wildlife potentially making themselves at home in your attic.
Animal Safety and Protection Month
October is Animal Safety and Protection Month, educating and reminding people of the ethical and kind treatment that all creatures should be shown, from domestic pets to wild animals.
How to Protect Your Lake House from Wildlife While You Are Away
As the summer fun comes to an end and you prepare to leave your lake house for the fall season, it is important to take the necessary measures to ensure that wildlife does not invade your space while you are away. When leaving your lake house unoccupied during the colder months, it’s only natural for wildlife to search for a warm place to take shelter. To prevent unwanted animals from making themselves at home, Go Pro Wildlife Removal can take the worry off your hands by assisting with preventative measures.
What’s That Noise in My Chimney?
Homes with chimneys are often targets of wildlife. If you have heard strange noises coming from inside your chimney, you are not alone. There are many misconceptions about the types of wildlife that may be seeking shelter and taking up residence in your chimney. Often homeowners think they have bats, when in fact, there is a higher chance it is another type of flying animal.
Contact Info
Service Areas: Contact Go Pro today! We offer wildlife removal solutions in Auburn, Opelika, Lake Martin, Valley, Montgomery, AL and Columbus, GA areas.
Phone: (334) 744-0391
Hours: Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Human-Animal Relationship Awareness week. Go Pro Wildlife Removal bridges the gap between humans and animals while promoting healthy relationships between the two.
Homeowners never expect wildlife like raccoons, rodents or squirrels to cause problems within their dwelling, but issues can arise more often than one might expect.
Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week was created by the Institute of Animals and Society to highlight the connection between humans and animals and to promote a more positive attitude towards the well-being of animals.
The sight of a raccoon may not raise any concern to some homeowners. Raccoons are oftentimes mistaken for cute, harmless animals that coexist around our homes.
