Understanding the Need for Raccoon Removal in West Allis, WI
Dealing with raccoons around your property can be more than just a nuisance; it can pose significant health risks and cause considerable damage. These intelligent and adaptable animals are often attracted to residential areas looking for food and shelter, and once they find a comfortable spot, evicting them without professional help can be challenging and even dangerous. At West Allis Pest Pros, we specialize in providing safe, effective, and humane raccoon removal services throughout the West Allis area.
Here are common struggles homeowners face when encountering raccoons:
- ✅ Unsettling noises in attics or walls
- ✅ Damaged refuse containers and scattered trash
- ✅ Garden destruction and pilfered crops
- ✅ Potential for aggressive behavior, especially when cornered
- ✅ Risk of disease transmission (like rabies and roundworm)
- ✅ Structural damage to sheds, decks, or homes
We understand the stress and frustration that comes with a raccoon infestation. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to safely remove raccoons from your property and implement preventative measures to keep them from returning. Let us help you restore peace and security to your home.
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Why Choose West Allis Pest Pros for Raccoon Removal?
When it comes to wildlife control, especially with animals like raccoons known for their intelligence and resilience, trusting experienced professionals is paramount. West Allis Pest Pros is dedicated to providing top-tier raccoon removal services in West Allis, WI, built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and customer satisfaction.
- Experienced Technicians: Our team is highly trained and possesses in-depth knowledge of raccoon behavior and safe removal techniques.
- Humane Approach: We prioritize the ethical and humane removal of raccoons, relocating them whenever possible according to local regulations.
- Comprehensive Solutions: Beyond removal, we offer expert advice and services for exclusion and prevention to safeguard your property against future infestations.
- Licensed and Insured: For your peace of mind, West Allis Pest Pros is fully licensed and insured to perform wildlife control services in Wisconsin.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work and are committed to ensuring you are completely satisfied with our services.
Our commitment extends beyond simply removing the problem animal. We take pride in offering a thorough and effective solution that not only addresses the immediate issue but also provides long-term protection for your home and family. Your safety and peace of mind are our highest priorities.
Our Comprehensive Raccoon Removal Process
A successful raccoon removal operation requires a systematic and detailed approach. At West Allis Pest Pros, our process is designed to be as effective and unobtrusive as possible, focusing on both removing the current invaders and preventing future visits.
Thorough Inspection and Assessment
The first crucial step is a meticulous inspection of your property. Our trained technicians will examine all potential entry points, nesting sites, and areas showing signs of raccoon activity. This includes attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, decks, and sheds. We identify the extent of the infestation, the number of animals present, and any damage they may have caused. Understanding the specific situation allows us to develop a tailored removal strategy.
Identifying Entry Points
Raccoons are adept at finding and exploiting weaknesses in your home's structure. We pay close attention to damaged siding, compromised roofing, open vents, unsecured chimney caps, and gaps around pipes or wires. Identifying these entry points is critical for successful removal and prevention.
Assessing Damage
Beyond the presence of raccoons, their activity can lead to significant damage. This can include torn insulation, damaged wiring, soiled materials, and structural compromise. Our assessment includes a detailed evaluation of any damage to help you understand the repairs needed.
Safe and Humane Removal
Once the assessment is complete, we deploy our safe and humane removal methods. We prioritize methods that minimize stress to the animal and ensure the safety of your family and pets. Live trapping is often used in accordance with local regulations, allowing for the safe relocation of the captured animals.
Utilizing Live Traps
Using strategically placed live traps baited with attractive lures is a common and effective method. We monitor the traps regularly to ensure prompt handling of captured raccoons.
Exclusion Techniques
For situations where trapping isn't the primary method or in conjunction with trapping, we may utilize exclusion techniques. This involves identifying the main entry point the raccoons are using and installing a one-way door. This allows the animals to leave but prevents them from re-entering. This method is particularly useful when there's a female with young, allowing the mother to leave and relocate her kits.
Sanitation and Restoration
Raccoons leave behind waste that can be a health hazard and attract other pests. A vital part of our service is cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas. This includes removing feces, urine, and nesting materials.
Cleaning and Disinfection
We use specialized cleaning agents to disinfect areas where raccoons have been present, eliminating harmful bacteria and parasites. This helps to mitigate health risks and remove lingering odors that could attract other animals.
Damage Repair and Restoration
If damage has occurred, we can assist with or recommend repairs. This might involve repairing damaged insulation, sealing entry points, or addressing other structural issues caused by the raccoons. Restoring the area to its pre-infestation condition is crucial for preventing future problems.
Prevention and Exclusion
Simply removing the raccoons is often not enough to solve the problem permanently. Effective prevention and exclusion strategies are key to keeping your property critter-free in the long term.
Sealing Entry Points
Based on our initial inspection, we will seal all identified entry points using durable materials that raccoons cannot easily chew through or manipulate. This can include reinforcing vents, repairing damaged siding, and securing chimney caps.
Habitat Modification
Raccoons are often attracted to readily available food sources. We provide guidance on how to secure trash cans, clean up fallen fruit, and take other steps to make your property less appealing to these animals.
Ongoing Monitoring
In some cases, especially for persistent issues, we may recommend ongoing monitoring to ensure the problem is fully resolved and to catch any new activity early. Our commitment is to provide a comprehensive solution that gives you lasting peace of mind.
Signs You Might Need Raccoon Removal Services
Recognizing the signs of a raccoon infestation early can save you a lot of trouble and expense down the line. Raccoons are nocturnal, so you might not always see them during the day, but their presence often leaves clear evidence.
Noises in the Attic or Walls
One of the most common indicators of raccoons in your home is unusual noises coming from your attic, walls, or crawl spaces, particularly at night. These sounds can range from scratching and scurrying to thumping and growling. If you hear these noises, especially soon after dusk or before dawn, it’s a strong sign of active wildlife. Raccoons are relatively large animals, so their movements within confined spaces can be quite audible. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further damage and a more established infestation.
Overturned Trash Cans and Scattered Garbage
Raccoons are notorious for raiding trash cans. They are intelligent and strong enough to open lids and tip over containers in search of food. If you consistently find your trash cans overturned and garbage scattered around your property, especially in West Allis, it’s a clear sign that raccoons are frequenting your yard. This not only creates a mess but also attracts other pests and can pose a health risk.
Damage to Your Property
Raccoons can cause significant damage to your home and property as they attempt to gain entry or build nests. This can include torn shingles, damaged soffits, bent gutters, ripped screens, and even structural damage to decks, sheds, or porches. They may also tear up insulation in attics for nesting material. The cost of repairing this damage can be substantial if not addressed promptly. Our residential services encompass identifying and addressing this damage.
Presence of Feces and Urine
Raccoons often establish communal latrine sites, which are areas where they repeatedly defecate. These latrines can be found in attics, on decks, under sheds, or other elevated surfaces. Raccoon feces can contain harmful pathogens like roundworm eggs, which are highly contagious to humans and pets. The presence of large piles of dark, tubular droppings is a significant sign of a raccoon infestation and a serious health concern that requires professional cleanup and wildlife control.
Seeing Raccoons During the Day
While raccoons are primarily nocturnal, seeing one during the day can sometimes indicate that it is sick or nursing young nearby. While it's not always a sign of a problem, a raccoon that appears disoriented, aggressive, or unnaturally bold during daylight hours should be treated with caution. However, a mother raccoon with a den nearby may venture out during the day to forage for food for her young.
Strong Odors
A persistent, foul odor emanating from your attic, walls, or other areas can be a sign of raccoon presence, particularly if it's a musty smell combined with the odor of urine and feces. As the infestation grows and waste accumulates, the smell can become quite overpowering and difficult to ignore. These odors not only make your home unpleasant but can also attract other pests. Professional removal and sanitation are crucial to eliminate these odors and the source of the problem.
Damaged Gardens or Crops
If you have a garden, fruit trees, or vegetable patch, you might notice damage or missing produce. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will readily raid gardens for fruits, vegetables, and even pet food left outdoors. Signs of digging, partially eaten produce, or missing items from your garden are all potential indicators of raccoon activity.
Visual Sightings
The most obvious sign is, of course, seeing a raccoon on your property. While a single sighting might not necessarily mean an infestation, frequent sightings, especially near your home or outbuildings, suggest they are using your property as a regular food source or shelter. If you see raccoons entering or exiting a specific point on your home, it’s almost certain you have a den inside and require professional raccoon removal services in the Wauwatosa or Greenfield area.
Disturbed Pet Behaviors
Your pets might react to the presence of raccoons, even if you don't see them. Dogs might bark excessively at certain areas of the house or yard, especially at night. Cats might become agitated or try to avoid certain parts of the home. Pay attention to your pets' behaviors, as they can sometimes alert you to wildlife issues before you notice other signs.
Tracks and Paw Prints
Raccoons have distinctive paw prints that look somewhat like small human hands. You might find their tracks in soft soil, mud, dust, or even snow around your property. Look for four toes on the front paws and five toes on the back paws. Finding these tracks can help confirm the presence of raccoons and indicate their travel paths.
Damage to Fencing or Outbuildings
Raccoons are excellent climbers and are strong enough to damage wooden fences or screens on sheds in their attempts to gain access. Inspect your fencing and outbuildings for signs of climbing, claw marks, or damaged areas that could be used as entry points. This is particularly important for commercial properties as well.
Presence of Kits (Baby Raccoons)
If you hear distinct chittering or whining sounds coming from your attic or walls, especially in the spring or early summer, it could indicate the presence of baby raccoons, also known as kits. Mother raccoons give birth and raise their young in secure, sheltered locations. Finding a den of kits requires specialized removal techniques to ensure both the mother and young are safely relocated.
Unusual Activity Around Your Chimney
Chimneys are common den sites for raccoons. They are warm, sheltered, and provide a secure place to raise young. If you hear noises coming from your chimney, see raccoons around the top, or notice damage to the chimney cap, it's highly likely you have a raccoon issue in this area. Professional removal is essential as attempting to remove them yourself can be dangerous and lead to the animals entering your living space.
Neighboring Properties Experiencing Issues
Wildlife problems can often affect multiple properties in a neighborhood. If your neighbors in Milwaukee, Brookfield, or Oak Creek have reported raccoon sightings or damage, it increases the likelihood that your property may also be affected. Raccoons have established territories, and if your area provides attractive resources, they will likely visit multiple homes.
Addressing Common Concerns About Raccoon Removal
We understand that homeowners have questions and concerns when facing a wildlife problem. Here are some of the most common queries we receive regarding raccoon removal services in West Allis, WI.
Is Raccoon Removal Safe?
Attempting to trap or handle raccoons yourself can be dangerous. Raccoons can carry diseases and may become aggressive when cornered or protecting their young. Professional raccoon removal by experienced technicians is significantly safer. We use specialized equipment and techniques to minimize risk to both the animals and our clients. Our team is trained to handle raccoons safely and humanely.
How Long Does the Raccoon Removal Process Take?
The duration of the raccoon removal process can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the location of the den, and the specific techniques used. A simple trapping and relocation may take a few days, while more complex situations involving multiple animals or difficult-to-access den sites could take longer. We provide an estimated timeline after our initial inspection.
What Happens to the Raccoons After They Are Captured?
Our priority is humane treatment of wildlife. In most cases, captured raccoons are safely relocated to a suitable natural habitat away from residential areas, in accordance with Wisconsin state regulations. We choose locations that provide adequate resources for the animals and minimize the likelihood of them returning to your property or causing issues elsewhere. Relocation is a key part of our wildlife control philosophy.
Can Raccoons Be Prevented From Returning?
While it's impossible to guarantee that no wildlife will ever visit your property, effective exclusion and prevention strategies significantly reduce the likelihood of future raccoon infestations. By sealing entry points, modifying your habitat, and addressing attractants, you make your home less appealing and accessible to raccoons. We provide detailed recommendations on preventative measures tailored to your specific property.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Raccoon Infestations?
Yes, raccoons can carry several diseases that are transmissible to humans and pets, including rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. Raccoon roundworm eggs can be present in their feces and remain viable in the environment for years. Inhaling or ingesting these microscopic eggs can cause serious neurological damage. Proper sanitation and cleanup of areas contaminated by raccoon waste are essential health precautions. This is why our sanitation services are a critical part of our raccoon removal service in West Allis, WI.
What Time of Year Are Raccoon Problems Most Common?
Raccoon activity can occur year-round, but certain times of the year are more prone to specific issues. Spring and summer are breeding seasons, and mother raccoons often seek safe, den sites to raise their young, which can lead to infestations in attics or chimneys. Fall and winter can also see raccoons seeking shelter from the cold in homes and buildings. We provide raccoon removal services throughout the year to address your needs whenever they arise.
Do I Need to Repair Damage Caused by Raccoons?
Yes, repairing damage caused by raccoons is crucial, not only to restore the integrity of your home but also to prevent future infestations. Damaged entry points are an open invitation for raccoons and other wildlife to return. Addressing issues like torn insulation, damaged wiring, or structural damage is also important for the safety and value of your property. We can assess the damage and recommend appropriate repairs as part of our comprehensive service.
Are There Laws Regarding Raccoon Removal in Wisconsin?
Yes, wildlife control is subject to state and local regulations. These regulations can dictate how and where raccoons can be trapped and relocated. As a professional wildlife control company in West Allis, WI, West Allis Pest Pros is fully aware of and adheres to all applicable laws and regulations regarding raccoon removal. This ensures that our services are not only effective but also legal and ethical.
What Other Wildlife Can You Help With?
While our focus here is on raccoon removal, West Allis Pest Pros offers a wide range of wildlife control services for various species common to the West Allis area. This can include things like squirrel removal, bat removal, and bird removal. If you have a problem with any type of nuisance wildlife, don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. We have the expertise to handle a variety of wildlife challenges safely and effectively.
Why Not Just Try to Trap the Raccoon Myself?
While it might seem like a cost-saving measure, attempting to trap a raccoon yourself is not recommended for several important reasons. As mentioned earlier, raccoons can be dangerous and carry diseases. Improper trapping techniques can injure the animal or lead to it becoming trapped in an inaccessible location within your home. Furthermore, relocating wildlife without proper knowledge of regulations and suitable release sites can be harmful to the animal and potentially create problems for other communities. Professional raccoon removal ensures the process is handled safely, humanely, and legally.
How Can I Identify if the Animal is a Raccoon and Not Something Else?
Identifying the type of animal causing problems is important for choosing the correct removal method. Raccoons are medium-sized mammals with a distinctive 'masked' face, ringed tail, and grizzled gray fur. Their tracks resemble small human hands. Other common nuisance wildlife in the area might include squirrels, rodents, or birds. If you're unsure what type of animal you're dealing with, our technicians can help identify the culprit during our initial inspection. Accurate identification is key to implementing the most effective wildlife control plan.
Can Raccoons Cause Damage to My Foundation?
While less common than attic or roof damage, raccoons can potentially cause damage around your foundation, especially if they are attempting to burrow underneath for shelter or denning. They may dig around the base of porches or sheds, potentially compromising their stability. Any signs of digging or burrowing around your foundation should be investigated to determine if it's related to raccoon activity.
What Should I Do if I Encounter a Raccoon?
If you encounter a raccoon on your property, the best course of action is to maintain a safe distance and avoid direct contact. Do not attempt to feed or approach the animal, especially if it seems aggressive or is behaving unusually. Remove any potential food sources, such as pet food or unsecured trash. If the raccoon is in your home or causing damage, contact a professional wildlife control company like West Allis Pest Pros immediately. Prioritizing your safety is paramount.
Are There Preventative Measures I Can Take Myself?
Yes, there are several preventative measures you can take to make your property less attractive to raccoons. These include securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, bringing pet food indoors at night, cleaning up fallen fruit from trees, and trimming tree branches that overhang your roof. Repairing any existing damage to your home, such as loose siding or damaged vents, is also crucial. While these steps can help, professional exclusion and prevention services offer the most comprehensive long-term solution.
Why is Sanitation Important After Raccoon Removal?
Proper sanitation after raccoon removal is vital for several reasons. As mentioned earlier, raccoon feces can contain harmful pathogens like raccoon roundworm. Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated areas help to eliminate these health risks. Furthermore, lingering odors from urine and feces can attract other wildlife, including more raccoons, to the same location. Thorough sanitation breaks this scent trail and reduces the likelihood of a recurring problem. Our service includes professional cleaning and disinfection for your safety and peace of mind, complementing our termite treatment and bed bug extermination services.
Can Raccoons Damage Electrical Wiring?
Yes, raccoons can potentially damage electrical wiring, particularly in attics or crawl spaces where they might build nests. They may chew on wires, which not only poses a fire hazard but can also disrupt your home's electrical system. If you suspect raccoons have been in your attic, it's important to have an inspection to check for damage to insulation and electrical wiring as part of the overall remediation process.
What Is the Cost of Raccoon Removal?
The cost of raccoon removal varies depending on the complexity of the situation. Factors that influence the cost include the number of raccoons, the location of the den, the amount of damage caused, and the specific removal and repair methods required. We provide a detailed estimate after conducting our initial inspection of your property. Our goal is to provide effective and affordable wildlife control solutions for residents of West Allis and surrounding areas like Milwaukee and Wauwatosa.
Do You Offer Emergency Raccoon Removal Services?
We understand that a raccoon problem can sometimes be an urgent situation, particularly if the animal is aggressive or trapped in your home. While we offer prompt service, the availability of emergency services depends on the nature of the situation and our current workload. Please call us directly at (414) 413-8565 to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action.
How Can I Tell if a Raccoon is Sick?
A sick or rabid raccoon may exhibit unusual behaviors, such as being active during the day, appearing disoriented, staggering, or showing aggression without provocation. They may also have a glassy-eyed appearance, drool excessively, or make strange noises. If you encounter a raccoon exhibiting these signs, maintain a safe distance and contact animal control authorities or a professional wildlife removal service immediately. Do not attempt to approach or handle a potentially sick animal.
Can Raccoons Climb Walls?
Yes, raccoons are excellent climbers. Their sharp claws and strong legs allow them to climb trees, fences, downspouts, and even the sides of homes, particularly if the surface is rough enough to provide grip. This is why securing all potential entry points, including those higher up on your home, is crucial for preventing infestations. They are much more agile than you might think and can access surprising locations on your property. This is also why we focus on comprehensive exclusion methods as part of our overall wildlife control strategy in the West Allis, Greenfield, and Brookfield areas.
How Do Raccoons Get Into My Attic?
Raccoons are adept at finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in your home's exterior. Common entry points into attics include damaged soffits, loose or missing shingles, open vents, uncapped chimneys, and gaps around dormers or roof junctions. They can also enter through damaged fascia boards or chew through weakened areas to gain access. Our inspection process is designed to identify all potential entry points, even those you might not be aware of. Sealing these points is a critical step in effective raccoon removal and prevention.
Take Action Against Raccoons Today
Don't let a raccoon infestation disrupt your life and damage your property. The longer you wait, the more extensive the problem can become, leading to increased damage and potential health risks. At West Allis Pest Pros, we are ready to help you regain control of your home and property with our professional raccoon removal services in West Allis, WI.
Our experienced team provides safe, humane, and effective solutions, from thorough inspection and removal to comprehensive sanitation and prevention. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we are committed to resolving your raccoon problem efficiently and effectively.
Contact West Allis Pest Pros today for a consultation. Let us assess your situation, answer your questions, and develop a tailored plan to eliminate raccoons from your property and keep them from coming back. Call us at (414) 413-8565 or visit our website to learn more about our services and schedule your appointment. Take the first step towards a raccoon-free home.