Raccoons, or Procyon lotor, are common mammals that can cause significant problems for homeowners. These creatures are skilled climbers and can easily access attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. Once inside, they can damage insulation, wiring, and the structure of your home. These pesky mammals are also known to rummage through garbage cans, bird feeders, and gardens, creating a mess and potentially spreading diseases.

Identifying these masked intruders

Raccoons’ most prominent characteristic is the dark mask that extends across their eyes and cheeks, resembling a bandit's mask. They have a thick, gray-brown fur coat that provides excellent insulation, especially in colder climates. Their bushy tail has alternating dark and light rings along it. Raccoons have dexterity in their front paws, equipped with five nimble digits and opposable thumbs, allowing them to manipulate objects precisely.

racoon in a trash can

How long can raccoons live for?

These masked intruders typically mate in late winter or early spring. After a gestation period of around 65 days, a female raccoon gives birth to a litter of two to five young, called kits. The kits are born blind and helpless and rely on their mother for warmth and nourishment. As they grow, the mother teaches them essential survival skills such as foraging and climbing. They reach sexual maturity at around one year of age. In the wild, raccoons have a relatively short lifespan, usually around two to three years, although some individuals may live up to five years or longer.

What do raccoons eat?

Raccoons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies depending on the season and the availability of food. In general, they consume fruits, berries, nuts, insects, small mammals, amphibians, and even fish. These mammals are primarily nocturnal, becoming most active at dusk and throughout the night. They often forage for food in urban areas, where they may raid garbage cans or bird feeders.

Where do raccoons live?

Raccoons can thrive in various habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are widely distributed across North America, from Canada to Central America. These clever critters are excellent climbers and often seek shelter in trees, where they may build dens in hollow cavities or create nests in dense foliage. In urban environments, they may live in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces of homes. They are also known to den in burrows, under rocks, or in abandoned animal burrows.

Seeing raccoons in your home?

Don't let these pests disrupt your peace of mind. Here are some signs that you may be dealing with a raccoon infestation:

  • Unusual noises in your attic or walls, especially at night

  • Damaged insulation or wiring

  • Tracks or droppings in your attic or basement

  • Chewed or torn items, such as garbage bags or garden plants

If you've noticed these signs, it's crucial to take action. While there are some DIY control methods, the most effective and humane way to remove them is to contact a professional wildlife removal company. Terminix's expert wildlife control services help ensure these pests' safe and efficient removal from your property, while our exclusion services help keep them out. Schedule a wildlife inspection to get started!