When the sun goes down and it gets dark, the neighbourhood changes. This is especially true for our furry, masked neighbours, the raccoons. These smart and driven animals often choose human decks as great places to go on adventures at night. This article will talk about why raccoons like decks, the possible dangers they pose, and good ways to keep your outdoor space wildlife-free.
How to Figure Out Why Raccoons Like Decks:
Decks are safe places for raccoons to nest and rest because they are covered. The places below, close to the ground, are especially appealing to them.
Raccoons will be interested in your deck if it is close to plants, trash cans, or other places where they can find food. They are opportunistic feeders and are easily lured by food that is easy to get.
Safety and Security: Raccoons are active at night, and the shadows under a deck give them a safe place to do their evening business without being bothered too much.
What could go wrong if raccoons are on your deck:
Damage to the Structure: Raccoons can damage your deck by scratching, eating, or building nests on it. This could cost a lot to fix in the long run.
Health Risks: Parasites and bacteria that are harmful to people and pets can be found in raccoon droppings. Since poop builds up on the deck, it can become a place where diseases can spread.
Problems with Enjoying the Outdoors: A deck with raccoons is not a good place to do things outside. Their habits at night can cause problems and make your evenings less peaceful.
Proven Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Deck:
Seal Access Points: Look over your deck for any holes or spaces that raccoons could use. Cover these entry places with strong materials to keep them out.
Heavy-Duty Mesh: For the bottom of your deck, you might want to put up rusted steel mesh. This material forms a barrier that keeps raccoons out while letting air flow right through.
Raccoons are often drawn to the smell of trash, so raise trash cans. Raccoons won’t be able to get into your trash cans if you keep them up high or safe.
Motion-activated lights: Raccoons are active at night and stay away from places that are brightly lit. Put lights around your deck that turn on when they sense movement to keep them away.
Take away things that might attract them. Keep pet food, bird boxes, and other things that could be food sources away from the deck. Raccoons are less likely to hang out in places where there isn’t much food.
For Long-Lasting Results, Get Professional Help:
There are times when these methods work, but talking to professionals who remove wildlife is a better option. Experts can do a full inspection, find specific weak spots, and use gentle removal methods to make sure the deck is free of wildlife.
In conclusion, keeping raccoons off of your deck may require both preventative steps and, in some cases, professional help. You can get back your outdoor space and enjoy the peace and quiet of your deck without having to deal with rats at night by taking proactive steps and making the area less appealing to them.