Houston has a major problem with squirrels and raccoons invading attics, crawl spaces, and yards. These critters can cause extensive property damage by chewing on wires, insulation, siding and more. They also create unsanitary conditions with their droppings and urine. Homeowners need safe, effective solutions to get rid of squirrels and raccoons without harming the animals. This article will provide an overview of humane raccoon and squirrel removal in Houston residents can use.
Why Squirrels and Raccoons Invade
Squirrels and raccoons are highly intelligent, resourceful animals that can find their way into homes through the smallest openings. They may enter attics through holes in soffits, gnawed vents, gaps around chimneys and more. Raccoons are especially skilled at prying off roof shingles and siding to break in. These animals seek warm, safe shelter and abundant food sources in attics and yards. Squirrels nest and breed in attics. Raccoons den in chimneys, soffits and other areas. Once inside, they can cause substantial damage.
Problems Caused by Squirrels and Raccoons
Squirrels and raccoons in a home’s attic or yard cause a variety of problems:
- Chewing on electrical wires, which poses a fire hazard
- Stripping attic insulation for nesting, resulting in costly repairs
- Gnawing holes in fascia and soffits, ruining exterior appearance
- Making noise running around and fighting, disturbing homeowners
- Contaminating attics with feces and urine
- Eating garden fruits and vegetables
Raccoons also attack trash cans, damage roofs, prey on pets, and threaten human health and safety when they lose their natural fear of people. Eliminating all food attractants is crucial. Let’s look at safe removal solutions.
Humane Squirrel Removal Methods
It’s best to use humane methods to get squirrels out of homes and yards. Trapping squirrels in live cage traps baited with peanut butter crackers or fruit is highly effective. Once trapped, release the squirrels outdoors at least 5 miles from the home so they don’t find their way back. Excluding squirrels by sealing all possible interior entry points with hardware cloth, steel wool, copper mesh and caulk will prevent re-entry. Installing chimney caps and trimming overhanging tree branches also helps.
Removing nests, leaves and other debris deters squirrels from nesting in attics again. Fox urine granules placed around the yard act as a natural squirrel repellent. Motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasonic repellers will also drive squirrels away from yards without harming them.
Humane Raccoon Removal Tips
Several humane tactics can be used to evict raccoons from homes and keep them out of yards:
- Live trapping raccoons in baited cage traps to release them far away
- Sealing all possible interior entry points around chimneys, soffits, vents, etc.
- Using predator urine and ultrasonic repellents around the yard
- Eliminating all outdoor food and water sources
- Securing garbage in tough plastic bins with tight lids
- Installing electric fence around gardens and fish ponds
- Using motion-activated lights and sounds to scare raccoons away
For severe raccoon problems, seek professional removal services, as relocating raccoons without proper permits is illegal in Texas. Avoid using any poisons, as they are inhumane and unlawful. With persistence and prevention, Houston homeowners can resolve nuisance squirrel and raccoon issues humanely.
Conclusion
Squirrels and raccoons frequently invade Houston homes and yards, causing property damage and creating nuisance problems. It’s important to use humane, non-lethal control methods focused on exclusion, removal and deterrents. With proper prevention and exclusion techniques, these intelligent yet destructive critters can be managed effectively and safely. Controlling food sources and sealing entry points allows homeowners to humanely squirrel and raccoon removal without harming urban wildlife populations.