Raccoon Under Deck: What to Do & How to Remove

Discovering a raccoon has taken residence under your deck can be startling, but it's essential to stay calm and handle the situation carefully. Raccoons are intelligent and can pose potential health and safety risks. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely remove the raccoon and prevent future intrusions.

Before we dive into the removal process, it's crucial to understand that raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they're most active at night. Therefore, it's best to observe their habits and plan your actions accordingly. Now, let's explore the steps to take when a raccoon is living under your deck.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Habits

To effectively remove the raccoon, it's essential to understand its behavior and habits. Raccoons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They're known to scavenge for food in trash cans, pet food leftovers, and even steal fish from ponds. Their dexterous hands allow them to open jars, doors, and other containers, making them skilled at finding food sources.

Raccoons are also excellent climbers and can easily navigate your deck and roof. They're solitary animals, except during mating season or when a mother is with her kits. During the winter, raccoons may seek shelter in warm, dry places like under your deck, making them more likely to stay put until spring.

Identifying Raccoon Dwellings and Signs of Infestation

Before attempting to remove the raccoon, you must first confirm its presence and identify its dwelling. Raccoons create nests using debris, leaves, and other materials they find around your property. You might notice a pile of leaves or debris under your deck that wasn't there before.

Other signs of raccoon infestation include:

• Trash cans knocked over or rummaged through
• Scratching or paw prints around your deck and home
• Noises, such as scratching, rustling, or chattering, coming from under your deck at night
• Foul odor, as raccoons can leave behind urine and feces

Preparing for Raccoon Removal

Once you've confirmed the raccoon's presence and identified its dwelling, it's time to prepare for its removal. The process can take several days to a week, so be patient and persistent. Here are some steps to help you prepare:

1. Eliminate food sources: Secure your trash cans with bungee cords or weights, and bring in any pet food left outdoors. Raccoons are more likely to leave an area if they can't find food.
2. Exclude other pets: Keep your pets indoors to prevent any conflicts with the raccoon. Raccoons can be aggressive when threatened or cornered.
3. Gather supplies: You'll need a live trap, gloves, a flashlight, and a release site in mind. A live trap is essential for safely capturing the raccoon and allowing it to be released elsewhere.

It's crucial to note that raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, roundworm, and leptospirosis. Always wear gloves when handling traps and avoid direct contact with the raccoon. If you're unsure about the process or have concerns about your safety, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service.

Removing the Raccoon from Under Your Deck

Now that you've prepared for the raccoon's removal, it's time to set the live trap and capture the raccoon. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and humane process:

Setting the Live Trap

Choose a live trap that's large enough to accommodate the raccoon, typically around 32" x 32" x 36". Set the trap near the raccoon's entrance under your deck, using bait like cat food, fish, or marshmallows to lure it inside. Check local regulations regarding the use of live traps and bait.

Secure the trap to a sturdy object, like a stake or a heavy rock, to prevent the raccoon from dragging it away once it's inside. Monitor the trap regularly, preferably at night when raccoons are most active. Once the raccoon is inside the trap, proceed to the next step.

Releasing the Raccoon

After capturing the raccoon, it's essential to release it as soon as possible. Choose a release site that's at least five miles away from your home, preferably in a wooded area with a water source. Raccoons are territorial, so releasing it closer to your home may result in it returning.

Transport the raccoon in the live trap to the release site, ensuring it's secure and well-ventilated during the journey. Once at the release site, open the trap door and allow the raccoon to exit on its own. It may take a few minutes for the raccoon to leave the trap, so be patient and give it space.

Preventing Future Raccoon Intrusions

After successfully removing the raccoon, it's essential to take steps to prevent future intrusions. Raccoons are intelligent and can find their way back to your property if they've established a food source or shelter. Follow these tips to raccoon-proof your deck and home:

Eliminate Food Sources

Secure your trash cans, bring in pet food, and clean up any fallen fruits or nuts from trees. Regularly maintain your compost pile, keeping it covered and turning the contents frequently to prevent raccoons from accessing it.

Install motion-activated lights and sprinklers to deter raccoons from approaching your home. These devices can startle raccoons and make them less likely to return to your property.

Exclude Access to Your Deck

Raccoons are excellent climbers, so it's crucial to make your deck inaccessible to them. Install a raccoon-proof fence around your deck, using hardware cloth with small openings (no larger than 1/2 inch) to prevent raccoons from squeezing through. You can also install a motion-activated repellent device that emits a high-pitched sound to deter raccoons from climbing your fence.

Regularly inspect your deck for any damage or weak points that raccoons could exploit. Repair or reinforce any damaged areas to ensure raccoons can't gain access to your deck.

In the event that you find a raccoon under your deck again, don't hesitate to repeat the removal process or contact a professional wildlife removal service for assistance. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can minimize the risk of raccoon intrusions and maintain a safe, enjoyable outdoor space.