Well, howdy folks, Fred Talley here from Faith Pest Control, comin’ to you from our stomping grounds right here in North Georgia. Now, we’ve talked about bats and squirrels, but there’s another masked bandit that’s been causin’ a real hullabaloo for our good neighbors in Jasper: the raccoon!

Now, these critters might look cute with their little black masks and bushy tails, like something out of a storybook. But let me tell you, when a raccoon decides your home is their home, that story quickly turns into a nightmare. Here at Faith Pest Control, we’ve been gettin’ plenty of calls about these clever and often destructive nocturnal visitors.

So, what kind of mischief are these raccoons gettin’ into? You’d be surprised!

First off, there’s the attic invasion. Raccoons are strong, agile, and incredibly determined. They can rip open roof vents, tear through soffits, and even chew through wooden fascia boards to get into your attic. Once they’re in, they’ll set up shop, especially if they’re a mama raccoon lookin’ for a safe place to raise her kits. And let me tell you, a family of raccoons in your attic is a recipe for disaster.

The damage they cause is substantial. They’ll tear up insulation to make nests, trampling it down and reducing its effectiveness, which means higher energy bills for you. They’ll chew on electrical wires, creating a serious fire hazard. They can even damage ductwork, creating drafts and further energy loss. We’ve seen homes where raccoons have caused thousands of dollars in structural damage.

Then there’s the health risk. Raccoon droppings, known as latrines, can be a real health concern. They can carry raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a parasite that can cause serious neurological damage in humans if ingested. And just like any wild animal, they can carry rabies, though direct contact is usually needed for transmission. Still, it’s not a risk you want to take, especially with kids or pets around. Plus, the sheer volume of their waste can create a strong, unpleasant odor that seeps throughout your home.

And let’s not forget the noise. Imagine hearing heavy thumping, scratching, growling, and chattering coming from your attic or walls, especially at night when these creatures are most active. It’s enough to keep anyone from getting a good night’s sleep! They can also knock over garbage cans and raid pet food left outside, leaving a mess and attracting other pests.

Now, some folks might think they can just trap a raccoon themselves. But let me caution you, dealing with raccoons is not a job for the faint of heart, or for someone without the right expertise. It’s illegal in Georgia to trap certain wildlife without a license, and even if you do, relocating them improperly can just move the problem to someone else’s property, or worse, cause the animal to come back. Plus, an injured or cornered raccoon can be aggressive and transmit diseases.

That’s where Faith Pest Control steps in. We’ve got the know-how and the equipment to handle these smart and powerful critters safely and humanely. Our process starts with a thorough inspection to identify all entry points and assess the extent of the damage. We then implement humane trapping and exclusion methods, often using one-way doors that allow the raccoons to leave but prevent them from re-entering. We’re especially careful during maternity season to ensure no young are left behind.

Once the raccoons are gone, our job isn’t over. We’ll seal up all those entry points with durable materials to prevent future invasions. And if there’s significant damage or contamination in your attic, we can help with the cleanup and decontamination, restoring your home to a safe and healthy environment.

So, if you’re a Jasper resident and you suspect you’ve got raccoons making themselves at home where they don’t belong, don’t delay! Give Fred Talley and the team at Faith Pest Control a call. We’re committed to providing honest, effective service, and we’ll work diligently to get those masked bandits out of your house and keep them out for good. Give us a ring, and let’s bring some peace back to your home!