Wonder why so many Houston homeowners have to chase raccoons out of their attics?
Raccoons are a natural part of the ecosystem, but it seems like the Houston population has exploded! We couldn’t find specific numbers, though Texas Tech reports them as the most common carnivore in Texas and states that populations have increased dramatically statewide.
As for Houston itself, our fair city has a lot to offer these masked bandits.
Abundant Food Supplies
Houston continues to grow. New neighborhoods sprout up constantly, and every new neighborhood brings new trash cans, new dumpsters, new bird feeders, outdoor pet food containers, and compost piles.
Many of these aren’t always secured well enough to defeat raccoons, which are both intelligent and persistent. Studies have shown they’ll take the time to get into receptacles even if they’re very well secured.
Many of these new developments would displace other critters from their woodland habitats, but not raccoons. They simply shrug and adapt, taking advantage of the new buffet that’s been laid before them.
The Perfect Climate
Houston offers the perfect climate for year-round raccoon activity. It never gets cold enough here to force them to hibernate.
Unlike in colder climates, raccoons are able to have more than one litter of kits per year. That means they’re constantly looking for safe places to bear and raise young, and your attic looks absolutely perfect to them. If they can’t get into your attic, they’ll get into your chimneys, crawl spaces, or under the deck instead.
You may even notice spikes in raccoon activity during the so-called “off” season.
Meanwhile, it rains enough to provide plenty of water sources too. If gutters aren’t quite clean enough, if toys or wheelbarrows are left outside, or if someone has a bird bath, raccoons can easily find something to drink out of. And since these hearty creatures can drink out of a puddle or a standing water source without getting sick, they’re capable of surviving where other animals couldn’t.
Don’t Fret, Just Act
While Houston may be a hotspot for raccoon activity, your home doesn’t have to be.
A free inspection can help you find and block off all the locations raccoons might use to invade your home—and can help you determine if you’ve already got unwanted houseguests.
Elite Wildlife Services specializes in humane raccoon removal and can help your new friends thrive somewhere else.
Don’t be fooled by the cuteness…raccoons can cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. Just trust us to get them somewhere they won’t do any harm, and to help you keep them out of your home for good.
Contact us to get started today!