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Raccoons are common in southern California. They are a medium sized animal
weighing from 12-35 pounds, depending on maturity and age. They are 20 to 40
inches long, with a bushy tail having a number of black and white rings. The
medium length heavy fur has a salt and pepper in appearance. The characteristic
look of a raccoon is the black mask on a whitish face. The face is triangular
with a pointed nose and prominent dog-like ears. Overall the raccoon appears
grayish-black and when walking on all fours its back is raised in a curve.
The front paws are hand-like, giving the raccoon the ability to handle objects
like a monkey. Their beauty and domestic look often attract admirers.
Biology:
Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, preferring to hunt and scavenge at night
so they are not often seen. They are omnivores and their diet is extremely
diverse. They eat a wide variety of foods including, fruits, vegetables, nuts,
meats, eggs, insects, carrion, and pet food left out for house pets. So, around
retail/commercial buildings opossums are scavengers, they seek out the garbage
dumpster and food areas. Pestgon, Inc., has found them living mostly in building
voids and attics, usually high up where they can find shelter as a den to raise
their young. Their natural den is often a hollow tree.
Economic Impact:
Raccoons can cause considerable damage to any retail/commercial building. Pestgon
Inc. has been called where they have even torn away roofing material and shingles
to create an opening for their young. In searching for underground insects
and grubs, raccoons can do major damage to lawns and flower beds by digging
and tearing away the plantings. They are serious predators of bird populations,
even feeding on night-roosting pigeons. They are known carriers of rabies and
numerous other serious health diseases. Raccoons also carry ticks, lice and
fleas, which are all disease transmitters. So it goes without saying; in the
office retail, or commercial environment, raccoons can be extremely costly
pests if not removed.
Management Methods:
Pestgon, Inc. is very knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with nuisance
wildlife problems around commercial, office and industrial buildings. As with
most such pests, prevention and exclusion are the first line of defense. Eliminating
the food sources by means of sanitation procedures and rodent control and insect
pest control is paramount to a good wildlife management program. Since raccoons
are serious predators of birds, pigeons control is a necessity. Trapping, by
means of humane live traps, and removal of the animals from the property, is
an effective method often used by Pestgon, Inc.
Additional Links:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74116.html