Evicting Raccoons from Chimneys with Eviction Fluid During Summer Birthing Season
Raccoons can be persistent and crafty invaders, often choosing to nest in chimneys, especially during the summer birthing season. By now Tahoe and Truckee homeowners have quit using the fireplace and closed the damper for the season. This period, when mother raccoons have immobile juveniles, presents a unique opportunity to use raccoon eviction fluid effectively. Understanding the nuances of this method and its limitations is crucial for a successful eviction.
The Problem: Raccoons in Chimneys
Almost every home in Truckee and Tahoe has a chimney. Chimneys provide a warm, dry, and safe environment for raccoons to nest, making them a prime target during the birthing season. However, their presence can cause several issues:
Health and Safety Hazards:
Disease Transmission: Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, posing a risk to humans.
Fire Risk: Nests made from leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials can create a significant fire hazard.
Structural Damage:
Scratches and Claw Marks: Raccoons can cause damage to the chimney’s interior with their claws.
Blockages: Nests can block the chimney, preventing proper ventilation and potentially leading to smoke and carbon monoxide buildup inside the home.
Noise and Odor:
Disturbance: The noise from raccoons moving around and vocalizing can be disruptive.
Odor: Accumulated waste and decomposing materials can produce unpleasant odors.
Understanding Raccoon Eviction Fluid
Raccoon eviction fluid is a specially formulated substance composed of male only raccoon glands and urines. It signals to the mother raccoon that the nesting area is no longer safe for her and her young, prompting her to relocate.
Key Points About Raccoon Eviction Fluid:
Timing is Crucial: The fluid is most effective during the summer birthing season when mother raccoons have immobile juveniles. March and April are common birthing times around Grass Valley and Nevada City, while the Truckee and Lake Tahoe areas may find later into May and even June depending on winter snowfall.
Confined Space Advantage: The confined space of a chimney makes the scent more concentrated and threatening to the mother, increasing the chances of eviction. She also only has one way in and one way out. Meaning she is cornered by predators.
Target Audience: This method works specifically on mother raccoons with young. It is not effective on males, non-nesting females, or during the winter when raccoons are less likely to be nesting in chimneys.
How to use Raccoon Eviction Fluid: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Confirm the Presence of Raccoons in the chimney:
Visual and Audio Inspection: Listen for noises and look for signs of nesting materials.
Professional Inspection: If unsure, contact a wildlife control expert to confirm the presence of raccoons.
2. Apply the Eviction Fluid:
Safety First: Wear gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with the fluid and potential pathogens.
Apply Correctly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Typically, this involves applying the fluid to a rag or sponge and placing it inside the chimney, as close to the nest as possible without disturbing it directly.
3. Monitor the Situation:
Observe Movement: Keep an eye (and ear) out for signs that the mother raccoon is relocating her young.
Check for Absence: After a few days, check the chimney to ensure the raccoons have vacated.
4. Clean and Secure the Chimney:
Remove Nesting Materials: Once the raccoons are gone from the chimney, remove all nesting materials to prevent future infestations.
Sanitize: Clean and sanitize the area to eliminate odors that might attract other wildlife.
Install a Chimney Cap: Prevent future invasions by installing a secure chimney cap.
Limitations and Considerations
While raccoon eviction fluid can be highly effective during the summer birthing season, it has its limitations:
Ineffective on Males and Winter Use: Male raccoons and non-nesting females are not driven by the same maternal instincts and are less likely to be affected by the fluid. Similarly, in winter, raccoons are less likely to use chimneys for nesting.
Professional Assistance: In cases where eviction fluid does not work, or if the raccoons do not vacate, professional wildlife control services may be necessary to safely and humanely remove them.
Using raccoon eviction fluid is a humane and effective method for evicting mother raccoons and their young from chimneys during the summer birthing season. By understanding the specific conditions under which this method works and following proper application steps, homeowners can successfully and safely reclaim their chimneys from these unwelcome guests. For persistent issues or professional advice, contacting a wildlife control expert is always a wise choice.
Protect your home and ensure a raccoon-free chimney by acting promptly and responsibly during the summer birthing season. Contact Gold Country Wildlife Control today for expert guidance and assistance with all your wildlife control needs.
