Raccoon Removal in Dover, NH

Experience Trustworthy Raccoon Removal in Dover, NH

Discovering raccoons around or, even worse, inside your property in Dover, NH can be a distressing experience. These intelligent and adaptable animals, while fascinating from a distance, can cause significant damage and pose potential health risks when they encroach upon your home or business. Effective and humane raccoon removal is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Common raccoon-related pain points include:

• ✅ Loud nighttime noises from attics or chimneys
• ✅ Damaged insulation and structural elements
• ✅ Upset garbage cans and scattered debris
• ✅ Potential transmission of rabies and other diseases
• ✅ Unpleasant odors from waste and dens
• ✅ Chewed electrical wiring, creating fire hazards

At Dover Pest Guys, we understand the unique challenges raccoons can present to properties in the Dover area. Our specialized raccoon removal services are designed to address these issues directly, offering prompt, efficient, and humane solutions to restore your peace of mind. We don't just remove the animal; we provide comprehensive strategies to prevent future invasions and repair any damage caused. Our team is trained in the latest techniques for safe and effective wildlife control.

Why Choose Us for Raccoon Removal in Dover, NH?

When it comes to dealing with unwanted wildlife like raccoons, you want a team you can trust. Dover Pest Guys has built a reputation in Dover, NH, and surrounding areas like Somersworth and Rochester for reliable and professional service. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality wildlife control solutions.

• Experienced Professionals: Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in handling raccoon infestations of all sizes and complexities.
• Humane Practices: We prioritize humane wildlife removal methods, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals while protecting your property.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Our services go beyond just removal; we offer exclusion, repair, and sanitation to prevent future problems.
• Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work and are committed to ensuring you are completely satisfied with our services.
• Local Knowledge: As a local business, we understand the specific wildlife challenges faced by residents and businesses in Dover, NH.
• Prompt Response: We know dealing with raccoons is often an urgent matter, and we strive to respond quickly to your calls and requests.

We are deeply committed to providing excellent customer service and effective wildlife management. Our objective is not just to remove the immediate threat but to empower you with solutions that offer long-term protection for your property. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Choosing Dover Pest Guys means choosing a partner dedicated to resolving your raccoon problem effectively and ensuring a safer environment for your family or employees.

Our Comprehensive Raccoon Removal Process

Addressing a raccoon infestation requires a systematic and thorough approach. At Dover Pest Guys, our process for raccoon removal in Dover, NH is designed to be as effective and non-disruptive as possible for you and your property. We start with a detailed assessment to understand the scope of the problem and tailor our strategy accordingly.

Initial Inspection and Assessment

The first crucial step is a thorough inspection of your property. Our experienced technicians will carefully examine your home or business, including attics, basements, chimneys, crawl spaces, and any other areas where raccoons might be nesting or seeking shelter. We look for signs of entry points, nesting materials, droppings, and damage. This comprehensive assessment helps us determine the extent of the infestation and identify the most effective plan of action. We'll also assess potential attractants on your property, such as unsecured garbage cans or pet food left outdoors, which might be contributing to the problem. Identifying entry points is critical, as simply removing the animal without sealing off access will likely lead to future issues. During the inspection, we'll also look for signs of related issues, such as contaminated insulation or pest activity attracted by the raccoons, like fleas or ticks, which they may carry.

Identifying Entry Points

Raccoons are surprisingly adept at finding ways into structures. Common entry points include damaged roofing, unsecured chimney caps, vents, and even slightly open windows or pet doors. We meticulously identify these vulnerable areas to ensure they are properly sealed after the raccoons have been removed. Understanding their access points is key to preventing future infestations. We may use techniques like tracking powder or cameras to confirm active entry and exit routes. Detecting even small openings is essential because raccoons can widen existing gaps. We also check for weaknesses in siding, foundations, and around utility lines, as these can also serve as potential entry points if not properly sealed.

Humane Removal Techniques

Our priority is always the humane removal of raccoons. We utilize safe and effective techniques that minimize stress on the animals. This often involves using one-way doors placed over entry points, allowing raccoons to leave the structure but preventing them from re-entering. In some cases, live trapping may be necessary, and any trapped animals are relocated according to local regulations and best practices for their safety and well-being. We avoid harmful methods and focus on ethical and sustainable solutions. Our team is trained in the proper handling and release methods to ensure the welfare of the raccoons once they are removed from your property. We believe in coexisting with wildlife where possible and aim for solutions that benefit both you and the animals. We also consider situations involving mother raccoons and their kits, employing specialized strategies to ensure the entire family is safely removed and relocated together when possible. Our methods are designed to be minimally invasive to your property while being highly effective in resolving the raccoon issue.

Safe Relocation and Release

Relocating raccoons requires careful consideration of various factors, including local laws, the animal's health, and suitable habitat. We adhere to all regulations set forth by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and other relevant authorities. Our goal is to release the animal into an environment where it can thrive, away from human populations. The location for release is carefully chosen to minimize the chance of the raccoon returning to your property or becoming a nuisance elsewhere. We understand the importance of responsible wildlife management and strive to contribute positively to the local ecosystem. The release site is selected to provide adequate food, water, and shelter for the relocated raccoon, increasing its chances of survival in its new environment. We also take into account the social structure of raccoons and avoid releasing individuals into areas that are already overpopulated or where they may face increased stress. Our relocation process is designed to give the raccoon the best possible outcome after being removed from your property.

Exclusion and Prevention

Removing the raccoon is only part of the solution. To prevent future invasions, we implement robust exclusion strategies. This involves sealing off all identified entry points with durable materials that raccoons cannot chew through or dislodge. Common areas we secure include attic vents, chimney caps, basement windows, and gaps around pipes and wires. We also provide recommendations for making your property less attractive to raccoons, such as securing garbage cans, removing outside food sources, and trimming branches that provide easy access to your roof. Proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure long-term relief from raccoon problems. Our team will conduct a thorough post-removal inspection to confirm that all potential access points have been properly sealed and that there are no lingering signs of raccoon activity. We use high-quality, animal-resistant materials for exclusion work, ensuring that your property is well-protected against future wildlife intrusions. We also educate homeowners on simple steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of raccoons being attracted to their property in the first place, such as using animal-proof lids on trash cans and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors overnight. Our exclusion methods are comprehensive and designed to withstand the efforts of determined raccoons seeking shelter or food.

Property Repairs and Sanitation

Raccoons can cause significant damage to properties, including chewing through wires, tearing up insulation, and contaminating areas with feces and urine. As part of our comprehensive service, we offer repair assistance for minor damage caused by raccoons. This may include repairing insulation, sealing damaged vents, and addressing other structural issues identified during our inspection. We also provide sanitation and decontamination services to clean up affected areas, removing droppings, urine, and nesting materials. This helps eliminate odors that may attract other pests and addresses potential health hazards associated with raccoon waste. Cleaning and sanitizing affected areas is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and removing attractants for other pests. We use safe and effective cleaning agents to neutralize odors and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Damaged insulation not only reduces energy efficiency but also provides an ideal nesting site for raccoons and other wildlife, so repairing or replacing it is an important step in preventing future problems. Our repair services are designed to restore your property to its pre-infestation condition and address any structural weaknesses that may have contributed to the raccoon problem. We aim to provide a complete solution that leaves your property safe, clean, and protected from future wildlife invasions.

Signs You May Need Raccoon Removal in Dover, NH

Recognizing the early signs of a raccoon presence can help you address the issue before it escalates. If you're experiencing any of the following in or around your Dover, NH property, it's a strong indication that you may need professional raccoon removal services.

Unusual Noises at Night

Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. If you hear scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds coming from your attic, walls, chimney, or crawl space after dark, it's a common sign of a raccoon or other wildlife activity. These sounds can be particularly prominent if there's a mother raccoon with her kits. The sounds might vary depending on their activity – scratching could indicate they are trying to build a nest or enlarge an opening, while thumping might be from them simply moving around. Ignoring these noises can lead to more significant issues down the line as the raccoons continue to occupy and potentially damage your property. Unlike smaller pests like mice or rats, raccoons are heavier and their movements are often more noticeable and louder. Pay attention to the location and type of noise to help pinpoint where the raccoons might be. Sometimes, the sounds might be accompanied by growls or hisses, especially if they feel threatened or are interacting with each other.

Damaged Property

Raccoons can cause a surprising amount of damage to properties. They may tear apart roofing materials, siding, or insulation to gain entry or build nests. They can also damage ductwork, electrical wiring, and pipes. Check your attic, crawl spaces, and exterior for signs of physical damage, such as torn or displaced materials. The damage can range from minor aesthetic issues to significant structural problems that require costly repairs. Chewed electrical wires, in particular, pose a severe fire hazard. Raccoons are strong and persistent, capable of ripping through materials that you might think are secure. Inspecting your property regularly can help you identify damage early on, before it becomes extensive. Look for signs of forced entry around windows, doors, sheds, and outbuildings, as raccoons may attempt to access these areas as well. Damaged garbage cans with lids ajar or knocked over are also a classic sign of raccoon foraging activity. They are also known to damage gardens and lawns while searching for food, digging up turf in search of grubs and insects. Their urine and feces can stain and damage building materials over time, leaving behind unsightly marks and odors. Addressing property damage promptly is essential to prevent further issues and maintain the integrity of your structure.

Unusual Odors

Raccoon droppings and urine can create strong, unpleasant odors. If you detect persistent foul smells emanating from your attic, chimney, or other enclosed spaces, it could be a sign of a raccoon infestation. These odors are not only off-putting but can also attract other pests and even lead to respiratory issues. Lingering odors can also be a sign of a deceased animal within the structure, which requires immediate and professional removal services. The scent of raccoon urine is particularly strong and can be difficult to eliminate without professional cleaning and sanitation. These odors can permeate building materials, making thorough cleaning essential. The presence of such odors indicates that raccoons have been spending a significant amount of time in a particular area, likely using it as a den or latrine site. Even after the raccoons are removed, the odor can remain if the contaminated areas are not properly cleaned and disinfected. Professional sanitation services are often necessary to completely neutralize these odors and restore a healthy indoor environment. Ignoring strong odors can lead to prolonged discomfort and potential health risks for occupants. Moreover, the lingering scent can attract other raccoons in the future, creating a recurring problem. Therefore, addressing the odor is an integral part of a complete raccoon removal and prevention strategy.

Presence of Droppings

Raccoon droppings are a clear indicator of their presence. They often deposit their waste in communal areas called latrines, which can be found on decks, patios, in attics, or at the base of trees. Raccoon feces are typically tubular and blunt-ended, containing undigested food like berries or seeds. However, handling raccoon droppings is dangerous due to the risk of transmitting diseases like raccoon roundworm, which can be harmful to humans. It's crucial to avoid direct contact and rely on professionals for cleanup. The presence of latrines is a strong sign of a recurring raccoon presence, as they tend to revisit these sites. The location of the latrine can also provide clues about where the raccoons are gaining access to your property. For example, a latrine on a deck might indicate that raccoons are climbing onto the deck from nearby trees or structures. It's important not to confuse raccoon droppings with those of other animals; proper identification is key to implementing the correct control measures. The appearance of the droppings can vary depending on the raccoon's diet, but their tendency to deposit them in concentrated areas (latrines) is a key characteristic. Professional cleanup ensures the safe removal of droppings and the disinfection of contaminated areas, minimizing health risks. Attempting to clean up raccoon latrines without proper protective gear can expose you to harmful pathogens, emphasizing the need for professional assistance. Our team is equipped with the necessary safety equipment and knowledge to handle raccoon droppings safely and effectively, ensuring that your property is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated.

Upsetting Garbage Cans

Raccoons are well-known for their scavenging habits and affinity for raiding garbage cans. If you find your garbage cans consistently tipped over, lids removed, and contents scattered, especially overnight, it's a strong sign that raccoons are visiting your property in search of food. While this might seem like a minor annoyance, it can attract more raccoons and other pests, potentially leading to them seeking shelter in your home. Securing your garbage cans with animal-proof lids or storing them indoors can help deter them. However, persistent raiding despite precautions indicates a strong local raccoon presence that may require intervention. Raccoons are incredibly persistent and intelligent when it comes to accessing food sources, and standard garbage cans often pose little challenge to them. The mess left behind can also attract insects and rodents, compounding the pest problem. This behavior is driven by their need for easy meals, and readily available garbage provides a consistent food source that can encourage them to establish territories near human habitation. Even if you take steps to secure your trash, the lingering food odors can still attract them, making it difficult to completely eliminate the problem without professional help. Addressing the root cause of the foraging behavior – the presence of raccoons – is essential for long-term relief. Our raccoon removal services can help reduce the local raccoon population that is causing these issues. Furthermore, we can provide advice on best practices for managing garbage and other attractants to minimize future problems. Preventing access to food sources is a critical component of an effective raccoon management strategy, and our team can guide you on how to implement such measures effectively.

Footprints and Tracks

Raccoons have distinctive paw prints that can sometimes be found in mud, dust, or snow around your property. Their front paws have five long, slender toes that resemble miniature human hands, while their hind paws are longer and have five toes as well, but appear more elongated. Observing these tracks can confirm the presence of raccoons and help identify their pathways around your home. Tracks leading towards your house from nearby woods or structures are a strong indicator that they are exploring or accessing your property. Learning to identify these tracks can be a valuable tool for monitoring wildlife activity on your property. The size and clarity of the tracks can give you an idea of the size and possibly the number of raccoons visiting. Look for tracks near potential entry points, such as around the base of downspouts, along fences, or near openings in your foundation. Fresh tracks are the most informative, as they indicate recent activity. Comparing the tracks you find with images of raccoon prints can help confirm your suspicions. While observing tracks can be helpful, it's important to exercise caution and avoid approaching any wild animals you encounter. Our professional team can help you identify and interpret tracks and other signs of raccoon activity during our initial inspection, providing expert analysis of the situation. Identifying tracks is just one piece of the puzzle in assessing a raccoon infestation, but it can provide valuable insights into their movements and habits on your property. We use all available evidence, including tracks, droppings, sounds, and damage, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the raccoon problem you are facing. This detailed assessment allows us to create a tailored removal and prevention plan that is most effective for your specific situation.

Seeing Raccoons During the Day

While raccoons are primarily nocturnal, seeing one during the day can be a sign of several possibilities. It could simply be a mother foraging for food for her young, or it could indicate that the animal is ill or disoriented, potentially carrying rabies. If you observe a raccoon acting erratically, appearing агрессивным, or showing other unusual behavior during daylight hours, it's crucial to keep your distance and contact a professional wildlife removal service immediately. Do not attempt to approach or interact with a daytime-active raccoon, as this can be dangerous. Observing raccoons during the day, especially if they appear to be fearless or aggressive, is a cause for concern and warrants professional assessment. Healthy raccoons typically prefer to sleep during the day and are more active at night. поэтому, daytime sightings, particularly if the animal is exhibiting unusual behavior, should not be ignored. Rabies is a serious concern with wildlife, and taking precautions to avoid contact with potentially infected animals is essential. Our team is trained to assess the behavior of raccoons and take appropriate action, including contacting relevant authorities if a sick or injured animal is suspected. We prioritize your safety and the safety of the public when dealing with potentially rabid wildlife. If you see a raccoon acting strangely during the day, contact us immediately for guidance and assistance. We can assess the situation from a safe distance and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of both people and the animal, if it is healthy. Reporting unusual wildlife behavior is important for public health and safety. Our team is knowledgeable about wildlife behavior and diseases common in the Dover, NH area and can provide informed assistance in such situations.

Presence of Raccoon Nests

Finding a raccoon nest on your property is a definitive sign of an infestation. Raccoons often create dens in secluded and protected areas, such as attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, garages, or even underneath decks and sheds. These nests may consist of leaves, twigs, insulation, or other available materials. Discovering a nest, especially one with young raccoons, requires a delicate and humane approach to removal. Disturbing a mother raccoon and her young can lead to aggressive behavior. Professional wildlife removal experts have the knowledge and tools to safely and effectively remove the entire family. Locating the nest during an inspection is crucial for developing an effective removal strategy. Identifying the primary den site allows us to focus our efforts on a specific area and employ methods that are most likely to result in the successful removal of all raccoons, including young kits. The location and size of the nest can also provide clues about the duration and severity of the infestation. Raccoon nests can be hidden in hard-to-reach areas, making professional inspection and removal essential for thoroughness and safety. Attempting to remove a nest yourself can be risky and may not effectively resolve the problem, as the raccoons may simply relocate to another part of your property. Our team is equipped with specialized tools and techniques for accessing and safely removing raccoon nests from various locations within and around your property. We ensure that the entire family is removed together to minimize stress and maximize the chances of successful relocation, when applicable. Finding a raccoon nest requires immediate attention to prevent further damage and health risks associated with their prolonged presence.

Health Risks Associated with Raccoons

Beyond property damage, raccoons pose several health risks to humans and pets. They can transmit various diseases, including rabies, a potentially fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system. While rabies is not always present, any wild animal bite or scratch should be treated with extreme caution. Raccoon droppings can contain raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), an intestinal parasite whose eggs can be harmful to humans if ingested, potentially causing severe neurological damage. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can also be spread through contact with contaminated water or soil containing raccoon urine. While direct transmission is less common, contact with contaminated areas or objects poses a risk. These health risks underscore the importance of professional raccoon removal and thorough sanitation. Ignoring a raccoon infestation is not just about tolerating a nuisance; it's about potentially exposing yourself and your loved ones to serious health hazards. Children are particularly vulnerable to roundworm infection due to their tendency to play on the ground and put things in their mouths. Pets can also be at risk of contracting diseases from raccoons or their waste. Taking proactive steps to remove raccoons and clean up contaminated areas is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. Our team is knowledgeable about the potential health risks associated with raccoons and takes necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our clients during the removal and cleanup process. We use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow strict sanitation protocols. Educating homeowners about these risks is part of our service; we want you to be fully aware of the potential dangers and how to mitigate them. By addressing a raccoon infestation promptly and professionally, you can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission and ensure the safety of everyone on your property. Our comprehensive services include both removal and remediation to address both the immediate problem and the potential long-term health consequences. We are committed to providing solutions that not only eliminate the nuisance but also protect the health and well-being of our clients. For more information on various animal pests, you can explore our page on wildlife control which covers a range of species that can cause problems in urban and suburban environments. Understanding the potential risks associated with different types of wildlife in your area is important for proactive prevention and safety.

Damage to Gardens and Lawns

Raccoons aren't just interested in your garbage; they also forage for food in gardens and lawns. They may dig up turf in search of grubs, earthworms, and insects, leaving unsightly patches and damage behind. They can also raid vegetable gardens, eating fruits and vegetables before they are ripe. If you notice unexplained damage to your garden or lawn overnight, and other signs of raccoon activity are present, it’s highly likely that raccoons are the culprit. Protecting your garden can be challenging when faced with persistent raccoon visitors. While fencing can sometimes deter them, raccoons are excellent climbers and can often find ways around obstacles. The damage they inflict on lawns can be particularly frustrating for homeowners who take pride in their landscaping. The digging can also damage the root systems of plants, leading to further problems. In addition to digging, raccoons may also trample plants and leave droppings throughout the garden, contaminating edible produce. Preventing raccoons from accessing your garden requires a multi-faceted approach, which may include a combination of exclusion techniques, deterrents, and addressing attractants. Our team can help assess the extent of the damage and recommend effective strategies to protect your garden and lawn from raccoon foraging while also addressing their presence on your property. Understanding the specific food sources that are attracting raccoons to your garden can help you implement targeted prevention measures. For example, if they are primarily digging for grubs, addressing the grub population might reduce the attraction. However, professional removal is often the most effective way to stop persistent garden raiding, as it addresses the presence of the raccoons themselves. We can also advise on using natural deterrents or implementing physical barriers to protect your prized plants. Protecting your yard from wildlife like raccoons and also smaller pests like ants or spiders requires a proactive approach to pest management. For comprehensive pest control solutions, you can visit our homepage which outlines the various services we offer to keep your property pest-free.

Take Action Against Raccoons Today!

Don't let a raccoon problem disrupt your life or compromise the safety of your property and family. At Dover Pest Guys, we are ready to provide the expert raccoon removal in Dover, NH you need. Our team is standing by to assist you with effective, humane, and long-lasting solutions.

Experiencing issues with other wildlife like squirrels or seeking general wildlife control services? We can help with that too! Our expertise extends to a wide range of wildlife and pest control challenges in areas like Portsmouth, Newmarket, and Exeter. We also offer services for common residential pest issues, such as bed bug extermination, termite treatment, and cockroach control. No matter the pest, we have a solution.

Contact us today for a consultation and to schedule your raccoon removal service. Let us help you reclaim your property and enjoy a safe and pest-free environment.

Call Dover Pest Guys now at (833) 668-1714 to speak with a friendly professional and get started on resolving your raccoon problem. We are here to provide fast, reliable, and effective solutions you can trust.