How To Get Rid Of Raccoons Under Mobile Home: Your Guide to Humane Removal & Prevention

Can you get raccoons out from under your mobile home safely and humanely? Yes, you can, by understanding their habits, using effective deterrents, and sealing off their access points. This guide will walk you through humane raccoon removal and preventing raccoon infestation under your mobile home.

Raccoons are clever, adaptable creatures. When they find a cozy, sheltered spot, like the space beneath a mobile home, they might decide to stay. This can lead to a host of problems, from noise and mess to potential damage to your property and even health concerns. Dealing with these masked visitors requires patience, the right approach, and a commitment to safe raccoon removal methods. This article provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing raccoons under mobile home, focusing on humane raccoon removal and long-term prevention.

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Why Raccoons Seek Shelter Under Mobile Homes

Mobile homes, especially those in more rural or wooded areas, offer an attractive habitat for raccoons. They provide protection from predators, the elements, and are often undisturbed. Let’s explore the primary reasons raccoons are drawn to this specific environment:

• Shelter and Safety: The enclosed space beneath a mobile home offers excellent protection from rain, snow, wind, and harsh sunlight. It also shields them from potential threats like dogs or larger wild animals.
• Warmth: In colder months, the enclosed space can retain warmth, making it an inviting den for raccoons, especially for females looking to give birth.
• Proximity to Food Sources: Mobile homes are often situated near human residences, which can mean access to garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, or even compost piles. Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and will exploit these readily available food sources.
• Nesting Opportunities: Raccoons, particularly females, seek secure locations to raise their young. The sheltered, dark, and quiet environment under a mobile home is ideal for a raccoon den.
• Ease of Entry: Often, older mobile homes may have gaps or openings in their skirting or foundation that allow easy access for raccoons.

Identifying a Raccoon Infestation

Before you can remove raccoons, you need to confirm their presence. Look for these signs:

• Noises: Scratching, scuttling, or chattering sounds, especially at night, are strong indicators. Raccoons are nocturnal, so these sounds will likely be heard after dark.
• Droppings (Scat): Raccoon droppings are typically cylindrical, about 2-3 inches long, and often contain undigested food items like seeds, fur, or insect exoskeletons. You might find these near the entry points or around the perimeter of your home.
• Damage: Look for chewed materials, torn insulation, or disturbed soil. They might chew on electrical wires or plumbing, posing a fire hazard or leading to leaks.
• Tracks: In damp soil or mud around your mobile home, you might find raccoon tracks. They have five distinct toes on their front and hind paws, resembling small human handprints.
• Nesting Materials: You might discover shredded insulation, leaves, or other debris that the raccoons have gathered to build a nest.

Humane Raccoon Removal Strategies

When faced with raccoons under your mobile home, the primary goal is humane raccoon removal. This means evicting them without causing them undue harm or stress.

1. Live Trapping and Relocation (Use with Caution)

Live trapping is a common method, but it comes with significant ethical and legal considerations.

• Legality: Check local and state laws regarding trapping and relocating wildlife. In many areas, it is illegal to trap and move raccoons without proper permits.
• Effectiveness: Trapping can be effective, but raccoons are intelligent and may avoid traps.
• Relocation Issues: Relocated raccoons often struggle to adapt to new environments and may not survive. They can also introduce diseases to new populations or become a nuisance in another area.

If you choose to trap, use a sturdy, appropriately sized live trap. Bait it with something appealing like marshmallows, canned fish, or fruit. Place the trap along the path raccoons use.

Important: It is often best to consult with a professional wildlife removal service experienced in humane raccoon removal before resorting to trapping. They will know the best practices and legalities.

2. One-Way Doors and Exclusion Funnels

This is a highly effective and humane method for raccoon den removal.

• How it Works: A one-way door or exclusion funnel is installed over the primary entry point of the raccoon. These devices allow the raccoons to exit the space but prevent them from re-entering.
• Timing: Crucially, you must ensure there are no baby raccoons (kits) inside before installing a one-way door. Kits are born in spring and rely on their mother for several weeks. If the mother is excluded and the kits are left behind, they will perish, which is inhumane and will lead to further problems. Wait until the kits are mobile enough to follow their mother out.

Steps for Using One-Way Doors:

1. Identify Entry Points: Locate all possible ways raccoons are getting under your mobile home.
2. Seal Other Openings: Before installing the one-way door, temporarily seal all other potential entry points to ensure the raccoons exit through the designated device.
3. Install the One-Way Door: Securely attach the one-way door over the main entry point.
4. Monitor: Observe the area to see if raccoons are using the door to exit. Listen for sounds of movement.
5. Permanent Sealing: Once you are confident all raccoons have left (this can take a few nights), remove the one-way door and permanently seal the opening.

3. Repellents and Deterrents

While not a direct removal method, raccoon deterrents and raccoon repellents can make the area under your mobile home less attractive, encouraging them to leave and preventing future infestations.

• Scents: Raccoons have a keen sense of smell. Strong odors can be off-putting.

  • Ammonia-soaked rags: Place rags soaked in ammonia in and around the area. The fumes are unpleasant for raccoons.
  • Predator Urine: Urine from coyotes or foxes can act as a natural raccoon repellent.
  • Mothballs: While often suggested, mothballs can be toxic to pets and children if ingested. Use with extreme caution or avoid entirely.
  • Peppermint Oil: Concentrated peppermint oil can also deter raccoons.

• Sounds: Loud noises or ultrasonic devices can disturb them.

  • Radio: Placing a radio tuned to talk radio stations under the mobile home can disrupt their sense of security.
  • Ultrasonic Devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but irritating to animals like raccoons. Effectiveness can vary.

• Lights: Raccoons prefer dark, secluded spaces.

  • Motion-Activated Lights: Installing motion-activated floodlights under the mobile home can startle them and make the area seem unsafe.

Important Note on Repellents: Repellents are most effective when combined with blocking raccoon entry and when raccoons are not actively denning (especially with young). They are best used for prevention or to encourage existing occupants to move on before implementing exclusion.

Preventing Raccoon Infestation: Sealing Under Your Mobile Home

The most crucial step in dealing with raccoons under your mobile home is sealing under mobile home to prevent them from getting in. This is an essential part of wildlife exclusion.

1. Inspecting and Repairing Skirting

The skirting around your mobile home is the first line of defense.

• Materials: Skirting can be made of wood, vinyl, metal, or concrete. Inspect it thoroughly for any signs of damage.
• Common Entry Points:
  • Holes and Gaps: Look for any holes, cracks, or gaps, no matter how small. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly tight spaces.
  • Damaged Sections: Panels that are loose, warped, or broken provide easy access.
  • Areas Around Utilities: Pipes, vents, or electrical conduits that penetrate the skirting are common entry points if not properly sealed.

How to Seal Entry Points:

• Heavy-Duty Mesh: For larger holes, use heavy-gauge galvanized steel mesh (like hardware cloth) with openings no larger than 1/2 inch. This is strong enough to deter raccoons from chewing through.
• Sheet Metal: For areas around pipes or vents, sheet metal can be used to cover openings and be screwed or riveted in place.
• Concrete or Mortar: For cracks in concrete foundations, use a durable concrete patch.
• Wood: If wood skirting is damaged, replace the section or reinforce it with new wood.
• Caulking and Sealants: Use exterior-grade caulking or expanding foam sealant for smaller gaps.

2. Securing Other Potential Access Points

Beyond the main skirting, consider other areas:

• Vents and Crawl Spaces: Ensure any vents or access points to the crawl space are covered with sturdy metal mesh.
• Around Utilities: Pay close attention to where utility lines enter the home. Seal any gaps around these penetrations.
• Debris Removal: Clear away any debris, such as old lumber, piles of leaves, or discarded items, from around and under your mobile home. These can provide cover for raccoons and make it easier for them to approach and exploit entry points.

3. Reducing Attractants Around Your Property

Even with excellent blocking raccoon entry, if your property remains an attractive food source, other raccoons will likely try to move in.

• Secure Garbage Cans: Use sturdy garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Consider locking lids or keeping cans in a secure shed or garage.
• Pet Food: Do not leave pet food outdoors, especially overnight. Feed pets indoors or remove uneaten food promptly.
• Compost: Ensure your compost bin is secure and does not contain food scraps that raccoons find appealing. Burying food scraps or using a compost tumbler can help.
• Bird Feeders: Bird feeders can be a significant attractant. Consider removing them during peak raccoon activity seasons or using specially designed “critter-proof” feeders. Clean up spilled seed regularly.
• Fallen Fruit: If you have fruit trees, clean up fallen fruit promptly.

What to Do if You Find Baby Raccoons

Discovering baby raccoons is a common and delicate situation.

• Do Not Disturb: If you find a den with young kits, it is critical to leave them undisturbed until they are old enough to travel with their mother. This typically takes about 6-8 weeks.
• Observe from a Distance: Watch the den from afar to gauge activity. If the mother is still bringing food, the kits are likely alive and well.
• Contact Professionals: If you suspect the mother has abandoned the kits or if the kits appear distressed, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or an experienced wildlife removal service. They are equipped to handle these situations humanely and legally.

Pest Control for Raccoons: When to Call a Professional

While this guide provides many DIY solutions, there are times when pest control for raccoons requires professional expertise.

• Aggressive Behavior: If raccoons exhibit aggressive behavior or seem unusually bold during the day, they may be sick (e.g., rabies). Do not approach them; call animal control or a professional immediately.
• Persistent Infestations: If your efforts to deter and exclude raccoons are unsuccessful, a professional can assess the situation and implement more advanced strategies.
• Difficulty Accessing Areas: If the areas raccoons are using are difficult or dangerous to access, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
• Legal Restrictions: As mentioned, trapping and relocation are often regulated. Professionals are knowledgeable about these laws.

When hiring a professional, inquire about their methods. Ensure they prioritize humane raccoon removal and employ safe raccoon removal methods and wildlife exclusion techniques.

Long-Term Prevention: Maintaining Your Mobile Home

Preventing raccoon infestation is an ongoing process. Regularly maintaining your mobile home’s defenses is key.

• Regular Inspections: Make it a habit to inspect your skirting and the area beneath your mobile home at least twice a year (spring and fall).
• Prompt Repairs: Address any new damage or openings immediately.
• Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard tidy. Trim overgrown bushes and trees that can provide cover or climbing access to your mobile home.
• Awareness: Stay aware of wildlife activity in your neighborhood.

By understanding raccoon behavior, employing humane raccoon removal techniques when necessary, and focusing on robust blocking raccoon entry through proper sealing under mobile home, you can effectively manage and prevent raccoons under mobile home. Remember, a proactive approach to preventing raccoon infestation is always better than dealing with an established problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if it’s a raccoon and not another animal under my mobile home?
A1: Raccoons are typically noisy at night, with sounds of scratching, chattering, and scurrying. You might also find larger droppings (cylindrical, 2-3 inches long) containing undigested food like seeds or fur. Their tracks resemble small human handprints. Other animals like opossums might make similar noises, but raccoon droppings and tracks are distinctive.

Q2: Can I just seal up the hole if I think raccoons are under my mobile home?
A2: No, you should not seal up the hole if you suspect raccoons are present, especially if there might be young. Sealing them in will trap them, leading to their death and potential damage as they try to escape. Always ensure the area is clear of animals, especially mothers with kits, before sealing any entry points.

Q3: Are mothballs effective raccoon deterrents?
A3: Mothballs are often suggested as raccoon repellents, but their effectiveness is debated, and they can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested or if fumes are inhaled in confined spaces. It’s generally safer and more humane to use other methods like strong scents (ammonia, essential oils) or exclusion techniques.

Q4: How long do I need to use raccoon deterrents?
A4: Deterrents are usually a temporary measure to encourage raccoons to leave. Once they have vacated, it’s essential to permanently seal entry points to prevent re-infestation. Deterrents are most effective when used in conjunction with exclusion.

Q5: Is it legal to trap and relocate raccoons in my area?
A5: The legality of trapping and relocating wildlife varies significantly by state and local ordinances. It’s crucial to check with your local wildlife agency or animal control department before trapping any animals. Often, permits are required, and specific relocation protocols must be followed. In many cases, professional wildlife removal services are best equipped to handle this legally and humanely.

Q6: What are the dangers of having raccoons under my mobile home?
A6: Raccoons can cause damage by chewing through insulation, electrical wires (posing a fire risk), and pipes. Their droppings can harbor bacteria and parasites, such as roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis), which can be dangerous to humans. They can also make a lot of noise and create unsanitary conditions.

Q7: When should I call a professional for raccoon problems?
A7: You should call a professional if you find baby raccoons and are unsure how to proceed, if the raccoons are exhibiting aggressive behavior, if you suspect they are sick, or if your DIY methods are not working. Professionals have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge of local laws for safe raccoon removal methods and wildlife exclusion.

Q8: How can I make sure my mobile home is protected from raccoons long-term?
A8: Long-term protection involves regular inspections of your mobile home’s skirting and foundation for damage, prompt repair of any openings, and reducing attractants around your property like unsecured garbage and accessible pet food. Consistent maintenance is key to preventing raccoon infestation.