Raccoons are known to spend winters within their dens. They come out of the dens foraging for food and water every few weeks. Raccoons are opportunistic, and they want an easy source of food and water. This is why they turn towards homes in San Antonio to find food in abundance. You should never let your guard down just because it is winter, assuming raccoons will be inside their den. They strike at any time and will cause trouble for you. This blog will shed some light, so you know how to safeguard yourself and your home from raccoons.
Do raccoons hibernate?
Raccoons never truly enter a hibernation state. They, however, have a prolonged torpor, a form of prolonged inactivity when the temperature falls below the 15 deg Fahrenheit mark. In the torpor state, a raccoon will sleep for weeks at a stretch on the food they have foraged.
Since their metabolism is high, they need to wake up for food and drink every few weeks. If they continue to remain in the torpor state, there is a possibility of them losing up to 50% in body weight.
What do raccoons forage for in winters?
They will eat whatever is most convenient for them; their options are limited to nuts, seeds, stalks, bush leaves, plants, and berries during the cold winters. They will often show up in your backyards or on your porch to eat off the garbage and leftovers kept in the bins. They can get aggressive and hurt you. We at Accurate Pest Control strongly advise you to call us if you have a raccoon problem. We provide the best wildlife animal control services in San Antonio.
What do raccoons eat in winters?
Dumpster diver is an infamous name given to raccoons, and this behavior continues during the winters. The scarcity of food options is what drives these pests into dumpsters. Raccoons sneaking into homeowners’ garbage are a common sight throughout the year.
What should you do if raccoons are near your home?
The simplest way to keep raccoon activity away from your premises is to deprive them of access to your garbage. Try not to leave trash outdoors and, if possible, take this garbage directly to the dumpster.
Raccoons will find food and shelter almost anywhere. Cutting off access to the underside of the porch or deck is your best bet at keeping them from building a den. Clear your garden of fallen fruits and berries. Remove the bird feeder. An unappealing yard will cause the raccoons to seek food and shelter somewhere else.
Raccoons are known to be persistent. Raccoon proofing your property is the best way to keep them away. If you have a raccoon on your premises, it is best you immediately call a wildlife exterminator in San Antonio. Our licensed pest control experts will deal with these furry hoods; remove raccoons efficiently and in the most humane way.