Persistent raccoons annoy Tennent, NJ homeowner

Challenge

I was recently dispatched to a residential customer in Tennent, NJ. She contacted Cowleys because she was having a serious issue with wildlife finding their way into her attic. She was extremely worried because she was in the process of trying to sell her home. 

When I arrived on the scene, it did not take long for me to figure out what was going on. I observed a raccoon was getting into a vent that, according to the homeowner, had been sealed up the other day. Apparently, they did not let the raccoon know that the vent had been sealed! 

Solution

I first did a complete inspection to make sure there were no other signs of entry points. With wildlife, finding the actual and potential access points is critical for resolving the infestation and preventing a re-infestation. After completing my inspection I knew my exact plan of attack to stop the wily critters from getting into her home. First, I installed a one-way door over the entry point that would allow any animals in the attic a one-way trip. These exclusion devices permit the animals to leave, but once out, they are unable to return. Next, I set up two box traps to humanely trap any animals so that i could safely relocate them far away from human habitats. Wildlife is wonderful, but people and wildlife in close quarters don’t mix. For example, raccoons are the primary carrier of rabies here in New Jersey.

After I completed my set up, based on my inspection of the attic, I spoke with the home owner about the necessary steps to get the house in shape for any interested buyers. unfortunately, the raccoons did a number in her attic with their toxic droppings. There was no question that she needed to have the attic cleaned out and sanitized. This was not just a cosmetic matter. it was a health issue. Wildlife droppings are toxic, especially in enclosed areas. 

Also, unfortunately, one or more raccoon had destroyed much of the attic insulation. Cowleys is a licensed installer of TAP insulation, which is not only energy efficient, but unlike most insulation on the market, has a pest control component. Putting in this insulation would also be a great selling point for potential buyers. 

The homeowner was quite pleased that this wildlife problem was so quickly resolved. A single raccoon wandering around your property can easily kill a potential sale, and that's the last thing she needed to be worrying about while a real estate agent was showing her home to potential buyers.