Raccoon Property Damage: Risks & Costs

Raccoons are intelligent, resourceful animals that can cause major damage to North Texas homes. Though they may appear harmless at first, raccoons may cause a variety of issues for homeowners, including structural damage and health risks. This article explores some estimates on removal and repair costs associated with raccoon property damage.

Damage to structures

These critters often gain entry into homes by tearing through weak places like roofs, eaves, soffits, and vents. Their powerful claws and teeth may break through wood, shingles, and even plastic vents.

1. Damage to Insulation: Raccoons utilize insulation to build nests, ripping it apart and redistributing it, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. The cost of replacing broken insulation ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on the severity and breadth of the damage.
2. Roof Damage: They frequently destroy shingles and roof underlayment, causing leaks and water damage. Roof repairs normally cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on the size of the area affected.
3. Electrical Wiring: Similar to rodents, raccoons have a habit of chewing on electrical wiring, which can cause fires. The cost of restoring damaged electrical systems can range from $150 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the damage and whether rewiring is required.

Contamination and Health Risks

Raccoons are known carriers of diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. Their droppings and urine can also contaminate your attic, creating unclean conditions and spreading infections.

Cost of sanitation: Following a raccoon infestation, a professional cleaning service may be required to sanitize the attic, remove excrement, and replace tainted insulation. This procedure can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size of the affected region and the degree of pollution.

Bug control: If raccoons bring fleas, ticks, or mites into your home, extermination services might cost an additional $200 to $1,500, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Property and Landscape Damage

Not only do they invade attics, but raccoons may also destroy other portions of your property, such as gardens, yards, and outside structures.

Yard damage: Raccoons dig up lawns and gardens in quest of food, such as grubs or worms. The cost of fixing a lawn might range from $100 and $1,000, depending on the extent of the damaged area.

Outdoor Furniture: They are also known to attack garbage cans and destroy outdoor furniture in quest of food. Replacing damaged products may cost an additional $100 to $500 or more.

Home Repair and Wildlife Exclusion Costs

After removing these critters, homeowners should block entry points to avoid further raccoon property damage.

Exclusion services: Hiring professionals to seal up potential entry points (for example, repairing vents, soffits, and chimneys) can cost between $500 and $2,500, depending on the scope of the work.

Wildlife management: Raccoon removal services often cost between $200 and $600 per animal. This fee includes trapping, relocation, and occasionally minor repairs.

While raccoons may appear to be simply another type of North Texas wildlife, their potential to wreak significant damage to homes should be noted. Raccoon damage can be costly, causing structural difficulties and contamination. In many circumstances, investing in expert wildlife control services and preventive measures is the most cost-effective method to safeguard your property.

If you suspect raccoon property damage in your home, acting quickly can help reduce damage and save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Are you in need of raccoon removal? Our friendly operators at Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control are available now at (817) 606-7607. Find out more about our wildlife removal in Arlington and Fort Worth, TX.