Raccoons, with their masked faces and dexterous paws, are common in both urban and suburban environments. These adaptable creatures are known for their cleverness and ability to navigate human-dominated landscapes, often leading them to explore homes in search of food or shelter. Their intelligence and persistence make them capable of exploiting potential entry points like windows.
Raccoon Dexterity and Intelligence
Raccoons possess remarkable physical and cognitive abilities that enable them to manipulate objects with surprising skill. Their front paws, often compared to human hands, feature five nimble fingers equipped with sharp claws and highly sensitive tactile pads. This unique anatomy allows them to grasp, turn, and investigate objects with precision, relying on their sense of touch, which is more developed than their eyesight. While they lack an opposable thumb, raccoons can effectively manipulate items by holding them between their digits or using their palms.
Beyond their physical dexterity, raccoons exhibit notable intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. Their cognitive skills are often likened to those of primates, allowing them to figure out complex tasks. Studies indicate that raccoons can remember solutions to problems for up to three years, demonstrating a strong learning ability. This combination of curiosity and persistence means they will explore various entry points and learn from past experiences to overcome obstacles, particularly when motivated by the prospect of food or shelter.
Window Vulnerabilities and Raccoon Methods
Raccoons can attempt to open or compromise windows, especially those that are unsecured or damaged. They are often drawn to homes when seeking warmth, food, or a safe place to den. Their methods exploit common weaknesses in window mechanisms and materials. Raccoons are known to push open unlocked windows or slide open sash windows if they are not properly latched.
Simple latches or doorknobs that can be pushed down are vulnerable to their dexterous paws. Standard fiberglass or aluminum window screens offer little resistance to a determined raccoon, as they can easily tear, claw, or chew through them with their sharp claws and teeth. Raccoons are also adept climbers, utilizing nearby trees, trellises, or other structures to access higher-level windows. If a window is already damaged or left partially open, they will work at it with their claws to widen the opening and gain entry. Furthermore, their ability to squeeze through openings as small as three to four inches in diameter means even a small gap can serve as an invitation.
Securing Your Windows Against Raccoons
To prevent raccoon entry through windows, implement robust security measures. Always ensure that all windows are closed and securely latched, especially during the night or when you are away from home. Installing sturdy and reliable window locks provides an additional layer of protection against these clever animals.
For double-hung windows, sash locks that secure the two sashes together or window pin locks, which involve inserting a pin through drilled holes to prevent movement, are effective options. Pin locks can also be used to limit how far a window can open, allowing for ventilation while maintaining security.
For casement windows, latch locks or hook locks that embed into a slot can provide enhanced security. Sliding windows benefit from keyed locks mounted directly on the frame, or track locks that slide along the window track to prevent opening. Using a dowel in the track of a sliding window or door can also prevent it from being opened.
It is also advisable to upgrade standard screens to heavy-duty pet screens or metal screen guards, as these materials offer much greater resistance to tearing and chewing. Trimming tree branches and shrubs at least five feet away from your home can prevent raccoons from climbing onto roofs and accessing upper windows. Additionally, removing attractants such as unsecured garbage, fallen fruit, or outdoor pet food will reduce the likelihood of raccoons approaching your home.
If a Raccoon Enters Your Home
Should a raccoon manage to enter your home despite precautions, remaining calm is important. Your primary goal is to guide the animal safely outside without direct confrontation. Secure any pets in a separate room to prevent interaction and potential injury.
Open all doors and windows that lead directly outside, creating a clear escape route for the raccoon. Most raccoons will be as frightened as you are and will seek to exit the dwelling on their own. Do not attempt to corner, handle, or capture the animal yourself, as a threatened raccoon may defend itself. If the raccoon does not leave, is hiding, or appears sick or aggressive, contact a professional animal control service for assistance.