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Pest control

Do Raccoons Kill Rats

By November 23, 2022No Comments
A raccoon on a roof of a home looking for food.

When it comes to pest control, containing an animal like a raccoon is very difficult. Limiting their food source is one way to keep the raccoons away. However, if you live in a wooden area, a rat problem can make it very tough to keep them from coming back. Oddly enough, raccoons will eat more than just the perceived garbage from your trash can. Raccoons are known to eat a variety of other creatures. Do raccoons kill rats? Yes, if they have the chance to capture a rat for food, they will definitely kill and eat a rat.

Let’s take a look below at what else a raccoon might desire for food.

What Do They Prey On

Keep in mind that raccoons are looking for easy food, just like any other animal. Raccoons are known to be scavagers. They love to feed on anything that is readily available. Typically, a raccoon will feed on crops, leftover food, pet food, and anything found in a dumpster or trash can. Do raccoons kill rats? Raccoons are not picky eaters, so they will also enjoy other animals like rats and mice. Keep in mind that they will not actively hunt these animals. Consequently, they will enjoy the opportunity to kill and eat mice, rats, cats, snakes, birds, or fish if the opportunity presented itself.

Raccoons typically like to scavenge for human food, but will kill smaller rodents like rats.

What Do They Usually Prefer

Just like most animals, raccoons have a variety of food options. Typically, they prefer to scavenge for human food. Raccoons like to find the easy way in terms of food. However, they are not going to ignore a possible meal that is right in front of them. Let’s take a look below at what they like to eat.

  • Crayfish – quick and easy meal for raccoons to catch. Easy to wander along the river beds and find a crayfish to grab right out of the water.
  • Fish – love to grab a fish out of shallow water. Raccoons have sensitive paws and can sense a fish’s touch. This makes for an easy grab.
  • Frogs – a high source of protein and nutrients for a raccoon. Additionally, they can grab a tree frog or just stumble upon a frog in the water or near the water’s edge.
  • Clams – easy to forage for as clams do not move. Also, raccoons can use their claws to open a clam just like they would for nuts.
  • Snakes – typically are only eaten by a raccoon if dead or injured. Snakes move rather quickly and a raccoon will not waste its energy chasing down a snake.
  • Turtles – a shared habitat with turtles make them a desirable food option for a raccoon.
  • Snails – an easy food source for the laziest raccoon. Often found near water banks. They are high in protein and also a great nutrient source for raccoons.
  • Rodents (Gophers, Muskrats, Mice, Rabbits, Squirrels, Rats) – out of these small rodents, a rat, mouse, or rabbit is most likely going to be eaten by a raccoon. Typically, gophers, muskrats, or squirrels can give a raccoon a run for its money. Raccoons have to expound a lot of energy just to keep up with and trap any of those three rodents.
  • Birds – raccoons will eat birds or bird eggs. Typically, ground birds, like a chicken, a duck, or barn owls are hunted. A raccoon is not chasing a flying bird around for food.
  • Worms and Insects – easy access to worms and insects make a light meal for a raccoon.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you are aware that raccoons will kill and eat rats, this might be a good time to consider more advanced pest control. If you want to keep raccoons away, then locking up your trash might not be the only option.

Next, get an understanding of what an actual raccoon nest looks like. You might be surprised by what raccoons do to create a nest. If you can identify a raccoon nest, then you will be able to keep them from coming around.

Lastly, keeping rodents like mice and rats away from your home is important to keep other animals away. Consequently, if you notice that your wires are frayed and or damaged, this is a sign that you have mice or rats in your home. Rats and Mice like to eat wires and will chew through anything. Time to call your pest control company to conduct an extermination.

Rats can cause some major issues around your home. They also attract bigger animals like raccoons.

When Do I Call A Professional

Raccoons are known to find a spot and stick around for a while. Getting them removed can be problematic. Also, raccoons are nuisances and you should call on a wildlife professional to assist you in relocating them. Additionally, in some cases, your local pest control company can assist with wildlife relocation.

Conclusion

When it comes to raccoons you never want to allow them to stick around too long. Getting them relocated is your best approach. There are too many dangers with raccoons wandering around your home. Also, they could become rabid and attack you, or make shelter in your home and cause major damage to the structures of your home. Call on the professionals to help you solve your raccoon problem. All South Pest Control will be able to determine your raccoon removal needs and offer the best preventative maintenance for future pest issues in McDonough, GA, and the surrounding areas.

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