You’ve probably wondered what size hole can raccoons squeeze through. The answer may surprise you. Raccoons have cylindrical bodies that can easily fit through a hole as small as three or four inches wide. However, you may be surprised to learn that they can even squeeze through a much smaller hole! This makes them very resourceful explorers and great home invaders. So, it’s important to keep an eye out for raccoons.
A human anus can stretch up to seven inches. That means that a raccoon can squeeze through a hole as small as four inches, and two of them can fit through a seven-inch opening! Raccoons can squeeze through holes as small as four inches and can even squeeze through holes that are as wide as six inches! Fortunately, they are extremely elusive – but not impossible!
To prevent raccoons from getting inside your home, make sure your coop has a tight-fitting latch. Although they’re clever and can open a complex latch in a laboratory, they won’t typically do it in reality. Try using a latch that requires two steps instead of one. Then, you can secure the gate with a screw lock carabiner.
In some urban areas, releasing a raccoon is illegal. But you can contact the Humane Society or your local game commission to release the animal. Raccoons can be dangerous if they get into a house – if you don’t have any experience, you’re likely to get bitten or attacked by one. A more effective way to eliminate raccoons is through nonlethal control. Shooting a raccoon is a good way to kill a single raccoon, but this is not an option in urban areas.
If a raccoon finds your house, they may enter through a hole in the roof. If you’re not careful, they can climb up tree limbs and metal flashing. Commercial products that prevent raccoons from climbing can be purchased from a bird control supply company or farm supply center. Additionally, raccoons often enter through holes in the roof and attic.
Raccoons are omnivores that feed on plants and animals. Their diets are varied and they have litters a year containing three to five young. Raccoons live as long as 12 years and do not hibernate. Raccoons are known for being carriers of rabies and raccoon roundworm, which is transmitted through unintentionally ingesting microscopic roundworm eggs.
You can prevent raccoons from climbing into your house by installing a heavy plastic or metal barrier. Another way to deter raccoons is to install a 24-inch aluminum vent-pipe or galvanized wire. Make sure the vent-pipe is snugly fitted to the structure, and the outside edge should be 18 inches away from any support. You can cut the flared metal using tin snips.
