How to Get Rid of Raccoons on Fire Escapes
Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable, so exterior fire escapes provide them with a unique opportunity to access higher floors of buildings. This creates a significant nuisance, potential for property damage, and a safety risk for tenants, customers, or employees.
Why Raccoons are Drawn to Fire Escapes
- Fire escapes provide elevated, safe, and semi-sheltered areas or raccoons.
- They allow easy access to upper windows, balconies, or rooftops, so raccoons climbing fire escapes is not an uncommon sight in the city.
- Fire escapes often contain items like plants, furniture, or garbage bags which may attract raccoons looking for food.
- The metal structure of fire escapes retains warmth from building walls.
- Fire escapes in industrial and commercial areas are often located near dumpsters, kitchens, or loading docks and also offer the allure of food .
Challenges of Raccoon Infestations on Fire Escapes
Aside from probably scaring the bejeezus out of you, if a raccoon should show up outside your 3rd floor window, what are the challenges when dealing with raccoons on fire escapes and why should you let professionals handle the task?
Safety Hazards
Raccoons blocking emergency exits can create real risks and violate fire codes.
Aggressive Behaviour
Raccoons cornered on narrow fire escapes become defensive and aggressive.
Accessibility
Of course, the best arguments for seeking out a wildlife removal professional are the height and tight spaces on fire escapes - DIY removal in this environment is dangerous.
Recurring Visits
Once a raccoon claims a fire escape, it often uses it as a route to access roofs, vents, windows, or other hidden access points.
Public Visibility
In apartment buildings, raccoons on fire escapes can cause tenant panic, social media complaints, and landlord liability. All this will inevitably lead to a loss of reputation.
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