What's the Difference Between Badgers and Raccoons?

Based on just a passing glance, it's easy to mistake badgers and raccoons for one another. However, property owners who take a closer look will realize the animals don't have much in common. Determining which yard pest is present requires a simple comparison of badger vs. raccoon traits.

Appearance:

Though the animals are roughly the same size and tend to be gray in color, they each have distinct markings. The raccoons' black face mask is unmistakable, while badgers have a white stripe that extends from their noses down their backs.

Raccoon:
raccoon

Badger:
badger

Diet:

In general, food is what lures both badgers and raccoons to lawns, but the pests have different tastes. Badgers are carnivores that feed on squirrels, moles, and rats.

On the other hand, raccoons aren't nearly as picky. As omnivores, they eat everything from garbage and plants to rodents and insects.

Dens:

Known for their burrowing skills, badgers create underground dens to pursue prey and provide a safe place to rest. The pests may dig multiple nests in one area with several feet of tunnels connecting them.

Raccoons might use vacated badger burrows to raise their young, but they are more likely to live in trees or move into attic.

Badger vs. Raccoon Damage

Badger problems almost exclusively relate to their burrows. Since the animals dig under driveways, sidewalks, and homes, they can cause structural issues.

When comparing badger vs. raccoon damage, raccoons are far more destructive. In addition to knocking over trash bins and tearing up gardens in search of meals, the pests steal outdoor pet food. They rip up vents and bend back siding in an effort to get inside homes as well.

Badger Control and Raccoon Removal

As a homeowners, raccoons are much more likely to be a pest than a badger. Raccoons live in every state in a variety of habitats. Badgers are found west of the Mississippi and in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana

For control, Critter Control can set traps to catch both badgers and raccoons. If you have a raccoon in your backyard, contact Critter Control. Established raccoons can start to look for shelter in your attic. 

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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