Raccoons are clever, agile, and surprisingly resourceful creatures, which makes them one of the most common wildlife nuisances around residential areas. While their distinctive black masks and ringed tails make them look almost charming, their presence inside or around a property can cause significant problems. They are notorious for breaking into attics, chimneys, garages, and even crawlspaces while searching for food or shelter. Once inside, these animals can damage insulation, chew wiring, and contaminate areas with droppings, which may carry harmful bacteria or parasites.
The challenges with these animals aren’t limited to the physical damage they cause. Their nocturnal habits often lead to loud noises at night, ranging from scratching and scurrying to unsettling vocalizations. For homeowners, this can disrupt sleep and create a sense of unease. Raccoons are also known to tip over trash bins and scatter debris, leaving behind unsanitary messes that attract other pests. The longer they remain on a property, the more extensive and costly the damage can become. Recognizing early signs of activity—such as overturned garbage, strange noises in the attic, or tracks near entry points—can help prevent further complications.
The Risks Of Having Raccoons On Your Property
Beyond property damage, raccoons can pose health risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Their droppings and urine can contain diseases like leptospirosis, which is capable of spreading to pets and humans. They are also potential carriers of roundworm eggs and rabies, both of which make direct interaction risky. A cornered raccoon can be defensive and unpredictable, especially if it feels its young are threatened. These factors make handling the situation without professional help a dangerous idea.
Another risk stems from their determination to return to a nesting spot once they’ve chosen it. Simply scaring them away or removing food sources might not stop them from finding another way back in. They are adept climbers and problem-solvers, and a single gap or weakened section of roofing can be enough for them to regain access. Over time, even small intrusions can lead to structural issues, foul odors, and secondary infestations from insects drawn to waste. Effective control requires a strategy that addresses both removal and prevention.
Professional Removal Methods And Prevention
When dealing with raccoon intrusions, humane removal and exclusion techniques are the most reliable approach. Professionals begin by thoroughly inspecting the property to identify entry points, damage, and signs of nesting. This detailed assessment helps determine the most effective solution, whether that involves specialized traps, one-way doors, or other proven methods. The goal is not only to remove the animals but also to prevent them from returning. Once the raccoons are gone, the real work often begins with sealing up access points, repairing damaged sections, and cleaning contaminated areas.
Prevention is just as critical as removal. Professionals often recommend securing trash bins with locking lids, trimming overhanging branches that give raccoons easy access to rooftops, and addressing pet food left outdoors. In addition, installing chimney caps or heavy-duty vent covers can block some of the most common entry routes. By combining removal with proactive measures, the likelihood of recurring infestations drops significantly. This layered approach ensures that once the problem is resolved, the property remains protected against future wildlife intrusions.
Why Timely Intervention Matters
Delaying action can allow raccoons to multiply, especially during breeding seasons when females are looking for warm, hidden spaces to raise their young. A small problem that starts with a single animal can quickly escalate into a much larger issue, with multiple animals causing chaos inside an attic or crawlspace. As they build nests, pull apart insulation, and create unsanitary conditions, the repair costs and health risks climb. Quick intervention saves homeowners from unnecessary stress and expensive repairs later down the road.
Professional wildlife removal is about understanding the behavior of these animals and using that knowledge to create long-term solutions. While it may be tempting to handle the issue alone, a do-it-yourself approach can often lead to incomplete results or even accidental harm. Working with experts ensures that the problem is handled efficiently, with careful attention to both the property and the well-being of the animals.
At 86 Pest & Wildlife Removal, we know how unsettling it can be to deal with raccoons invading your home or yard. Our approach focuses on humane, effective solutions that address the current problem and help prevent future invasions. If you’ve noticed signs of these animals on your property or want to take steps to protect your home, reach out to us today. Contact us to schedule a consultation or ask questions about our services, and we’ll be ready to provide the expertise needed to restore your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons
Q1. How Do I Know If Raccoons Are Living In My Attic Or Crawlspace?
A1. Common signs include unusual noises during the night, such as scratching, thumping, or chittering sounds coming from walls or ceilings. You might also notice insulation pulled apart, droppings in hidden corners, or strong odors from urine and nesting materials. In some cases, you could even spot paw prints near entry points or greasy smudge marks along siding and rooflines where they’ve repeatedly climbed. Sometimes, you’ll see visible entry points like damaged soffits, bent vents, or torn shingles where they’ve clawed or chewed their way inside. Even overturned garbage cans outside can be an early warning that they’re testing the area for food and shelter.
Q2. Why Should I Avoid Trying To Remove Raccoons On My Own?
A2. These animals can become aggressive if they feel cornered or if their young are nearby. They’re strong, quick, and not easy to trap without the right equipment or experience. Attempting to remove them without proper knowledge can lead to injury or, in some cases, worsen the situation by scattering them into harder-to-reach spaces or creating further damage. Professionals use humane and effective methods, ensuring not only that the animals are removed but also that your property is secured to prevent reentry. Their expertise helps avoid costly mistakes that come from trial-and-error attempts.
Q3. What Can Be Done To Prevent Raccoons From Returning After Removal?
A3. Once the animals are gone, sealing all access points is the most crucial step. This often involves reinforcing vents, chimneys, or attic gaps that were used to gain entry. Outside, making sure garbage bins are tightly sealed, pet food is stored indoors, and yard debris is cleared can reduce the attraction and lower the chances of another intrusion. Trimming tree branches that lead directly to rooftops can also limit their access routes, as can installing durable covers on roof vents and chimneys. Pairing these measures with occasional inspections helps keep the property less appealing to future intrusions and maintains long-term protection.