Help With Raccoon Problems

Raccoons in the attic? Get them out safely

Heavy thumps at night, torn vents or noises from the chimney? Tell us what you've noticed and ask about removal or a quote.

A few details help: where you see raccoons, when they appear, and how long it has been going on.

Raccoon beside a residential fence
Raccoon on a residential roofline at dusk

Why do raccoons keep coming back?

Raccoons are strong enough to rip open roof vents and soffits, and mother raccoons look for attics and chimneys to raise their kits in spring. Once inside, they flatten insulation, damage ducts and wiring, and leave latrines that need careful cleanup.

The right fix follows a careful order: check for kits, remove the family humanely, seal every opening with heavy metal mesh, cap the chimney, and then clean up. Never handle a raccoon yourself, and never seal a hole while one might still be inside.

Below you'll find when kits are born, how to tell raccoons from squirrels and rats, how to keep them out of trash and what removal usually costs.

Torn soffit corner after raccoon entry

What kind of raccoon problem are you seeing?

Heavy noises at night

Slow, heavy walking overhead at night usually means a raccoon. Squirrels are busy at dawn and dusk instead.

Torn vents and soffits

Ripped roof vents, pulled-back shingles or broken soffit corners are classic raccoon entry points.

Noises from the chimney

Chittering or scratching from the fireplace often means a mother with kits on the smoke shelf.

What should you ask before booking?

Ask what the visit includes, how much it costs, and whether a follow-up is included. It’s also helpful to know what you’ll need to do before treatment and when you can use the area again.

Have children or pets at home? Mention them when discussing treatment. For a business, let the company know your opening hours so you can talk about a convenient time to visit.

How raccoon activity changes through the year

  • Spring: Kit season. Mothers den in attics and chimneys; don't seal while kits are inside.
  • Summer: Families roam at night. Secure trash and pet food.
  • Fall: Raccoons fatten up for winter. Cap chimneys and seal gaps.
  • Winter: They den up in cold snaps but don't hibernate.

Keep exploring your options

Common questions about raccoon control

Do raccoons carry rabies?

They can, especially in the eastern raccoon rabies zone. Never touch or feed a raccoon.

Can I just seal the hole?

Not until you're sure no raccoon or kits are inside. Trapped animals tear their way out.

Are one-way doors humane?

Yes, when no kits are inside. The raccoon leaves and can't get back in.

What's a raccoon latrine?

A spot they use as a toilet. Droppings can carry roundworm, so cleanup needs care.

Raccoon or squirrel?

Raccoons are heavy and active at night. Squirrels are quick and busy at dawn and dusk.

What does raccoon removal cost?

Most jobs cost several hundred dollars, more with repairs and attic cleanup.

Ready to ask about your raccoon problem?

Tell us what you’ve noticed and ask about an inspection or a quote. You decide whether to book after speaking with a company.