Only weeks ago, Quebec confirmed its first case of a rabid raccoon in over a decade. Government officials have called for increased vigilance from the local population. This news comes only a few short months after a child from Brantford, Ont., lost their life from rabies, in the first domestically acquired case of human rabies in Ontario since 1967.
These incidents highlight the importance of addressing wildlife issues promptly, especially when dealing with potentially dangerous animals like raccoons in your home.
If raccoons in your attic have turned your home into their playground, you’re likely dealing with more than just noise. The damage, the health risks, and the sheer frustration can add up quickly. Knowing how to remove raccoons effectively is key to protecting your home.
Signs of Raccoons in the Attic
The first sign is usually hearing strange noises. Scratching, thumping, or soft chirping at night often means attic raccoons have moved in. These clever creatures are nocturnal, so their activity peaks after dark.
Next, take a look around your home. Damaged soffits, claw marks near entry points, or torn shingles are red flags. Check for raccoon droppings around your attic space or vents—another clear indicator of a raccoon problem.
Don’t forget the outside of your home. Overturned trash cans, claw marks on fences, and empty bird feeders can point to raccoons living nearby. Pets acting strangely—like barking at walls or scratching at ceilings—can also suggest uninvited guests upstairs.
How to Remove Raccoons from Your Attic
Step one: assess the situation. Are you dealing with a single raccoon, a mother raccoon, or a group of young raccoons? If it’s a raccoon family, you’ll need a strategy to avoid trapping baby raccoons without their mother.
The most effective method is a one-way raccoon trap or exclusion device. These tools let the raccoons exit but prevent them from re-entering. If you’re dealing with a mother raccoon and her young, consider using raccoon eviction fluid. This scent-based deterrent encourages her to relocate her babies to a safer spot.
Once you’ve successfully removed all the raccoons, it’s time to clean up. Raccoons leave behind contaminated attic insulation, droppings, and other messes. This step is critical for disease control and preventing future infestations. Sealing off entry points and repairing raccoon damage ensures your attic stays raccoon-free.
Why DIY Raccoon Removal Is Not Recommended
DIY animal control might seem tempting, but it’s rarely worth the risk. A cornered female raccoon—especially one protecting her babies—can be aggressive and unpredictable. Without proper training, attempting to trap raccoons or remove them can lead to injuries, property damage, or even exposure to diseases.
DIY methods often fail to address the root causes of a raccoon problem, like open entry points or unsecured food sources. And let’s not forget the cleanup—dealing with attic insulation ruined by raccoon droppings isn’t something most people want to handle themselves.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Raccoons From an Attic?
The cost to remove raccoons from an attic varies based on factors like the number of raccoons, the complexity of removal, and the extent of repairs or cleanup required. Additional services, such as sealing entry points or replacing contaminated attic insulation, can also impact pricing. Every situation is unique, so it’s best to get a personalized estimate.
Contact Gotcha Wildlife for Raccoon Removal Services
At Gotcha Wildlife, we specialize in safe, humane solutions for raccoon removal.
Our experienced technicians know how to get rid of raccoons while protecting your home and family. Whether it’s a lone raccoon or a full raccoon family, we’ll safely remove them, clean up the mess, and seal your home against future infestations. From disease control to repairing raccoon damage, we’ve got it covered.
Ready to reclaim your attic? Contact us today for expert pest control services. Let us handle the raccoons so you can sleep soundly again.
