What are Raccoons?

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals known for their distinctive black “mask” markings around the eyes and ringed tails. They are highly intelligent and adaptable, thriving in both urban and rural environments. Raccoons are nocturnal and opportunistic feeders, eating fruits, insects, small animals, and garbage. While they play a role in ecosystems, raccoons often become a serious nuisance when they invade homes, attics, or businesses in search of shelter and food.

Signs of Raccoon Infestation

• Loud thumping, scratching, or movement noises in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces at night
• Torn shingles, soffits, or roof vents caused by raccoons entering the building
• Garbage bins tipped over with food scattered around
• Raccoon droppings in attics, yards, or near entry points
• Tracks with distinct hand-like prints in soil, mud, or snow
• Strong musky odors from urine or nesting materials

Why They are a Problem

Raccoons may appear harmless, but they can cause extensive property damage. They rip open roofs, vents, and siding to access attics, where they tear insulation, chew wiring, and contaminate spaces with urine and feces. This creates costly repairs and potential fire hazards. Raccoons are also known carriers of rabies, roundworm, and parasites that pose serious health risks to people and pets. Their aggressive behavior when cornered makes them especially dangerous to handle without professional help.

Where Do They Come From?

Raccoons seek out food and shelter, making urban and suburban properties attractive. Common sources and entry points include:

• Attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces accessed through damaged vents, soffits, or shingles
• Garbage bins, compost piles, and pet food left outdoors
• Gardens, bird feeders, and fruit trees
• Decks, sheds, and barns that provide shelter
• Water sources such as ponds, pools, or outdoor fountains

How to Get Rid of Raccoons at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of raccoons, here are some practical steps you can take:

• Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids or raccoon-proof fasteners
• Remove outdoor food sources such as pet food, bird seed, or fallen fruit
• Seal entry points in attics, vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces with durable materials
• Install chimney caps and vent covers to block access
• Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter raccoons from yards and gardens

These measures can reduce raccoon activity, but removing them once they are inside a home or business usually requires professional wildlife control.

Raccoons vs Squirrels

Raccoons are often confused with squirrels when homeowners hear noises in the attic, but they differ in several ways:

• Raccoons are larger and heavier, often 10 to 30 pounds, while squirrels are smaller and lighter
• Raccoons are active at night, while squirrels are mostly active during the day
• Noises from raccoons are louder, with heavy thumping and scratching, while squirrels create faster scurrying sounds
• Raccoons tear larger entry holes, while squirrels usually squeeze through smaller gaps

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and humane raccoon removal for homes and businesses. Our experienced technicians locate entry points, remove raccoons using proven wildlife control methods, and seal structures to prevent future invasions. We also clean and sanitize contaminated areas to protect your health and restore your property. With our professional services, you can eliminate raccoon problems quickly and keep them from coming back.