Raccoons
Foggers Pest Control is Central MN's Trusted Company for the Removal of Raccoons.
Do you have raccoons in the attic?
Raccoons are medium-sized nocturnal mammals native to North America, recognizable by a black mask-like face and a ringed tail, and they are omnivorous and highly dexterous. They can cause problems for homeowners by raiding garbage, damaging roofs or vents to access attics, creating noise and odors, and carrying parasites and diseases such as rabies.
Why Homeowners Need Professional Raccoon Removal
Wild raccoons pose significant health risks to homeowners because they can carry rabies, roundworms, leptospirosis, fleas, and ticks, and their droppings and urine can contaminate air and surfaces with bacteria and parasites. Direct contact or indirect exposure during cleanup can lead to serious illness, so safely removing animals and contaminated materials requires trained handlers with proper protective equipment and vaccination status.
Raccoons also cause substantial property damage by tearing insulation, chewing electrical wiring, ripping vents and flashings, damaging roofs and attics while nesting, and creating odors that reduce livability and resale value. Professional removal ensures humane capture, thorough sanitation, and lasting exclusion repairs to prevent reentry and avoid repeated costly damage.
Signs of Raccoon Presence to Look For
Homeowners may notice overturned trash cans, scattered food or pet bowls, and claw or bite marks on containers and doors. You might find droppings near food sources or under eaves, greasy smudge marks where raccoons climb, and tracks or paw prints in soft soil or snow.
Other signs include nighttime scratching or scurrying in attics or walls, chewed vents, torn insulation, holes in roofs or soffits, and concentrated areas that serve as latrines where feces accumulate. A strong, musky odor can also indicate a persistent raccoon presence.
FAQs About Raccoons
How can I tell if raccoons are living in my attic or walls?
Common signs include scratching or thumping noises at night, soiled insulation or droppings, disturbed vents or entry holes, strong musky odors, and sightings of raccoon tracks or fur near entry points.
What times of day are raccoons most active around homes?
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, most active from dusk through the night, though juveniles or food-conditioned individuals may be active during daylight hours.
Are raccoons likely to return after being removed?
Yes—raccoons may return if attractants remain or if access points are not fully secured. Effective exclusion and removal of food, water, and shelter opportunities reduce the likelihood of return.
What entry points do raccoons use to get into buildings?
They enter through damaged vents, loose soffits, gaps in rooflines, missing chimney caps, unscreened attic louvers, and any openings larger than about 4 inches in diameter.
What health risks do raccoons pose to humans and pets?
Raccoons can carry parasites and diseases such as roundworms (Baylisascaris), leptospirosis, and rabies, and their droppings can contaminate insulation and surfaces; bites or scratches also risk infection.
Can raccoons damage my property?
Yes—raccoons can tear roofing, remove shingles, chew wires, contaminate insulation with urine and feces, damage gardens and garbage bins, and create structural entry points over time.
What should I do if I find a raccoon in my house during the day?
Keep distance, secure pets and children in another room, close doors to confine the animal if safe to do so, open an exit route to the outdoors if possible, and contact a professional for assistance if it cannot leave safely.
Are there safe ways to discourage raccoons from my yard without trapping?
Remove food sources (secure trash, pick up pet food), eliminate standing water, secure compost, seal access to crawl spaces and sheds, install motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and use raccoon-resistant containers.
Do raccoons have young in the spring, and how does that affect removal?
Yes—kits are typically born in spring; removal efforts must consider dependent young since mothers will defend or return to dens. Professionals follow local regulations and best practices to avoid separating young improperly.
Can I seal up my home immediately after a raccoon is removed?
Do not fully seal until you are confident no animals remain; a staged exclusion approach—one-way exits or professional verification—prevents trapping animals inside before permanent repairs are made.
What precautions should I take if I need to clean areas contaminated by raccoon droppings?
Wear gloves, a respirator (N95 or better), and protective clothing; ventilate the area, avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, wet down contaminated materials with a disinfectant, and dispose of waste in sealed bags according to local guidelines.
Are there legal considerations for handling raccoons in my area?
Yes—wildlife is regulated in many jurisdictions; rules vary for trapping, relocation, euthanasia, and removing dependent young. Check local wildlife agency regulations or consult a licensed professional before taking action.