Raccoons
Raccoons are intelligent, strong, and highly adaptable mammals commonly found throughout Florida’s urban and suburban areas. Known for their masked appearance and dexterous front paws, raccoons frequently enter attics, crawlspaces, garbage areas, and backyards in search of shelter and food.
While often perceived as cute, raccoons are one of the most destructive wildlife pests homeowners face – capable of ripping through roofs, damaging insulation, contaminating air systems, and spreading dangerous diseases.
Raccoon problems escalate quickly without proper removal and exclusion techniques.
What Raccoons Look Like
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals, typically 10–20 lbs, with gray fur, a black facial “mask,” and a bushy ringed tail. Their front paws function similarly to hands, allowing them to open latches, lift shingles, and manipulate objects.
Identification checklist:
- Black “bandit mask” around the eyes
- Bushy tail with alternating dark rings
- Dexterous front paws capable of grabbing and opening items
- Heavy thumping or slow walking heard in attic spaces
- Distinct musky odor near entry points
- Nocturnal activity – loud at night, quiet during the day
Behavior and Nesting Habits
Raccoons are opportunistic animals that thrive around homes, dumpsters, and wooded areas. They commonly nest:
- Inside attics and crawlspaces
- Within soffits, eaves, and roof returns
- Under decks, sheds, and porches
- Inside garages or unused storage rooms
- In large trees or hollow logs near homes
Once inside, raccoons create dens, tear insulation for nesting, and leave behind feces that can contaminate HVAC systems.
Females often enter homes during breeding season (January–June) to raise their young in a warm attic.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation
Common indicators include:
- Loud thumping, walking, or dragging sounds in the attic at night
- Torn roof shingles, soffits, or vents
- Strong urine or musky odor drifting into rooms
- Large droppings that look similar to small dog feces
- Tracks around the property (five toes, hand-like shape)
- Trash bins tipped over or food containers ripped open
- Insulation torn apart or ducts shredded
⚠️ Raccoons can cause thousands in roof and attic damage if not removed quickly.
Raccoon FAQs
Why do raccoons break into attics?
They are seeking shelter, warmth, and a safe place to raise young — especially during breeding season.
Are raccoons dangerous?
Yes. They can carry rabies, roundworm, fleas, and can become aggressive when cornered.
Do raccoons destroy insulation?
Absolutely. They compress, shred, and soil insulation while creating nests.
Can raccoons be removed permanently?
Yes — through humane trapping, removal, and professional exclusion work.
Can I remove raccoons myself?
DIY raccoon removal is unsafe and often illegal. Professional handling is required.
Get Your Free Wildlife Control Quote
Raccoons are strong, intelligent animals capable of causing significant structural and air-quality damage inside homes and businesses. Our licensed wildlife technicians remove raccoons safely, repair entry points, and prevent them from returning.
We use humane trapping, attic decontamination, and full exclusion sealing to protect your property long-term.
Don’t wait — raccoon damage gets worse quickly. Request your free quote today.
Why Raccoons Are a Problem
- Severe property damage: They rip roofs, vents, and fascia boards.
- Contamination: Urine and feces spread diseases and foul odors.
- Aggression: Mothers protecting young can attack pets or people.
- Electrical hazards: Raccoons chew wiring and tear ducts.
- Re-entry attempts: Even after removal, they return unless fully excluded.
Professional wildlife exclusion is the only long-term solution.
Contact us today >>
How to Get Rid of Raccoons
DIY Steps (Limited Effectiveness):
- Secure garbage cans tightly.
- Remove outdoor pet food.
- Trim tree branches touching the roof.
- Seal small gaps around decks or sheds.
- Install motion lights or noise deterrents.
⚠️ Do NOT attempt to trap or remove raccoons yourself — it’s unsafe and often illegal.
Prevention Tips
- Keep roof shingles, vents, and soffits in good repair.
- Secure attic entrance points with wildlife-proof screens.
- Clear trees or branches near the roofline.
- Lock outdoor garbage and recycling containers.
- Maintain quarterly wildlife and pest inspections.
When to Call a Professional
If you hear nighttime noises, see visible roof damage, or smell a strong odor coming from the attic, it’s time to call a wildlife expert. Raccoons cause extensive damage in a very short time, and DIY removal can lead to injury or legal issues.
Our trained team safely handles raccoon removal, repairs entry points, and provides long-lasting protection.
