To get rid of raccoons, remove what attracts them, confirm whether young are present, and use one-way doors so adults leave on their own, then seal every entry point with hardware cloth and repaired soffits and vents. Raccoons are rabies carriers and defend their young, so call a licensed wildlife professional for any raccoon in your attic, crawl space, or walls.
TL;DR: Raccoons nest in attics, sheds, crawl spaces, and chimneys, and they leave tipped trash cans, 5-toed paw prints 3 to 4 inches wide, torn insulation, droppings, and noises in walls. They can carry rabies, raccoon roundworm, and canine distemper, and a cornered mother can be aggressive. Fast removal relies on professional trapping or one-way doors, and permanent control relies on sealing entry points, locking trash cans, and removing pet food. Deterrents like lights and sprinklers work only temporarily, so call a professional for nesting raccoons, sick animals, or any raccoon indoors.
Key Takeaways
- Raccoons shelter in attics, sheds, crawl spaces, and chimneys, and can tear shingles and soffits, rip up ductwork and insulation, and open garbage bins.
- Signs include tipped trash cans, 5-toed paw prints 3 to 4 inches wide, chittering in walls, droppings, and nests of shredded paper or leaves.
- Raccoons can carry rabies, raccoon roundworm in their feces, and canine distemper, and mothers protecting young can become aggressive.
- One-way doors let raccoons leave an attic or shed but not return, and they work best once you confirm no young remain inside.
- Chimney caps, secured vents, repaired soffits, hardware cloth over crawl spaces, and trimmed branches keep raccoons out long term.
- Lights, sprinklers, and smell-based repellents give only temporary relief, and poisons can harm non-target animals.
- Call a professional for raccoons in the attic, a mother with babies, or any animal that looks sick.
Why Raccoons Are a Problem in FL & GA
Raccoons are highly adaptable animals that have learned to thrive in both natural and urban environments. In Florida and Georgia, their populations have steadily increased due to warm weather, abundant food sources, and safe nesting areas. If raccoons have become a nuisance around your property, knowing how to get rid of raccoons safely and effectively can help prevent further problems.
In the wild, raccoons prefer wooded areas with water nearby. In cities, they often take shelter in attics, sheds, crawl spaces, and chimneys. Their dexterous paws and problem-solving intelligence make them capable of opening garbage bins, pet doors, and even latches.
This coexistence with humans is known as synurbanization. While it demonstrates their intelligence, it also brings conflict. Once they settle into your property, raccoons can:
- Tear shingles or soffits to access your attic
- Rip up ductwork and insulation
- Dig through garbage and compost bins
- Carry diseases dangerous to people and pets
Signs You Have a Raccoon Infestation
Most raccoons are active at night, making them hard to spot. But they leave behind plenty of evidence:
- Tipped-over trash cans or garbage trails
- 5-toed paw prints (3″ to 4″) around your home
- Whining, growling, or chittering sounds in walls or ceilings
- Droppings in attics, crawlspaces, or near entry points
- Torn insulation, ductwork, or roofing materials
- Nests made from shredded paper, leaves, or debris
Raccoon signs are often mistaken for opossums, skunks, or squirrels. However, raccoons tend to be bolder, larger, and less fearful of humans. In many cases, homeowners looking to get rid of raccoons call a raccoon catcher to confirm the problem and locate hidden entry points.
How Dangerous Are Raccoons?
Despite their innocent appearance, raccoons pose serious health and property threats.
Common Dangers Include:
- Rabies: Raccoons are among the top rabies carriers in the U.S. A bite or scratch from an infected raccoon requires immediate medical care.
- Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris): Found in feces, this parasite can infect humans or pets if inhaled or ingested.
- Canine Distemper: A fatal disease for dogs, spread by contact with raccoons.
- Property Damage: Their powerful claws can shred roofing, vents, and insulation.
Raccoons can also become aggressive if cornered, especially mothers protecting their young. This is why professional raccoon removal is safer than attempting DIY methods when you need to get rid of raccoons safely and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons Quickly
Fast removal is important if raccoons are:
- Nesting in your attic or crawlspace
- Displaying signs of illness (staggering, foaming, aggression)
- Damaging property or threatening pets
Top Methods for Fast Raccoon Removal:
- Professional Trapping: Licensed wildlife experts can safely and legally trap and relocate raccoons within hours.
- One-Way Doors: These allow raccoons to exit—but not reenter—attics or sheds. Best used when getting raccoons out of attic areas.
- Motion Deterrents: Floodlights, sprinklers, or alarms can scare raccoons away temporarily.
- Secure Food Sources: Remove pet food, lock trash bins, and eliminate garden attractants.
Professional raccoon removal ensures the job is done efficiently and humanely while preventing future invasions.
Can You Remove a Raccoon Yourself?
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the situation and local regulations.
Safe DIY Raccoon Removal Steps:
- Inspect – Identify where raccoons are entering, nesting, or feeding.
- Exclude – Install screens or seal off vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces (after confirming raccoons are gone).
- Clean Up – Safely remove droppings and sanitize contaminated areas.
- Monitor – Use wildlife cameras or deterrents to ensure they don’t return.
Never attempt to remove a raccoon manually, especially a mother with babies. Handling raccoons without training can be dangerous and may violate local laws. If you need to get rid of raccoons, calling a professional raccoon catcher is the best way to stay safe and comply with wildlife regulations.
Permanent Raccoon Control Tips
Long-term control requires more than just removal it involves making your property unattractive and inaccessible.
Essential Exclusion Tactics:
- Install chimney caps and secure attic vents
- Repair soffits and eaves
- Use hardware cloth to block crawlspaces
- Trim back tree branches near your roof
Ongoing Habitat Management:
- Lock trash cans and clean them regularly
- Harvest fruits and vegetables promptly
- Remove bird feeders at night
- Don’t leave pet food outside
Regular inspections can catch signs of return activity early. Working with an animal control raccoon specialist helps maintain long-term protection.
Best Raccoon Deterrents: What Actually Works?
There are dozens of raccoon repellents on the market. Some work temporarily; others are hit or miss.
Natural Remedies:
- Cayenne pepper or vinegar: Sprinkled or sprayed near entry points
- Ammonia-soaked rags: Used in sheds or crawlspaces (keep away from pets)
- Predator urine: Mimics the scent of coyotes or bobcats
Tech Solutions:
- Motion-activated lights or sprinklers
- Ultrasonic animal repellents
While repellents can help, avoid using any raccoon killer products or poisons they’re often ineffective and may harm non-target animals. Humane exclusion and cleanup remain the best long-term methods.
Professional Raccoon Trapping & Exclusion Services
If raccoons are inside your home or showing signs of disease, call a professional immediately. At Nextgen Pest Solutions, our wildlife experts offer:
- Humane live trapping & relocation
- Manual removal of baby raccoons
- Full attic inspection & entry-point sealing
- Sanitization and odor removal
- Emergency dead animal removal
We follow all state and local wildlife regulations to ensure ethical, safe, and permanent results. Whether you need emergency raccoon removal or advice on prevention, our team is ready to help.
Need Emergency Raccoon Removal in Florida or Georgia?
If you’re dealing with raccoons in your attic, garage, or walls, don’t wait. The longer they stay, the more damage they can cause. If you need to get rid of raccoons, contacting a professional early can help protect your property and prevent the problem from getting worse.
Not sure who to call to get raccoons out of attic spaces? Call Nextgen Pest Solutions today:
- ☎️ 470-375-0496
(available 24/7) - 💬 Chat with a specialist online
We serve all major areas across Georgia and Florida, including:
- Atlanta, GA
- Marietta, GA
- Tampa, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
