How to Get Rid of Raccoons: A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Raccoons might look cute, but when they raid your trash, tear up your attic, or destroy your garden — they become a serious nuisance. If you’re searching for safe, effective ways to get rid of raccoons from your property, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get rid of raccoons using humane, practical methods — and how to keep them from coming back.

Why Raccoons Are a Problem

Raccoons are highly intelligent and adaptable animals. While they’re part of the natural ecosystem, they can cause real trouble when they:

• Dig through garbage
  
• Nest in attics, basements, or crawl spaces
  
• Damage gardens and property
  
• Carry diseases like rabies or raccoon roundworm

Signs of a Raccoon Problem

Before jumping into removal, be sure you actually have raccoons. Here are the most common signs:

• Tipped-over trash cans or scattered garbage
  
• Noises at night (scratching, thumping, or chittering sounds in the attic)
  
• Paw prints or muddy tracks around your property
  
• Foul smells from urine or feces
  
• Damage to vents, shingles, or insulation

How to Get Rid of Raccoons — Safely and Effectively

1. Secure All Food Sources

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters. Start by removing easy access to food:

• Use raccoon-proof trash bins or secure lids with bungee cords
  
• Bring pet food and bird feeders inside at night
  
• Clean up fallen fruits from trees

🧠 Did You Know?
Raccoons can remember how to solve complex problems for up to three years. If they’ve found food once, they’ll keep coming back — and even teach others how to get it too!

2. Seal Entry Points

Check your home for access points raccoons might use to nest:

• Repair broken vents, loose soffits, and torn screens
  
• Seal chimney openings with raccoon-proof caps
  
• Cover attic vents with heavy-duty steel mesh

Pro Tip: Do this during the day when raccoons are likely out foraging.

3. Use Repellents (With Caution)

Natural raccoon repellents can be useful, but results may vary:

• Ammonia-soaked rags (place them near suspected entry points)
  
• Commercial raccoon repellents with predator urine or pepper
  
• Motion-activated sprinklers or lights

Avoid harmful chemicals or poisons — they’re dangerous, often illegal, and inhumane.

4. Install Live Traps (If Legal in Your Area)

Use live cage traps baited with marshmallows, sardines, or cat food. Once captured:

• Wear gloves when handling the trap
  
• Follow local wildlife laws for relocation
  
• Never separate a mother from her kits (babies)

5. Call a Wildlife Removal Professional

When in doubt, it’s best to call licensed pest control or animal removal experts. They:

• Know local laws
  
• Use humane trapping methods
  
• Ensure the raccoon and its young are safely relocated

What Not to Do

• Don’t use poison: It’s unsafe, inhumane, and often illegal
  
• Don’t block an entry point without checking for babies inside
  
• Don’t try to handle raccoons without protection — they may bite or carry disease

How to Keep Raccoons Away for Good

Once you’ve gotten rid of the raccoons, keep your property protected:

• Trim tree branches that hang near your roof
  
• Install outdoor motion lights
  
• Keep trash indoors until the morning of collection
  
• Regularly inspect your attic, crawl space, and garage

Still Have Questions About Raccoons?

Here’s what most homeowners ask.

What is the fastest way to get rid of raccoons?

The fastest way is to remove food sources, seal entry points, and use humane repellents or live traps (if allowed in your area). For urgent infestations, calling a licensed wildlife removal expert is the most efficient option.

What smells do raccoons hate?

Raccoons strongly dislike the smell of ammonia, vinegar, mothballs, and pepper-based sprays. These can be used as deterrents near trash bins, attics, or crawl spaces — but reapplication is often necessary for long-term results.

Can raccoons damage your house?

Yes. Raccoons can tear through roofing, ducts, vents, and insulation to access attics or crawl spaces. Their droppings also pose serious health risks, and their nesting can cause structural damage over time.

Are raccoons dangerous to humans?

While raccoons are generally shy, they can become aggressive if cornered — especially mothers with babies. They may carry rabies, raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, and other diseases transmittable to humans and pets.

When are raccoons most active?

Raccoons are nocturnal and most active during the night. They’re especially noticeable in spring and early summer when they’re nesting and raising babies. Fall is another busy season as they fatten up for winter.

Is it legal to trap and relocate raccoons?

Laws vary by location. In many areas, trapping and relocating raccoons without a permit is illegal. Always check with your local wildlife agency or hire a professional to avoid legal trouble.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with raccoons is all about prevention, humane removal, and long-term exclusion. While it might take a bit of effort upfront, keeping raccoons away is 100% worth it for your home’s safety and your peace of mind.

If your raccoon problem feels out of control, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. Sometimes, the best solution is a helping hand from a wildlife expert.