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Wildlife · Pest guide

Raccoons control

Attics, chimneys and trash cans: humane eviction and rabies safety.

Start here: How to Get Raccoons Out of the Attic (2026 Guide) When to call a pro

Raccoons at a glance

Scientific name
Procyon lotor
Size
24 to 38 inches including tail (60–95 cm)
Appearance
Black mask, ringed tail, dexterous front paws
Where found
Attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, garages, trash cans
  • Health riskHigh
  • Property damageHigh
  • Do it yourself?Call a pro
When raccoons are active Peak: Mar–Sep
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Active
  3. Mar Peak
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Active
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Heavy thumping in the attic at night
  • Torn shingles, soffits or vent covers
  • Latrine piles of droppings
  • Tipped trash cans

Call a professional when

  • Raccoons living in the attic, chimney or crawl space
  • A mother with young (spring)
  • An animal acting sick or unafraid in daytime
How to choose a pest control company

Safety first

Raccoons are a major rabies carrier. Their droppings can carry roundworm eggs: never clean latrines without gloves and a mask.

Raccoons: removal guides

1 guide

Step-by-step plans to get rid of a pest, from DIY methods to professional treatment.

Raccoon in a Florida state park

Raccoons · Removal

How to Get Raccoons Out of the Attic (2026 Guide)

· 5 min read

Keep raccoons out

  1. Use locking lids on trash cans
  2. Cap chimneys and reinforce vents
  3. Bring pet food in at night

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Skunks Dens under porches and the smell that follows: removal and odor cleanup. Possums Virginia opossums under decks and in garages: mostly harmless, easy to deter. Squirrels Squirrels in the attic, the walls and the bird feeder.
Photo credits

Thank you to Korall for sharing this beautiful photograph and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0