Their intelligence, dexterity and adaptability make them difficult to deter once they’ve targeted a property. With the rise in raccoon-related service calls, it’s more important than ever for pest pros to implement humane, effective and regulatory-compliant control strategies. 

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are nocturnal, highly intelligent animals known for their problem-solving skills and persistence. They are opportunistic omnivores and will take advantage of unsecured trash, pet food, bird feeders and even attic insulation to satisfy their needs. 

• Nesting Preferences: Raccoons commonly nest in hollow trees, crawl spaces, attics, chimneys and under decks or porches. Female raccoons seek quiet, dark enclosed areas during birthing season, which is typically between February and May.
• Activity Patterns: While active year-round, raccoons are especially problematic in the spring during breeding season and in the fall when they seek shelter ahead of winter. 
• Territorial Habits: Once a raccoon claims a den site, it may return season after season unless permanently excluded. 

Signs of Raccoon Infestation

Pest pros should be on the lookout for several telltale signs of raccoon activity:

• Physical Evidence: Look for overturned garbage cans, scattered trash, scratched or torn soffits and fascia, disturbed insulation and tracks or scat. 
• Auditory Clues: Clients may report loud thumping, chittering or rustling sounds at night, especially in attic or wall voids. 
• Visual Signs: Greasy rub marks near entry points, visible nests in chimneys or crawl spaces and raccoon sightings at dusk or dawn. 

Inspection and Risk Assessment

Thorough site inspections are critical to identifying how raccoons are accessing and inhabiting a property:

• Entry Points: Check rooflines, attic vents, soffits, chimneys, crawl spaces and broken screens for breaches. 
• Attractants: Evaluate unsecured trash bins, pet food left outside, compost piles and other food sources. 
• Structural Vulnerabilities: Assess areas where raccoons may exploit weak wood, unsecured vents or gaps in roofing materials. 

Tip: Documentation and photos should be taken during inspections to inform control planning and support client communication. 

Control and Exclusion Techniques

Repellents

Repellents are often the most practical option for discouraging raccoons from returning to areas where they cause damage. These products work by introducing smells or tastes that are unpleasant to animals, helping push them away without harm. Examples include:

• Havahart Critter Ridder Animal Repellent: A granular option for spreading around entry points, trash zones, gardens or fence lines to discourage raccoon access.
• Bonide Repels All Liquid Animal Repellent: A liquid deterrent for surfaces like siding, trim or areas near food sources.

Tip: Repellents are most effective when combined with exclusion steps such as sealing openings, securing trash receptacles and removing food attractants. Reapply after rainfall or as scent fades for consistent results.

Trapping and Removal

Live trapping is the most effective short-term removal method. Use humane cage traps, such as the Havahart Medium Cage Trap, designed to be the most effective, reliable and durable trap of its kind. 

Tip: Set traps near active entry points or travel paths. Ensure traps are secured to prevent tipping. Use marshmallows, sardines or cat food to attract raccoons. 

Exclusion Tools

Once raccoons are removed, sealing access points is essential:

• Chimney Caps: Install stainless steel chimney caps or screens to prevent re-entry. 
• Hardware Cloth: Secure all vents and gaps larger than 2 inches with durable materials. 
• Motion-Activated Devices: Deploy motion-activated flood lights near your low-voltage lighting system or sprinklers to deter future activity. 

Sanitation and Prevention

Raccoons leave behind contaminated material that poses health risks. Ensure you do the following to ensure optimal safety and cleanliness:

• Cleanup: Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, a face shield and coveralls, when cleaning nesting sites. Use disinfectants to clean up urine, feces and any contaminated insulation. 
• Trash Management: Recommend clients use raccoon-proof trash cans with locking lids. 
• Habitat Modifications: Trim tree branches away from rooftops, secure pet doors and close crawl space openings. 
• Client Education: Provide handouts or visual guides on how to reduce attractants and reinforce exclusion strategies. 

Tools and Materials

Professionals should be equipped with:

• Protective Gear: Pro-Trade gloves, face and eye protection and coveralls. 
• Inspection Tools: Flashlights, extendable mirrors and ladders (ideally a tripod safety ladder).
• Wildlife Control Supplies: Traps, bait, exclusion materials and disinfectants available at SiteOne.

Raccoon infestations demand a multi-pronged approach that combines expert knowledge of behavior, strategic trapping, structural exclusion and long-term prevention. By staying up to date on raccoon activity trends and investing in professional-grade tools and materials, pest management professionals can deliver high-quality solutions to their clients. 

For expert support and access to top pest control products, visit SiteOne.com or stop by your nearest SiteOne branch.