Getting rid of raccoons costs between $200 and $600, with most homeowners paying around $400 for removal. If raccoons are causing damage to your attic, chimney, or crawlspace, removal is only part of the expense — you may also need repairs, which can add $200 to $500 to the total cost.
The best way to remove raccoons is through professional wildlife control, as raccoons are protected in many states and must be handled with live traps. If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, hiring a licensed pro ensures the removal job is done legally and effectively.
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What Affects the Cost of Raccoon Removal?
The cost of raccoon removal depends on several key factors, including the frequency of service, severity of the infestation, removal methods, and potential property damage. Here’s how each factor impacts your total bill:
Frequency of Service
Most homeowners pay $200 to $600 for a one-time raccoon removal service, but some companies offer ongoing contracts. These plans can be useful for properties with recurring wildlife issues but may cost more over time.
- Seasonal Contracts ($100–$200 per month): Cover peak wildlife activity months (spring and summer). Includes monthly visits, a wildlife control guarantee, and callbacks if the problem persists.
- Bimonthly Agreements ($70–$90 per month): Less common for wildlife removal but ideal if you want year-round pest management. It may be difficult to find providers that offer these agreements, but they affordable, ongoing protection.
- Quarterly Contracts ($100–$200 per visit): Provides four annual service calls, but long gaps between visits can complicate warranties. If an issue arises between visits, you may have to pay extra.
For most homeowners, a one-time service is adequate.
Severity of the Infestation
The more raccoons on your property, the higher the cost. Expect to pay about $400 for a single raccoon, but if multiple raccoons are present in different areas of your home, you’ll likely pay an extra $50 per live trap set.
Removal Methods
Since raccoons are protected in most states, they must be live-trapped, making removal more expensive. Other options, such as exclusion barriers, repellents, and scare devices, can help prevent future infestations and save you money in the long run.
Damage Repair Costs
Raccoons can cause significant damage to attics, insulation, and ductwork. Expect to pay $200 to $500 for basic repairs, while attic cleanup and decontamination can add $100 to $300 if needed. Many wildlife removal companies offer these services, sometimes bundled with removal.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation
Raccoons are two to three feet long and weigh about 20 pounds. They prefer to nest in attics, chimneys, under porches, and backyard sheds.
What Attracts Raccoons?
These opportunistic feeders will eat almost anything but are especially drawn to pet food left outside, birdseed, backyard fruits and nuts, and vegetable gardens.
Signs of Raccoon Damage
- Attic or Roof Damage: Raccoons rip off siding, fascia boards, and roof vents to get inside.
- Destroyed Insulation & Ductwork: In attic spaces, they tear up insulation, drywall, and HVAC ducts to create nests.
- Feces & Urine: Their waste can contaminate insulation and cause serious odor issues.
- Garden Destruction: Raccoons love sweet corn, vegetables, and fruit — they’ll climb stalks and pick produce right off the vine.
- Crawl Space Damage: If they den under your home, they may damage entry doors and create a mess in the space.
If you notice these signs, act quickly to remove them before the damage worsens.
Health Risks of Raccoons
Raccoons can carry diseases and parasites that pose risks to humans and pets. While infections are rare, taking preventive measures is essential.
Raccoon Roundworm
Raccoon feces can contain roundworm eggs, which can cause serious illness if ingested — especially in children.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea and fatigue
- Enlarged liver
- Loss of coordination and muscle control
- Blindness or coma in severe cases
There is no cure, but early treatment with albendazole may help. Thoroughly clean and disinfect areas where raccoons have been active.
Rabies
Raccoons are among the top carriers of rabies, a fatal virus spread through bites or scratches. Dogs and outdoor pets are most at risk.
Symptoms in humans include:
- Fever and confusion
- Fear of water
- Excessive salivation
- Paralysis and coma
The rabies vaccine is 100% effective if given soon after exposure. Never handle a raccoon — call a professional instead.
Fleas & Other Parasites
Raccoons often carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets and humans. Other wildlife, such as squirrels, skunks, and opossums, may also introduce these pests.
To prevent infestations, keep pets away from wildlife, use flea and tick prevention on dogs and cats, and eliminate food sources that attract raccoons
DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional
While DIY raccoon removal may seem like a way to save money, it’s not recommended. Most states have strict laws on trapping and relocation, and improper handling can lead to fines, injuries, or exposure to diseases like rabies and roundworm.
Why DIY Raccoon Removal is Risky
⚠ Legal Restrictions: Many states require raccoons to be live-trapped and relocated by licensed professionals.
⚠ Difficult Trapping Process: Choosing the right bait and trap placement can be tricky — and may attract pets instead.
⚠ Health & Safety Risks: Raccoons can be aggressive when cornered, and handling them without protection can expose you to disease and parasites.
Choosing a Reliable Wildlife Removal Service
✅ Ask for Recommendations – Neighbors and local groups can suggest trusted providers.
✅ Check Credentials – Only hire licensed, bonded, and insured professionals.
✅ Read Reviews – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Chamber of Commerce can verify a company’s reputation.
For fast, legal, and effective raccoon removal, hiring a professional is the usually the safest and most effective option. These providers can help solve your raccoon problems:
✔ Terminix – Identifies entry points and uses humane trapping for safe removal.
✔ Orkin – Focuses on sealing entry points to keep raccoons from coming back.
✔ Aptive – Uses eco-friendly, humane techniques to deter raccoons.
How Professionals Remove Raccoons
The best way to remove raccoons is through a step-by-step approach that includes trapping, exclusion, repellents, and sanitation measures. Here’s how the pros handle it:
1. Inspection & Trapping
Wildlife experts start with a thorough inspection to locate raccoon nests and entry points. Since raccoons are protected in most states, professionals use humane live traps that are at least 15 inches wide and 36 inches deep.
Once trapped, raccoons are either relocated or humanely euthanized, depending on local laws.
2. Exclusion (Blocking Entry Points)
After removal, pros use ½-inch wire mesh to seal holes and install one-way doors that let raccoons leave but prevent re-entry. Attic vents and chimney caps also help keep them out.
3. Repellents & Deterrents
Natural repellents (like essential oil sprays) are often ineffective against raccoons. However, motion-activated devices with ultrasound, flashing lights, or water sprays can scare them away.
⚠️ Caution: Some deterrents can be more annoying for homeowners than for raccoons!
4. Sanitation & Prevention
To avoid future infestations, use metal trash cans with secure lids, remove pet food dishes at night, and eliminate overgrown vegetation where raccoons can hide.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
