Visible activity
Watch for heavy movement above ceilings. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Wildlife Control
Raccoons
Control.
Humane raccoon removal, damage assessment, and exclusion for attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces.
Quick answer
What should you know about raccoons?
Raccoons are strong, adaptable animals that may enter attics, chimneys, crawlspaces, sheds, and areas beneath decks. Females often seek protected den sites when raising young. Bowers begins with identification and inspection, then matches control, removal, or exclusion to the species, structure, season, and conditions found.
Understanding the problem
A careful look comes first.
Raccoons are strong, adaptable animals that may enter attics, chimneys, crawlspaces, sheds, and areas beneath decks. Females often seek protected den sites when raising young.
Unsecured waste, pet food, compost, roof openings, chimneys, and sheltered den areas can draw raccoons to a property.
IdentifyConfirm the source
ResolveUse the right method
PreventReduce repeat activity
What to watch for
Common signs of
raccoons.
One sign may not confirm the problem. An inspection combines evidence, location, timing, and property conditions.
Tracks or evidence
Watch for bent soffits or roof vents. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Structural clues
Watch for five-toed tracks and droppings. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Repeated patterns
Watch for disturbed trash or pet food. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
The Bowers approach
From evidence
to a clear plan.
The exact method depends on the species, activity, structure, season, and conditions found during inspection.
- 01
Identify
Confirm that the activity is from a raccoon, locate dens or travel routes, and check for young or protected nesting conditions.
- 02
Resolve
We confirm the den and entry point, check for dependent young, use a humane removal method, and secure access after all animals are out.
- 03
Exclude
Close or reinforce access after the animals are safely out, then address food, shelter, or habitat conditions that support return activity.
Prevention priorities
Make the property
less inviting.
Prevention recommendations should reflect the actual access points and conditions at your property.
Limit access
Secure trash lids. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Reduce attractants
Maintain soffits and vents. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Maintain the property
Bring pet food indoors. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Respond early
Inspect roof edges regularly. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Straight answers
Raccoons
FAQs.
Common questions about identification, control, removal, and prevention.
What are common signs of raccoons?
Common evidence includes heavy movement above ceilings, bent soffits or roof vents, five-toed tracks and droppings, disturbed trash or pet food. An inspection helps connect those signs to the actual source.
Why are raccoons around my property?
Unsecured waste, pet food, compost, roof openings, chimneys, and sheltered den areas can draw raccoons to a property.
How does Bowers handle raccoons?
We confirm the den and entry point, check for dependent young, use a humane removal method, and secure access after all animals are out.
Can I prevent raccoons from returning?
Prevention may include secure trash lids, maintain soffits and vents, bring pet food indoors, inspect roof edges regularly. The best priorities depend on the property and active source.
When should I call about raccoons?
Call when activity is repeated, inside occupied areas, causing damage, creating a sting or exposure concern, or involving an opening you should not seal without confirming it is clear.
Need help with raccoons?
Tell us what you are seeing and we will help determine the right next step.