Wildlife Control

The first sign of garage raccoons is usually the noises. Because they are nocturnal, you will likely hear scratching, thumping, or loud sounds coming from the ceiling or behind stored boxes during the night.

In the morning, you might find the evidence they left behind while they rest during the day. Look for:

• Footprints on the garage floor.
• Droppings and urine (which can carry diseases).
• Tear marks on insulation or chewed stuff like window screens.
• A general mess of knocked-over items.

Inspecting for Entry Points

To effectively remove raccoons, you must first understand how they gained access. Raccoons are remarkably strong and can tear through weak materials to create openings.

Common potential entry points include:

• A hole in the roof or eaves.
• Gaps where the garage door meets the ground.
• Vents leading to the attic or shed.
• Leaving the garage door open for extended periods.

Once you identify these entry points, do not seal them immediately. If you trap an animal inside, it may become desperate and aggressive, or you could inadvertently trap a nest of babies inside.

Eliminating Tempting Food Sources

Raccoons are drawn to garages because they are experts at finding food. If your garage is a reliable place to find food, they will keep coming back.

Be sure to secure all food sources:

• Store pet food in airtight metal containers rather than plastic bags.
• Ensure garbage cans have locking lids.
• Clean up any spilled birdseed or food that might smell and attract wildlife.

The Sensitivity of a Mother Raccoon and Baby Raccoons

If you discover a mother raccoon in your garage between March and August, there is a high probability she has a family of young raccoons hidden nearby.

A mother will often find a quiet space—like a corner behind old boxes or inside the wall insulation—to create a den. In this situation, the most humane thing to do is wait. If you disturb or scared the mother, she might abandon the babies, or she may become very protective if she feels her kids are in danger.

Check for a nest before taking any action. If you hear soft chirping sounds, you are likely dealing with a family. It is often best to let the young grow for a few weeks until they are mobile enough to follow their mother out of the property on their own.

The Solution: Using One Way Doors

Once you are certain there are no young left inside, the most effective humane tool is the use of one way doors.

These devices are installed over the main hole or access point. They allow the wild animals to leave to find food at night, but the door design prevents them from getting back in.

1. Seal all other potential entry points except for the main one.
2. Install the one way doors over the remaining opening.
3. Place a light or play loud sounds (like a radio) near the den to encourage them to leave.
4. Once you no longer hear noises, you can permanently repair the entry points.

When to Call Wildlife Removal

Sometimes, a DIY approach isn’t enough, especially if the raccoon is aggressive or hidden in a difficult attic space.

In many areas, trapping and attempting to relocate wildlife is actually illegal without a permit, as many animals do not survive when moved to a new community. An experienced wildlife removal expert knows how to handle other wildlife safely and can ensure the animals are handled according to local laws.

Professional services can also help with the technical side of the mess, such as sanitizing the garage floor and replacing damaged insulation to keep your homeowners insurance and your family’s health in good standing.

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[!TIP] Safety First: Never attempt to grab a raccoon with your hands. Even if they look “cute,” they are powerful wild animals that can bite or scratch when scared. Always keep pets and children away from the garage until the animal is gone.