How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Crawl Space

Raccoons can be a real nuisance when they decide to take up residence in your crawl space. Not only are they destructive, they can also be dangerous if left unchecked.

In this guide, we will teach you how to get rid of raccoons in your crawl space quickly and effectively. By following our tips, you can rest easy knowing that those pesky raccoons are gone for good.

How to Tell if You Have Raccoons in Your Crawl Space

Before you can get rid of raccoons, you need to be sure that they are actually the culprits. There are a few tell-tale signs that will let you know if raccoons have been lurking in your crawl space:

Damage to insulation or ductwork

Raccoons love to nest in insulation, and they will tear it up in order to create a comfortable space for themselves. If you notice any damage to your insulation or ductwork, it is likely that raccoons are the culprits.

Feces

Raccoons will also leave behind feces in their nesting area. Raccoon droppings are usually about two to three inches long, and they often have berries or other pieces of food in them. If you see any raccoon feces in your crawl space, it is a good indicator that you have raccoons living there.

Odor

Raccoons can also cause an unpleasant odor to permeate your home. If you notice a musty or musky smell in your crawl space, it is likely due to their presence.

Chewed wires or pipes

Raccoons like to chew on things, and they will often chew on wires or pipes in your crawl space. This can cause serious damage to your home, and it can be very dangerous.

Raccoon tracks

Another way to tell if raccoons are visiting your crawl space is by looking for tracks. Raccoons have five toes on each foot, and their tracks will look similar to a human’s handprint. If you find tracks in the dust or mud around your crawl space, it’s likely that a raccoon has been there.

Now that you know how to tell if you have raccoons in your crawl space, it’s time to learn how to get rid of them.

Different Methods for Getting Rid of Raccoons in Your Crawl Space

Raccoons are smart and pesky creatures, so getting rid of them can be tricky. However, there are a few different methods that you can use to get rid of raccoons in your crawl space:

Method 1 - Trapping

One of the most common methods for getting rid of raccoons is trapping. There are a variety of different traps that you can use, but we recommend using a live trap. This type of trap will capture the raccoon without harming it, and it will allow you to release the animal far away from your home.

To do this, simply bait the trap with some food (raccoons love peanut butter), and then place it in your crawl space. Once the raccoon is caught, you can release it into the wild far away from your home.

Method 2 - Repellents

If you want to keep raccoons away from your crawl space, you can try using repellents. There are a few different types of repellents that you can use, including:

Granular repellents - These repellents come in the form of granules or pellets that you can sprinkle around the perimeter of your crawl space.
Ultrasonic devices - These devices emit a high-pitched sound that raccoons find unpleasant. You can place these devices around the perimeter of your crawl space to keep raccoons away.
Motion-activated sprinklers - These sprinklers are activated by movement, and they will startle raccoons when they come near. You can place these around the perimeter of your crawl space to discourage racoons from invading your crawl space.

To do this, you will need to purchase a repellent of your choice and follow the instructions on the package. You may need to reapply the repellent every few weeks to keep raccoons away.

Method 3 - Use an Exclusion Barrier

The third method of getting rid of raccoons in your crawl space is by using an exclusion barrier. This involves creating a physical barrier that will keep the raccoon from being able to enter the area. The most common type of exclusion barrier is a wire mesh fence.

You will need to extend the fence at least three feet above the ground and bury it at least six inches below the ground. This will create a barrier that the raccoon cannot dig under or climb over.

Another type of exclusion barrier is a one-way door. This is a device that allows the raccoon to exit the area but not re-enter. Once the raccoon has left, you can then seal off the opening to prevent it from coming back.

Method 4 - Remove all sources of food and water

One of the most effective ways to get rid of raccoons is to remove all sources of food and water. If there’s no food or water, the raccoons will have no reason to stay. To do this, you’ll need to:

Secure your garbage cans - Secure your garbage cans by putting a heavy rock or concrete block on top of the lid.
Pick up any fallen fruit - Pick up any fallen fruit from your trees and remove any pet food that's left outside.
Bird feeders - If you have a bird feeder, take it down or put it away until the raccoons are gone.
Make sure your home is clean and free of debris - Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris so the raccoons can't build a nest.
Seal any holes or cracks - Finally, seal any holes or cracks around your home so the raccoons can't get inside.

By taking away the food and water, you’ll make it much harder for the raccoons to stick around. And once they realize there’s nothing there for them, they’ll eventually move on.

Method 5 - Hire a Pest Control Company

If you’re not comfortable dealing with the raccoon yourself, you can always call a pest control company to do it for you. This is usually the most expensive option, but it’s also the most effective, as they have the equipment and training necessary to remove the racoons from your home as humanely as possible.

When hiring a pest control company, be sure to ask about their experience with raccoons, and what methods they use to get rid of them. You should also ask about their success rate and how long it will take to get rid of the raccoon.

Raccoons love crawl spaces because they are dark, quiet, and often allow them to go undetected for long periods of time. If you think you have a raccoon living in your crawl space, the best course of action is to take steps to get rid of it as soon as possible. If you have other bugs or pests in your home, they should be able to take care of them too.

Things To Consider Before You Start

Before you start trying to get rid of the raccoon, there are a few things you need to consider.

Make sure that the raccoon is actually causing problems

First, you need to make sure that the raccoon is actually causing problems. Raccoons are generally harmless, and they can even be beneficial since they eat pests like rodents and insects.

If the raccoon is not causing any problems, it’s best to just leave it alone. Only try to get rid of the raccoon if it’s causing damage to your property, or if it’s putting you or your family at risk.

Make sure that you're not violating any laws

Second, you need to make sure that you’re not violating any laws. In some areas, it’s illegal to kill or trap raccoons. Even if it is completely legal in your area, you may still want to think twice before taking any action, and the methods you use to deal with the problem are also important factors to consider.

If you’re not sure whether or not you’re violating any laws, it’s best to consult with a wildlife expert or your local animal control.

Be prepared for the worst

Finally, you need to be prepared for the worst. If you do decide to take action against the raccoon, there’s always a chance that things could go wrong.

For example, if you try to trap the raccoon, it could become angry and attack you. Alternatively, if you try to poison it, you could accidentally kill other animals or even a family member. So, before you do anything, make sure that you plan for the best, but are prepared for the worst.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does raccoon removal really work?

Yes, raccoon removal can be effective if done correctly. However, there is always a chance that the raccoon will come back or that other animals will take its place.

Do baby raccoons and mother raccoons live together?

No, the baby raccoon is typically born in the spring, and they will stay with their mother for about a year. After that, they will leave to find their own territory.

How do you get rid of a male raccoon infestation?

In the same way you would get rid of a female raccoon, or any other type of raccoon. By taking away the food and water, you’ll make it much harder for the raccoons to stick around. And once they realize there’s nothing there for them, they’ll eventually move on.

Does raccoon eviction fluid really work?

There is no definitive answer, but some people swear by it. Raccoon eviction fluid is a substance that mimics the smell of a female raccoon’s urine. The theory is that the male raccoon will smell it and think there’s another female around, which will make him leave.

Getting rid of raccoons can be a difficult and dangerous task. That’s why it’s important to consider all of your options before taking any action. If you’re not comfortable dealing with the raccoon yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. They will have the training and equipment necessary to complete the task quickly and efficiently.

However, if you do decide to take matters into your own hands, be sure to follow the methods listed in this guide in order to stay safe. The final, and arguably most important thing, is to be prepared for the worst.