Raccoons are clever, curious, and remarkably dexterous—traits that might make them fascinating creatures to observe in the wild but deeply problematic when they find their way into human spaces. In areas like Jackson Hole, where residential communities and the natural world often sit side by side, raccoons can quickly become more than just an occasional nuisance. They can damage property, disrupt routines, and even carry diseases that affect people and pets. What might start as a bit of rustling in the attic or overturned trash cans can escalate into something much harder to manage.

These animals are particularly drawn to spots that offer shelter and easy access to food. Attics, crawlspaces, garages, and even chimneys make perfect hideouts. Once inside, a raccoon doesn’t simply leave—it settles in. From tearing insulation to chewing wires and contaminating spaces with droppings, the havoc they wreak tends to go far beyond what most people expect. And trying to remove them without the right tools or knowledge usually backfires, often making the problem worse.

Why They Are Tougher Than You Think

Many people underestimate how difficult raccoons can be to deal with. These animals are persistent. If they’ve found a cozy den or reliable food source, they won’t give it up easily. Blocking their access points or removing food might seem like a fix, but these critters have a particularly impressive ability to adapt. They’ll dig, chew, or even pry their way right back in. And because they’re nocturnal, a lot of their activity goes unnoticed until significant damage has already been done.

Then there’s the matter of health. Raccoons are known carriers of several diseases, including leptospirosis and raccoon roundworm, both of which can be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact. If you’re dealing with nesting raccoons in your attic or walls, it’s not just the noise and damage you should be worried about—it’s also the health risks that come from exposure to their waste or fur. That’s not to mention the very real danger they pose to pets, particularly if cornered or threatened.

Trapping a raccoon on your own, aside from being legally complicated in many places, is often unpredictable. They’re strong, they can bite, and they tend to panic when cornered. What seems like a straightforward removal can spiral into a dangerous encounter without warning. That’s why it’s so important to treat an infestation issue as a serious pest problem, not a casual backyard wildlife encounter.

Understanding The Removal Process

A proper removal process involves a lot more than just setting out a trap and waiting. The first step is identifying all the points of entry and determining how long the animal—or animals—have been there. It’s not uncommon for people to only hear one raccoon and discover a whole family has moved in. A detailed inspection is essential, especially if there are signs of babies or nesting.

Once it’s clear what you’re dealing with, the right removal method can be selected. That could mean one-way exclusion doors, strategic trapping, or in some cases, hand removal if there are juveniles present. But no matter the method, the goal isn’t just to get the raccoon out—it’s to keep them from coming back. That involves sealing entry points, reinforcing weak areas, and cleaning up any contamination left behind.

After the raccoons are gone, the real work often begins. Attics may need to be decontaminated, insulation replaced, or wiring checked for damage. It’s the part of the job that gets overlooked most often, but it’s arguably the most important. Leaving behind scent trails or waste only invites more trouble down the road, either from returning animals or entirely new ones.

Why Professional Help Makes The Difference

Trying to handle a raccoon situation on your own might seem tempting—maybe even cost-effective—but it rarely turns out that way. These animals are clever and unpredictable. If you catch one but miss its den mates, you’re stuck in a frustrating cycle. If you seal the wrong access point, you could trap a mother away from her young, leading to even worse outcomes.

Professionals know how to assess these situations from every angle. They come equipped with the tools, experience, and knowledge to solve the problem efficiently, legally, and with the animal’s behavior in mind. And perhaps more importantly, they understand how to prevent it from happening again. That’s not something you can guarantee with a DIY approach, no matter how many tutorials you’ve read.

In regions like Jackson Hole, where raccoons regularly cross the line from wild animals to invasive houseguests, the need for a trusted, experienced pest control partner is especially important. When prevention, removal, and cleanup all require attention, relying on guesswork just doesn’t cut it.

Raccoons may be common, but that doesn’t make them any less of a problem when they’re on your property. If you’ve heard strange noises in the attic, found trash scattered in the yard, or seen one snooping around your home, don’t wait for it to get worse. At RM Wildlife And Pest Solutions, we handle wildlife removal from start to finish—with precision, respect for the animal, and a focus on protecting your home. Contact us today to schedule a service or ask questions about how we can help. We’re here to make infestation problems one less thing for you to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons

Q1. Why do these masked intruders love attics so much?

A1. Attics offer the perfect combination of shelter, warmth, and quiet—ideal for nesting mothers and curious explorers alike. The insulation makes for a cozy den, and the lack of human activity provides a sense of safety. Once they find a way in—often through roof vents, soffits, or damaged shingles—they're likely to stick around and may even return season after season if not properly removed and excluded.

Q2. What signs should I look for if I suspect something has taken up residence in my home?

A2. Listen for thumping, scratching, or shuffling sounds—especially at night when these animals are most active. You might also notice foul odors, droppings, torn insulation, or overturned trash cans. Outside, damage near rooflines, bent vents, or muddy paw prints can be giveaways. It's important to act quickly, as they can cause significant property damage and even pose health risks.

Q3. Can I handle removal myself, or should I call a professional?

A3. While it may be tempting to DIY, these critters can be surprisingly aggressive when cornered—particularly mothers with young. They’re also skilled climbers and escape artists, making safe removal a challenge. Professionals use humane trapping and exclusion techniques to ensure the entire family is removed and future entry is prevented. It’s not just about getting them out—it’s about keeping them out for good.