Raccoon Removal in Grand Rapids

Heavy thumping overhead at night, a torn soffit, a raccoon on the roof at dusk: raccoons are strong, smart and very good at getting into attics and chimneys. Call [616 NUMBER] or send the form, and a local wildlife control professional will call you back.

Signs of raccoons

• Heavy sounds at night. Raccoons are much bigger than squirrels or bats, so you'll hear thumping and walking, not light scratching.
• Damage at the roofline. Torn soffits, pulled-up shingles or bent vent covers.
• Activity around the chimney, especially an uncapped one.
• Raided trash, compost or pet food outside.

Raccoons and the calendar

According to the Michigan DNR, raccoons mate from late winter to early spring and have one litter a year, typically 3 to 7 young. That's why an attic raccoon in spring is often a mother with young, and why the plan has to account for the whole family, not just one animal.

No "trap and relocate"

Many people assume a raccoon gets trapped and driven to the country. In Michigan, that's not how it works: the DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of raccoons, except for permitted research.

So the real goal is to get the raccoon out of the building and make sure it can't get back in. Be cautious with any company promising to relocate a raccoon to a new home.

How raccoon removal works

1. Inspection. Find out where the raccoon is getting in, whether there are young, and what's been damaged.
2. Get it out. The DNR's guidance for an attic raccoon is to make the space unpleasant with noise or ammonia-soaked rags so it leaves on its own, then seal the opening once it's gone. A professional will judge what fits your situation, especially if young are present.
3. Seal the entry. Close the hole with durable materials, like metal flashing or hardware cloth, and cap the chimney. See entry-point sealing.
4. Repair and clean up. Raccoons can tear up insulation and leave droppings. See attic cleanup.

Found baby raccoons alone?

Don't take them in. In Michigan, only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. If you believe the mother is gone, contact a licensed rehabilitator before moving them.

Health and safety

The DNR notes that raccoons may carry rabies and other diseases and parasites that can spread to people and pets. Don't handle a raccoon, and keep dogs leashed or fenced at night if they tend to chase wildlife. If a person or pet is bitten or scratched, contact a doctor or veterinarian and the Kent County Health Department at 616-632-7228.

Keep raccoons from coming back

The DNR recommends:

• Store pet food, bird food and compost where raccoons can't reach them
• Use animal-proof garbage containers
• Trim tree limbs that overhang the roof
• Cap the chimney
• Seal pet doors at night
• Put a rough board in a window well if a raccoon gets stuck in one, so it can climb out

Store-bought deterrents like lights and repellents tend to work only briefly, according to the DNR.

What raccoon removal costs

Pricing is set by the professional after inspection. It usually depends on how the raccoon is getting in, whether young are present, how much repair the entry point needs, and whether attic cleanup is needed.

Raccoon FAQ

Can you relocate the raccoon to a park?

No. The DNR does not authorize live capture and release of raccoons.

Can I just block the hole?

Not while a raccoon, or a mother with young, is inside. Make sure the animals are out before sealing.

Will a repellent fix it?

Usually not for long. The DNR says store-bought deterrents tend to work only briefly.

Get a Grand Rapids raccoon professional to call you back

Call [616 NUMBER] or send the short form.

Sources: Michigan DNR: Raccoons · Kent County Health Department